FOG & HAZEFOG & HAZEHealth & Safety Health & Safety ConsiderationsConsiderations

Janet Sellery, CRSPJanet Sellery, CRSP

IntroductionIntroductionDirectors and designers love to

use fog and haze effectsPeople exposed to fog and haze

have experienced health effects

Session OutlineSession OutlineStudies on health effectsLevels of ExposureFog and haze H & S issuesDue diligenceRisk assessment and controlsEducation and communicationAccommodationResources

Supplier ad:Supplier ad:

“Theatrical fog machines create fog

by vaporizing a special, safe and non-toxic water-

based fluid”

Is it safe?Is it safe?“Safe” - adjective 1 protected

from danger or risk. 2 not causing or leading to harm or injury.

Source: Compact Oxford English Dictionary

Is It Non-Toxic?Is It Non-Toxic?“Non-toxic” is not meaningful and can be

misleading. No definition or standard is used for

judging a consumer product or its ingredients

No assurance that such a claim has been independently verified.

A product that does not meet the definition of “toxic” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (US) should not necessarily be considered non-toxic

Source: http://greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/

BackgroundBackgroundConcerns about fog products go back to

the late 1980sMonona Rossol, Arts Crafts & Theatre

Safety, published “Theatre Fogs and Smokes: A Report on their Hazards” in 1990

American Equity reported on a study conducted by NIOSH in 1991

ESTA has become actively involved through their Fog Working Group, technical standards and fog testing program

Study #1 – Health Effects Study #1 – Health Effects Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Haze and PyrotechnicsHaze and Pyrotechnics2000 – Mount Sinai School of

Medicine and ENVIRON, sponsored by American Equity Association

Study conducted in 1997 – 1999439 adult performers16 Broadway musicals

Study #1 – Health Effects Study #1 – Health Effects Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Haze and PyrotechnicsHaze and PyrotechnicsStudy included:

◦Epidemiologic assessment – collection of data from Actors regarding symptoms they reported experiencing and background info (questionnaires, daily checklists, medical

Study #2 – Health Effects Study #2 – Health Effects Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Haze and PyrotechnicsHaze and PyrotechnicsStudy included:

◦Exposure assessment – potential exposures were estimated by collecting: Personal breathing zone samples General air samples Various locations in the theatres Both live performance and rehearsal settings

◦Results were combined in developing conclusions re. exposures and health effects

Study #1 – Health Effects Study #1 – Health Effects Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Haze and PyrotechnicsHaze and PyrotechnicsFindings:

◦No evidence of serious health effects was found to be associated with exposure to any of the theatrical effects evaluated in this study

◦Peak exposures following a release of glycol smoke are associated with increased reporting of respiratory, throat, and nasal symptoms

Study #1 – Health Effects Study #1 – Health Effects Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Haze and PyrotechnicsHaze and PyrotechnicsFindings:

◦Elevated exposures to mineral oil haze are associated with increased reporting of throat symptoms.

◦Other factors in increased symptom reporting – perceived levels of stress (at work and away from work), performance schedule, and the physical demand of the role(s)

Study #1– Health Effects Study #1– Health Effects Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Haze and PyrotechnicsHaze and PyrotechnicsFindings

◦Observed association between increased signs and symptoms of respiratory irritant effects and exposure to elevated levels of glycols and mineral oil

Recommendations for actors in musicals◦Glycols – not to exceed 40 mg/m³◦Mineral Oil – not to exceed 25 mg/m³

(Time weighted average below 5 mg/m³)

Study #1– Health Effects Study #1– Health Effects Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Evaluation of Theatrical Smoke, Haze and PyrotechnicsHaze and PyrotechnicsRecommendations for actors in

musicals◦As long s peak exposures are

avoided, health, vocal abilities and careers of Actors should not be harmed.

Study #2 - Atmospheric Study #2 - Atmospheric Effects in the Entertainment Effects in the Entertainment Industry Industry 2003 UBC School of Occupational

and Environmental Hygiene, requested by SHAPE

Study included:◦Survey of special effects technicians◦Analysis of chemicals used◦Simple monitoring method for se in

the industry◦Levels of exposure ◦Health effects

Study #2 - Atmospheric Study #2 - Atmospheric Effects in the Entertainment Effects in the Entertainment Industry Industry Findings

◦Fog aerosols were small enough to enter the smallest airways and air sacs of the lungs

◦Mineral oil exposure exceeded the proposed ACGIH TLV

◦Exposure was higher for employees working close to the fog machine, spending more time in the visible fog on productions with more fog machines in

use, regardless of the type of production or fog chemicals being used

Study #2 - Atmospheric Study #2 - Atmospheric Effects in the Entertainment Effects in the Entertainment Industry Industry Health Effects

◦Respiratory health of 101 persons was compared to a control group from BC Ferries

◦Entertainment industry employees had: Lower than average lung function test

results More chronic respiratory symptoms and

current asthma symptoms

Study #2 - Atmospheric Study #2 - Atmospheric Effects in the Entertainment Effects in the Entertainment Industry Industry Findings

◦Acute changes on testing day: Increased nose, throat and voice

symptoms Glycol fogs – more common dry cough ,

dry throat, headache, dizziness, tiredness Mineral oil fogs – measureable drop in

lung function (over approx 4 hours)

Study #2 - Atmospheric Study #2 - Atmospheric Effects in the Entertainment Effects in the Entertainment Industry Industry Recommendations:

◦Exposure control plans for mineral oil◦Exposure minimization plans for

glycol fluids◦Exposure reduction strategies (See

the ActSafe Bulletin)

““Anything other than Anything other than clean ,moist air can hurt clean ,moist air can hurt your vocal cords”your vocal cords”

Brent Rossington, SHAPE

Levels of ExposureLevels of ExposureRegulation 833 Control of

Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents

ANSI E1.5 2009 – Theatrical Fog Made With Aqueous Solutions of Di- and Trihydric Solutions

American Equity Association - Theatrical Smoke, Fog, and Haze Testing Time and Distance Guidelines (2007)

Health & Safety IssuesHealth & Safety IssuesParticulatesDrynessHumidityAllergiesAsphyxiationToxic Byproducts

ParticulatesParticulatesWhenever you introduce

particulates, some people may experience irritation, especially those with respiratory problems

Minor irritation, which might go unnoticed by most people, may affect vocal performance and may leave performers more susceptible to colds and infections

DrynessDrynessWhen you use glycol products

and dry ice, the air will become drier and some people may experience sore throats

People who wear contact lenses may experience dry eyes

HumidityHumidityWhenever you use low lying fog

(ex. Dry ice carried by CO2), humidity will increase and there is potential for slippery floors

AllergiesAllergiesAlmost any substance may be

capable of causing an allergyWhile most people will not

develop allergies, there is no reliable way to predict who will be affected

AsphyxiationAsphyxiationWhen oxygen is displaced (dry

ice), there is potential for asphyxiation

Toxic ByproductsToxic ByproductsIncompatible fluids and

machines, or machines with malfunctioning temperature controls may allow combustion.

Toxic byproducts may be created.

San Francisco OperaSan Francisco OperaAs of 2002, 23 out of 44 chorus

members reportedly suffered respiratory problems, throat irritation and other ailments that they blame on theatrical fog

At least one singer filed a workers compensation claims and complained to OSHA; another filed a lawsuit,

San Francisco OperaSan Francisco OperaThe San Francisco Opera says it dropped

glycol fog more than a year ago because of Pamela Dale's complaints and because stage designers want different effects.

They have instead used mineral oil, liquid nitrogen or dry ice, or combinations of those.

Dale says the mineral oil fog also irritates her throat.

Performers are allowed to opt out of any opera that uses fog but still be paid

San Francisco OperaSan Francisco OperaSome audience members have also

claimed to have had reactions"When somebody sees a smoke or fog like

this, it's a psychological problem," says Jim Kehrer, head of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Texas. "If you see some sort of fog or smoke rolling at you, and you already have a breathing problem, it's going to get worse."

San Francisco OperaSan Francisco OperaDale says that opera houses should be more

creative with lighting and rely more on the audience's imagination instead of fog.

But "they'll stop using it when someone like Luciano Pavarotti gets a reaction to stage fog," says lawyer Steven Weiss, whose client Will Roy, an opera singer, received an undisclosed settlement from the Cleveland Opera after claiming he suffered an allergic reaction in 1990.

Source: Kelly Yamanouchi, AP Writer, Backstage, Jan. 2001

““Beauty and the Beast”, Beauty and the Beast”, BroadwayBroadwayIn 1995, nearly a third of the 25

members of the pit orchestra …complained of asthma-like effects, according to Bill Moriarity, president of American Federation of Musicians Local 802.

Source: Kelly Yamanouchi, AP Writer, Backstage, Jan. 2001

Sometimes fog is a bad Sometimes fog is a bad idea…idea…Insect fogger using an unknown

product, sitting in a foil roasting pan because it leaked so badly

Fog blasted up from a trap into the face of an actor who developed persistent bronchitis

Fog that filled a quick change area causing asthma in a wardrobe attendant, who had to wear a respirator (WSIB claim)

“We were designed

to breathe air”

Monona RossolArts, Crafts and

Theater Safety

So how do we work with So how do we work with fog?fog?There are no safe ways to work

with fogThere are safer ways to work

with fogNo one can promise that fog will

not have health effects for some people.

Due DiligenceDue DiligenceAn important legal and cultural

component of a H & S management system

The level of:◦Care◦Prudence◦Determination◦Activitythat a person would reasonably be expected to exercise under a situation’s particular circumstances

Due DiligenceDue DiligenceUnder sections 25 (2) (h) and 27

(2) (c) of the OHSA, employers and supervisors must “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker”.

This is known as the general duty or due diligence clause.

Due DiligenceDue Diligence

Seems subjectiveMay be measured using the reasonable person test:◦What dozen peers would consider

reasonable under a similar set of circumstances

◦The result is a balanced, wise and defendable judgment

Due DiligenceDue DiligenceSafer ways to work with fog

require:◦Risk assessment and control◦Education and communication◦Accommodation for people who have

problems with fog

Risk Assessment and Risk Assessment and ControlControlThe foundation of OSH – a

powerful tool for dealing with unique issues

Depending on the jurisdiction, it is either explicit or implied

In some jurisdictions (including Alberta), employers must perform and formally document regular hazard assessments at their worksites

Identifying and Assessing Identifying and Assessing HazardsHazardsHazard – any condition or

circumstance that has the potential to cause injury or illness

Eliminating and Eliminating and Controlling HazardsControlling HazardsWhenever possible, hazards should be

eliminatedIf this is not possible, they must be

controlledControl means reducing the hazard to

levels that present a minimal risk to worker health

Controls, in order of preference, include:◦Engineering controls◦Administrative controls◦Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Engineering ControlsEngineering ControlsFirst and preferred choiceThey physically control hazardsExample:

◦Substitution of a less toxic product

Administrative ControlsAdministrative ControlsSecond choiceExamples:

◦Safe work practice and procedures◦Worker training◦Scheduling and supervision◦Purchasing decisions◦Preventative maintenance programs◦Signage

Personal Protective Personal Protective EquipmentEquipmentLast resort of hazard controlShould be used only after

engineering and administrative controls have been shown to be impractical, ineffective or insufficient

Used to lessen the potential harmful effects of exposure to a known hazard

Examples:◦Respirators

Control of HazardsControl of HazardsEach workplace must find controls

that are specific to that workplaceWorkers must be protected from

harmful exposures to hazardous substances

For best results, choose the most effective place to apply controls:◦At the source (first choice)◦Along the path◦At the worker (last choice)

Risk AssessmentRisk AssessmentWho will be exposed?

◦Actors, musicians◦Stage management, crew, wardrobe

attendants◦Patrons◦Children, seniors *◦People with health issues *

* These populations have not been studied.

Risk AssessmentRisk AssessmentReview the Risk Assessment

chart for Fog and Haze Effects

Education and Education and CommunicationCommunication

EquipmentEquipmentSelect appropriate equipment

and learn how to use it to create the effects you want

Read and follow manufacturer/supplier instructions

Contact the manufacturer/supplier for additional info

Fog ProductsFog ProductsWorkers using fog should have WHMISEvery product should have a complete

and accurate MSDS – READ IT!Do not use a product if ingredients

are not listed or if it is “home made” with no MSDS

NOTE: The MSDS may not reflect the intended use of the product – blowing it into the air and inhaling it

Fog ProductsFog ProductsPrior to the Cue to Cue rehearsal,

each Technical Director is responsible for posting the MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets) for fog and smoke products to be used for each production for the acting company and production staff.

Copies shall also be given to the Stage Manager

AccommodationAccommodationIf there is a change in the

atmospheric conditions of the theatre (ventilation, heat, air conditioning and humidity) during the run, the Stage Manager may request changes to the levels or durations of effects in order to maintain the look of the production.

AccommodationAccommodationIf a member of the acting company or

production staff experiences adverse health effects due to fog or smoke, they must report their concerns to the Stage Manager or Technical Director.

The Stage Manager, in consultation with the Technical Director, may request changes to the levels or durations of effects for up to two performances.

 

AccommodationAccommodationBeyond two performances,

changes to fog and smoke may only be made with the approval of the Director of Production and the Producer.

Respirators equipped with appropriate filter cartridges should be used where circumstances warrant.

ResourcesResourcesOntario Ministry of Labour ActSafe - formerly SHAPE (BC)Actors Equity Association (US)ESTA (US)Australian Entertainment

Industry Association

Next Steps…Next Steps…Conduct testing to assess real levels

of exposure – ESTA Fog Testing Program

Investigate safer options such as potable water under high pressure (used in “O”)

Develop healthy and safe practices to ensure long, productive careers.

Be curious and ask questions.

Opera America Newsline, Opera America Newsline, Jan. 1999Jan. 1999“Smoke makes the air a palpable

presence. You can see the light moving…it’s a way of making the beams register… Management is beginning to understand that there may be a problem, and consider that they may have a moral responsibility not to endanger singers and crew.” (John Conklin, designer and director of productions at Glimmerglass Opera and New York City Opera)

Opera America Newsline, Opera America Newsline, Jan. 1999Jan. 1999Until any conclusive scientific

findings become available, companies must consider a variety of variables, including an honest look at their own theatre ventilation systems and sensitivities of cast and crew.

Current methods for creating a palpable atmosphere onstage may prove harmless, but until then, it’s best to proceed with informed caution.

Questions ???Questions ???

Contact Info:Contact Info:

Janet Sellery, CRSPjanet@selleryhealthandsafety.comwww.selleryhealthandsafety.com