In response to a request from an employee at Helena Sportswear Incorporated, based in West Helena, Arkansas, researchers from the United States Department of Health and Human Services investigated possible adverse health conditions resulting from airborne concentrations of formaldehyde. The company, a manufacturer of women's apparel, relied on precured wrinkle resistant fabrics that had been treated with the durable press agent dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea. Upon receipt, the fabric pieces were cut, fused, sewn into garments, bundled, inspected, tagged, and shipped. The company produced 1,000 garments per day. Analysis showed that airborne concentrations of formaldehyde ranged from 0.14 to 0.25 part per million (8 hour weighted time average) on the shop floor. Particulate dust concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.15 milligram per cubic meter. Because the formaldehyde concentrations exceeded NIOSH recommended limits, the researchers recommended that efforts be made to reduce worker exposure to the precured fabrics during apparel conversion.