Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 90-363-2115, Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

摘要

In response to a confidential request from employees, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. (SIC-2711), Philadephia, Pennsylvania. Approximately 65 employees worked in the track six mail room on the night of the study. The evaluation was conducted in the winter, when the ventilation system was shut down, and fresh air is provided by infiltration alone. Environmental monitoring was conducted to determine employee exposure to newsprint dust and ink mist. Air sampling results did not indicate any contaminants in levels which could be considered unacceptable. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) particulate concentrations ranged from 0.01mg/cu m to 0.32mg/cu m. The amounts of ink mist in 15 samples were below detectable limits. No aldehydes or oxides of nitrogen were detected. Seven of the 14 workers interviewed reported upper respiratory and/or eye irritation that worsened while they were at work. Temperatures ranged from 71 to 85 degrees-F and relative humidity from less than 10 to 23%. The authors conclude that workers in the track six mail room are not at risk of harmful exposures to newsprint dust, ink mist, or diesel exhaust emissions. Eye and respiratory irritation may result from relying on infiltration alone to bring outside air into the area. The authors recommend that an effort be made to reduce the heat and increase the relative humidity at the site.