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To: Directors of Environmental Health/ Chief Environmental Health Officers of London, Metropolitan, District and Unitary Authorities and Chief Executives of County Councils.

For the attention of: Environmental Services / Trading Standards / Fire Authorities / Other

This circular gives advice to local authority enforcement officers

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PLASTIC FILM WRAPPING - EXPOSURE TO IRRITANT/TOXIC FUMES

INTRODUCTION

1 This circular has been produced by the Local Authority Unit in conjunction with the Food National Interest Group (NIG) who have received reports of respiratory irritation caused by fumes from "hot-wire sealed" film used for packaging food products.

BACKGROUND

2 The problem is mainly confined to the production areas of supermarkets and other large stores where hot wire sealing machines may be used for short but very intensive spells of work. So far as is known, no cases of irreversible lung disease from this cause have occurred in the UK. The clinical conditions can be separated into two groups (which may overlap in individual cases):

(a) Asthma from sensitisation to phthalic anhydride and other plasticizers in the film;

(b) Bronchial irritation by a variety of fume constituents including hydrogen chloride (HCL) and phosgene.

3 Asthma is associated with lower temperatures in the sealing process and bronchial irritation with higher temperatures when other atmospheric contaminants may be released by pyrolysis of the film.

ENFORCEMENT APPROACH

4 Precautions which may not eliminate but should at least, alleviate the problem are as follows:-

(a) The hot wire used for sealing should be kept scrupulously clean. This prevents a build up of plastic residue which causes the fume.

(b) Manufacturers instructions of use, temperature etc, must be followed.

(c) An adequate temperature setting device with a thermostatic cut out should be fitted to the sealing machine.

(d) A good standard of ventilation should be provided. (Automatic machines may need local exhaust ventilation if the through put is large).

(e) The hot wire should be cleaned when cold. The practice of overheating the wire to burn off the plastic residue should be discouraged and an alternative means of cleaning, for example the use of solvents might also create a health hazard especially if the wire were still hot.

5 It should be suggested to employers that they seek medical advice on the suitability for employment for such work of individuals with a current history of bronchial asthma or a history of bronchial asthma or a history of chronic respiratory disease.

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