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HHE Search Results
112 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
(1993) Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (SIC-9311), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Health problems reported included headaches, body aches, dizziness, sinus problems, flue symptoms, low energy levels and constant colds. All of the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels measured were below the required limits. In some places the temperature and relative humidity measures exceeded the summer comf... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (SIC-9311), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Health problems reported included headaches, body aches, dizziness, sinus problems, flue symptoms, low energy levels and constant colds. All of the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels measured were below the required limits. In some places the temperature and relative humidity measures exceeded the summer comfort range. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified included acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), pentane (109660), hexane (110543), tetrachloroethane (79345), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556). None of the compounds exceeded any applicable exposure limits. Symptoms most often reported included tired or strained eyes, stuffed nose, sinus congestion, irritation of the eyes, tiredness, headache, and dry throat. Several potential problems were noted with the air handling units such as leaking control valves, out of calibration controllers, incorrectly selected or placed sensors, and malfunctioning control systems. The authors conclude that no specific exposure were identified that would explain the symptoms reported by workers. The authors recommend measures to improve the work environment, including implementing a more effective smoking policy, minimizing pesticide spraying, and improving the temperature and humidity control in the building.
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(1993) Tri-County North School, Lewisburg, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the superintendent of the Tri-County North school system (SIC-8211), Lewisburg, Ohio, an investigation was begun into possible airborne pollutants at that site. Employees had reported respiratory difficulty, impaired concentration, nausea, and severe headaches. The two story elementary/middle/high school was completed in 1990. Approximately 1,125 students, 70 teachers, and 20 nonteaching staff were located in the building. The school used 114 heat pumps, controlled ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the superintendent of the Tri-County North school system (SIC-8211), Lewisburg, Ohio, an investigation was begun into possible airborne pollutants at that site. Employees had reported respiratory difficulty, impaired concentration, nausea, and severe headaches. The two story elementary/middle/high school was completed in 1990. Approximately 1,125 students, 70 teachers, and 20 nonteaching staff were located in the building. The school used 114 heat pumps, controlled by a central computer system, to condition the air in the school. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels consistently exceeded 1000 parts per million (ppm) throughout the building. Temperature and humidity levels were within comfort requirements. Formaldehyde (50000) levels ranged from 0.02 to 0.04ppm. No evidence of microorganisms was found. Very low levels of volatile organic compounds were measured in classrooms. Decane (124185), used in photocopiers, was detected in several areas. The authors conclude that the amount of outside air supplied was below the ventilation design criteria for classrooms. The authors recommend that the amount of outside air be increased, emissions from photocopiers be controlled, and that the ventilation system be improved.
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(1993) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center, Austin, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center (SIC-9451), Austin, Texas, an investigation was made concerning complaints of poor indoor air quality. Complaints included breathing problems, itching, headaches, coughing, congestion, fiberglass from ceiling panels, and paper dust. The site was formerly a warehouse which was converted to office space. Five general area, full shift air samples were collected for total dust concentration... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center (SIC-9451), Austin, Texas, an investigation was made concerning complaints of poor indoor air quality. Complaints included breathing problems, itching, headaches, coughing, congestion, fiberglass from ceiling panels, and paper dust. The site was formerly a warehouse which was converted to office space. Five general area, full shift air samples were collected for total dust concentrations. The eight hour time weighted average results ranged from not detectable to 0.21mg/m3. Ozone (10028156) concentrations were equal to or greater than the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) at microfiche reader printer exhaust ports. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels in the building ranged from 425ppm to 875ppm. Temperature ranged from 72.0 to 80.0 degrees-F. Relative humidity indoors ranged from 48.4 to 64.4%. The most common symptoms reported by the workers were mucous membrane irritation, fatigue or sleepiness, and headache. The authors conclude that clear evidence was not found to explain all of the symptoms reported. Respiratory symptoms may be explained by ozone levels near the microfilm reader printers. Psychosocial conditions may have been contributory. The authors recommend that maintenance of the air handling system be improved.
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(1993) Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an evaluation was conducted of recurring symptoms in workers in the communications room at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (SIC-4111), Washington, DC. Workers in the communications room had reported eye, throat, and upper respiratory tract irritation. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels ranged from 375 to 510 parts per million (ppm) throughout the sampling period. A number of deficiencies were noted in the ventilation system. Methylene-chloride ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an evaluation was conducted of recurring symptoms in workers in the communications room at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (SIC-4111), Washington, DC. Workers in the communications room had reported eye, throat, and upper respiratory tract irritation. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels ranged from 375 to 510 parts per million (ppm) throughout the sampling period. A number of deficiencies were noted in the ventilation system. Methylene-chloride (75092) was detected as a trace contaminant of a contact cleaner used on a daily basis. Dry itching or tearing eyes, dry throat, stuffy nose/sinus congestion, headache, fatigue and sleepiness were the most common complaints reported by workers. In a follow up evaluation of electric and magnetic fields, one area of concern was near the transformers and the Data Service Units. Magnetic field measurements ranged from 0.1 to 3000 milligauss. Illumination levels ranged from 27 to 460 lux. The authors conclude that no specific health hazard was identified. However, the authors recommend that improvements be made in indoor environment, including balancing the ventilation system, improving lighting and further examining the presence of methylene-chloride.
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(1992) Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employer representative at the Food and Drug Administration (SIC-9641) at Cincinnati, Ohio an investigation was begun into potential exposures to lead (7439921) from lead based paint. A steam leak within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit in the basement caused the paint on the wall of the unit to peel and be distributed throughout the first floor. Bulk samples of the paint were submitted for lead analysis. Results indicated varying amounts of lead ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employer representative at the Food and Drug Administration (SIC-9641) at Cincinnati, Ohio an investigation was begun into potential exposures to lead (7439921) from lead based paint. A steam leak within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit in the basement caused the paint on the wall of the unit to peel and be distributed throughout the first floor. Bulk samples of the paint were submitted for lead analysis. Results indicated varying amounts of lead ranging from 500 to 1000 parts per million (ppm) were present. Area air samples were collected 2 months later to determine possible lead exposures. Area air samples revealed levels up to 0.09 micrograms per cubic meter. Surface wipe samples were also below the allowable limits, ranging from less than 1.86 to 39.0 micrograms per square foot. Bulk samples of paint indicated lead levels from 110 to 52000 micrograms per gram. This was equivalent to 0.01 to 5.2% by weight, respectively. The author conclude that a health hazard did not exist from exposures to lead. The potential for future problems was indicated by the content of lead in the bulk paint samples. The author recommends the development of a management program to prevent further release of lead. A removal program for the rest of the lead containing paint is also proposed.
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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) Social Security Administration, District Office, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into poor indoor environmental quality at the Social Security Administration (SIC-9441) District Office located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Employees at that site had expressed concern over mucous membrane irritation, headaches, and poor air circulation. The District Office was located in a single story office complex, and employed 35 workers. Other businesses in the complex included a dry cleaners. Area air sampling was perfor... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into poor indoor environmental quality at the Social Security Administration (SIC-9441) District Office located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Employees at that site had expressed concern over mucous membrane irritation, headaches, and poor air circulation. The District Office was located in a single story office complex, and employed 35 workers. Other businesses in the complex included a dry cleaners. Area air sampling was performed for formaldehyde (50000) and volatile organic compounds. Only one formaldehyde sample was above the minimum detectable concentration. Perchloroethylene (127184) was detected in indoor air at 0.18mg/m3 and in outdoor air at 0.30mg/m3. Temperature measurements were within the limits in most instances. Relative humidity was on the lower end of the comfort zone. Measurements of carbon-dioxide (124389) taken daily approached 1,000 parts per million (ppm), suggesting that an inadequate amount of dilution ventilation was occurring. The author concludes that no health hazard was identified. Entrainment of outside air contaminated with perchloroethylene from the dry cleaning establishment and low relative humidity may have been factors in employee complaints. The author recommends that efforts be made to improve the indoor air quality at this site by reducing the possibility of entrainment of air contaminated with perchloroethylene and improving ventilation.
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(1981) Bibb County Department of Family and Childrens Services, Macon, Georgia. (Click to open report) Air quality was studied, ventilation systems evaluated, medical questionnaires distributed, and sick leave records reviewed at the Bibb County Department of Family and Childrens Services (SIC-8321) in Macon, Georgia, on May 19, 1981. Unspecified individuals requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 151 affected workers. Although there was no evidence of occupational exposure to toxic chemicals, health complaints and related symptoms were reported by 81 percent of the employees. Employe... (Click to show more)Air quality was studied, ventilation systems evaluated, medical questionnaires distributed, and sick leave records reviewed at the Bibb County Department of Family and Childrens Services (SIC-8321) in Macon, Georgia, on May 19, 1981. Unspecified individuals requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 151 affected workers. Although there was no evidence of occupational exposure to toxic chemicals, health complaints and related symptoms were reported by 81 percent of the employees. Employees had also taken an average of 12.6 days of sick leave per person per year. The ventilation system evaluation revealed that the outside air dampers on all air conditioning units were fully closed, a configuration contrary to initial design specification. Ventilation fans were also set to shut off automatically when air conditioning units cycled off. The authors conclude that the lack of sufficient outside air and shutdown of air circulation were probably responsible for the reported symptoms and discomfort, and this problem was also exacerbated by the 37 percent ratio of smokers in the office. They recommend that the ventilation system be operated with the outside air dampers open, ventilation fans should be continuously operated, smoking within the office should be reduced, and a follow up reexamination of sick leave records should be undertaken in the future.
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(1981) Federal Office Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for ozone (10028156), carbon- monoxide (630080), carbon-dioxide (124389), formaldehyde (50000), and branched alkanes at the Federal Office Building (SIC-9199) in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 8, 1981. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of two affected workers. All ozone, carbon-monoxide, carbon-dioxide, and formaldehyde concentrations were below the limits of detection. Branched alkanes were detected at about 0.2 milligram per cubic m... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for ozone (10028156), carbon- monoxide (630080), carbon-dioxide (124389), formaldehyde (50000), and branched alkanes at the Federal Office Building (SIC-9199) in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 8, 1981. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of two affected workers. All ozone, carbon-monoxide, carbon-dioxide, and formaldehyde concentrations were below the limits of detection. Branched alkanes were detected at about 0.2 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3), more than 1000 times lower than any current occupational health criteria. The authors conclude that a health hazard from airborne contaminants did not exist at this facility. They recommend improved air circulation and the prohibition of smoking by workers while in the computer room.
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(1979) Horizon House Institute for Research and Development, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical evaluations were conducted on February 27 and 28, 1979 at the Horizon House Institute for Research and Development (SIC-8922) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in response to a request from an authorized employee representative to determine a possible hazard to approximately five employees from exposure to unknown odors in the workplace. Direct reading instruments were used to evaluate environmental conditions and to check for airborne contamination from carbon-monoxide (63... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical evaluations were conducted on February 27 and 28, 1979 at the Horizon House Institute for Research and Development (SIC-8922) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in response to a request from an authorized employee representative to determine a possible hazard to approximately five employees from exposure to unknown odors in the workplace. Direct reading instruments were used to evaluate environmental conditions and to check for airborne contamination from carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon-dioxide (124389), oxides of nitrogen, ozone (10028156), and total organic vapors. Each employee was given a non-directive medical questionnaire to complete. No toxic exposures to any of the contaminants were found. The kitchen exhaust was not functioning and was allowing odors to downdraft into the work area, and gas stove pilot lights were emitting a slight gas odor. Relatively high temperatures (80 degrees-F), low relative humidity (approximately 15 percent), and borderline inadequate lighting (45 to 60 footcandles) were observed. Three employees reported adverse health effects. The author concludes that no toxic agents were present to account for the alleged health effects, but environmental conditions could have produced the reported symptoms. The repairing of exhaust ventilation, lowering of room temperatures, use of brighter lighting, and installation of a portable humidifier are recommended by the author.
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