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. 1984 Jun;74(6):614-5.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.74.6.614.

Outbreak of illness due to volatilized asphalt coming from a malfunctioning fluorescent lighting fixture

D R Tavris, L Field, C L Brumback

Outbreak of illness due to volatilized asphalt coming from a malfunctioning fluorescent lighting fixture

D R Tavris et al. Am J Public Health. 1984 Jun.

Abstract

We investigated an outbreak of headache, eye irritation, sore throat, nasal congestion, and nausea in an office complex, ongoing for three months and regularly resolved upon leaving the building. Investigation suggested that the etiology of the illness was malfunctioning fluorescent light ballasts , which overheated and resulted in melting and volatilization of contained asphalt . Correction of the problem resulted in almost complete disappearance of symptoms within two weeks.

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