Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an evaluation of employee exposure to chemicals at a vape shop. The evaluation includes air sampling for various chemicals, surface sampling for metals and nicotine, and observations of work practices. The study aims to determine if employees are at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals while working in the vape shop.
Key Points:
* The study found that employees were exposed to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, two chemicals associated with respiratory disease, but at levels below occupational exposure limits.
* Personal protective equipment, such as chemical protective gloves, was not consistently used by employees when handling liquids containing nicotine.
* Nicotine was found on the outside surface of a nicotine transfer bottle, indicating that employees may not be following proper handling procedures.
* air sampling for formaldehyde, a breakdown product of propylene glycol, found levels below occupational exposure limits.
* air sampling for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified 102 chemicals, many of which could be from sources other than vaping.
* Elements such as calcium, copper, iron, and potassium were identified on surfaces throughout the vape shop.
* Nicotine was not detected on any surfaces other than the nicotine transfer bottle.
Main Message:
The study found that while employees were exposed to some harmful chemicals, the levels were below occupational exposure limits. however, the study recommends that the employer implement a policy prohibiting vaping in the workplace with e-liquids that contain diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. The employer should also ensure that employees use personal protective equipment consistently and follow proper handling procedures for nicotine. Regular monitoring and reinforcement of these policies are necessary to protect employee health.
Citation
Zwack, Leonard M, aleksandr B Stefaniak, and Ryan F LeBouf. “Evaluation of Chemical Exposures at a Vape Shop,” 2017.
