Evaluation of Exposure to 

Epoxy Resin while

Manufacturing Artificial 

Floral Arrangements

Carlos Aristeguieta, MD, MPH

Manuel Rodriguez, MS, CIH, CSP

Health Hazard Evaluation Report

HETA 2007-0355-3102

Immortalis Botanicals

Farmville, Virginia

February 2010

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Workplace

Safety and Health

 National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health

This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific 

facility evaluated and may not be universally applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be 

considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved. Additional HHE 

reports are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/
The employer shall post a copy of this report 

for a period of 30 calendar days at or near 

the workplace(s) of affected employees. The 

employer shall take steps to insure that the 

posted determinations are not altered, defaced, 

or covered by other material during such 

period. [37 FR 23640, November 7, 1972, as 

amended at 45 FR 2653, January 14, 1980].
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page i

Appendix A

Report Abbreviations.......................................................................ii

Highlights of the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation............ iii

Summary .............................................................................v

Introduction..........................................................................1

Assessment.........................................................................3

Results.................................................................................3

Discussion ...........................................................................5

Conclusions.........................................................................6

Recommendations...............................................................7

References ........................................................................10

Contents

Acknowledgments and Availability of Report.....................15

Methods.............................................................................11

Occupational Exposure Limits & Health Effects ................12

Acknowledgments

Appendix B
Page ii Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

ACGIH® American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CT Charcoal tube

GA General area

HHE Health hazard evaluation

Lpm Liters per minute

mg/m3 Milligrams per cubic meter

MSDS Material safety data sheet

NAICS North American Industry Classification System

ND Not detected

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OEL Occupational exposure limit

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PBZ Personal breathing zone

PEL Permissible exposure limit

ppm Parts per million

PPE Personal protective equipment

REL Recommended exposure limit

STEL Short term exposure limit

TD Thermal desorption

TLV® Threshold limit value

TWA Time-weighted average

VOC Volatile organic compound

WEEL Workplace environmental exposure level

Abbreviations
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page iii

Highlights of the

NIOSH Health

Hazard Evaluation

The National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and 

Health (NIOSH) received a 

management request for 

a health hazard evaluation 

at Immortalis Botanicals 

in Farmville, Virginia. 

The company submitted 

the request because of 

concern about employee 

exposure to epoxy resins 

while making floral 

arrangements.

What NIOSH Did

● We evaluated the worksite in November 2008.

● We took air samples for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 

and amines.

● We looked at employees’ personal protective equipment use.

● We asked employees about their health concerns.

● We observed employees’ work practices.

What NIOSH Found

● Employees were exposed to epoxy resin and isopropyl alcohol 

(IPA) through skin contact.

● Airborne exposures to selected VOCs, including some 

amines, were very low.

● The Mixer/Pourer wore a respirator per the company’s 

written procedure. Air sampling results indicate that 

respiratory protection is not required.

● Employees did not wear eye protection when pouring epoxy 

resin.

● Employees stood to prepare floral arrangements and knelt 

to pour the epoxy resin. These postures may lead to joint 

problems over time.

● Employees did not report health problems related to their 

work.

What Managers Can Do

● Install a dispensing gun for adding epoxy resin to the vases.

● Install a sink with warm water and an emergency eye wash 

station in the production area.

● Require the use of eye protection when mixing epoxy resin.

● Provide the Mixer/Pourer with safety glasses, butyl rubber 

gloves (either shoulder or gauntlet length), and a butyl rubber 

apron to wear when handling epoxy resin and IPA.

● Provide the Mixer/Pourer with an adjustable wheeled stool 

to use when pouring epoxy resin into the vases.

● Provide the Arranger a sit-stand stool and antifatigue mat to 

prevent leg strain.
Page iv Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

Highlights of the

NIOSH Health

Hazard Evaluation

(continued)

What Employees Can Do

● Avoid getting epoxy resin or IPA on your skin or in your eyes.

● Wear skin and eye protection when mixing and pouring 

epoxy resin or handling IPA.

● Wash skin as soon as possible with soap and water if epoxy 

resin gets on it.

● Flush your eyes with water if you get epoxy resin in them.

● Talk to your supervisor about any workplace health concerns 

you have.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page v

Summary

NIOSH measured airborne 

VOCs and amines from 

epoxy resins during the 

manufacture of artificial 

floral arrangements. We 

found low concentrations 

of VOCs and detected 

no amines. However, the 

Mixer/Pourer had skin 

contact with the epoxy 

resin and isopropyl 

alcohol. We recommend 

employees use a 

dispensing gun for adding 

epoxy resin to flower 

vases and wear chemical 

protective clothing to 

minimize skin contact.

On August 31, 2007, NIOSH received an HHE request from 

management at Immortalis Botanicals (Immortalis) in Farmville, 

Virginia. The company was concerned about employee exposure to 

epoxy resin used during the manufacture of luxury artificial floral 

arrangements.

We evaluated the worksite on November 5–7, 2008. We observed 

work practices, reviewed PPE use, and spoke with employees about 

work-related health concerns. We used TD tubes (qualitative 

analysis) and charcoal tubes (quantitative analysis) to collect PBZ 

air samples for VOCs. We also collected PBZ air samples for 

amines.

Based on the TD results, the charcoal tubes were analyzed for 

toluene, 2-butoxyethanol, cellosolve acetate, xylene, and ethyl 

benzene. Samples were also analyzed for butyl glycidyl ether, an 

ingredient in the epoxy resin. Very low concentrations of these 

VOCs were detected, and all PBZ sample results were below the 

applicable OELs. Amines were not detected. We observed epoxy 

resin and isopropyl alcohol on employees’ skin, increasing their 

risk for contact dermatitis and sensitization. We also observed 

employees working in awkward postures, placing them at risk of 

developing musculoskeletal disorders.

We recommend that the Mixer/Pourer use a dispensing gun to add 

epoxy resin to the vases to minimize spills and prevent employees 

from placing their forearm on the table while pouring epoxy resin 

from a beaker. We also recommend that the Mixer/Pourer wear 

butyl rubber gloves (either shoulder or gauntlet length) and a butyl 

rubber apron when handling epoxy resins or isopropyl alcohol. We 

recommend using a wheeled stool to avoid kneeling when pouring 

epoxy resin into the vases, and providing an antifatigue mat for the 

Arranger to prevent leg strain. A sink with warm water and soap 

and an emergency eyewash station should be installed near the 

mixing area.

Keywords: NAICS 339999 (All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing), 

epoxy resin, butyl glycidyl ether, VOCs, amines, contact dermatitis, 

small business
Page vi Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

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Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 1

Introduction NIOSH received a management request for an HHE from 

Immortalis Botanicals (Immortalis) in Farmville, Virginia, because 

of concerns about possible health effects in employees who 

mix and handle epoxy resin. We visited the Immortalis site on 

November 5–7, 2008. During the site visit we held an opening 

meeting with management and an employee representative 

and offered confidential medical interviews to any interested 

employees. We toured the facility, observed work processes and 

PPE use, and spoke with employees. We collected GA and PBZ air 

samples for VOCs and amines that could be present in the epoxy 

resins. At the end of the site visit we held a meeting to discuss our 

preliminary findings and recommendations. A summary letter 

dated December 1, 2008, was sent to Immortalis management and 

an employee representative.

Background

Immortalis (formerly known as Castaway Glass) manufactures 

luxury floral arrangements for commercial and residential 

applications. Six employees plus the owner work in a single-story 

building that is divided into a 500-square foot production room, in 

addition to office, shipping, storage, show, and break rooms.

The manufacturing process begins when an employee called the 

Arranger, following instructions in a production manual, puts 

together a floral arrangement in a vase. Pieces of imitation sea 

glass (smooth colored glass) are placed on the bottom of the vase 

to add color and texture. The imitation sea glass is purchased or 

made on site by breaking glass bottles and tumbling the pieces 

with an abrasive powder in a wet, enclosed process. The vase is 

then placed on a level table. A clear epoxy resin is poured into 

the vase to permanently hold the arrangement in place and to 

give the impression that the floral arrangement is set in water. 

Following written Immortalis procedures, the Mixer/Pourer 

measures out epoxy resin and a curing agent and blends them 

with an electric paddle mixer (Figure 1). The Mixer/Pourer 

then adds the prescribed amount of clear epoxy resin into the 

vase through plastic funnels (Figure 2). The Mixer/Pourer must 

avoid getting epoxy resin on the sides of the vase or introducing 

bubbles. Isopropyl alcohol is used to clean the equipment and 

spills. To ensure the epoxy resin cures properly, relative humidity 

is kept between 30% and 40% in the production room by using 

humidifiers in winter or dehumidifiers in the summer, as needed. 

Once the epoxy resin is cured, the vase is moved to another room 

for packaging and shipping to customers.
Page 2 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

Introduction 

(continued) Management reported that in June 2007, an employee working as a 

Mixer/Pourer developed a rash on her hands and abdominal areas, 

which had repeatedly been in contact with the uncured epoxy 

resin.

Figure 1. Employee using a handheld drill to mix epoxy resin in a 

bucket, while sitting and wearing a filtering facepiece respirator, 

gown, sleeves, and gloves.

Figure 2. Employee pouring epoxy resin in vases with artificial floral

arrangements while kneeling and wearing gloves, apron, and kneepads.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 3

Assessment

During the first day of the evaluation we toured the facility and 

observed the work process to see what tasks had the potential 

for hazardous exposures. We reviewed the MSDSs provided by 

Immortalis management for the epoxy resin and curing agent. 

The epoxy resin contained alkylglycidyl ether, and the curing 

agent contained aliphatic amine, nonylphenol, and phenyl 

carbonyl as the main ingredients. Based on this information 

we collected short-term GA air samples for VOCs on TD 

tubes to qualitatively determine the VOCs and amines that 

may be present during mixing and pouring of the epoxy resin. 

We also collected short-term (15 minutes) and full-shift (total 

time mixing and pouring was approximately 5 hours) PBZ air 

samples using CTs for quantitative analysis of VOCs based on 

the results of the TD tube analyses. We sampled for amines [2-(2-

aminoethylamino)ethanol, diethanolamine, diethylenetriamine, 

ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine] using 

1-naphthylisothiocyanate-treated XAD-2 tubes. Details of the 

sampling and analytical methods are discussed in Appendix A. 

Information on the composition and health effects of epoxy resins 

is provided in Appendix B.

We spoke with employees about their job tasks, health concerns, 

and PPE use. We observed work practices (to look for skin contact 

with epoxy resin) and work postures.

The chemicals most prevalent on the TD tubes during mixing 

and pouring of the epoxy resin were toluene, 2-butoxyethanol, 

isopropanol, phenol, butyl acetate, diisobutyl phthalate, 

cellosolve acetate, xylene, and ethyl benzene. Of these, toluene, 

2-butoxyethanol, cellosolve acetate, xylene, and ethyl benzene were 

analyzed quantitatively from the CT samples. Butyl glycidyl ether, 

an ingredient in the epoxy resin, was also analyzed. Only two 

chemicals, toluene (Table 1) and 2-butoxyethanol, were present 

above trace concentrations; exposure levels, however, were at least 

two orders of magnitude below their OELs. Concentrations of 

2-butoxyethanol ranged from ND (< 0.003 ppm) to 0.031 ppm. 

The remaining chemicals (butyl glycidyl ether, cellosolve acetate, 

ethylbenzene, and xylene) were either ND (< 0.003 ppm or lower) 

or present in trace amounts (between < 0.003 and 0.0089 ppm). 

The lowest NIOSH REL for any of these VOCs is 0.5 ppm for 

cellosolve acetate. The OSHA PELs are much higher.

Results
Page 4 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

Results (continued)

The following amines were ND (below 0.0027 mg/m3, based on 

a maximum air sample volume of 75 liters): triethylenetetramine, 

ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, 2-(2-

aminoethylamino)ethanol, and diethelynetriamine.

The employee reported to have had a skin rash was no longer 

working at Immortalis and could not be located. None of the three 

employees we met during this evaluation reported health effects 

from workplace exposures or conditions.

Workplace Observations

While preparing the epoxy resin, the Mixer/Pourer wore safety 

glasses and nitrile rubber gloves. For the mixing task, the Mixer/

Pourer wore a 3M model 8247 R95 filtering facepiece respirator 

with a carbon layer intended to provide relief from organic vapor 

nuisance odors that do not exceed OSHA PELs. The use of 

respiratory protection was specified in Immortalis’ procedures 

manual, in keeping with the MSDS for the epoxy resin. The 

employee also wore a plastic apron, plastic sleeves, and disposable 

nitrile rubber gloves.

While pouring the epoxy resin into the vases from a plastic cup, 

the Mixer/Pourer wore latex rubber gloves, a plastic apron and 

sleeves, and knee pads. We observed the Mixer/Pourer rolling up 

Table 1. Air sampling results for toluene

Sample type Sample location Sample time (min) Concentration (ppm)

PBZ-STEL Mixing epoxy 16 0.072

PBZ-STEL Mixing epoxy 16 0.073

PBZ-STEL Mixing epoxy 19 0.077

PBZ-STEL Arranging 18 0.070

PBZ Arranging 295 0.063*

PBZ Arranging 292 0.064*

PBZ Mixing epoxy 287 0.069*

PBZ Mixing epoxy 288 0.065*

NIOSH REL-TWA 100

NIOSH REL-STEL 150

OSHA PEL-TWA 200

*The PBZ concentrations shown are TWAs over the period sampled. These concentrations would be even 

lower if calculated over an 8-hour work shift and assuming no additional exposure to toluene.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 5

Results (continued) the plastic protective sleeves because they caused her arms to sweat. 

The Mixer/Pourer used isopropyl alcohol to remove the epoxy 

resin from her skin and equipment. Although the mixing area 

had a sink, it was not connected to a water supply. No emergency 

eyewash was available in spite of the potential for epoxy resin to 

splash in the employee’s eyes or for the employee to touch her eyes 

with soiled gloves.

The Mixer/Pourer rested an elbow on the table to steady her hand 

as she poured the epoxy resin to avoid getting it onto the sides of 

the vases (see Figure 2). However, some epoxy resin dripped onto 

her hands and elbows and occasionally spilled from the pouring 

container onto the table and floor. We observed dried spilled 

epoxy resin on work surfaces and on the floor.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the Mixer/Pourer knelt on the floor to 

pour epoxy resin in the vases. This position allowed her to be at 

eye level with the vase and to better control the epoxy resin flow. 

During the process she stood to fill the pouring cup with epoxy 

resin. The Arranger stood in front of her worktable on a thin 

rubber mat over the concrete floor.

Local exhaust ventilation was not available during the epoxy resin 

mixing and pouring process. Employees used isopropyl alcohol or 

an ammonia-containing glass cleaner to clean artificial flowers, 

vases, and epoxy resin spills.

We did not notice chemical odors during the epoxy resin mixing 

and pouring process even though many of the chemicals in the 

epoxy resins have odor thresholds that are much lower than their 

OELs.

Employees did not mention any work-related health effects. The 

primary route of exposure to epoxy resin for the Mixer/Pourer 

is skin contact. The Mixer/Pourer wore natural rubber latex 

gloves when pouring epoxy resin. Natural rubber latex is not a 

suitable material for protecting against exposure to epoxy resins. 

In addition, NIOSH recommends the use of nonlatex gloves for 

activities that are not likely to involve contact with infectious 

agents because some workers can become sensitized or experience 

allergic reactions while wearing them [NIOSH 1998].

Discussion
Page 6 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

Discussion (continued) Current employees have not experienced skin problems. However, 

employees who have contact with epoxy resin may become 

sensitized and experience an allergic skin reaction. Hence, 

employees should avoid skin contact with epoxy resins by using 

protective gloves, aprons, and safety glasses and by preventing spills 

and contact with spilled epoxy resin.

The Mixer/Pourer wore safety glasses while blending the epoxy 

resin components but wore no eye protection while mixing the two 

components in a bucket or pouring the mixture in the vases. No 

emergency eye wash was available to flush the eyes, should a splash 

exposure occur. An emergency eye wash could prevent serious eye 

damage. Employees should wear eye protection during all phases of 

mixing and pouring epoxy resins.

During this evaluation we advised the Mixer/Pourer not to use 

isopropyl alcohol as a skin cleanser because it could damage her 

skin barrier and cause irritation. Having a working sink near the 

mixing station would eliminate the need for the employee to go to 

the restroom to wash epoxy resin off her hands and may encourage 

more frequent skin cleaning.

The awkward posture of the Mixer/Pourer may result in muscular 

strain of the knees and the lower back. Prolonged standing, as 

observed for the Arranger, has been associated with sore feet 

[Messing and Kilbom 2001], chronic venous insufficiency [Criqui 

et al. 2007], varicose veins [Beebe-Dimmer et al. 2005], and low 

back pain [Hiebert et al. 2007].

Employees were potentially exposed through skin contact to 

uncured epoxy resin because of improper (latex rubber) glove 

selection. Skin contact with epoxy resin may cause sensitization and 

contact dermatitis. No emergency eye wash station was available in 

the production room. Because we did not identify an inhalation 

hazard during the epoxy resin mixing and pouring process, we 

do not believe mandatory respiratory protection is necessary. 

However, voluntary respirator use is an option if employees want 

protection from the epoxy resin odor. Finally, awkward postures 

and prolonged standing by some production employees may result 

in knee and lower back pain and strain, sore feet, stiff legs, and 

varicose veins.

Conclusions
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 7

Based on our findings, we recommend the actions listed below to 

create a more healthful workplace. We encourage Immortalis to 

use a labor-management health and safety committee or working 

group to discuss the recommendations in this report and develop 

an action plan. Those involved in the work can best set priorities 

and assess the feasibility of our recommendations for the specific 

situation at Immortalis. Our recommendations are based on 

the hierarchy of controls approach (Appendix B: Occupational 

Exposure Limits and Health Effects). This approach groups actions 

by their likely effectiveness in reducing or removing hazards. 

In most cases, the preferred approach is to eliminate hazardous 

materials or processes and install engineering controls to reduce 

exposure or shield employees. Until such controls are in place, or 

if they are not effective or feasible, administrative measures and/or 

personal protective equipment may be needed.

Elimination and Substitution 

Elimination or substitution of a toxic/hazardous process material 

is a highly effective means for reducing hazards. Incorporating 

this strategy into the design or development phase of a project, 

commonly referred to as “prevention through design,” is most 

effective because it reduces the need for additional controls in the 

future.

1. Eliminate the use of epoxy resin in future floral 

arrangements whenever possible.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls reduce employees’ exposures by removing 

the hazard from the process or placing a barrier between the 

hazard and the employee. Engineering controls are very effective 

at protecting employees without placing primary responsibility of 

implementation on the employee.

1. Use an epoxy resin dispensing gun instead of a container to 

decrease the potential for spills and skin contact with the 

epoxy.

2. Connect the sink by the mixing station to hot and cold 

water supply lines and drainage. Install a hands-free faucet 

and emergency eye wash at the sink, and provide soap and 

moisturizing skin lotion.

Recommendations
Page 8 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

Recommendations

(continued) 3. Provide a wheeled, adjustable height stool for the Mixer/

Pourer so this employee does not have to kneel while 

pouring epoxy resin into the flower vases.

4. Provide antifatigue mats and sit/stand stools for the 

Arranger and at the packing stations.

Administrative Controls 

Administrative controls are management-dictated work practices 

and policies to reduce or prevent exposures to workplace hazards. 

The effectiveness of administrative changes in work practices 

for controlling workplace hazards is dependent on management 

commitment and employee acceptance. Regular monitoring and 

reinforcement are necessary to ensure that control policies and 

procedures are not circumvented in the name of convenience or 

production.

1. Educate employees about the importance of avoiding skin 

contact with epoxy resins and isopropyl alcohol. Instruct 

employees to wash epoxy resin off their skin with soap 

and water as soon as possible. Review skin protection 

techniques, spill clean-up procedures, and use of the 

emergency eye wash station as necessary (when installed).

2. Re-evaluate employees’ exposures if another type of epoxy 

resin with different ingredients is used.

3. Update company records to include the MSDSs for the 

clear epoxy components, the ammonia-containing glass 

cleaner, and isopropyl alcohol.

Personal Protective Equipment 

PPE is the least effective means for controlling employee exposures. 

Proper use of PPE requires a comprehensive program and calls 

for a high level of employee involvement and commitment to be 

effective. The use of PPE requires the choice of the appropriate 

equipment to reduce the hazard and the development of 

supporting programs such as training, change-out schedules, and 

medical assessment if needed. PPE should not be relied upon as 

the sole method for limiting employee exposures. Rather, PPE 

should be used until engineering and administrative controls can 

be demonstrated to be effective in limiting exposures to acceptable 

levels.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 9

Recommendations

(continued) 1. Based on our air sampling results, respiratory protection is 

not required. If employees are required to wear respiratory 

protection, OSHA requires that the employer comply with 

all elements of the standard by establishing a respiratory 

protection program with worksite-specific procedures 

that include written guidelines for the use and care of 

respirators, medical monitoring, fit testing, and training. If 

employees wear filtering facepiece respirators voluntarily, 

then the only requirement is providing them a copy 

of Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134 “Information for 

Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under 

the Standard” [29 CFR 1910.134].

2. Provide the Mixer/Pourer safety glasses to wear when 

mixing and pouring epoxy resin. Provide the Mixer/Pourer 

with butyl rubber gloves (either shoulder or gauntlet length) 

and a butyl rubber apron to wear when handling epoxy 

resin [Forsberg and Mansdorf 2007].

3. Encourage employees to wear cushioned footwear that 

provides arch and heel support.
Page 10 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

References

Beebe-Dimmer J, Pfeifer J, Engle J, Schottenfeld D [2005]. The 

epidemiology of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. 

Ann Epidemiol 15(3):175–184.

CFR. Code of Federal Regulations. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Government Printing Office, Office of the Federal Register.

Criqui M, Denenberg J, Bergan J, Langer R, Fronek A [2007]. Risk 

factors for chronic venous disease: the San Diego Population Study. 

J Vasc Surg 46(2):331–337.

Forsberg K, Mansdorf SZ [2007]. Quick selection guide to chemical 

protective clothing. 5th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 

p. 166.

Hiebert R, Weiser S, Campello M, Nordin M [2007]. Nonspecific 

low back pain. In: Rom WN, ed. Environmental and occupational 

medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkin, p. 

927.

Messing K, Kilbom A [2001]. Standing and very slow walking: 

foot pain-pressure threshold, subjective pain experience and work 

activity. Appl Ergon 32(1):81–90.

NIOSH [1998]. Latex allergy a prevention guide. Cincinnati, 

OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers 

for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 

98-113.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 11

Thermal Desorption Tubes 

We collected six GA air samples on TD tubes and submitted them for qualitative analysis of VOCs. A 

TD tube was inserted in the end of Tygon® tubing connected to a calibrated low-flow personal sampling 

pump set to a nominal flow rate of 0.20 Lpm and allowed to run for approximately 2 hours. The samples 

were analyzed with a Perkin Elmer ATD 400 automatic TD system using a gas chromatograph with a mass 

selective detector. The typical desorption procedure is suited for most common organic solvents with a 

molecular weight below 300 and boiling points around 200°C or less. Samples were analyzed according 

to NIOSH Method 2549 [NIOSH 2009]. Certain chemicals identified on the TD tubes were selected 

for further analysis on the CT samples because of their greater relative abundance compared to other 

compounds, or because of their known irritating or toxic properties.

Charcoal Tubes 

We collected eight PBZ and one GA air sample on CTs for analysis for toluene, 2-butoxyethanol, cellosolve 

acetate, xylene, ethyl benzene, and butyl glycidyl ether. We inserted the CT in the end of Tygon® tubing 

connected to a low-flow personal sampling pump set to a nominal flow rate of 0.20 Lpm. We placed the 

pump on the employee and the CT in the employee’s PBZ for the duration of the mixing and pouring 

tasks (approximately 5 hours). The CTs were analyzed for the selected chemicals using NIOSH Method 

1501 [NIOSH 2009], with the following modification. The desorbing solvent was changed from carbon 

disulfide to a mixture of carbon disulfide and 5% n-propyl alcohol. Toluene was detected on the media 

blank, and the samples were blank corrected.

Amines

We collected two GA and two PBZ and air samples on naphthylisothiocyanate-treated XAD-2 tubes and 

submitted them for analysis for triethylenetetramine, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, 

2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethanol, and diethelynetriamine. The XAD tube was inserted on the end of 

Tygon® tubing attached to a low-flow personal sampling pump set to a nominal flow rate of 0.20 Lpm. 

The samples were desorbed and analyzed according to NIOSH Method 2540 [NIOSH 2009] modified for 

reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. No amines were detected on the media blanks.

Reference 

NIOSH [2009]. NIOSH manual of analytical methods (NMAM), 4th ed. Schlecht PC, O’Connor PF, 

eds. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 

94–113 (August, 1994); 1st Supplement Publication 96–135, 2nd Supplement Publication 98–119; 3rd 

Supplement 2003–154. [www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/]. Date accessed: December 2009.

Appendix A: Methods
Page 12 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

In evaluating the hazards posed by workplace exposures, NIOSH investigators use both mandatory (legally 

enforceable) and recommended OELs for chemical, physical, and biological agents as a guide for making 

recommendations. OELs have been developed by Federal agencies and safety and health organizations to 

prevent the occurrence of adverse health effects from workplace exposures. Generally, OELs suggest levels 

of exposure that most employees may be exposed up to 10 hours per day, 40 hours per week for a working 

lifetime without experiencing adverse health effects. However, not all employees will be protected from 

adverse health effects even if their exposures are maintained below these levels. A small percentage may 

experience adverse health effects because of individual susceptibility, a preexisting medical condition, and/

or a hypersensitivity (allergy). In addition, some hazardous substances may act in combination with other 

workplace exposures, the general environment, or with medications or personal habits of the employee 

to produce health effects even if the occupational exposures are controlled at the level set by the exposure 

limit. Also, some substances can be absorbed by direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes in 

addition to being inhaled, which contributes to the individual’s overall exposure.

Most OELs are expressed as a TWA exposure. A TWA refers to the average exposure during a normal 8- 

to 10-hour workday. Some chemical substances and physical agents have recommended STEL or ceiling 

values where health effects are caused by exposures over a short period. Unless otherwise noted, the STEL 

is a 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday, and the ceiling 

limit is an exposure that should not be exceeded at any time.

In the United States, OELs have been established by Federal agencies, professional organizations, state 

and local governments, and other entities. Some OELs are legally enforceable limits, while others are 

recommendations. The U.S. Department of Labor OSHA PELs (29 CFR 1910 [general industry]; 29 

CFR 1926 [construction industry]; and 29 CFR 1917 [maritime industry]) are legal limits enforceable in 

workplaces covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. NIOSH RELs are recommendations 

based on a critical review of the scientific and technical information available on a given hazard and the 

adequacy of methods to identify and control the hazard. NIOSH RELs can be found in the NIOSH Pocket 

Guide to Chemical Hazards [NIOSH 2005]. NIOSH also recommends different types of risk management 

practices (e.g., engineering controls, safe work practices, employee education/training, personal protective 

equipment, and exposure and medical monitoring) to minimize the risk of exposure and adverse health 

effects from these hazards. Other OELs that are commonly used and cited in the United States include 

the TLVs recommended by ACGIH, a professional organization, and the WEELs recommended by the 

American Industrial Hygiene Association, another professional organization. The TLVs and WEELs are 

developed by committee members of these associations from a review of the published, peer-reviewed 

literature. They are not consensus standards. ACGIH TLVs are considered voluntary exposure guidelines 

for use by industrial hygienists and others trained in this discipline “to assist in the control of health 

hazards” [ACGIH 2009]. WEELs have been established for some chemicals “when no other legal or 

authoritative limits exist” [AIHA 2009].

Outside the United States, OELs have been established by various agencies and organizations and include 

both legal and recommended limits. Since 2006, the Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitsschutz 

(German Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) has maintained a database of international OELs 

Appendix B: Occupational Exposure Limits & Health Effects
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 13

Appendix B: Occupational Exposure Limits & Health Effects (continued)

from European Union member states, Canada (Québec), Japan, Switzerland, and the United States 

available at www.dguv.de/bgia/en/gestis/limit_values/index.jsp. The database contains international 

limits for over 1250 hazardous substances and is updated annually.

Employers should understand that not all hazardous chemicals have specific OSHA PELs, and for some 

agents the legally enforceable and recommended limits may not reflect current health-based information. 

However, an employer is still required by OSHA to protect its employees from hazards even in the absence 

of a specific OSHA PEL. OSHA requires an employer to furnish employees a place of employment free 

from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm [Occupational 

Safety and Health Act of 1970 (Public Law 91–596, sec. 5(a)(1))]. Thus, NIOSH investigators encourage 

employers to make use of other OELs when making risk assessment and risk management decisions to 

best protect the health of their employees. NIOSH investigators also encourage the use of the traditional 

hierarchy of controls approach to eliminate or minimize identified workplace hazards. This includes, in 

order of preference, the use of: (1) substitution or elimination of the hazardous agent, (2) engineering 

controls (e.g., local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, dilution ventilation), (3) administrative controls 

(e.g., limiting time of exposure, employee training, work practice changes, medical surveillance), and (4) 

personal protective equipment (e.g., respiratory protection, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection). 

Control banding, a qualitative risk assessment and risk management tool, is a complementary approach to 

protecting employee health that focuses resources on exposure controls by describing how a risk needs to 

be managed. Information on control banding is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/. This 

approach can be applied in situations where OELs have not been established or can be used to supplement 

the OELs, when available.

Epoxy resins 

Epoxy resins consist of two basic components: an uncured resin and the curing agent, also referred to 

as the hardener. The two components are liquids that harden when cured. Additional ingredients can 

be used in different applications to add color and/or texture. The curing agents account for much of 

the hazards associated with epoxy resins. They include aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, cycloaliphatic 

amines, acid anhydrides, polyamides, and catalytic curing agents. The aliphatic amines include 

triethylenetetramine and diethylenetriamine. These amines are highly alkaline with a pH in the 13–14 

range. The epoxy resin may also include diluents/solvents, fillers, and pigments [Hathaway and Proctor 

2004]. Butyl glycidyl ether is a common diluent in the epoxy resins. Glycidyl ethers have low vapor 

pressures, so inhalation is less important than skin contact. Solvents used as nonreactive diluents may 

cause upper respiratory tract, eye, and skin irritation. Solvents include cellosolve, acetone, methyl ethyl 

ketone, methylene chloride, toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and xylene. Skin contact with uncured epoxy 

resins should be avoided because they can cause dermatitis and sensitization [Bray 1999; Amado and 

Taylor 2008]. Use of skin protection is important. Inhalation of uncured epoxy resin fumes can lead to 

respiratory sensitization and occupational asthma [Bray 1999]. Once cured (hardened), the epoxy resins 

are not a health hazard unless they are cut, sanded, or burned [CDPH 1989]. There are no OELs for epoxy 

resins but some of the ingredients such as solvents and glycidyl ethers do have OELs. NIOSH has an REL-
Page 14 Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102

Appendix B: Occupational Exposure Limits & Health Effects (continued)

Ceiling for n-butyl glycidyl ether of 5.6 ppm, and OSHA has an 8-hour PEL-TWA of 50 ppm. NIOSH has 

an REL-TWA of 1 ppm for diethylenetriamine [NIOSH 2005].

References 

ACGIH [2009]. 2009 TLVs® and BEIs®: threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical 

agents and biological exposure indices. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental 

Industrial Hygienists.

AIHA [2009]. AIHA 2009 Emergency response planning guidelines (ERPG) & workplace environmental 

exposure levels (WEEL) handbook. Fairfax, VA: American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Amado A, Taylor J [2008]. Contact allergy to epoxy resins. Contact Dermatitis 58(3):186–187.

Bray PG [1999]. Epoxy resins. Occup Med 14(4):743–758.

CDPH [1989]. Epoxy resin systems. California Department of Public Health. Richmond, California. 

[http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Documents/epoxy.pdf]. Date accessed: January 2010.

CFR. Code of Federal Regulations. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Office of the 

Federal Register.

Hathaway GJ, Proctor NH [2004]. Proctor and Hughes chemical hazards of the workplace. 5th ed. 

Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

NIOSH [2005]. NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-149. [http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/]. Date 

accessed: January 2010.
Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0355-3102 Page 15

Acknowledgments and

Availability of Report

The Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch 

(HETAB) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and 

Health (NIOSH) conducts field investigations of possible health 

hazards in the workplace. These investigations are conducted 

under the authority of Section 20(a)(6) of the Occupational Safety 

and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. 669(a)(6) which authorizes 

the Secretary of Health and Human Services, following a written 

request from any employer or authorized representative of 

employees, to determine whether any substance normally found 

in the place of employment has potentially toxic effects in such 

concentrations as used or found. HETAB also provides, upon 

request, technical and consultative assistance to federal, state, and 

local agencies; labor; industry; and other groups or individuals to 

control occupational health hazards and to prevent related trauma 

and disease.

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the 

authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIOSH. 

Mention of any company or product does not constitute 

endorsement by NIOSH. In addition, citations to websites 

external to NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of 

the sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. 

Furthermore, NIOSH is not responsible for the content of these 

websites. All Web addresses referenced in this document were 

accessible as of the publication date.

This report was prepared by Carlos Aristeguieta and Manuel 

Rodriguez of HETAB, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations 

and Field Studies. Field support was provided by Nancy Williams 

of University of Utah’s occupational medicine residency program. 

Analytical support was provided by Bureau Veritas. Health 

communication assistance was provided by Stefanie Evans. 

Editorial assistance was provided by Ellen Galloway. Desktop 

publishing was performed by Robin Smith.

Copies of this report have been sent to employee and 

management representatives at Immortalis Botanicals, the state 

health department, and the Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration Regional Office. This report is not copyrighted and 

may be freely reproduced. The report may be viewed and printed 

at www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/. Copies may be purchased from the 

National Technical Information Service at 5825 Port Royal Road, 

Springfield, Virginia 22161.
Below is a recommended citation for this report:

NIOSH [2009]. Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposure to epoxy 

resin while manufacturing artificial floral arrangements, Farmville, Virginia. By 

Aristeguieta C, Rodriguez M. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH HETA No. 2007-0355-3102.

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