DCHAS-L Archives Aug 01 2011

Hi Frank, thank you for your response. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a mixing box? My background is chemistry and the micro labs are still a vast unknown to me. Thanks!

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

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Demer, Frank R - (demer)
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 10:19 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Odor

I investigated a similar “Sweaty gym clothes” odor. The odor appeared annually when the relative humidity was higher from our summer monsoons. Turned out to be bacteria growing on the fiberglass liner of the mixing box. The fiberglass visually appeared to have something growing on it. Mold and bacteria cultures were done for personal interest. The mixing box was replaced and the odor disappeared.

Frank R. Demer, MS, CIH, CSP

Health Safety Officer

Industrial Hygiene and Safety

University of Arizona

Department of Risk Management Services

Phone: 520.621.3585

Fax: 520.621.3706

Email: demer**At_Symbol_Here**email.arizona.edu< /o:p>

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 210300, Tucson, AZ 85721-0300

Street Address: 220 W. 6th St., Tucson, AZ 85701 (2nd floor, East Bldg.)

Web Address: risk.arizona.edu

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Bradley Harris
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 6:34 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Odor

Did anybody bring in a plant with a outside soil into the office? Sometimes soils in pots have odors.

Brad H.

On Jul 26, 2011, at 3:44 PM, Harrington, Rachel wrote:

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!