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Are datascreen terminals a source of increased PCB-concentrations in the working atmosphere?
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected at high levels in an office environment, potentially linked to computer screens. Further investigation is needed to confirm if these screens are a source of PCB contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial chemicals historically used in closed systems like capacitors and transformers.
- Skin conditions like rashes and eczema have been reported among data screen operators, prompting investigation into potential causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that leakage of PCBs from data screen terminals may cause skin reactions in operators.
- To determine PCB concentrations in the working atmosphere of an office where skin reactions occurred.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling over 2-3 workdays using a glass fiber/amberlite XAD-2 column.
- Analysis of trapped PCBs via glass-capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection.
- Comparison of indoor PCB levels and composition with outdoor air samples.
Main Results:
- Indoor PCB concentrations (56-81 ng/M3) were 50-80 times higher than outdoor levels.
- Indoor air contained only Aroclor 1242, while outdoor air had Aroclor 1242 and 1254.
- Measured PCB levels were below the 1977 NIOSH recommended safety limit but unexpectedly high for an office with no known PCB use.
Conclusions:
- Data screen terminals may be a potential source of PCB contamination in office environments.
- Despite levels being below safety limits, the presence of PCBs warrants further investigation into their origin.
- The qualitative difference in PCB composition indoors suggests a specific source, possibly the data screen terminals.