Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA 82-190-1156, Metropolitan Opera, New York, New York

摘要

In February 1982, NIOSH received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation at the properties shop of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Lincoln Center, New York City. The properties shop makes and repairs props for opera stage productions. While most of the props are made by lay-up molding, several other products containing organic solvents also have been introduced. The workers and the Opera's management became concerned about the extent of exposure to various organic chemicals used, and asked for NIOSH's assistance identifying the organic solvents used and in evaluating the extent of exposure to these solvents. On February 25, 1982, a survey was conducted to determine employees' exposure to the solvents used in the properties shop. Results of the survey indicated that the workers in the properties shop were exposed to very low concentrations of methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, xylene, acetone, n-hexane, or styrene during typical operations. On the basis of this hazard evaluation, NIOSH investigators concluded that the workers in the properties shop were exposed to minimal concentrations of various solvents during normal activities.