Walk-through survey report- rf (radio-frequency) radiation exposures from heat sealers at S. I. Jacobson Manufacturing Company, 1414 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60605

On June 27, 1979, NIOSH conducted a walk-through survey of the radio-frequency (RF) heat sealing area at the S.I. Jacobson Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the study was to identify a population of workers which could be used in a study to determine if any health effects are associated with occupational exposures to RF radiation. Electric fields produced by the RF heat sealers were measured to document exposure levels. The electric field strength levels exceeded 200 V/M (duty cycle corrected) on five of the nine heat sealers evaluated. Confounding exposures were assessed and appear not to be a factor. Personnel record systems were evaluated as to their suitability for use in a study of reproductive histories. It appears from the personnel records that an appropriate cohort of RF heat sealer workers and a corresponding control group cannot be identified, therefore, the S.I. Jacobson Manufacturing Company will not be included in the NIOSH study. Mention of company names or products does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.