Protecting Worker Health: Understanding the Risks of PAA Overexposure
New Research Reinforces Urgency for Enhanced Safety Protocols in Pork and Poultry Processing
June 5, 2025
In industries where sanitation is critical, such as food processing, healthcare, and aseptic packaging, peracetic acid (PAA) is widely used as a high-level disinfectant. Known for its effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, PAA has become a go-to chemical in environments that demand the highest cleanliness standards.
However, a recent study and associated webinar featuring experts from UC San Francisco, Georgia Tech’s School of Health and Environmental Sciences (SHES), and UC Berkeley have brought renewed attention to the occupational health risks associated with PAA and the broader implications of worker safety in high-speed processing facilities.
Webinar Highlights Link Between Line Speed and Worker Health
In the recent joint webinar, researchers shared findings from a comprehensive study on line speeds and worker safety in pork and poultry processing facilities. The study highlights how increasing production demands have intensified chemical exposure risks, particularly from PAA. As line speeds increase, so do the frequency and volume of chemical applications, making real-time exposure monitoring more critical than ever.
The researchers emphasized a clear correlation between elevated PAA levels and respiratory distress among workers in processing environments. They also called for stronger monitoring protocols and more transparent data-sharing to protect frontline employees from both acute and long-term health effects from overexposure.
What Is Peracetic Acid (PAA)?
Peracetic acid is a strong oxidizer used for disinfection and sanitation. It breaks down into environmentally benign byproducts like acetic acid, oxygen, and water. Because of this, food products treated with PAA can still be labeled as organic. Despite these benefits, PAA is volatile and corrosive, and without proper handling and monitoring, can lead to harmful exposure levels in the workplace.
Health Risks Associated with PAA Overexposure
While generally considered safe at low concentrations, overexposure, especially in poorly ventilated areas or during high-volume application can lead to:
1. Respiratory Issues
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Coughing
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Shortness of breath
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Chest tightness
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Asthma-like symptoms with prolonged exposure
2. Eye and Skin Irritation
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Severe eye irritation or damage
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Skin burns or rashes from direct contact
3. Long-Term Health Concerns
Emerging data suggests repeated overexposure may lead to chronic respiratory issues and chemical sensitization, increasing the risk of more severe reactions over time.
Regulatory Guidelines and Exposure Limits
While OSHA has not established a formal Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for PAA, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends a Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 0.4 ppm over 15 minutes. It is important to note that OSHA and other regulatory bodies can and do point to this ACGIH threshold limit value as authoritative. Further, NIOSH has proposed 0.64pm as an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) concentration value for PAA.
Strategies to Protect Workers
Based on the latest findings and current best practices, a comprehensive safety approach should include:
1. Real-Time Gas Monitoring
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Detects hazardous levels immediately as well as time-weighted averages to ensure safe working conditions
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Provides compliance data for audits and reviews
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Enables adjustments to ventilation and workflows
2. Engineering Controls
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Install proper ventilation systems
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Use enclosed cleaning systems where possible
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Apply local exhaust ventilation in high-use areas
3. Administrative Controls
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Educate staff on chemical safety and risks
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Rotate workers to reduce individual exposure
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Create standard procedures for cleaning and spills
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Respirators as needed
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Face shields or safety goggles
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Chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing
Commitment to Worker Health
The recent research underscores what safety advocates have long known; protecting workers from chemical overexposure is both a moral responsibility and a smart operational decision. As industry demands increase, so does the urgency to innovate, monitor, and act with vigilance to protect our workforce. By understanding the hazards, investing in monitoring technology, and cultivating a safety-first culture, employers can create safer environments and ensure workers go home healthy each day.
How ChemDAQ Monitoring Helps Protect Workers from PAA Overexposure
ChemDAQ’s gas monitoring systems are engineered for environments where high-level disinfectants, such as peracetic acid (PAA), are routinely used. These systems provide real-time protection and actionable insights that help safety professionals manage and mitigate exposure risks effectively.
By implementing ChemDAQ’s real-time monitoring systems, employers can:
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Detect and address overexposure immediately
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Maintain detailed compliance records
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Optimize safety protocols based on data
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Demonstrate a strong commitment to worker health
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