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CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)61602
CIS number 94-246
ISSN - Serial title 1047-322X - Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Year 1992
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Stewart P.A., Herrick R.F., Feigley C.E., Utterback D.F., Hornung R., Mahar H., Hayes R., Douthit D.E., Blair A.
Title Study design for assessing exposures of embalmers for a case-control study - Part I. Monitoring results
Bibliographic information Aug. 1992, Vol.7, No.8, p.532-540. Illus. 35 ref.
Abstract To quantify exposure levels for a study of embalmers, a series of embalmings was performed using an experimental design to determine the effect of certain work parameters on the concentration of airborne contaminants. Personal exposures and area concentrations of formaldehyde, methanol, phenol, and particulates were measured during 25 embalmings while controlling the level of ventilation, the concentration of embalming solution, and the type of case (autopsy or intact body). In addition, bischloromethyl ether (BCME) and selected microorganisms were measured during a few embalmings. Personal formaldehyde exposures ranged from 0.31 to 8.72ppm for full-period exposures (51-121min). Methanol levels ranged from 0.54 to 21.83 ppm. Particulate mass concentrations were low, and measurable phenol levels were observed in only 40% of procedures. Airborne microorganisms were also found to be at low levels and no BCME was detected. Ventilation played the most important role out of the three controlled variables.
Descriptors (primary) formaldehyde; phenol; monitoring for air contamination; methanol; exposure evaluation; embalming
Descriptors (secondary) microorganisms; bis(chloromethyl) ether; experimental determination; funeral services; mechanical ventilation
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Occupational pathology
Broad subject area(s) Industries and occupations
Browse category(ies) Exposure evaluation
Funeral services
Phenols and phenolic compounds
Aldehydes
Alcohols