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HHE Search Results
19 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
(2020) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility. (Click to open report) Physicians at a university medical center diagnosed obliterative bronchiolitis, a serious, often disabling lung disease, in five former employees of the coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility. In April 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a confidential employee request from a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility with approximately 85 employees. The requestors had concerns about respiratory symptoms,... (Click to show more)Physicians at a university medical center diagnosed obliterative bronchiolitis, a serious, often disabling lung disease, in five former employees of the coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility. In April 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a confidential employee request from a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility with approximately 85 employees. The requestors had concerns about respiratory symptoms, lung disease, and eye irritation related to the manufacturing of coffee products, including ingredients used in the flavoring process. In July/August 2012, we conducted an initial walk-through site visit at the facility. In September 2012, we conducted a medical survey; we administered a questionnaire, performed breathing tests, and measured antibodies in blood. In November 2012, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione) and dust. Bulk samples of whole bean green and roasted coffee, ground roasted coffee, and liquid flavorings were collected to evaluate the potential for emission of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We evaluated respiratory health and airborne exposures to alpha-diketones (diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione), dust, other volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide during coffee roasting, grinding, flavoring, and packaging. Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were detected in a majority of full-shift personal breathing zone air samples. During the November 2012 visit, the maximum concentration of diacetyl was 166.0 parts per billion in a personal sample from a packaging employee while the maximum 2,3-pentanedione concentration was 199.0 parts per billion from a personal sample collected on an employee in the flavoring room. In April 2017, personal samples from employees in the flavoring room gave maximum concentrations of 163.8 parts per billion diacetyl and 899.6 parts per billion 2,3-pentanedione. In November 2012, 58 of 59 full-shift personal samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion and 42 of 59 samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 parts per billion. In April 2017, 28 of 29 full-shift personal samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limits for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. The production volume in April 2017 was approximately 70% higher than our first visit which likely contributed to the higher concentrations measured in some areas. During the medical survey, eye and nose symptoms were the most commonly reported symptoms; 1.6-fold excess of employees reported shortness of breath compared to the U.S. population with a similar demographic distribution, and 2.7 times as many employees as expected had spirometric obstruction than in the U.S. population. We recommend installing local exhaust and dilution ventilation and implementing administrative controls such as modification of work practices. Until engineering and administrative controls are in place, we recommend respiratory protection to reduce exposures to alpha-diketones. The choice of respirator should be guided by personal exposure sampling for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione and be made only by qualified personnel. We also recommended continuing the medical surveillance program.
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(2020) Exposures at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and other alpha-diketones during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring of coffee. In April 2019, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and other alpha-diketones during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring of coffee. In April 2019, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide in specific areas and during tasks. All full-shift personal samples collected during the industrial hygiene survey exceeded the recommended exposure limits of 5 parts per billion for diacetyl or 9.3 parts per billion for 2,3-pentanedione in 13 of 13 samples. Grinding roasted coffee beans, flavoring roasted beans, and packaging roasted coffee beans resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding of unflavored coffee. Continuous air sampling for carbon monoxide identified peak exposures during grinding of roasted coffee. Area carbon monoxide measurements were higher near the main grinder and in the roasted bean storage/off-gassing and staging area compared with other work areas. Carbon dioxide levels were below occupational exposure limits throughout the facility. We recommend implementing local exhaust ventilation on the grinders, and training employees about workplace hazards. We also recommend providing respiratory protection for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione to reduce exposures to alpha-diketones until engineering and administrative controls are in place.
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(2019) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and two off-site retail cafés. (Click to open report) In March 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and off-site retail cafés with 15 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, coffee grinding, and café tasks. In May 2017, we conducted the medical survey, industrial hygiene survey, and ventilation assessment at the roastery produ... (Click to show more)In March 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and off-site retail cafés with 15 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, coffee grinding, and café tasks. In May 2017, we conducted the medical survey, industrial hygiene survey, and ventilation assessment at the roastery production space and two off-site retail cafés. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also conducted a ventilation assessment in both cafés and the roastery production space location. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. An interim letter reporting industrial hygiene results and recommendations was sent to the company following our visit. Most time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were below the NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Five of the 13 full-shift samples collected during the survey exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 13.9 parts per billion. We identified jobs where some work tasks resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans was associated with higher diacetyl levels. Overall, the most commonly reported symptoms were associated with mucous membranes, specifically the nose, eyes, and sinuses. Most employees reported that they did not feel that their symptoms were caused or aggravated by work-related exposures. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom, 33% of employees reported experiencing this symptom in the last 12 months. All administered spirometry tests (n=9) were normal. One of nine participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation, and three of nine participants had airway obstructions. We recommend moving the cold brew grinders in the basement of the downtown café closer to an outside wall and installing an exhaust fan or ducted local exhaust ventilation system to exhaust contaminants generated during grinding directly outdoors. We also recommend introducing prescribed amounts of fresh, outdoor air to the café spaces to help further reduce airborne concentrations. Further, we recommended operating the ventilation system in the roastery production space continuously during roastery operating hours, training employees about workplace hazards, and establishing a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2019) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In May 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In July 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collection of air sampl... (Click to show more)In May 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In July 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee for analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Continuous monitoring instruments were used to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also measured levels of carbon monoxide in employees' exhaled breath and conducted a ventilation assessment. In August 2016, we conducted a medical evaluation of employees that consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. In February 2017, we returned to conduct an industrial hygiene survey of the finished goods warehouse All personal full-shift samples collected during the industrial hygiene survey exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5.0 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 420.9 parts per billion. Thirty-six of the 37 full-shift samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 ppb, with a maximum of 275.9 parts per billion. We identified work tasks that resulted in higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. Specifically, flavoring coffee, grinding roasted coffee beans, roasting coffee beans, packaging roasted coffee, and cleaning equipment were associated with higher diacetyl levels. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during flavoring, grinding, and packaging. Air levels of carbon monoxide collected on employees with duties that included flavoring and grinding coffee exceeded the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 parts per million. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. The most commonly reported symptoms were nose and eye symptoms. Some employees reported these nose and eye symptoms were caused or aggravated by green bean coffee burlap bags, green bean and roasted coffee dust, smoke, flavorings, or roasting coffee Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom. Some employees reported their lower respiratory symptoms were caused or aggravated by grinding and flavoring, heat, or stress. Six (6%) of 99 participants had abnormal spirometry. Eight (8%) participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. Employees who reported grinding or flavoring had higher odds of waking up with chest tightness and episodes of flu-like achiness or achy joints in the last 12 months, and had lower lung function parameters, although these were not statistically significant. One participant with abnormal spirometry and work-related respiratory symptoms was referred to a pulmonologist and subsequently received a clinical diagnosis of obliterative bronchiolitis associated with occupational exposure to flavorings In response to our evaluation, the company implemented engineering controls and made administrative changes to reduce employees' exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. The company installed additional general exhaust ventilation in administrative and production areas, local exhaust ventilation in production areas where sources of high exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were documented, and equipment to monitor pressure differentials between production and administrative spaces. The company also enclosed the grinding area. Personal protective equipment requirements were implemented and included powered air-purifying respirators for employees in the flavoring room and grinding area, and half-face respirators for employees in other areas of the facility until exposures could be reduced and verified by additional air sampling. The company also instituted a medical surveillance program that included repeating spirometry every six months to identify employees who might be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, flavoring related lung disease). Of 53 employees who underwent spirometry testing conducted by NIOSH in 2016 and the coffee facility s occupational health provider in 2017, six (11%) had 15% or more decrease in lung function between tests, which is more than expected because of aging. One employee had 15% or more decrease between two occupational health provider spirometry tests conducted in 2017. We recommend follow-up air sampling to confirm the effectiveness of engineering controls and consulting with a ventilation engineer to install additional engineering controls near point sources. Additional engineering controls might be designed to capture diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione in specific locations at sources where elevated levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were measured. We recommend the company continue to train employees about potential workplace hazards, and continue to administer the medical surveillance program.
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(2019) Exposures at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In February 2018, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and other alpha-diketones during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring of coffee. In May 2018, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial... (Click to show more)In February 2018, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and other alpha-diketones during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring of coffee. In May 2018, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. None of the eight full-shift personal samples collected during the industrial hygiene survey exceeded the recommended exposure limits of 5 parts per billion for diacetyl or 9.3 parts per billion for 2,3-pentanedione. Grinding roasted coffee beans and flavoring roasted beans resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding of unflavored coffee. Continuous air sampling identified peak exposures to carbon monoxide during grinding of roasted coffee; however, carbon monoxide measurements did not exceed occupational exposure limits. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. We recommend implementing local exhaust ventilation near the packaging grinders, and training employees about workplace hazards.
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(2018) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns regarding exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. During January 31 - February 1, 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for th... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns regarding exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. During January 31 - February 1, 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for the analyses of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Bulk samples were also collected for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione emission potential. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also performed a ventilation assessment of the coffee production area. On February 2, 2017, we conducted a medical survey of production employees that consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Overall, personal time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limits. For diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, the NIOSH RELs are 5.0 ppb and 9.3 ppb, respectively, as a TWA for up to an 8-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. We identified jobs where some work tasks measured over minutes resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, grinding coffee beans, packaging coffee beans, and cleaning the roaster, were associated with diacetyl levels above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit. Overall, mucous membrane symptoms, specifically eye, nose, and sinus symptoms, and flu-like achiness or achy joints, were the most commonly reported symptoms. Some production employees reported their mucous membrane symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee dust, or ground coffee dust. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom. Participants reported that these lower respiratory symptoms were not work-related or aggravated by an exposure at work.One participant had abnormal spirometry. We recommend installing general room ventilation in the production space and operate it continuously during the work-shift and installing local exhaust in areas where higher exposure tasks were observed such as grinding, weighing and packaging roasted coffee. We also recommended implementing a medical monitoring program for employees who work in the production are to identify any employees who might be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2018) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In February 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns about potential health issues related to exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In September 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and a medical survey at the facility. The industrial h... (Click to show more)In February 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns about potential health issues related to exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In September 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and a medical survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Continuous monitoring instruments were used to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. One interim report with recommendations was sent to the company following our visit. Overall, full-shift time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were higher in production areas of the facility. However, none of the personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 2.9 parts per billion. Similarly, none of the personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 2.6 parts per billion. We identified some work tasks that resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, coffee roasting tasks were associated with higher diacetyl levels. We recommend air sampling during flavoring and after building construction is complete to determine if alpha-diketone exposures are above the recommended exposure limits. We also recommend implementing administrative controls such as modification of work practices, training employees about workplace hazards, and voluntary use of N95 disposable filtering facepiece respirators available for protection against green or roasted coffee dust and burlap exposure such as when working with green beans. Additionally, we recommend a medical monitoring program for employees who flavor the small batches of coffee approximately four times per year to identify any employees who might be developing lung disease (e.g., obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and flavoring facility. (Click to open report) In November 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management of a coffee roasting and flavoring facility with six employees regarding repetitive motion injuries, potential burns, general warehouse safety, and potential employee exposure to green coffee bean dust, diacetyl, and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee processing. In January 2017, we observed work practices and conducted an industrial hygiene survey an... (Click to show more)In November 2016, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management of a coffee roasting and flavoring facility with six employees regarding repetitive motion injuries, potential burns, general warehouse safety, and potential employee exposure to green coffee bean dust, diacetyl, and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee processing. In January 2017, we observed work practices and conducted an industrial hygiene survey and a medical survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione), carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Bulk samples of whole bean coffee and flavoring were collected to evaluate the potential for emission of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. One interim report with recommendations was sent to the company following our visit. Overall, full-shift time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were higher in flavoring and grinding areas of the facility. All four of the personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 20.7 parts per billion. One of the four personal full-shift samples collected in the production area exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 parts per billion, with a maximum measured concentration of 24.0 parts per billion. We identified some work tasks that resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, flavoring roasted coffee beans by hand, grinding flavored and unflavored roasted coffee beans, and weighing and packaging roasted coffee were associated with higher diacetyl levels. Some employees reported eye, nose, or sinus symptoms or wheezing or whistling in the chest that was aggravated at work. We also observed tasks that presented risk factors for repetitive strain injuries and burns, specifically the flavoring, grinding, and packaging processes. We recommend installing local exhaust ventilation, implementing administrative controls such as modification of work practices, and training employees about workplace hazards. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who might be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and associated café. (Click to open report) In January 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and associated coffee café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and café tasks. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment. We also performed a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consiste... (Click to show more)In January 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility and associated coffee café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and café tasks. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment. We also performed a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and general area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). Bulk samples of whole bean green and roasted coffee were collected to evaluate the potential for emission of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. At the roasting and packaging facility, all full-shift personal air sample results were below the recommended exposure limits for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Grinding tasks in the production area resulted in the highest alpha-diketone exposures. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations in the air did not exceed applicable exposure limits. Eye and nose symptoms were the most commonly reported symptoms. Breathing trouble and awakening with chest tightness were the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom. All participants with upper or lower respiratory symptoms reported that their symptoms did not improve away from work. These respiratory symptoms and the lung function abnormalities could be related to workplace exposures or to other factors. However, our findings of respiratory symptoms caused or aggravated by dust, green bean dust, or chaff in 40% of medical survey participants suggest a burden of respiratory problems in this workforce. We recommend operating the rooftop air-handling unit at all times during production activities, implementing administrative controls such as modification of work practices, training employees about workplace hazards, and voluntary use of N95 disposable filtering facepiece respirators available for protection against green or roasted coffee dust exposure such as when working with green coffee beans or chaff. At the café, three of five full-shift personal air samples were above the recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with the highest measured concentration of 6 parts per billion. None of the personal samples exceeded the recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione. An employee that made espresso drinks, including grinding the coffee beans, had the highest personal task-based exposures for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Both diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione air concentrations increased over the course of the work day. When we measured beside the expresso machine, carbon dioxide levels also increased slightly throughout the day, and were higher than recommended. The air-handling unit that provided ventilation to the café was recirculating 100% of the air from the café spaces without bringing in any outdoor air. An adequate supply of outdoor air, typically delivered through the heating, and air-conditioning system, is necessary in any indoor environment to dilute pollutants that are released by equipment, building materials, furnishing, processes and products (e.g., grinding coffee) as well as people. Nose symptoms followed by sinusitis or sinus problems were the most commonly reported symptoms; medical survey participants did not report any work-related symptoms. All spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide tests were normal. We recommend training employees about workplace hazards and working with a ventilation expert to bring in appropriate levels of outdoor air to meet ventilation guidelines.
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(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In July 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential request from employees of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl, smoke, and dust during coffee roasting and grinding. In November 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffe... (Click to show more)In July 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential request from employees of a coffee roasting and packaging facility. The request stated concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl, smoke, and dust during coffee roasting and grinding. In November 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Continuous monitoring instruments were used to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also measured levels of carbon monoxide in employees' exhaled breath and conducted a ventilation assessment. In November-December 2016, we conducted a medical evaluation of employees that consisted of a health questionnaire and medical tests. Thirty-one of the 37 full-shift samples collected during the industrial hygiene survey exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 24.5 parts per billion. Five of the 37 full-shift samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 ppb, with a maximum of 12.7 parts per billion. We identified jobs where some work tasks resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans, roasting coffee beans, and packaging roasted coffee were associated with higher diacetyl levels. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding. Air levels of carbon monoxide collected on employees with duties that included roasting coffee and quality control grinding of roasted beans exceeded the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 parts per million. Carbon monoxide levels near the FRAC grinder exceeded 200 parts per million. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. Overall, the most commonly reported symptoms were associated with mucous membranes, specifically the eyes and nose. Some production employees reported their mucous membrane symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee dust, chaff, ground coffee or smoke. Coughing and wheezing or whistling in the chest were the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptoms. No participant had abnormal spirometry; four participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. We recommend installing local exhaust ventilation, and training employees about workplace hazards. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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