Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-026-1599, US Penitentiary, Terre Haute, Indiana
Breathing zone and environmental samples were analyzed for formaldehyde at the United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute, Indiana in January, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the safety manager to assess formaldehyde exposures among inmates manufacturing bed sheets. The fabric used to make the sheets had been treated with a formaldehyde containing resin to make it wrinkle resistant. A questionaire survey of 25 inmates was conducted to characterize health complaints. The author concludes that the formaldehyde exposures, while less than the OSHA limit, are higher than those recommended by NIOSH. NIOSH considers formaldehyde a potential occupational carcinogen and recommends that exposures be maintained at the lowest feasible limit. The inmates experienced irritating symptoms consistent with those from exposure to formaldehyde. The author recommends airing of fabrics prior to use and installing a dilution ventilation system.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6014951
- Report Number(s):
- PB-86-137890/XAB; HETA-84-026-1599
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
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FEDERAL BUILDINGS
FORMALDEHYDE
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
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ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
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