Occupational hazards encountered in motion picture projection booths

Motion picture projectors operated with carbon are light source produce conventional combustion products such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and low levels of ozone [0.0219-0.0366 ppm]; however the use of xenon lamps eliminates combustion products but contributes to appreciable ozone levels [0.0516 ppm]. Cigarette effluents from smoking inside the cinema theatre add to the hazardous exposure of projectionists in the projector booth. Inspite of the fact that the concentration of the studied contaminants were below their TLVs, however respiratory complaints were apparent with a decrease in pulmonary function. Eye irritation and deterioration of vision were also reported. Higher carboxyhemoglobin levels were observed among non-smokers rather than smokers. It may therefore be concluded that it is unsafe to permit prolonged or repeated exposures to such concentrations. Effective control methods were recommended