Dizzy, Nauseous Columbus Art Museum Workers Issue Complaints About Chemical Fumes
Workers at the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after reporting headaches, nausea, and dizziness that they believe were caused by fumes from a floor sealant used during renovations. The Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday that the museum used a product called GT 275 in renovation work on its Ross building, and a former gallery associate said staff were given N95 masks and information about the sealer as some employees called in sick. Manufacturer safety information cited by the Dispatch warns that inhalation can affect the central nervous system, causing symptoms including dizziness, headache, nausea, and lowered consciousness, and that the product should be used outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. A museum spokesperson told ARTnews that the institution is reviewing conditions, responding to the OSHA inquiry, and prioritizing staff and visitor safety while renovations continue.
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This story was covered in Museum Shakeups, Restitution Fights, and Sponsor Fallout