Characterization of publication rotogravure press emission rates and compositions.

Emission compositions and rates were determined during production for a publication rotogravure press room at a large rotogravure printing company. The press room housed a single 4-color, 8-print-stand press, with an 84" paper web. Average press speed was 1800 feet per minute. Data were collected over a 2-day period and included measurements of ventilation, room area concentrations, duct exhaust compositions, amount and composition of inks used, and worker exposures. These data were used with mass balance models that were appropriate for the workspace. Toluene comprised more than 90 percent of the inks and solvents and accounted for more than 90 percent of the press emissions. Average toluene emissions during press operation and press off conditions were 222 kg/hr and 8-38 kg/hr, respectively. The uncontrolled toluene emission on the basis of printed paper throughput was 3 g/m2. Of the total toluene released, 90 percent was captured by the local exhaust ventilation. The measured control efficiency was much lower than the average efficiency of 97 percent for the month of the test reported by the plant. A mass balance model evaluation demonstrated that only the lower efficiency was consistent with measured room concentrations. Using the measured emission rates and actual monthly press on and press off conditions, the difference in efficiency for the plant (10 rotogravure presses) extrapolates to the additional release to the workspace and ambient environment of over 700 tons/yr of toluene.

Association of asthma symptoms and severity with indoor bioaerosols.

BACKGROUND: In this study, repeated measurements were made of levels of mold spores, bacteria, and dust-mite allergens over a 7-month period in the homes of asthmatics, and relationships with measures of asthma severity were evaluated. METHODS: A sample of 57 asthmatic individuals, living in 44 homes in East Moline, Illinois, and nearby communities, participated in a panel study. The homes were visited up to nine times during the study to collect air and dust samples. Asthma severity indicators were derived from questionnaire data and from the daily health records from the panel study. Associations between indoor levels of mold spores, bacteria, and dust-mite allergens were tested with several asthma severity indicators. RESULTS: There was evidence of associations between all asthma severity measures and levels of total and gram-negative bacteria, but mold-spore abundance was associated only with emergency room (ER) visits for asthma. No significant associations were found with house-dust-mite allergen and any of the asthma severity indicators, but the levels of dust-mite allergen were low, with median concentrations of 0.18 microg/g dust Der f 1 and 0.19 microg/g dust Der p 1. CONCLUSIONS: Some evidence was found for associations of increased concentrations of gram-negative bacteria and mold spores with asthma severity, particularly with ER visits. No association was found between house-dust-mite allergen and asthma severity indicators; however, the mite-allergen levels in the study homes were generally well below the proposed threshold level of 2 microg/g dust.

Dust-mite-allergen concentrations in asthmatics' bedrooms in the Quad Cities (Illinois, USA) after the Mississippi River floods of 1993.

This study aimed to measure allergens from Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus and to examine possible relationships of these mite allergens with flooding and other housing factors. A total of 313 dust samples were collected from the bedrooms of 57 asthmatics in 45 homes in the Quad Cities (Illinois, USA) and analyzed by ELISA for the presence of the D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus allergens. Twenty of these homes had some flooding in the last 12 months due to the Mississippi River floods of 1993 and/or other factors. The log-transformed least-squares means of allergens collected were 28 ng/m2 for the D. farinae allergen and 26 ng/m2 for the D. pteronyssinus allergen. D. farinae allergen levels were significantly higher in homes located in the valley, in homes during the summer months, in homes with furred or feathered pets, in homes which had not been flooded in the last year, and in homes where rugs had been steam-cleaned in the last 12 months. D. pteronyssinus allergen levels were significantly higher in homes located in the valley, in homes during April and July-September, in homes with furred or feathered pets, and in homes with no dehumidifier.

Determination of VOC emission rates and compositions for offset printing.

The release rates of volatile organic compounds (VOC) as fugitive emissions from offset printing are difficult to quantify, and the compositions are usually not known. Tests were conducted at three offset printing shops that varied in size and by process. In each case, the building shell served as the test "enclosure," and air flow and concentration measurements were made at each air entry and exit point. Emission rates and VOC composition were determined during production for (1) a small shop containing three sheetfed presses and two spirit duplicators (36,700 sheets, 47,240 envelopes and letterheads), (2) a medium-size industrial in-house shop with two webfed and three sheetfed presses, and one spirit duplicator (315,130 total sheets), and (3) one print room of a large commercial concern containing three webfed, heatset operations (1.16 x 10(6) ft) served by catalytic air pollution control devices. Each test consisted of 12 one-hour periods over two days. Air samples were collected simultaneously during each period at 7-14 specified locations within each space. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) for total VOC and for 13-19 individual organics. Samples of solvents used at each shop were also analyzed by GC. Average VOC emission rates were 4.7-6.1 kg/day for the small sheetfed printing shop, 0.4-0.9 kg/day for the industrial shop, and 79-82 kg/day for the commercial print room. Emission compositions were similar and included benzene, toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, and hexane. Comparison of the emission rates with mass balance estimates based on solvent usage and composition were quite consistent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

VOC emission rates and emission factors for a sheetfed offset printing shop.

Emission rates were determined during production for a sheetfed offset printing shop by combining the measured concentrations and ventilation rates with mass balance models that characterized the printing space. Air samples were collected simultaneously on charcoal tubes for 12 separate 1-hour periods at 6 locations. Air samples and cleaning solvents were analyzed by gas chromatography for total volatile organic compounds (VOC) and 13 hydrocarbons. The average VOC emission rate was 470 g/hr with a range of 160-1100 g/hr. These values were in good agreement with the amounts of VOC, hexane, toluene, and aromatic C9s determined from estimated solvent usage and measured solvent compositions. Comparison of the emission rates with source activities indicated an emission factor of 30-51 g VOC/press cleaning. Based on the test observations it was estimated that this typical small printing facility was likely to release 1-2 T VOC/year. The methodology also may be useful for the surface coating industry, as emission rates in this study were determined without recourse to a temporary total enclosure and without interfering with worker activities, increasing worker exposure, or increasing safety and explosion hazards.

Ethanol emission factors for glazing during candy production.

This study determined emission rates of ethyl alcohol from a candy glazing operation and, from observation of source activities, expressed these emission rates as emission factors. A mass balance modeling approach was used in conjunction with on-site field testing. The candy was processed in a row of 24 rotating open-faced pans, each with a capacity of approximately 250 lb candy/batch. Twelve 1-hour periods were monitored during production over two days. Ethanol vapor samples were collected on charcoal tubes simultaneously at four locations at different distances from the pan line. Continuous monitoring also was carried out at one location with a gas analyzer. The tube samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. Ventilation measurements and source activity observations were collected at the same time as the gas samples. The average concentration 1.5 m in front of the line was above 1000 ppm. Average emission rates for 12 one-hour periods, determined from the concentration measurements and three different forms of the ethanol mass balance around the space, were 38.4 kg/hour, 42.5 kg/hour, and 49.6 kg/hour. When emission rates were compared with the number of batches the resulting emission factors were 500 g/batch, 291 g/batch, and 453 g/batch, respectively. These values were in good agreement with the estimate of 446 g/batch developed from the glaze mixture composition and the approximate amount of glaze mixture added to each batch. Testing using the emission factor approach removes the effect of the particular interior space in which the data are collected and reproduces changes in emissions and exposures.

Characterization of emission factors related to source activity for trichloroethylene degreasing and chrome plating processes.

A study at an automotive parts fabrication plant evaluated four metal surface treatment processes during production conditions. The evaluation provides examples of how to estimate process emission factors from activity and air concentration data. The processes were open tank and enclosed tank degreasing with trichloroethylene (TCE), chromium conversion coating, and chromium electroplating. Area concentrations of TCE and chromium (Cr) were monitored for 1-hr periods at three distances from each process. Source activities at each process were recorded during each sampling interval. Emission rates were determined by applying appropriate mass balance models to the concentration patterns around each source. The emission factors obtained from regression analysis of the emission rate and activity data were 16.9 g TCE/basket of parts for the open-top degreaser; 1.0 g TCE/1000 parts for the enclosed degreaser; 1.48-1.64 mg Cr/1000 parts processed in the hot CrO3/HNO3 tank for the chrome conversion coating; and 5.35-9.17 mg Cr/rack of parts for chrome electroplating. The factors were also used to determine the efficiency of collection for the local exhaust systems serving each process. Although the number of observations were limited, these factors may be useful for providing initial estimates of emissions from similar processes in other settings.

Emission factors for trichloroethylene vapor degreasers.

Emission factors were developed for two production trichloroethylene (TCE) vapor degreasers: an open-top (0.76 m x 1.16 m x 1.8 m) and a conveyor-fed enclosed design. Both were fitted with functioning local exhaust hoods. Emissions were determined from field data by using a Fick's law diffusion approach and the observed variation in time of the TCE concentration gradient within 4 m of each device. The average emission factor for the open-top degreaser was 2.6 g TCE/min [2.9 g TCE/(m2.min)] which corresponds to 9.5% of the total degreaser emissions escaping into the workplace. The average emission factor for the enclosed degreaser was 0.67 g TCE/min, a release of 3% of the total emissions into the work area. These values are considered to be representative of the average lower limit of emissions during production from TCE degreasers of like designs with similar local exhaust controls (which were typical but did not meet American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' [ACGIH] airflow rate criteria).

Sample loss during measurement of airborne antineoplastic agents.

Handling, preparation and administration of antineoplastic drugs are suspected health hazards for hospital and clinic personnel. Measurement of personal and area exposures to such materials in air is difficult because the average concentration is often close to the analytical detection limit. For this reason, and because of the random nature of drug spills and releases, the sampling method of choice typically extends over a 40-hour workweek. In this study a method for monitoring two airborne antineoplastic drugs, fluorouracil and methotrexate, was tested for possible loss of the drug from filters during air sampling. Glass-fiber filters (37 mm) were spiked with known amounts of drug and subjected to the same airflow conditions as are used in workplace sampling. Filter extracts were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Losses during storage up to a month were less than 5% for both drugs. Losses during airflow were directly proportional to cumulative air volume, 2% of the amount on the spiked filter/m3 air for fluorouracil and 6%/m3 for methotrexate. Losses during actual collection will be less and ordinarily are not expected to constitute a major hindrance to extended sampling in occupational settings.

Exposure of hospital workers to airborne antineoplastic agents.

Practices for handling antineoplastic drugs were surveyed, and ambient-air sampling for four antineoplastic agents was conducted in outpatient oncology clinics. A questionnaire was administered in 1981 to the nurse or pharmacist in charge of drug preparation at 10 hospital oncology clinics. At three sites, air samples were collected during working hours in medication-preparation rooms and nearby offices. The air-sampling pumps contained filters at breathing-zone height; room air was drawn through each filter for 40 hours. Extracts from the filters were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide in seven sets of samples and methotrexate and doxorubicin in five sets of samples. Mass spectrometry (MS) was used to confirm detection of fluorouracil. Total use of each monitored drug was recorded at each site. Nine clinics had no ventilation hood, and drugs were prepared by nurses in eight clinics. Routine use of gloves (three clinics) and masks (one clinic) was uncommon, and wastes were disposed of in uncovered receptacles in four of the clinics. Eating and drinking occurred in seven of the preparation rooms. At the main air-sampling site, fluorouracil (0.12-82.26 ng/cu m) was detected in air during 200 of the 320 hours monitored. Cyclophosphamide (370 ng/cu m) was present during 80 hours. In the two other sites, fluorouracil was detected by HPLC but not confirmed by MS, and no cyclophosphamide was detected. No detectable amounts of methotrexate and doxorubicin were present. Fluorouracil was the most frequently used drug, and cyclophosphamide was second. Results suggest that personnel handling antineoplastic drugs are subject to potential systemic absorption of these agents by inhalation.

Ozone production from photocopying machines.

Ten photocopying machines of different makes and models were tested for ozone emissions. All but one produced detectable amounts. Concentrations at operator's breathing zone varied from less than 4 to 300 micrograms/m3, which corresponded to emission rates of less than 1 to 54 micrograms/copy. Servicing reduced emissions to less than 1.4 micrograms/copy, but preservicing levels were retained after several weeks of operation.

Characterization of potential indoor sources of ozone.

Ozone emission factors were developed for domestic electrostatic air cleaners and photocopying machines. The air cleaners had emission rates from 0-546 microgram/min. These rates will ordinarily not produce air concentrations which are greater than 60 microgram/m3 (0.030 ppm) above background. The emission rate for photocopying machines varied from 48-158 microgram/copy. In small, poorly ventilated rooms these emission rates were sufficient to produce incremental steady state ozone concentrations up to 396 microgram/m3 (0.202 ppm). Recent copying machine maintenance was found to reduce ozone production to less than the detectable level, 4 microgram/m3 (0.002 ppm).

Coal hydrogenation and environmental health.

Planning of coal hydrogenation processes, such as liquifaction and gasification, requires consideration of public health implications. Commercial plants will require coal quantities greater than or equal to 20,000 tons/day and the large size of these plants calls for careful consideration of the potential health hazards from the wastes and products of such processes. Analysis of pollution potential can roughly be divided into three categories: raw material structure and constituents, process design, and mode of plant operation. Identifiable pollutants include hydrogen cyanide, phenols, cresols, carbonyl and hydrogen sulfides, ammonia, mercaptans, thiocyanides, aniline, arsenic, trace metals and various polycyclic hydrocarbons. One study of workers in a hydrogenation process has revealed an incidence of skin cancer 16-37 times that expected in the chemical industry. In addition, a number of high boiling point liquid products were identified as being carcinogenic, and air concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene up to 18,000 mug/1000 m3 were reported. Health statistics on occupational groups in other coal conversion industries have shown significantly higher lung cancer rates, relative to groups without such occupational exposures. These data suggest that coal hydrogenation plants must be carefully planned and controlled to avoid harm to environmentally and occupationally exposed populations.