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HHE Search Results
86 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1992) Bethlehem-Center Elementary School, Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Superintendent of the Bethlehem- Center School District, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous conditions due to materials used during a roofing project at the Bethlehem-Center Elementary School (SIC-8211), Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. In November, 1990 a contractor repaired and treated the tar buildup roof of the school with resaturant. Approximately 7680 gallons of the material was applied to the roof. During this period numerous children compl... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Superintendent of the Bethlehem- Center School District, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous conditions due to materials used during a roofing project at the Bethlehem-Center Elementary School (SIC-8211), Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. In November, 1990 a contractor repaired and treated the tar buildup roof of the school with resaturant. Approximately 7680 gallons of the material was applied to the roof. During this period numerous children complained of headaches, nausea, burning eyes, and respiratory difficulties. Officials closed the school for 4 day. Classes then resumed until April of the following year when unusually warm weather caused another episode of a tar like odor and several students became ill. Hydrocarbon analysis in April 1991 indicated only trace amounts of carbon-tetrachloride (56235) in one of the samples. Carbon-tetrachloride was not identified in any of the other samples nor was it detected in the analysis of the bulk roof material. In June, trace levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were found, ranging from 0.001 to 0.055mg/m3 benzene soluble fraction. Naphthalene (91203) comprised the majority of the sample, ranging from 0.001 to 0.046mg/m3. The author concludes that no specific hazard was identified at the school, but the odor had brought to light a preexisting situation where there was inadequate intake of outside air and poor circulation of existing air in the building. The author recommends that the ventilation system be improved.
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(1992) Cocalico School District, Denver, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Cocalico School District (SIC- 1542) of Denver, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of a solvent odor in the Adamstown Elementary School building. A solvent primarily composed of terpenes had been used to remove floor tile mastic during the removal of asbestos tiles from the school rooms. Staff and students had experienced eye and throat irritation, nausea, and headaches. Efforts had been made to reduce the odor, and students had been relocated to another... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Cocalico School District (SIC- 1542) of Denver, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of a solvent odor in the Adamstown Elementary School building. A solvent primarily composed of terpenes had been used to remove floor tile mastic during the removal of asbestos tiles from the school rooms. Staff and students had experienced eye and throat irritation, nausea, and headaches. Efforts had been made to reduce the odor, and students had been relocated to another building. Twelve area air samples were collected to measure the concentrations of volatile organic compounds in various locations of the building. All concentrations were significantly below required limits. The source did not appear to be the solvent used to remove the tile mastic, but rather appeared to be from products used in construction and renovation projects. The author concludes that the concentrations of individual volatile organic compounds at the time of the survey did not represent a health hazard. The total volatile organic compound concentration could cause symptoms of eye, nose and throat irritation. The author recommends measures to prevent elevated levels of volatile organic compounds after renovations.
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(1992) Dana Perfume Corporation, Mountaintop, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management and Local 8-782 of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, an investigation was begun regarding nausea, tongue numbness, throat irritation and headaches occurring among employees in the Spray Room at the Dana Perfume Corporation (SIC-2844), Mountaintop, Pennsylvania. On average, 26,000 bottles were filled and packaged in one day at the facility. Personal breathing zone and area air samples revealed detectable, but relatively low, concent... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management and Local 8-782 of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, an investigation was begun regarding nausea, tongue numbness, throat irritation and headaches occurring among employees in the Spray Room at the Dana Perfume Corporation (SIC-2844), Mountaintop, Pennsylvania. On average, 26,000 bottles were filled and packaged in one day at the facility. Personal breathing zone and area air samples revealed detectable, but relatively low, concentrations of volatile organic compounds including ethanol (64175). Concentrations were also detectable, but barely, of beta-pinene (127913), p-cymene (25155151), limonene (138863), and benzyl-acetate (140114). No detectable levels of aldehydes were found in the area air sample in the spray room. The authors conclude that, although overexposures to perfume constituents were not found in this study, exposure to low concentrations could cause some of the symptoms reported. The most likely sources of the exposures which were observed were the actuator placement area and the filling machine area. The authors recommend that steps be taken to reduce the exposure levels in the spray room.
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(1992) Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Director of Diagnostic Services of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (SIC-8062), Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of new control methods for ribavirin (36791045) administration which had been implemented in 1991. A plastic enclosure was installed which was designed to contain the aerosol in the administration area. Supplied air hood respirators were required for health care workers and visitors when entering the plastic enclosed adm... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Director of Diagnostic Services of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (SIC-8062), Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of new control methods for ribavirin (36791045) administration which had been implemented in 1991. A plastic enclosure was installed which was designed to contain the aerosol in the administration area. Supplied air hood respirators were required for health care workers and visitors when entering the plastic enclosed administration area. Air sampling was conducted, room ventilation rates were measured, engineering controls were evaluated, and the respiratory protection policy and equipment were reviewed. The administration monitored was over a 16 hour period for a 5 month old infant. Twelve inch cubical delivery hoods and small particle aerosol generators were used for administering the drug. A range of 125 to 670 micrograms per cubic meter for ribavirin concentrations was determined in the short term breathing zone samples. Samples taken from inside the supplied air respirator had no detectable ribavirin. Nurses and respiratory therapists were able to put on the hoods with no trouble and they did not interfere with their tasks. The author concludes that exhausted plastic enclosures maintained under negative pressure may be able to control the spread of ribavirin aerosol to adjacent areas. The use of supplied air respirators was feasible as a control method. The author recommends that training and improvements in the respirator program be instituted.
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(1992) J. M. Grasse Elementary School, Sellersville, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee bargaining unit, an investigation was undertaken of indoor environmental quality at the J. M. Grasse Elementary School (SIC-8211), Sellersville, Pennsylvania. Some staff members had reported upper respiratory problems related to working in the school building. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment was inspected, and the operation of the HVAC systems was evaluated. Air sampling for possible chemical contaminants was conducted. Th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee bargaining unit, an investigation was undertaken of indoor environmental quality at the J. M. Grasse Elementary School (SIC-8211), Sellersville, Pennsylvania. Some staff members had reported upper respiratory problems related to working in the school building. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment was inspected, and the operation of the HVAC systems was evaluated. Air sampling for possible chemical contaminants was conducted. The estimated minimum outside air intake rates provided by two of the heating and ventilating units in the older wing of the building were insufficient. However, the units, predominately operating at maximum intake rates due to weather conditions, provided sufficient ventilation to most areas. Most indoor relative humidities were below recommended ranges at the measured temperatures. An airborne concentration of an aliphatic hydrocarbon mixture, identified as photocopier solution, was greater than usually found in the nonindustrial indoor environment, but this concentration was well below recognized limits. No microorganisms were detected in any bulk material samples. The author concludes that several of these factors may impact upon the indoor environmental quality in the school, but the findings of this evaluation could not substantiate any of these factors as causative of staff members' complaints and symptoms.
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(1992) Northwest Incinerator, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City of Philadelphia and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 33, Local 427, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Northwest Incinerator (SIC-4953), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Full shift personal breathing zone and general area air samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), total dust, respirable dust, crystalline... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City of Philadelphia and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 33, Local 427, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Northwest Incinerator (SIC-4953), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Full shift personal breathing zone and general area air samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), total dust, respirable dust, crystalline silica (14808607), and metals. Airborne concentrations of respirable nuisance dust were all well below the permissible exposure limits. Concentrations of PCDDs/PCDFs expressed as 2,3,7,8- tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) equivalents ranged from 0.01 to 12.8 picograms per cubic meter. There was also significant lead (7439921) surface contamination in one wipe sample. The authors conclude that possible exposures to PCDDs/PCDFs via inhalation and from surface contamination did exist. The facility ceased operations immediately after the evaluation. The authors recommend measures to cut down on exposure should the site be reopened for use or remediation.
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(1992) Polyclinic Medical Center, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Central Penn Anesthesiology, Ltd. (SIC- 8011) personnel working at the Polyclinic Medical Center (SIC-8062), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of complaints of severe headaches and rashes related to working in the Pain Clinic. The Pain Clinic at the Polyclinic Medical Center in Harrisburg had opened in December of 1989. The three rooms at the facility were occupied intermittently by anesthesiologists, nurses, secretaries, and patients. Workers r... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Central Penn Anesthesiology, Ltd. (SIC- 8011) personnel working at the Polyclinic Medical Center (SIC-8062), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of complaints of severe headaches and rashes related to working in the Pain Clinic. The Pain Clinic at the Polyclinic Medical Center in Harrisburg had opened in December of 1989. The three rooms at the facility were occupied intermittently by anesthesiologists, nurses, secretaries, and patients. Workers reported severe headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, and urticarial rash. The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system serving the Pain Clinic revealed no visual evidence of microbiological growth, maintenance deficiencies, or other apparent problems. Medical testing results did not indicate abnormalities which suggested an acute exposure to environmental toxicants that could cause these symptoms. The authors conclude that no chemical contaminants were found in concentrations which could account for the reported symptoms, and no specific environmental causes for the symptoms were identified. The authors recommend ventilation system improvements to improve the general quality of the indoor air.
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(1992) Somerset County Assistance Office Building, Somerset, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the superintendent of the office, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Somerset County Assistance Office Building (SIC-8399), Somerset, Pennsylvania. Employees had complained of eye and skin irritation and fatigue, particularly during afternoon hours. Temperature and humidity measurements were generally in accordance with recommendations. Mold growth was not found. Levels of airborne contaminants were very low and not expected to... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the superintendent of the office, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Somerset County Assistance Office Building (SIC-8399), Somerset, Pennsylvania. Employees had complained of eye and skin irritation and fatigue, particularly during afternoon hours. Temperature and humidity measurements were generally in accordance with recommendations. Mold growth was not found. Levels of airborne contaminants were very low and not expected to cause the symptoms which the workers had reported. The carbon-dioxide (124389) level was such that it would be expected to cause complaints of air quality. When the investigation was conducted, the ventilation system was only partially operative. However, even when the system was in full operation, the measurements indicated that the supply of outdoor air to the building was well below recommended rates for office complexes. The author concludes that the complaints may have been due to substandard ventilation and exposure to cigarette smoke. The author recommends that more outside air be provided to the building and smoking be restricted to certain specified areas of the building.
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(1992) Sporting Hill Elementary, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to community concerns that an odor at the Sporting Hill Elementary (SIC-1542) located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania was causing headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems for the staff and students, an investigation was made to determine the source of the problem. A solvent had been used to remove tile mastic and a carpet adhesive had been used to install new carpet during the remodeling of the school. Air quality samples were taken and analyzed which indicated tha... (Click to show more)In response to community concerns that an odor at the Sporting Hill Elementary (SIC-1542) located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania was causing headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems for the staff and students, an investigation was made to determine the source of the problem. A solvent had been used to remove tile mastic and a carpet adhesive had been used to install new carpet during the remodeling of the school. Air quality samples were taken and analyzed which indicated that the source of the odor was primarily the solvent used to remove the tile mastic. The area air concentrations of total volatile organic compounds ranged from nondetectable to 2.1mg/m3. The concentrations as measured were far below the acceptable limit for trimethylbenzene which was used as a surrogate to compare the levels as there was no occupational guideline specifically for the chemical mixture used in the remover. The author concludes that, while the concentration present on the day of the study was not sufficient to cause a health hazard, the concentration was in the range of that which may cause occupants of the building to experience eye nose and throat irritation. The author recommends measures which may prevent similar problems associated with renovations.
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(1991) Carbonnaire Company, Palmerton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a Carbonnaire Company Representative, an investigation was undertaken of possible exposure to metal dusts at Carbonnaire Company (SIC-2873, SIC-2813), Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The metal dust was thought to be blowing in from an adjacent zinc recycling company. Carbonnaire manufactured synthetic anhydrous-ammonia (7664417) by the Haber-Bosch process. About 29 employees worked three shifts. Air samples, wipe samples and soil samples were collected for analysis of meta... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a Carbonnaire Company Representative, an investigation was undertaken of possible exposure to metal dusts at Carbonnaire Company (SIC-2873, SIC-2813), Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The metal dust was thought to be blowing in from an adjacent zinc recycling company. Carbonnaire manufactured synthetic anhydrous-ammonia (7664417) by the Haber-Bosch process. About 29 employees worked three shifts. Air samples, wipe samples and soil samples were collected for analysis of metal content. Blood samples were obtained from 13 workers. Lead (7439921) concentrations in wipe samples ranged from 108 to 432 micrograms/square foot. Surface soil and ventilation filter dust contained up to 4.5% lead. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 4 to 13 micrograms/deciliter. Personal breathing samples detected ammonia concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 122.6 parts per million (ppm). The highest personal exposure was collected over 5 minutes in the east compressor area. The author concludes that a health hazard existed due to ammonia exposure from leaking equipment. A potential health hazard may exist from exposure to lead at this location. The author recommends specific measures to reduce exposures and improve working conditions at this facility.
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