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 Province | USA |
Subject(s) |
Occupational pathology
|
Broad subject area(s) |
Industries and occupations
|
Browse category(ies) |
Exposure evaluation Funeral services Phenols and phenolic compounds Aldehydes Alcohols
|