Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 2012-0164-3174, 2013 Apr; :1-15
Abstract
The HHE Program evaluated surface contamination from spills of sea lamprey pesticides that occurred in the 1960s and 1970s at a biological station. HHE Program investigators took samples of carpet that were thought to have been contaminated with pesticide and took wipe samples from surfaces. Yellow stains were seen on carpet, walls, and unsealed concrete floors. The carpet had been installed over unsealed concrete. Pesticide was found on the carpet and wipe samples from areas that were visibly stained. HHE Program investigators recommended that the stained carpet be removed and that the concrete slab floor be cleaned and sealed prior to the installation of new flooring. Walls that had visible stains should be cleaned, sealed, and repainted. Investigators also measured temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide and checked the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system in the offices and laboratory. Room air flowed from the offices into the workshop which helped keep potentially contaminated air from entering the office space. The exhaust fan in the laboratory solvent storage room was not always turned on which allowed air to flow into the nearby laboratory. This fan should be run continuously to reduce the amount of solvent vapors that can enter nearby work areas. Investigators recommended that the employer stop sampling soil and concrete that may have been contaminated during past spills. Employees were encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water after handling pesticides and avoid touching surfaces that are visibly stained. Employees should not go into offices while wearing clothes, shoes, or materials that may have pesticides on them. Investigators also recommended that the employer notify all employees about plans to renovate the building and follow up with employees after projects are completed to ensure that these activities have eliminated visible pesticide contamination on carpet, floors, and walls.
Keywords
Region-5; Pesticides; Indoor-air-pollution; Indoor-environmental-quality; Ventilation; Ventilation-systems; Engineering-controls;
Author Keywords: administration of conservation programs; chemical; pesticide; storage facility; biological station; surface contamination; carpet; concrete; wall
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB2013-107106
Identifying No.
HETA-2012-0164-3174; B20130520
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health