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HHE Search Results
52 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) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposure to crystalline silica, welding fume, and isocyanates during water heater manufacturing. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a union request about employees' exposures to silica during tank finishing operations, welding fume during tank fabrication, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during tank insulation using a spray foam application. We measured exposure to airborne crystalline silica, welding fume, and MDI, held medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, and collected blood for biomarkers of isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We found overexpo... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a union request about employees' exposures to silica during tank finishing operations, welding fume during tank fabrication, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during tank insulation using a spray foam application. We measured exposure to airborne crystalline silica, welding fume, and MDI, held medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, and collected blood for biomarkers of isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We found overexposure to crystalline silica during brushing, tank and flue spraying, and mill room operations. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and welding emissions were below occupational exposure limits. Employees reported symptoms consistent with work-related asthma. Two employees had MDI-specific IgE, consistent with MDI asthma, in their blood. Five employees had MDI-specific IgG in their blood, indicating recent exposure to MDI despite the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment. Some employees in foam booths cut slits in their Tyvek suit to aid in cooling, creating a potential for skin exposure to MDI. Some ventilation controls were either not working or were ineffective in containing airborne contaminants. Improvements in ventilation system design, use, and maintenance are needed. The employer should also begin a medical surveillance program for employees exposed to MDI and silica and provide training on the hazards of working with both.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of 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) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and attached retail cafe. (Click to open report) In October 2015, 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 with an attached café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and medical survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey con... (Click to show more)In October 2015, 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 with an attached café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and medical survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). Bulk samples of whole bean and ground 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. We also conducted a ventilation assessment in the production, café, and office areas. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Three of 20 personal full-shift samples exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion in the production area including a roaster operator (5.8 parts per billion), one production employee (5.9 parts per billion), and the production manager (5.1 parts per billion). Fullshift air concentrations of diacetyl were below this exposure limit for personal and area air samples collected in office areas and the attached retail café. Full-shift air concentrations of 2,3-pentanedione were below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit of 9.3 parts per billion for both personal and area air samples collected in the production area, office areas, and attached retail café. Through task-based sampling, we identified specific work tasks that resulted in elevated diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione air concentrations. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans resulted in two separate peak exposures to diacetyl (maximum 65.9 parts per billion) and 2,3-pentanedione (maximum 39.6 parts billion). Scooping roasted beans by hand from a roasted bean storage bin also had elevated peak exposures with maximum exposures of 151 parts per billion diacetyl and 182 parts per billion 2,3-pentanedione. Nose and eye symptoms were the most commonly reported symptoms. Wheezing was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom; 1.7 times as many employees as expected reported this symptom than in the U.S. population with a similar demographic distribution. One participant had severe airways obstruction and possible small airways abnormality on oscillometry, both improved after bronchodilator. Four other participants had abnormalities on oscillomtery but normal spirometry. One participant had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. We recommend increasing dilution ventilation and/or installing local exhaust ventilation. We also recommend administrative controls such as modification of work practices, training employees about work-place hazards, and instituting 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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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In September 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the 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 packaging. In June 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment, an industrial hygiene survey, and a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the... (Click to show more)In September 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the 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 packaging. In June 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 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. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Overall, time-weighted average air levels of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione were elevated for employees performing duties near the roaster and grinder. Seven of the 10 personal full-shift air samples were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, and five of the 10 full-shift air samples were above the recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione. All personal air samples with diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione concentrations above the recommended exposure limits were collected on employees with primary job duties in the production area. High full-shift and task-based diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione exposure measurements were observed on employees that ground coffee. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding. Carbon monoxide and total volatile organic compound levels near the grinder increased sharply when an employee ground roasted beans for 5-pound bags of coffee. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. Mucous membrane symptoms, specifically eye, nose, and sinus symptoms, were the most commonly reported symptoms. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom, and was about two times as common as expected compared with the US population of the same age, race/ethnicity, sex, and cigarette smoking distribution. One of the 15 participants had abnormal spirometry. We recommend a combination of engineering and administrative controls to minimize employee exposures. 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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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In October 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting and packaging company. The request stated concerns about health issues related to exposure to diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In April 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... (Click to show more)In October 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting and packaging company. The request stated concerns about health issues related to exposure to diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In April 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 returned in June 2016 to perform a medical survey. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Sixteen of the 27 personal full-shift air samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion. These sixteen personal air samples were collected on employees with primary job duties on the production floor. High full-shift and task-based diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione exposure measurements were observed on employees that ground coffee, packaged ground coffee, or worked in areas near ground coffee. Areas with ground coffee present, specifically the main grinders and new weigh-fill machine, consistently had the highest levels of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, total volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding. Carbon monoxide levels near the main grinders exceeded the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 parts per million. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. Mucous membrane symptoms, specifically eye, nose, and sinus symptoms, were the most commonly reported symptoms. Some employees reported their symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee bean and roasted coffee dust, bagging ground coffee, or cleaning the roaster. Breathing trouble was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom followed by wheezing and chest tightness. All administered spirometry tests (n=13) were normal. Two of 13 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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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and symptoms from heat sealing operations at a plastic film assembly facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a plastic and engineered film manufacturing facility. Employees were concerned about asthma, shortness of breath, heaviness in lungs, headaches, and other health problems that could be associated with high heat plastic sealing operations. We visited the facility twice; the second visit occurred after the company changed owners and discontinued using the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) source product (blown film) in heat sealing o... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a plastic and engineered film manufacturing facility. Employees were concerned about asthma, shortness of breath, heaviness in lungs, headaches, and other health problems that could be associated with high heat plastic sealing operations. We visited the facility twice; the second visit occurred after the company changed owners and discontinued using the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) source product (blown film) in heat sealing operations that employees most associated with health complaints. Responses to our occupational asthma screening questions during the first site visit revealed three employees with possible work-related asthma. After the elimination of the blown film source material, fewer heat sealing employees reported headache and other irritant symptoms, but some continued to experience headaches and asthma-like symptoms. During our first visit, we identified the presence of the plasticizer, diethyl phthalate in a very low concentration on one screening sample taken on a heat sealer line. In both visits, we also found very low concentrations of various aldehydes in several air samples. Although these volatile organic compounds were present in concentrations well below occupational exposure limits, the combination of volatile organic compounds could cause irritant symptoms in some employees. We found carbon monoxide that could have been the result of propane-powered forklift use. We recommended maintaining and tuning forklifts, and conducting full-shift carbon monoxide exposure monitoring on employees.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of 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) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of fire fighters' mental health symptoms and exposure to traumatic events, job stress, and bloodborne pathogens. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a municipal fire department. The fire chief was concerned about fire fighters' mental health, job stress, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and used needles because of the fire department's increased volume of drug overdose responses. We administered a questionnaire about job stress, exposure to traumatic events, mental health symptoms, training and resources for coping with stress, and perceived stigma and barriers to seeking care ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a municipal fire department. The fire chief was concerned about fire fighters' mental health, job stress, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and used needles because of the fire department's increased volume of drug overdose responses. We administered a questionnaire about job stress, exposure to traumatic events, mental health symptoms, training and resources for coping with stress, and perceived stigma and barriers to seeking care for psychological problems. We interviewed fire fighters about their work and health. Reported job stress was high at this workplace. Fire fighters mainly attributed stress to understaffing and department budget issues. We found positive screenings for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Injuries to fire fighters caused by persons receiving naloxone and potential bloodborne pathogen exposures were not common. However, these types of exposures are likely to be underreported to the fire department. Fire fighters should be trained on mental health issues such as suicide prevention, psychological first aid, and recognizing signs of stress in addition to occupational safety and health topics related to opioids and bloodborne pathogen exposure. The fire department should also encourage fire fighters to report (to their supervisors) bloodborne pathogen exposure, symptoms they relate to being in contact with illicit drugs, and work-related injuries.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of 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) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of 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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