Broadway's 'Beauty' leaves some performers feeling beastly

Smoke from special effects covers the stage

OSHA probes whether special effects harm health

January 1, 1998
Web posted at: 5:24 p.m. EST (2224 GMT)

From CNN Radio Correspondent Dale Willman

(CNN) -- OSHA is investigating complaints from some actors and musicians that special effects used by Walt Disney Co. in the Broadway production "Beauty and the Beast" are making them sick.

Inspectors with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, armed with medical information from the musicians' union, made their first on-site visit last week to the Palace Theater, where the play opened in 1994. According to the union, fumes from the show's fireworks and fog are causing respiratory problems.

Since the play began, seven of the 24 musicians have been diagnosed with work-related respiratory problems. The latest complaint, a case of asthma, was confirmed in November. Last summer, one musician won a workman's compensation claim. Many actors say they frequently hold their breath on stage so they don't have to breathe fumes from the special effects.

Disney, while admitting the fumes may cause some "discomfort," denies that the chemicals in its theatrical pyrotechnics are harmful. The company says it has taken -- and will continue to take -- steps to make conditions more bearable.

OSHA initially relied on Disney's response to the charges. The company has work done on the theater's ventilation system, and commissioned a study to determine whether there was compliance with OSHA regulations. Disney said the study found no violations of federal law.

But environmental specialists who have investigated the workers' complaints say Disney's actions are inadequate, because the smoke could be creating permanent lung damage.

OSHA, which received the initial complaint from performers more than a year ago, has yet to make a ruling, and is unlikely to file a final report until later in 1998.

Workers say sickness showed up early Disney: Airborne fumes an issue of discomfort Slow-moving OSHA investigation The pros and cons of firework secrecy Study: Not even flashy effects may save Broadway

Related sites:

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• The Occupational Safety & Health Administration Home Page
• Disney

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