Outbreak of illness due to volatilized asphalt coming from a malfunction fluorescent lighting fixture

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Am. J. Public Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.74.6.614· OSTI ID:6979713

Tavris, D R; Field, L; Brumback, C L

An investigation was made of an outbreak of headache, eye irritation, sore throat, nasal congestion, and nausea in an office complex, ongoing for three months and regularly resolved upon leaving the building. Investigation suggested that the etiology of the illness was malfunctioning fluorescent light ballasts, which overheated and resulted in melting and volatilization of contained asphalt. Correction of the problem resulted in almost complete disappearance of symptoms within two weeks.

• Research Organization: Florida Dept. of Health and Rehabilitative Services, West Palm Beach
• OSTI ID: 6979713
• Journal Information: Am. J. Public Health; (United States), Vol. 74:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ASPHALTS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
FLUORESCENT LAMPS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
ETIOLOGY
EVAPORATION
MELTING
OFFICE BUILDINGS
PERSONNEL
BITUMENS
BUILDINGS
LIGHT BULBS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
TAR
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)