The new standard specifies the components of glycol and glycerin fog and the ceiling and the time-weighted-average exposure limits for the fogs. The ceiling limits are rationally based on scientific data and are consistent with the ceiling limits that have been specified in many performer union contracts, but the standard goes beyond those contractual limits by also controlling the time-weighted-average levels. It specifies the glycols which can be used in a conforming fog to proscribe irritating, common industrial glycols and ensure that only those glycols for which there is ample, public documentation of their benignity are used. The ANSI E1.5 standard is available at the web address below.
ANSI E1.5 was drafted by the Fog & Smoke Working Group, part of the ANSI-accredited standards committee E1, Safety and Compatibility of Entertainment Technical Equipment and Practices. The Entertainment Services and Technology Association is the secretariat for Accredited Standards Committee E1 and provides administrative support to the committee.
(Ruth Rossington)
