Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:04:14 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Erin J Foley <erin.foley**At_Symbol_Here**LOUISVILLE.EDU>
Subject: Re: Odor
In-Reply-To: <BEE9573EF66548FEAB132A6554D85DC9**At_Symbol_Here**bruekbergterm1>

Could it be phenylacetic acid?  We had a small spill and it took over 2 months of several actions to address the odor which never went away entirely.  It caused headaches, burning eyes, irritated throats, and nausea.  Let me know if it could be phenylacetic acid and I can share with you how we handled it.
 
Erin

 
Erin Foley, Lab Safety Coordinator
University of Louisville
Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS)
502-852-2830
erin.foley**At_Symbol_Here**louisville.edu
http:/ /louisville.edu/dehs/ohs/labchemsafe/labchemsafe.html
 
>>> Ben Ruekberg <bruekberg**At_Symbol_Here**CHM.URI.EDU> 7/27/2011 7:39 AM >>>

I would like to nominate phenylacetic acid.  I think there may be trees that give off something like it and it has a diSTINCt aroma.  Is it possible that you have some of this stuff in your lab?

 

Ben

 


From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Harrington, Rachel
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 3:45 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Odor

We have a strong "dirty socks=" odor present in one of our micro labs.  It's a pretty typical lab using media and cultures, etc.  and we are systematically removing everything and deconning but this odor is persisting.  I know I have smelt this chemical before, maybe back in my undergraduate days, but it is really a sickening odor.  Any ideas?  Any help is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Rachel E. Harrington, MPH, CHMM

Director- Office of Environmental, Health and Safety

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

3333 Green Bay Road

North Chicago, IL  60064

847-578-3420 work

224-622-4244 mobile

847-775-6548 fax

LIFE IN DISCOVERY

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