equipment, raw materials, manufacturing methods and work practices were investigated to identify possible health hazards at the sandy lee manufacturing company (sic-2329) in menomonie, wisconsin, on july 23, 1974. this company was included in the initial phase of a niosh survey of the men's apparel industry. the facility employed 16, 79 and 39 workers in cutting, sewing and finishing outerwear areas, respectively. no formal medical, industrial hygiene or safety program was available at the facility. no pre-employment physical examinations or vision tests were given. a first aid kit was available for emergencies. the manufacturing process involved marking, cutting, sewing, pressing, finishing and shipping the outerwear. materials used were nylon, cotton, cotton blends, rayon, dacron, wool and quilted fabric. fans provided general ventilation; local ventilation was not used. cutters were exposed to ammonia (7664417). machine pulleys, sewing machine needles and machines which inserted snaps were not guarded. noise levels ranged from 67 to 92 decibels in the cutting and sewing areas, respectively. illumination ranged from 60 to 400 foot-candles in these areas, respectively. the author concludes that a health hazard may result from exposure to thermal decomposition products from synthetic fabrics during hot wire notching operations