Airborne levels of isopropyl alcohol disinfectant in a laminar-airflow hood.

Airborne levels of isopropyl alcohol when used as a disinfectant in a horizontal laminar-airflow hood were measured during a 10-day period to determine whether levels conformed to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. An infrared vapor analyzer was positioned in the airflow of the six-foot horizontal laminar-airflow hood for 10 days to continuously monitor the levels of isopropyl alcohol under usual procedural conditions. A continuous printout of the levels of isopropyl alcohol allowed determination of the eight-hour time-weighted average level. The mean (+/- S.D.) eight-hour time-weighted average level of isopropyl alcohol in the laminar-airflow hood was 99.6 +/- 30.6 parts per million (ppm). By OSHA standards, the eight-hour time-weighted average airborne level of isopropyl alcohol in the work place cannot exceed 400 ppm. Usual conditions in the laminar-airflow hood at this institution complied with the OSHA standard for airborne isopropyl alcohol.