Health-hazard-evaluation report HETA 87-210-1862, Earl K. Long Memorial Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. [Ethylene oxide exposures]

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6840065

Markel, H L

In response to a request from the staff of the Earl K. Long Memorial Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, an evaluation was made of possible ethylene-oxide exposures in the central supply service area of the hospital. Air samples were collected for both breathing zone and area air-quality determinations. All samples with the exception of one were below the limit of detection for the method used and below NIOSH, OSHA, and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists standards. Interviews conducted with six employees indicated that four of them had experienced occasional eye irritation, dry and sore throats, and rashes on their legs. Three of these workers felt that these symptoms were job related. The author concludes that overexposure to ethylene oxide is not a problem at the location; it is recommended that consideration be given to relocating the sterilizer/aerator to a recessed area or separate room to isolate workers further from potential exposures to ethylene oxide and to heat and noise as well. Gloves and forceps should be used to remove items from the sterilizer, and an effective maintenance program should be developed.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6840065
• Report Number(s): PB-88-221254/XAB; HETA-87-210-1862
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR QUALITY
BUILDINGS
CARCINOGENS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
EVALUATION
FEDERAL REGION VI
FUMIGANTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HOSPITALS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
LOUISIANA
MATERIALS
MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENTS
MEDICINE
NORTH AMERICA
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PESTICIDES
SAMPLING
USA