[MCOH-EH] group question re: odors

[Paulson, Jennifer A., R.N.]

I agree with Mark.  The N95 is not good for fumes, but the charcoal mask has worked for us in the past.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 3, 2014, at 20:37, Upfal, Mark <mupfal at dmc.org> wrote:
> 
> Agree.  However if avoidance is not always feasible, a mask can be helpful in the short term, but an N95 won't help for odors.  N95s are only good for particulates.  A lightweight charcoal impregnated mask may help to trap organic vapors.  
> 
> Mark Upfal, MD, MPH
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Dec 3, 2014, at 8:23 PM, "Delclos, George" <George.Delclos at uth.tmc.edu> wrote:
>> 
>> Avoidance of exposure is preferable to use of personal protective equipment, in persons who have bona fide reactions to strong chemical odors/cleaners/bleach. These are usually, but not limited to, known asthmatics. What I generally recommend to employers (since most, but not all, of these cleaning operations are planned ahead of time) is to find a way to let the affected employee know when they are scheduled. In concert with a reasonable employer, they should be able to find a way to continue their usual duties away from the area until the odor dissipates.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> George L. Delclos, MD, MPH, PhD
>> Professor
>> Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences
>> The University of Texas School of Public Health
>> P.O. Box 20186
>> Houston, Texas 77225-0186
>> Phone:  +1 713 500 9459
>> FAX:     +1 713 500 9442
>> Email:   George.Delclos at uth.tmc.edu<mailto:George.Delclos at uth.tmc.edu>
>> ________________________________
>> From: MCOH-EH [mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] on behalf of alukasek via MCOH-EH [mcoh-eh at mylist.net]
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2014 7:14 PM
>> To: MCOH/EH
>> Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] group question re: odors
>> 
>> N95
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>> On Dec 3, 2014, at 4:35 PM, <Kim.Thompson at hcahealthcare.com<mailto:Kim.Thompson at hcahealthcare.com>> <Kim.Thompson at hcahealthcare.com<mailto:Kim.Thompson at hcahealthcare.com>> wrote:
>> 
>> I’m sure this has come up before…..what you do with an employee who is affected by (asthma triggered) odors such as cleaning fluids, waxing, deodorizers, etc.
>> 
>> I know that a reasonable accommodation might be to schedule cleaning at a time/shift other than when that employee works but if that is not feasible and she cannot transfer to another dept, what are some possible solutions? Thank you
>> 
>> 
>> Kim Thompson RN, BSN
>> Employee Health Nurse Manager
>> Medical Center of McKinney
>> 4500 Medical Center Drive - MOB, Suite 105
>> McKinney, TX     75069
>> 
>> 972- 540- 4218 (phone)
>> 469 - 713- 8660 (fax)
>> 
>> <image001.jpg>
>> 
>> 
>> 
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