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Grand Rounds
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| Modeling of Exposure to Carpet-Cleaning Chemicals Preceding Irritant-Induced Asthma in One Patient Richard M. Lynch Department of Urban Studies and Community Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA Abstract
 Rutgers University
A 42-year-old woman experienced an acute asthma attack, seizures, and unconsciousness immediately after a carpet-cleaning and deodorizing job was conducted in her home. Exposure modeling estimates that she was exposed to approximately 3.4-17 mg/m3 of sodium tripolyphosphate and more than 14 mg/m3 volatile organic compounds immediately after the cleaning. I derived two separate exposure models for these estimates that evidenced good consistency of exposure estimates. Asthmatics and carpet-cleaning companies should be advised about safety during carpet-cleaning operations, including adequate warnings about excess risk for asthmatics, temporary removal from the home, reduced detergent levels within cleaners, and reduced overall levels of cleaning solutions used within the home. Further studies of carpet-cleaning exposures are indicated. Key words: asthma, carpet cleaning, exposure modeling, sodium tripolyphosphate, volatile organic compounds. Environ Health Perspect 108:911-913 (2000) . [Online 10 August 2000]
http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2000/108p911-913lynch/ abstract.html Address correspondence to R.M. Lynch, Department of Urban Studies and Community Health, Rutgers University, 33 Livingston Avenue, Suite 100, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1958 USA. Telephone: (732) 932-4101 ext 670 or 671. Fax: (732) 932-0934. E-mail: RMLynch@rci.rutgers.edu Received 12 January 2000 ; accepted 7 June 2000.
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