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HHE Search Results
1060 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
(2006) Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation, Jasper, Missouri. (Click to open report) In August 2000, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services requested technical assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in an investigation of severe obstructive lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans) in former workers of the Gilster-Mary Lee popcorn plant in Jasper, Missouri. Affected workers had worked in the room where butter flavoring was mixed into heated soybean oil (mixing room) and in the adjacent microwave popcorn packaging-area. A NI... (Click to show more)In August 2000, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services requested technical assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in an investigation of severe obstructive lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans) in former workers of the Gilster-Mary Lee popcorn plant in Jasper, Missouri. Affected workers had worked in the room where butter flavoring was mixed into heated soybean oil (mixing room) and in the adjacent microwave popcorn packaging-area. A NIOSH medical and environmental survey at the plant in November 2000 showed that plant employees had 3.3 times the rate of obstruction on NIOSH spirometry tests compared to national rates; the prevalence of obstruction in never-smokers was 10.8 times the national rate. Nineteen of 21 workers with obstruction had fixed obstruction (unresponsive to bronchodilators), and most chest x-rays and diffusing capacity tests were normal. These findings are consistent with constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans. Five of six quality control (QC) workers who repeatedly popped bags of product in microwave ovens (approximately 100 bags per worker per work shift) in a poorly ventilated room were found to have obstruction on spirometry. A strong exposure-response relationship was demonstrated between quartiles of estimated cumulative exposure to diacetyl (a volatile butter flavoring chemical contaminating the air in the plant) and the frequency of airways obstruction on spirometry tests. NIOSH investigators provided air purifying respirators that filtered both vapors and particulates for mixers and assisted with employee training in respiratory protection. In January 2001, NIOSH investigators conducted a detailed engineering control assessment and provided exposure control recommendations. NIOSH performed seven additional cross-sectional medical and environmental surveys from April 2001 through August 2003 to determine if controls were effective in reducing exposures and protecting workers. Follow-up Environmental Findings: As a result of the implementation of exposure controls from January 2001 through May 2003, average diacetyl air concentrations declined two orders of magnitude in the mixing room (from 38 ppm to 0.46 ppm) and the QC laboratory (from 0.54 to 0.002 ppm), and three orders of magnitude in the packaging area (from 1.69 ppm to 0.002 ppm for machine operators). Follow-up Medical Survey Findings: A total of 373 current workers participated in one or more NIOSH surveys. Participation by current workers at each survey ranged from 71% to 91%. One hundred eighty six of the 373 total participants participated in more than one survey (50%). However, participation in more than one survey was much greater for workers hired prior to the first NIOSH survey (Cohort-1; 100 of 146 participants, 68%) than for workers hired after the first NIOSH survey (Cohort-2; 86 of 227 participants, 38%). From the first to last survey, there was a statistically significant decline in the prevalence of eye, nose, and throat irritation in Cohort-1 participants but no significant changes in the prevalences of other symptoms or spirometry abnormalities, or in mean percent predicted FEV1. Cohort-2 participants had lower prevalences of symptoms and spirometry abnormalities, and a higher mean percent predicted FEV1, compared to Cohort-1 participants at their first survey. There were no statistically significant changes in these outcomes over time for Cohort-2 participants. Of the 88 Cohort-1 participants who participated in three or more NIOSH medical surveys, 19 (22%) had FEV1 declines of greater than 300 ml and/or 10% from their first to their last spirometry test, compared to 3 of 41 (7%) Cohort-2 participants who participated in three or more surveys. Four of nine participants who worked as mixers after the 1st NIOSH survey had FEV1 declines of greater than 300 ml and/or 10% of baseline, including one mixer who declined more than 1300 ml in nine months while working as a mixer. The total FEV1 decline in this mixer was 2800 ml over 2.75 years, which included a 1500 ml decline over two years after stopping work as a mixer. The NIOSH investigation at the Gilster-Mary Lee microwave popcorn plant in Jasper, Missouri, determined that inhalation exposure to butter flavoring chemicals is a risk for occupational lung disease. With the exposure controls implemented to date, workers in the microwave popcorn packaging area should now be at minimal risk as long as isolation of the mixing room and mezzanine is maintained and all ventilation systems are operational. The exposure controls implemented in the QC laboratory have likely minimized the risk to workers in this area as well. However, QC laboratory workers should have regularly scheduled spirometry to assure that their lung function remains stable. Mixers are still at potential risk from open handling of butter flavorings and from tank emissions. Use of appropriate respiratory protection by mixers and other workers who enter the mixing room and mezzanine area is a short-term solution to this problem. Re-engineering the oil and butter flavoring mixing process to a closed system (so that mixers do not have to handle open containers of flavoring and no longer have to open tanks that contain heated oil and/or butter flavoring) is recommended to eliminate this risk. Until a closed process is implemented, all workers who enter the mixing room or mezzanine should use appropriate respiratory protection when in those locations and should have regularly scheduled spirometry to identify early declines in lung function that may be due to exposures to butter flavoring chemicals.
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(2006) Hallmark Cards, Inc., Lawrence, Kansas. (Click to open report) NIOSH has found evidence of interstitial lung disease among workers exposed to nylon flock (flock workers' lung) in various plants in the past. In November 2003, based on health complaints among several workers, employees from Hallmark Cards, Inc. requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the potential respiratory hazards associated with the use of rayon flock at this card-producing plant. In order to characterize exposures, symptoms, and lung function of flock-... (Click to show more)NIOSH has found evidence of interstitial lung disease among workers exposed to nylon flock (flock workers' lung) in various plants in the past. In November 2003, based on health complaints among several workers, employees from Hallmark Cards, Inc. requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the potential respiratory hazards associated with the use of rayon flock at this card-producing plant. In order to characterize exposures, symptoms, and lung function of flock-exposed workers and appropriate internal comparison groups, NIOSH conducted environmental and medical surveys at this plant. The environmental survey consisted of time-integrated sampling, including air samples for gravimetric concentration of respirable dust with side-by-side air samples for fiber concentration. We conducted real-time sampling with aerosol photometers to obtain real-time continuous relative levels of dust (approximately respirable) during some plant activities together with video taping, to record events that might be associated with any observed peaks in real-time readings. For the cross-sectional medical survey, we invited 284 employees, divided into three groups according to their potential exposure, as follows: Group A, workers exposed to flock and paper dust; Group B, workers exposed to paper dust only; and Group C, workers from the ribbon production areas (without significant flock or paper dust exposure). Trained NIOSH interviewers administered computer-based questionnaires that focused on respiratory symptoms, systemic symptoms, physician diagnosis of respiratory illnesses, smoking, work history, respirator use, and whether fit-testing had been conducted. Each participant, unless medically contraindicated, was offered spirometry testing, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) testing, and either a bronchodilator test or a methacholine challenge test (MCT). The 8-hour time-weighted average airborne respirable dust and fiber concentrations were largely below or near the minimum detectable concentrations of 0.03 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) and 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter (fibers/cc), respectively. Peak exposures to airborne particulate occurred during cleaning with compressed air and vacuuming with a compressed-air vacuum. Production-related sources of airborne particulate included the open top of a flock line cyclone, flock module card feed and discharge points, and small foil compressed-air card separators. A total of 239 employees (participation rate = 84%) participated in the medical survey. The employees were predominantly female (54%), white (80%), and never-smokers (55%). Nearly one-half of the employees had worked over 20 years at the Hallmark plant. A total of 146 participants (61%) reported working at least one hour per week in an area where flock-coated cards are processed. A total of 47 participants (20%) reported cleaning with compressed air for at least one hour per week. Overall, 41 workers (17%) reported wearing air-purifying respirators at the plant. Use of respirators while cleaning equipment with compressed air was reported by 26 participants; none of the 26 reported that they had been fit-tested. Use of respirators at other times besides cleaning was reported by 31 workers, only one of whom reported having been fit-tested. Nasal irritation, sinus problems, and eye irritation were the most frequently recorded symptoms. In general, flock workers had higher prevalences of symptoms arising during employment at Hallmark than non-flock workers with paper dust exposures and ribbon workers. Workers who cleaned for one hour or more per week using compressed air generally had higher symptom prevalences than other workers. Working in areas where flock-coated cards are processed and cleaning equipment with compressed air were both significantly associated with the development of nasal symptoms after hire at Hallmark. Cleaning with compressed air was also significantly associated with the development of chronic cough. Spirometry tests showed that male flock workers were significantly more likely than male nonflock workers to have results indicating restrictive lung disease (low forced vital capacity), in which the lungs cannot expand normally. Also, employees who worked a higher number of years in areas where flock-coated cards are processed were more likely to have test findings of decreased volume in the air sacs (decreased alveolar volume) and decreased ability of the lung to transfer gases (low carbon monoxide diffusion capacity). This pattern of changes is not diagnostic by itself, but can indicate scarring and stiffness of the lung tissue which is found in interstitial lung disease (ILD), including "flock workers' lung". We conclude that working with flock and cleaning with compressed air were associated with health effects in workers at this plant. We recommend that the company take steps to prevent flock-associated dust exposures: by controlling the airborne particulate generated in compressed air cleaning and vacuuming, in the separation of cards at small foil machines processing flocked cards, and at card feed and discharge points at flock lines; by reducing the need to reach into modules; by capturing the opentop cyclone discharge, and by requiring that employees use vacuuming rather than compressed air to remove dust from their clothes. Since safe levels of flock-associated dust are unknown, we recommend that a written respiratory protection program be developed that requires NIOSH certified respirators for compressed air cleaning and fit testing of all respirator users. We recommend informing employees about work-related disease observed among flock workers and providing informational materials to them to share during any physician consultation about concerns or actual health problems. NIOSH investigators determined that a health hazard exists from occupational exposure to flock-associated dust at this plant. This risk is evidenced by upper and lower respiratory symptoms, such as nasal irritation and cough, and objective measurements of lung function suggesting a restrictive pattern, compatible with subclinical interstitial lung disease. These health outcomes are associated with work in areas where flock-coated cards are processed and equipment is cleaned with compressed air.
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(2006) International Marine Terminal, Scotia Prince Cruises and Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Portland, Maine. (Click to open report) On February 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the offices of Scotia Prince Cruises (SPC) in the International Marine Terminal (IMT) in Portland, Maine. Employees of Scotia Prince Cruises were concerned their respiratory and neurologic symptoms might be related to mold exposure in the IMT building. An indoor environmental quality (IEQ) evaluation by a SPC consultant during the summer of... (Click to show more)On February 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the offices of Scotia Prince Cruises (SPC) in the International Marine Terminal (IMT) in Portland, Maine. Employees of Scotia Prince Cruises were concerned their respiratory and neurologic symptoms might be related to mold exposure in the IMT building. An indoor environmental quality (IEQ) evaluation by a SPC consultant during the summer of 2004 revealed extensive fungal contamination of the SPC portion of the IMT, and employees were relocated in August 2004 to temporary offices. On February 16, 2005, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which is also housed in the IMT building, submitted a separate HHE request based on their concern about exposure to mold and water intrusion. On March 9-11, 2005, NIOSH investigators made an initial site visit of the IMT. This visit included the collection of air, dust, and bulk samples for fungal analyses, and environmental measurements of humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide. Information concerning the ventilation systems was collected. Confidential interviews were conducted with the SPC and CBP employees. On March 29-30, 2005, NIOSH returned to the IMT to conduct further environmental testing and to complete the confidential interviews of the CBP employees. Blood was collected from the CBP employees for measurement of Stachylysin, a possible marker of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum. In addition, NIOSH performed an environmental assessment of the U.S. Customs House, another CBP site in Portland with no known history of fungal (mold) contamination in order to compare findings between employees exposed to mold and those not exposed to mold. Confidential interviews and blood collection for Stachylysin were performed with the employees of the U.S. Customs House. Blood from some SPC employees that had been previously collected and stored by physicians in Maine and Maryland between September and November 2004, was obtained by NIOSH for Stachylysin analysis because it was closer in time to when the employees occupied the building in August 2004. The SPC section of the IMT had signs of ongoing water intrusion, pigeon roosting, and visible mold growth in wall cavities. Active fungal growth was noted in areas of the second floor by surface (tape) sampling. The CBP section of the IMT had similar signs of water intrusion and pigeon roosting. Overall, in both portions of the IMT building, low levels of airborne fungi were noted. Most airborne fungi were of the Basidiospore genus, common in water-damaged buildings. Settled dust samples revealed many types of fungi, including Penicillium chrysogenum. Microscopic analysis of tape samples and culturable air samples showed that Stachybotrys chartarum spores and numerous other fungi were present. The walk-through survey of the U.S. Customs House revealed no evidence of water intrusion. Fungal ranking at the U.S. Customs House was found to be similar between indoor and outdoor samples and fungal levels overall were lower indoors than outdoors, providing further evidence that there was no fungal contamination problem in the building. Among the SPC employees, the most commonly reported work-related symptoms were memory problems, irritability, and cough. The CBP-IMT workers reported work-related symptoms of sinus problems, fatigue, concentration problems, and irritability most frequently. SPC employees had statistically significantly greater rates of work-related cough, wheeze, irritated eyes, headaches, concentration and memory problems, irritability, chest tightness, shortness of breath, fever/sweats, body aches, sinus problems, fatigue, sore or dry throat, sneezing, dizziness, confusion, depression, and changes in sleep than Customs House employees. The CBP IMT group had higher rates of work-related cough, shortness of breath, body aches, sinus problems, fatigue, irritated/watery eyes, headaches, nosebleeds, sore or dry throat, sneezing, concentration problems, confusion, memory problems, irritability, and depression than Customs House employees but these differences were not statistically significant. Serum Stachylysin concentrations exhibited poor reproducibility, with same sample mean coefficient of variation of 35.8%. Only one blood sample (from an SPC employee) was considered positive (greater than or equal to 41.4 nanogram per milliliter [ng/ml]) for Stachylysin. Overall, neither the presence of Stachylysin nor its concentrations correlated with our assessment of fungal exposure. NIOSH investigators documented ongoing water incursion and subsequent fungal contamination in the IMT building. Employees in the IMT had symptoms consistent with fungal exposure. Therefore, a health hazard did exist at the IMT building. The serum Stachylysin test showed poor reproducibility when used in the field. Recommendations concerning remediation and the establishment of an IEQ management program are included in this report.
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(2006) New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Click to open report) In October 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 632 (IAFF). This HHE request concerned health hazards from exposure to the floodwater and sediment and the mental health of fire fighters following the NOFD's response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Reported health problems included respiratory, throat, and s... (Click to show more)In October 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 632 (IAFF). This HHE request concerned health hazards from exposure to the floodwater and sediment and the mental health of fire fighters following the NOFD's response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Reported health problems included respiratory, throat, and sinus irritation; and symptoms suggestive of depression and anxiety. NIOSH representatives conducted a survey to evaluate health concerns among fire fighters; 525 NOFD personnel participated in the survey. This self-administered questionnaire contained questions about demographics, job characteristics, lifestyle, work duties and location, hurricane-related activities, and symptoms that occurred during and after the hurricanes. The Center for Epidemiologic Study-Depression scale (CES-D) was used to assess symptoms associated with depression, and the Veterans Administration posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist was used to define posttraumatic stress symptoms among participants. Of the 525 fire fighters who completed the questionnaire (77% participation), 201 (38%) reported one or more new-onset respiratory symptoms, such as sinus congestion (145 [28%]), throat irritation (92 [17%]) and cough (124 [24%]). Skin rash was reported by 258 (49%) of respondents, 414 (79%) reported skin contact with floodwater, 165 (32%) reported they had contact with floodwater on multiple days, 133 of 493 respondents (27%) had major depressive symptoms, and 114 of 518 (22%) showed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In multivariate analyses adjusting for age, gender, and smoking, fire fighters who had floodwater contact with skin and either eyes or nose/mouth (224, 44%) had increased risk of new-onset upper respiratory symptoms (prevalence ratio [PR]=1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.1) and skin rash (PR=2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.2) compared to those not exposed to the floodwater. Depressive symptoms were associated with new-onset lower respiratory symptoms (PR=1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0), skin rash (PR=1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6) and low supervisor support (PR=1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3). Fire fighters housed with their family were less likely to report depressive symptoms (PR=0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-1.0) compared to those not living with their family. Higher prevalence of PTSD symptoms were reported from fire fighters involved in one or more gunshot incidents (PR=2.4; 95% CI, 1.6-3.7), guard duty (PR=1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7), and body retrieval (PR=1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.6). The results of the questionnaire survey showed that fire fighters who reported floodwater contact with their skin and nose/mouth or eyes for longer than a few hours at the time of the hurricanes reported significantly more upper respiratory symptoms than those who reported no contact with the floodwater. Fire fighters with respiratory symptoms and skin rash also reported more depressive symptoms than those without respiratory symptoms and skin rash. Fire fighters involved in gun shot incidents and body retrieval in response to the hurricanes were more likely to report PTSD symptoms. Clinical follow-up of affected fire fighters for physical and psychological conditions should be implemented. This report, along with the environmental survey conducted at the Jackson Barracks temporary staging area (Appendix A) should be construed as the final report. The environmental evaluation looked at fire fighter activities during simulated apparatus runs, and included air sampling to evaluate fire fighter exposures to dust. For the fire fighters working out of the Jackson Barracks temporary staging area, airborne exposures to respirable particulates and silica, total particulates, and elements (metals and minerals) were below all applicable exposure criteria. NIOSH investigators determined that a work-related hazard existed among New Orleans fire fighters due to Hurricane Katrina-related exposures. We found that physical and mental health symptoms were associated with work-related exposures. This report includes recommendations pertaining to these findings.
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(2006) Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center, Swannanoa, North Carolina. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees at the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (DJJDP) Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center (SVYDC) in Swannanoa, North Carolina, to conduct an investigation of tuberculosis (TB) control, indoor air quality (IAQ), and asbestos management at that facility. Employees expressed concerns about possible TB exposure after hearing that at least one of ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees at the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (DJJDP) Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center (SVYDC) in Swannanoa, North Carolina, to conduct an investigation of tuberculosis (TB) control, indoor air quality (IAQ), and asbestos management at that facility. Employees expressed concerns about possible TB exposure after hearing that at least one of the facility's students was being treated with TB medication and that one employee recently had a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) result when tested by a private physician. They questioned the change in policy that occurred in 2000, whereby annual skin testing for employees was replaced with testing at hire only. In addition, employees expressed concerns about indoor air quality, including exposure to mold. They reported asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Finally, employees expressed concerns about possible exposure to asbestos. They reported broken floor tiles that they believed contained asbestos as well as construction debris containing asbestos that had been buried on the campus grounds. The NIOSH response consisted of several phone interviews with the requesters and management to gather information, phone interviews with members of the state health department, a two-day site visit by NIOSH staff, review of the state's tuberculosis control policy manual, and review of the facility's operations and management plan. During the site visit, a NIOSH industrial hygienist conducted a walkthrough of the facility's buildings, evaluated building ventilation systems, and interviewed both SVYDC and DJJDP safety officers. A NIOSH medical officer reviewed the facility's TB control program (including skin testing protocols and results for students and employees), inquired about its respiratory protection program, and interviewed the facility and state health department health care personnel responsible for infection control. A TB control nurse consultant from the state health department participated in the site visit, including the review of the facility's TB control program. The TB control program includes one-step TST at baseline (pre-admission) and every two years for students; and one-step TST at hire for employees. Employees do not receive information on TB as part of their safety training and do not participate in a respiratory protection program for TB. Review of student TST results for the past three years revealed five newly positive results in students who had negative baseline results. According to the facility and state health department health care personnel, there have not been any cases of infectious TB among the students for at least the past three years. Mold growth in some of the student shower areas was observed. Some of the ventilation ducts had substantial dust build-up. Concentrations of carbon dioxide were found to be elevated in the clinic area when it was occupied by multiple people. Materials identified in the facility's Asbestos Management Plan as containing asbestos were noted to be intact with the exception of several broken floor tiles in one area. NIOSH staff conducted a two-day site visit to the Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center in Swannanoa, North Carolina to address employee concerns about exposure to TB, indoor air quality, exposure to asbestos, and health effects that employees were experiencing. Students are skin-tested for TB every two years. While some students have had tuberculin skin test conversions, there have been no documented cases of infectious TB among students. Employees are skin-tested at hire only. One employee who had a positive test in 2005 when tested by a private physician may have had a workplace exposure. Further investigation is recommended and annual employee testing should be initiated. A respiratory protection program for TB was not in place for employees and should be established. A small amount of mold growth was noted in the student showers and there was evidence of roof leaks in the cafeteria. Real-time measurements indicated that carbon dioxide levels in the clinic area were elevated when it was occupied by multiple people, indicating that fresh air supply was inadequate. Floor tiles in the Greenwood Cottage A-wing had been identified in the Asbestos Management Plan as containing asbestos. Several of these tiles were found to be broken and should be replaced.
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(2006) Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy, Boardman, Oregon. (Click to open report) On June 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy in Boardman, Oregon. The requestors reported health effects such as cough, sore throat, throat infection, burning eyes, dizziness, and headache and concerns about exposure to chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, and exposure to dust. During a site visit on August 9-11, 2005, we ... (Click to show more)On June 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy in Boardman, Oregon. The requestors reported health effects such as cough, sore throat, throat infection, burning eyes, dizziness, and headache and concerns about exposure to chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, and exposure to dust. During a site visit on August 9-11, 2005, we collected personal breathing zone (PBZ) and area air samples for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide using a combination of three direct reading methods. Additionally, we observed employee health practices and conducted confidential medical interviews on 56 randomly selected employees out of about 275 employees. Time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of ammonia ranged from 2 to 8 parts per million (ppm), below the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) of 35 ppm for a TWA up to 10 hours. Peak ammonia concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 9 ppm, below the NIOSH short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 35 ppm. Concentrations of hydrogen sulfide ranged from 1 to 2 ppm as a TWA. The two highest peaks, 10 ppm and 14 ppm, each lasted for one minute. These correspond to 10-minute average concentrations of 5.5 ppm and 6.1 ppm, below the NIOSH 10-minute ceiling limit of 10 ppm and the OSHA ceiling limit of 20 ppm. Although air sampling was not conducted for nuisance dust (particulates not otherwise regulated), trucks were observed spraying water on the dirt roads; this was a good attempt to reduce the amount of dust generated. In interviews, most employees thought their symptoms were related to road dust and that dust masks helped to reduce their symptoms. We also observed that some employees did not wear eye protection while pouring bleach solutions, reportedly because the safety glasses easily fogged. The most predominant symptom, burning/watery eyes, was reported by 23 of the 56 employees (41%). Thirteen people reported burning/itching of the throat (23%), eleven (20%) reported sneezing and ten (18%) burning/itching nose. Seven persons (12%) reported at least one episode of rash, five (9%) reported cough and excessive phlegm, and four (7%) complained of episodic chest tightness. Although there were two people with adult-onset asthma they did not associate their symptoms with the work environment. NIOSH investigators concluded that the ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and dust levels measured or observed do not pose a health hazard. We identified a potential for chemical splash during the handling of bleach and recommended that face shields be made available to employees and that employees with potential for exposure be required to use them.
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(2006) United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park Durham, North Carolina. (Click to open report) From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas ... (Click to show more)From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas of the facility. Laboratory staff became aware of excessive indoor particulate levels starting in 2003. Some EPA researchers measured PM2.5 (particulate smaller than 2.5 microns) levels and noted instances where indoor concentrations were higher than outdoor concentrations. Staff in many laboratories started to note a rapid buildup of white dust on surfaces which would quickly recur after cleaning. High efficiency particulate filters in bio-safety cabinets in many laboratories had to be changed out after several months use when normally they would be expected to last several years. Electrical components of several laboratory devices were found to be damaged and to have evidence of corrosion and accumulated particulate. Investigations by EPA/RTP facilities staff revealed that the humidification system in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units was causing a buildup of sodium and chloride deposits on the cooling coils and was a potential source of the laboratory particulate. An additional issue contributing to the particulate problem was periodic malfunctioning of ventilation-system controls which would cause transient increased airflows in laboratory areas. Such malfunctions were associated with increased deposition of visible particulate matter on surfaces. These events were referred to as "dumps" by EPA staff. In 2004, a number of laboratory staff in Buildings A and B developed acute health symptoms in laboratories where a dump had just occurred. The symptoms reported by these individuals included cough, shortness of breath, chest pain with inhalation, chest tightness, sore throat, and eye irritation. Some individuals had persistent symptoms for many days prior to eventual resolution, and some had symptoms recur when they tried to return to their usual laboratories. One individual reported receiving a diagnosis of asthma due to the particulate exposure. Despite attempts by EPA/RTP facilities staff to address the particulate problem, employees continued to detect excess particulate in laboratory areas and to experience respiratory symptoms. Results of limited air sampling and observations by NIOSH staff during the site visit suggest that particulate accumulation in the ventilation system air handling units, coupled with periodic loss of control of laboratory airflows by the system, is a likely source of excess particulate in laboratory areas. Other sources of laboratory particulate may include ceiling tiles, floor cleaning activities, and soil and construction activities outside the facility. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils in the HVAC units, along with utilization of reverse osmosis and a water softener to treat the water for the humidification system, may correct the ventilation system particulate problem. However, the fact that the humidifier atomizer heads will still be relatively close to the cooling coils may cause particulate buildup on the coils to recur. In confidential interviews with 17 employees who requested interviews with NIOSH staff, employees reported health effects they experienced in, or attributed to, the EPA/RTP facility (mostly laboratory areas). The most common reports were of upper and lower respiratory symptoms and eye irritation. These symptoms may represent primarily irritant responses. Whether or not particulate exposures in the laboratories caused or exacerbated asthma in some employees could not be determined from the information available. Particulate accumulation on, and corrosion of, the cooling coils in the HVAC units has likely led to increased amount of visible particulate and PM2.5 in the laboratory areas of the EPA/RTP facility. The particulate may be responsible for the irritant-type symptoms that some employees have experienced while in their laboratories and/or adjacent offices. Symptoms were severe in instances where employees were exposed in relation to a particulate "dump" that resulted from a ventilation-system airflow malfunction. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils reportedly will take several months to complete. This should decrease the amount of particulate that enters the laboratory areas from the ventilation system and may lead to resolution of employee symptoms. This report contains recommendations for steps that EPA/RTP facilities and health and safety staff should follow to prevent and minimize particulate from the ventilation system and other sources, and to protect employees that may continue to be adversely affected until the particulate problem is eliminated.
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(2006) University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio. (Click to open report) On July 8, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) in Dayton, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate potential sources of emissions from carbon nanofiber handling processes. No health complaints were reported by management or workers. Measurements made with real-time instruments capable of sizing and determining airborne particle conce... (Click to show more)On July 8, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) in Dayton, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate potential sources of emissions from carbon nanofiber handling processes. No health complaints were reported by management or workers. Measurements made with real-time instruments capable of sizing and determining airborne particle concentrations indicate that most processes did not release substantial quantities of carbon nanofibers when compared to background particle measurements. However, some processes (wet sawing of composite material and the transferring of carbon nanofibers to a mixing vessel) did elevate area airborne particle mass concentrations. Surface sampling indicated that carbon nanofiber material migrated from the laboratory to an adjacent office area, with employee footwear being the most likely means of transport. Despite the absence of occupational exposure criteria, UDRI management decided to take a cautious approach and instituted a policy requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPE used by lab workers included disposable Tyvek lab coats, latex gloves, and elastomeric half-mask respirators with a P100 pre-filter and organic vapor cartridge. A laboratory hood and local exhaust ventilation were evaluated with "smoke tubes" and appeared to operate as designed. NIOSH investigators cannot conclude whether a health hazard exists to UDRI laboratory workers from exposure to nano-scale materials. There are currently no occupational exposure limits for carbon nanofibers nor clearly defined health effects, so no conclusions can be made regarding excessive exposure. The UDRI lab did have exhaust ventilation available to control potential releases of carbon nanofibers, but the ventilation was not operating during mixing outside the laboratory hood or wet saw cutting. The lab workers were wearing PPE; however, latex gloves should be replaced with nitrile gloves to avoid the potential development of latex allergy.
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(2006) West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources - Webster Springs District Office, Webster Springs, West Virginia. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation request from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) Director of Facilities regarding leased office space in the Webster Springs, West Virginia, district office. The request reported poor indoor air quality, new-carpet and other odors, water leaks, and inadequate heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. The request reported respiratory, allergy, and sinus s... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation request from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) Director of Facilities regarding leased office space in the Webster Springs, West Virginia, district office. The request reported poor indoor air quality, new-carpet and other odors, water leaks, and inadequate heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. The request reported respiratory, allergy, and sinus symptoms; eye, nose, and throat irritation; and skin irritation, including rashes and hives, among the employees. On September 11-12, 2003, we conducted a walkthrough of the building. Odors from cleaning supplies were apparent. We did not find obvious sources of mold or water incursion. Measurements made during the site visit found bioaerosol concentrations that were similar to outdoor concentrations, carbon dioxide concentrations that were elevated, and volatile organic compounds that are commonly found in office settings. Twenty-one (88%) of the employees completed a health questionnaire. Seven employees (33%) reported a physician diagnosis of asthma after occupying the building. We returned to the building on April 12-16, 2004 and performed a second building walkthrough, administered health questionnaires to employees, conducted lung function testing, and offered employees serial spirometry for assessment of work-related changes in lung function. During the 2004 walkthrough, we found water incursion, visible mold, and musty odors in the basement. Musty odors were noticeable in the entry area of the building, the elevator, and the south stairwell. It had been raining before and during the 2004 visit, but not during the 2003 visit. Odors from the restrooms were evident on the second floor. All 24 WVDHHR employees currently working in the building participated in the April 2004 medical testing and questionnaire. The employees were 4.6 and 2.6 times more likely to report having current asthma than the U.S. adult population and the West Virginia adult population, respectively. Five employees reported current asthma that was diagnosed after building occupancy. Twelve employees reported lower respiratory symptoms occurring in the last 12 months and improving when away from the building. Seven of the employees had some indication of abnormal lung function or exhaled nitric oxide levels suggestive of airways inflammation. Three of these seven employees had both some degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exhaled nitric oxide levels suggestive of airways inflammation, consistent with poorly controlled asthma. Furthermore, one of these three employees had indications of a work-related pattern of lung function on serial spirometry. Our survey identified respiratory symptoms and conditions among employees that may be related to the workplace. The prevalences of physician-diagnosed and current asthma were high when compared to national and state prevalences, as were building-related symptoms. The building was found to have standing water, mold, and musty odors in the basement. Odors were also present in other parts of the building. The documented health effects and the environmental findings of water damage, standing water, and mold dictate continued remediation efforts to improve the conditions in the building as a means to protect the health of occupants and to prevent additional health effects. The NIOSH investigators determined that this building located in Webster Springs, West Virginia, was damp, as evidenced by water incursion and visible mold in the basement combined with musty odors in other areas of the building. While specific environmental exposures causing these health effects were not identified, current scientific evidence indicates that damp buildings are associated with the risk of nose and throat symptoms, cough, wheeze, asthma symptoms in sensitized persons, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, lending credence to attributing excess employee symptoms and conditions to working in the building. The employee reports of respiratory symptoms and the objective lung function test results support the possibility of work-related respiratory conditions. NIOSH provided recommendations for correcting the dampness and conducting building maintenance to help reduce health risks for the building occupants.
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(2005) City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services, Los Angeles, California. (Click to open report) On March 19, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Asphalt Plant 1 of the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services (LABSS) located in Los Angeles, California. The request expressed concern about exposure to fumes, vapors, work stress, heat stress, and diesel fuel during asphalt processing at Plant 1 and during delivery of this asphalt to paving projects. The request indicated ... (Click to show more)On March 19, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Asphalt Plant 1 of the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services (LABSS) located in Los Angeles, California. The request expressed concern about exposure to fumes, vapors, work stress, heat stress, and diesel fuel during asphalt processing at Plant 1 and during delivery of this asphalt to paving projects. The request indicated that LABSS employees had experienced a variety of health symptoms including cancer, respiratory symptoms, and hearing problems. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators conducted a site-visit on September 13-15, 2004. NIOSH investigators collected 19 general area (GA) and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for total particulate with additional analysis for the benzene-soluble fraction of this particulate; 19 GA and PBZ air samples for polycyclic aromatic compounds with additional analysis for total organic sulfur compounds; 19 GA and PBZ air samples for diesel exhaust (elemental and organic carbon); and eight GA real-time, data-logged air samples for carbon monoxide. NIOSH investigators interviewed 25 of 26 employees of Asphalt Plant 1 and reviewed LABSS compensation claims, OSHA logs, and a company sick-time study. All the air sample concentrations for compounds listed above were below relevant occupational exposure criteria. The majority of interviewed workers (21 of 25) reported that they had no work-related health symptoms. Of those with symptoms, the most common was eye irritation, followed by headache. Based on the low air sample concentrations found and the low rate of work-related health complaints during medical interviews with employees, there does not appear to be a health hazard at City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services, Asphalt Plant 1. The transient eye, nasal, and throat irritation symptoms reported by some employees are consistent with exposures to asphalt fumes and particulates at levels below recommended limits. The current scientific literature has determined that there is inadequate evidence that asphalt alone increases cancer risk to humans. Recommendations to minimize work exposures are provided and include the following: repair damage to existing ventilation systems, improve asphalt loading work practices, dispose of outdated personal protective equipment, and improve the existing respiratory and hearing protection programs.
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