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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
(2017) Exposures and respiratory health at a coffee processing facility. (Click to open report) In August 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coffee processing facility. The request expressed concern about exposure to diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In February 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment, an industrial hygiene survey, and a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples o... (Click to show more)In August 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at a coffee processing facility. The request expressed concern about exposure to diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In February 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment, an industrial hygiene survey, and a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee and flavorings 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 breathing tests and a questionnaire covering medical and work histories. Overall, average air levels of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione were not elevated. We identified specific work tasks that resulted in higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. Specifically, packaging and flavoring tasks were associated with the highest levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Some employees reported respiratory symptoms or diagnoses and/or had abnormal lung function tests. We recommend using engineering and administrative controls as a precautionary approach to limit employees' exposures and establishing a medical monitoring program.
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(2017) Eye and respiratory symptoms among employees at an indoor waterpark resort. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a local health department to evaluate symptoms and exposures to chlorine and disinfection byproducts among employees at an indoor waterpark resort. When investigating complaints from waterpark resort patrons, local health department officials became concerned about eye and nose irritation, difficulty breathing, cough, and vomiting among employees. We surveyed employees about work-related symptoms. We evaluated the ventilation systems a... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a local health department to evaluate symptoms and exposures to chlorine and disinfection byproducts among employees at an indoor waterpark resort. When investigating complaints from waterpark resort patrons, local health department officials became concerned about eye and nose irritation, difficulty breathing, cough, and vomiting among employees. We surveyed employees about work-related symptoms. We evaluated the ventilation systems and indoor environmental quality, and measured contaminants in the air. We found that employees had work-related eye and respiratory symptoms consistent with exposure to chemicals formed when chlorine used to disinfect pool water reacts with materials from swimmers' bodies; the chemicals formed are known as disinfection byproducts. Work-related eye and respiratory symptoms were about 5 times more common among employees who worked in the waterpark than other parts of the resort. We found low concentrations of chloroform in the air samples from the waterpark; also an indicator of potential exposure to disinfection byproducts. Levels of endotoxins and chlorine in the air were low. Water chlorine levels were at or above the waterpark's internal guidelines. The ventilation systems in the waterpark were not operating properly and did not meet current standards and guidelines. Waterpark air temperatures were lower and relative humidity levels were higher than the guidelines recommended. We recommended the waterpark improve the ventilation systems to ensure enough air movement, and proper dilution and removal of air contaminants. The waterpark should train employees (including maintenance staff) on the chemical and biological hazards in the waterpark. The primary focus should start with hazards related to chlorine. Employees should report work-related health concerns to their supervisor.
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(2017) Indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a commercial office building near a helipad. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees working in a commercial office building. They were concerned about potential exposure to fuel and other chemical odors that were believed to be from a nearby helipad. The building was also located near two large ferry terminals and a major highway. The employer reported that they had received employee complaints about fuel or chemical odors since moving into the building in 2009. Since 2012, over 300 odor incidents had been d... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees working in a commercial office building. They were concerned about potential exposure to fuel and other chemical odors that were believed to be from a nearby helipad. The building was also located near two large ferry terminals and a major highway. The employer reported that they had received employee complaints about fuel or chemical odors since moving into the building in 2009. Since 2012, over 300 odor incidents had been documented. The incidents included employee symptoms such as respiratory tract irritation, burning eyes and skin, headaches, and increased asthma symptoms. On the basis of our employee interviews, workplace observations, and document reviews, it appears that transient odors from nearby external sources such as a heliport, ferry terminals, emergency power generators, and a highway are likely entering the building's outdoor air intakes and resulting in periodic fuel odor complaints. The odors could be contributing to employees' symptoms. Helicopters are likely the predominant source of transient odors due to the proximity of the heliport to the building's outdoor air intakes. The current use of activated charcoal filters within the ventilation system is ineffective in capturing and removing odors from outdoor air. Ventilation controls, such as filtration, are unlikely to eliminate the problem. Strategies to reduce the fuel odors include removing or reducing the sources of the external exhaust. Although we interviewed a small percentage of the total workforce, most interviewed employees who reported health symptoms of sinus congestion and upper respiratory irritation reported that the symptoms occurred when fuel-like odors were present. We recommended a comprehensive ventilation assessment, testing emergency generators only on weekends, working with municipal authorities on ways to reduce helicopter traffic near the building, and implementing a fragrance-free policy.
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(2017) Indoor environmental quality concerns in an elementary school. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received an employee request from an elementary school. Employees were concerned about a perceived high incidence of cancers and other medical conditions and a possible association with the school's indoor environmental quality. We looked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity and looked at the ventilation systems in the building. We asked 89 employees about their work, medical history, and work-re... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received an employee request from an elementary school. Employees were concerned about a perceived high incidence of cancers and other medical conditions and a possible association with the school's indoor environmental quality. We looked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity and looked at the ventilation systems in the building. We asked 89 employees about their work, medical history, and work-related health concerns. We saw no evidence of a current mold problem in the school, and the ventilation systems and roof were well maintained and in good condition. However, in most of the classrooms we monitored, the unit ventilators did not bring in enough outdoor air during at least part of the school day. This situation occurred after the computer ventilation controls were changed in response to unusually cold weather prior to this evaluation, but were not reset. Many of the symptoms employees reported, such as sinus problems, eye and throat irritation, and headaches, have been associated with dampness or inadequate ventilation but are also common in the general population. We found no evidence that other reported health problems were related to the school environment. We recommended hiring a licensed professional mechanical engineer to assess the ventilation systems. We also recommended the school repair broken or disconnected roof drains, clean debris from the dry well, and discourage the use of air fresheners, scented candles, or potpourri.
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(2017) Occupational exposures at an insect rearing facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a federal agency on behalf of employees at a pink bollworm (moth) rearing facility. Managers and employees were concerned about indoor environmental quality and possible development of respiratory problems and allergies from exposures to chemicals, insects, and insect debris. We collected personal air samples for formaldehyde and inhalable particulate matter, and area air samples for moth scales and other insect debris. We interviewed ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a federal agency on behalf of employees at a pink bollworm (moth) rearing facility. Managers and employees were concerned about indoor environmental quality and possible development of respiratory problems and allergies from exposures to chemicals, insects, and insect debris. We collected personal air samples for formaldehyde and inhalable particulate matter, and area air samples for moth scales and other insect debris. We interviewed employees about their work, their health, and their concerns, and reviewed health questionnaire results and lung function testing done by a contractor hired by the employer. We also observed engineering controls, ventilation, work practices, and personal protective equipment use. Employees were exposed to multiple allergens and irritants in many areas such as formaldehyde, bleach, insects, insect debris, insect diet ingredients, and latex gloves. Air sampling results showed overexposures to formaldehyde (according to NIOSH criteria) during egg preparation and disinfection. Work procedures and practices could increase the potential for air and skin exposure to formaldehyde. Inhalable particulate matter containing moth scales, insect debris, or insect diet ingredients was not well controlled in the moth pouring, egg production, and tray scraping areas, which indicates that improvements in local exhaust ventilation were needed. Some employees reported health symptoms and had medical evidence suggesting potential allergy, occupational asthma, and lung obstruction. We recommended modifying the ventilation systems to improve capture and removal of inhalable particulates containing allergens and irritants. We also recommended replacing latex gloves with nitrile gloves to eliminate a potential allergen source.
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(2017) Ventilation and employee exposures to lead at an indoor firing range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer representative at an indoor firing range. The request concerned potential employee exposure to lead during routine tasks and range cleaning activities. Other concerns included the performance of the ventilation system and whether lead was migrating from the range to other areas of the building. We conducted a walk-through survey of the range to speak with employees and observe their work practices and personal protective eq... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer representative at an indoor firing range. The request concerned potential employee exposure to lead during routine tasks and range cleaning activities. Other concerns included the performance of the ventilation system and whether lead was migrating from the range to other areas of the building. We conducted a walk-through survey of the range to speak with employees and observe their work practices and personal protective equipment use. We collected full-shift personal and area air samples for lead, and reviewed the company's health and safety policy documents. We also collected employee hand wipe samples for lead before and after weekly range cleaning, and at the end of the work shift. No employees were overexposed to airborne lead. However, we did find lead on surfaces and employees' hands. The ventilation system performance met NIOSH guidelines. The company adhered to the OSHA lead standard and the type and availability of personal protective equipment was appropriate for the work performed by employees. We recommended increasing the use of a lead removal solution for surface and floor cleaning and lead removal hand wipes to reduce the possible spread of lead contamination. We also recommended using a lead-certified laundry service or providing a dedicated onsite, washer and dryer to clean employee uniforms and to help prevent take-home exposures.
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(2016) Indoor air quality concerns at an outpatient medical clinic in a shared-use building - West Virginia. (Click to open report) NIOSH received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation at an outpatient medical clinic in West Virginia. The request cited concerns about indoor air quality in the building. Clinic employees reported nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, burning eyes, numbness of hands and fingers, tingling around lips, metallic taste, itching, and reduced work productivity. We held voluntary confidential interviews with individual employees who wished to discuss their symptoms and ... (Click to show more)NIOSH received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation at an outpatient medical clinic in West Virginia. The request cited concerns about indoor air quality in the building. Clinic employees reported nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, burning eyes, numbness of hands and fingers, tingling around lips, metallic taste, itching, and reduced work productivity. We held voluntary confidential interviews with individual employees who wished to discuss their symptoms and concerns in October and November 2014. We learned that employees' symptoms began on or after January 2014. Additional symptoms reported by employees included chest pain, amnesia, difficulty breathing, wheeze, asthma exacerbation, isolated coughing fits at work, paresthesias (a tingling or prickling feeling), taste disturbances, and burning throat. Many employees reported that most symptoms resolved within 1-2 hours of leaving work. We spoke with clinic health and safety management and learned that prior to this health hazard evaluation request, the clinic had been closed and employees had been relocated to another medical center on two separate occasions. In response to employee concerns, air sampling surveys were performed by health and safety consultants after the clinic first closed. The consultants sampled for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total particulates, elements and metal compounds, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). No air levels were measured above any Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), or American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) exposure limits; however, measured levels of VOCs and CO suggested that air was potentially being entrained from neighboring businesses into the clinic. As a result of the air sampling surveys, consultants recommended that management (1) seal openings in the firewall to reduce and eliminate air entrainment from neighboring businesses; (2) reopen the air intake for the clinic to allow fresh, outdoor air into the clinic; and (3) modify the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure a positive pressurization of the clinic relative to neighboring spaces. Subsequently, clinic and building management made necessary repairs to implement these recommendations. However, when employees returned to the clinic, they continued to report symptoms. The clinic was closed a second time, and employees were relocated to another medical center off-site. Consequently, additional HVAC repairs were made and the employees returned to the clinic in early 2015. Despite the repairs made, employees continued to report respiratory and central nervous system symptoms. During an on-site assessment of the facility in March 2015, we collected area air samples in offices and in hallways shared by the clinic with neighboring businesses. We measured area air levels of formaldehyde, CO, CO2, other VOCs, and isocyanates. We also performed an assessment of the HVAC systems in place. We observed that the highest levels of CO, formaldehyde, and many other VOCs were external to the clinic in the adjacent shared hallway and break room and in the plenum space above the adjacent shared break room. Higher levels of CO, formaldehyde, and many VOCs in the shared hallways and plenum space suggests that the source(s) of CO, formaldehyde, and many other VOCs were external to the clinic. No CO was detected outside of the building which suggests that the CO was not from a source outside of the building. Our air samples highlighted several areas of the facility with formaldehyde air levels that approached or exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL). Our air sampling results indicated potential for entrainment of air from neighboring businesses into the clinic, despite the HVAC repairs made as of March 2015. As a result of our evaluation, clinic management decided to relocate the medical clinic to another location offsite.
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(2016) Indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a juvenile court building. (Click to open report) The employer at a juvenile court and detention building requested help in evaluating exposure to raw sewage, leaks from an underground diesel storage tank, and mold. We evaluated these concerns and measured carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation airflow. We saw no evidence of a current mold or sewage problem in the building. The underground diesel storage tank was inspected and maintained. However, we identified several correctable problems including inadequate building ... (Click to show more)The employer at a juvenile court and detention building requested help in evaluating exposure to raw sewage, leaks from an underground diesel storage tank, and mold. We evaluated these concerns and measured carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation airflow. We saw no evidence of a current mold or sewage problem in the building. The underground diesel storage tank was inspected and maintained. However, we identified several correctable problems including inadequate building ventilation and a lack of up-to-date building plans to help maintain the ventilation systems. Carbon dioxide levels were high in some offices. Temperatures in offices and courtrooms were not within recommended comfort guidelines. Many employee symptoms, such as sinus problems and headaches, are associated with damp buildings or inadequate ventilation. But these symptoms are also common in the general population. We found no evidence that other health problems, such as cancer, gallstones, and thyroid problems, were related to working in the building.
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(2016) Indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a public university. (Click to open report) University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilatio... (Click to show more)University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilation system. None of the unit ventilators brought in outdoor air. We interviewed employees about their health. They reported some respiratory symptoms associated with damp buildings and inadequate ventilation. These symptoms are also common in the general population. Employees also reported hives, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hair loss. These conditions were not related to working in the building. HHE Program investigators recommended improving building ventilation and stopping environmental sampling.
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(2016) Odors and surface residues in a medical research facility. (Click to open report) Medical center employees requested a health hazard evaluation. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality, odors, and a residue on top of shelves. Employees felt that odors were causing nausea, headache, sinus problems, and aggravation of asthma. We evaluated the ventilation system. We collected air samples in the building and on the roof, and bulk samples of residue from shelves in some laboratories. We found supply air intakes on the roof pulling building exhaust air into the build... (Click to show more)Medical center employees requested a health hazard evaluation. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality, odors, and a residue on top of shelves. Employees felt that odors were causing nausea, headache, sinus problems, and aggravation of asthma. We evaluated the ventilation system. We collected air samples in the building and on the roof, and bulk samples of residue from shelves in some laboratories. We found supply air intakes on the roof pulling building exhaust air into the building. In many laboratories, air was moving from the laboratories into the hallway. We found low levels of airborne volatile organic compounds in the building and on the roof. Some of these compounds could be from chemicals used and stored in the laboratories. Other compounds were of unknown origin. HHE Program investigators determined that these findings may be a source of odors. The residue on the shelves was likely from the breakdown of the shelving material itself.
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