ESTA E1.5 PDF

Reaffirmed in 2024

This standard describes the composition of theatrical fogs or artificial mists that are not likely to be harmful to otherwise healthy performers, technicians, or audience members of normal working age, which is 18 to 64 years of age, inclusive. This standard makes no statement about appropriate exposure limits for theatrical fogs or artificial mists with other populations, and no limits, higher, lower, or the same as these limits, for other populations should be inferred from it. This standard is limited to those fogs and mists made from a solution of water and one or more dihydric or trihydric alcohols. These fogs are commonly called "glycol fogs," although only those that use dihydric alcohols are technically made with glycol.

This standard is intended to be applied in theatres, arenas, and other places of entertainment or public assembly where theatrical fogs and mists are often used as visual effects or to enhance lighting effects in live performances such as dramatic productions, musicals, and popular music concerts. It may be used as a guidance document in other venues where the exposed population is similar to that defined in this scope and where the respiratory and vocal demands on the population are not greater than those placed on performers, technicians, or audience members participating in dramatic productions, musicals, or popular music concerts.