Health hazard evaluation determination report no. HE 79-31-699, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Mauna Loa Observatory, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
An environmental survey was conducted from September 24 to 26, 1979 at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii (SIC-8922). An authorized employer representative requested the evaluation to determine whether solar observers and engineers working at the observatory were exposed to toxic chemicals emanating from the Mauna Loa volcano five miles away. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were collected to measure concentrations of methyl chloride (74873), methyl iodide (74884), inorganic mercury (7439976), sulfur dioxide (7446095), hydrogen sulfide (7783064), and selenium (7782492) and other metals in the telescope control room and telescope room. Airborne concentrations of methyl iodide, mercury, sulfuric acid, trace metals and hydrogen sulfide were below the limits of detection. Airborne concentrations of methyl chloride ranged from 0.02 to 0.08 parts per million (ppm) and were well below the OSHA standard of 100ppm as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA). Sulfur dioxide concentrations ranging from 0.30 to 0.05ppm were all below or equal to NIOSH recommended criterion of 0.50ppm. The authors conclude that no hazard existed from exposure to any of the compounds.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6515463
- Report Number(s):
- PB-81-111247
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Hazard evaluation and technical assistance report No. Ta 79-2, Department of Tranportation, Vehicle Inspection Stations, Washington, DC
Increase in background stratospheric aerosol observed with lidar at Mauna Loa Observatory and Boulder, Colorado - article no. L15808
Related Subjects
HAWAII
VOLCANOES
HEALTH HAZARDS
AIR POLLUTION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
MERCURY
METHYL CHLORIDE
SELENIUM
STANDARDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SURVEYS
TOXICITY
CHALCOGENIDES
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
ELEMENTS
HALOGENATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
HAZARDS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SEMIMETALS
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR OXIDES
USA
WESTERN REGION
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)