Working Conditions for the Specimen Handling Activity of the National Human Monitoring Program for Pesticides

Employees of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) handle specimens of human fatty tissue, blood serum, and urine in an office of the East Tower, EPA Headquarters. This office does not have adequate space or the proper equipment to provide a safe workplace. An accident, though remote, could endanger not only the employees of this particular office, but many others working in the building. The specimen handling activity is part of the National Human Monitoring Program for Pesticides in the Ecological Monitoring Branch of the Technical Services Division. The office has operated in the building since 1973.