U.S. ARCHITECTURAL - HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF
EXPOSURE
MALVERN, HOT SPRINGS COUNTY, ARKANSAS
CONCLUSIONS
The release of the particulate poses a public
health hazard. Analysis of the data indicates that respirable particle
levels in the plume were significantly higher than in the ambient air (Table
1). The quantity of particles discharged from the cyclone at U. S. Architectural
constitute a violation of ADPC&E Regulation 18, Section 18.5a, which regulates
visible emissions from a facility. (5)
The ability of MDF particles to release formaldehyde into the body is not
well understood. Formaldehyde exposure from inhalation
or dermal contact
with MDF particles, and any resultant potential health effects, is indeterminate.
If the facility continues to discharge significant amounts of particulate
matter into the air, ADH will attempt to quantify the amount of formaldehyde
in the MDF particles to determine the potential for resultant adverse health
effects. A nuisance problem exists at businesses adjacent to U. S. Architectural
because of the large volume of particles which are being deposited on their
facilities.
A potential fire hazard exists in the manufacturing area of the U. S. Architectural
facility due to the large amount of dust and particle fibers on the floor
and the heat generated from the infrared paint drying process.
RECOMMENDATIONS
An appropriately designed bag house should be installed following
the cyclone to adequately control air emissions. (At this time installation
of a baghouse has begun.)
Particulate measurements should be collected downwind from the U. S. Architectural
cyclone following installation of the baghouse to determine if emissions are being
adequately controlled.
An air emission control permit should be obtained from the Arkansas
Department of Pollution Control and Ecology so that air emissions from
the facility will be adequately regulated in the future.
Consultative assistance from the Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Branch of the National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be requested
by U. S. Architectural to alleviate the health and safety problems within
the manufacturing area of the facility.
