If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
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
(2005) Freudenberg-NOK, High Quality Plastics Division, Findlay, Ohio. (Click to open report) In August 2003 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at Freudenberg-NOK G.P., High Quality Plastics Division (HQP) in Findlay, Ohio. Employees were concerned with potential exposure to airborne particles and fumes created during the manufacture of polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) and thermoplastic rotating ring seals. The initial request noted that workers were experiencing non-sp... (Click to show more)In August 2003 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at Freudenberg-NOK G.P., High Quality Plastics Division (HQP) in Findlay, Ohio. Employees were concerned with potential exposure to airborne particles and fumes created during the manufacture of polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) and thermoplastic rotating ring seals. The initial request noted that workers were experiencing non-specific respiratory symptoms, itchy skin, and "oven fever" (presumably from exposure to PTFE fumes generated during the manufacturing process). In subsequent conversations with the requesters concerns involving heavy lifting and repetitive movement were also mentioned. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) and general area (GA) sampling was performed for hydrogen fluoride, carbonyl fluoride, glass fibers, elements (cobalt, zirconium, tin, and chromium), and respirable particulate. PBZ and GA air samples were collected from Work Cells 1, 3, 3N, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10. Workers who requested to speak with NIOSH representatives were interviewed to determine the extent and severity of their health concerns. We also reviewed Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Illness and Injury logs for the years 1999-2003. The ergonomics evaluation consisted of a walk through of the plant to view the variety of job tasks workers perform to produce PTFE and thermoplastic seals, subassembly systems, and plastic mating components. No overexposures to fibrous glass, gaseous and particulate fluorides, respirable dust, or metals were found, based on PBZ and GA air samples collected on the days of this evaluation. Most interviewed workers did not have symptoms they attributed to working conditions at HQP. However, some interviewed workers complained of dry, itchy skin that they associated with exposure to fibrous glass in the plastic mix, and three workers reported muscle fatigue in the arms and low back from lifting heavy loads into the ovens. We observed some physically demanding work that may be improved by redesigning parts containers and handles. NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard does not exist at this facility. However, some work is physically demanding and improvements can be made to the containers used to handle the mandrels. Recommendations have been provided to redesign a container used to transport mandrels around the plant.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Health hazard evaluation summary report: air contaminant and noise exposures among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage screeners at four international airports. (Click to open report) In January 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) related to checked baggage screening operations at the following four international airports: Palm Beach, Florida (PBI); Miami, Florida (MIA); Washington-Dulles, Virginia (IAD); Baltimore-Washington, Maryland (BWI). TSA expressed concern about health hazards from exp... (Click to show more)In January 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) related to checked baggage screening operations at the following four international airports: Palm Beach, Florida (PBI); Miami, Florida (MIA); Washington-Dulles, Virginia (IAD); Baltimore-Washington, Maryland (BWI). TSA expressed concern about health hazards from exposure to contaminants found in exhaust emissions of tug and jet engines and noise from tugs, jets, conveyors, and baggage carousels. Health problems reported at the four airports included respiratory distress, dizziness, possible hearing loss, and headaches. NIOSH investigators conducted site visits at the four airports, collecting general area and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), diesel exhaust particulate (measured as elemental carbon [EC]), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Full-shift personal noise monitoring was also conducted. This report is a composite of the individual reports issued under HHE #s 2004-0100, 2004-0101, 2004-0130, 2004-0146. A total of 72 PBZ samples were collected for EC, a surrogate for diesel exhaust; concentrations ranged from 1 to 26 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). There are no NIOSH or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exposure limits for EC; however, the California Department of Health Services recommends keeping exposure levels below 20 microg/m3. While four PBZ samples exceeded 20 microg/m3, the average exposures across all four airports were 11 microg/m3. A total of 40 PBZ samples were collected for both NO and NO2. "Trace" concentrations of NO were measured at MIA, IAD, and BWI (defined as between 0.03 parts per million [ppm] and 0.7 ppm). These values correspond to the Minimum Detectable Concentration [MDC] and the Minimum Quantifiable Concentration [MQC]. Trace concentrations of NO2 were also measured at these airports (between 0.02 ppm [MDC] and 0.8 ppm [MQC]). Concentrations of NO and NO2 were "not detectable" at PBI (defined as below 0.15 ppm [MDC]). Similar results were obtained for 21 full-shift general area air samples using the same sampling method. Measurements made with direct-reading instruments yielded similar results. None of the NO and NO2 samples exceeded their respective NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV), or the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) (25 ppm for NO; 3 ppm for NO2). A total of 61 full-shift exposure measurements for CO were collected using direct-reading instruments. PBZ exposures ranged from 1 to 5 ppm (full-shift time-weighted average [TWA]) and from 1 to 16 ppm (15-minute short-term exposures). Instantaneous peak values ranged from 176 ppm to 333 ppm. No average exposure values exceeded any occupational exposure limit (NIOSH REL = 35 ppm; ACGIH TLV =25 ppm; OSHA PEL = 50 ppm). The dominant VOCs identified within the baggage screening areas of all surveyed airports were isopropyl alcohol, toluene, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons. A total of 20 general area air samples were collected; concentrations ranged from "none detected" (below the MDC; isopropyl alcohol and low molecular weight hydrocarbons - 0.1 mg/m3; toluene - 0.02 mg/m3) to "trace" (below the MQC; isopropyl alcohol and low molecular weight hydrocarbons - 0.5 mg/m3; toluene - 0.05 mg/m3 but above the MDC). All measurements were well below any occupational exposure limit. Gasoline-powered tug tailpipe emissions for hydrocarbons (HC), CO, and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were measured at two airports while the tugs idled. Tailpipe concentrations of these compounds were as follows: HC ranged from 20 ppm to 1700 ppm; CO ranged from zero ppm to 86,500 ppm; NOx ranged from zero ppm to 52 ppm. The majority of the tugs' engines ran poorly. None of the measured noise doses from the 56 full-shift samples exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL. However, each airport had a few workers with exposures above the NIOSH REL. This finding led to recommendations for additional noise assessments and changes in airport equipment and facility structure. Additionally, the interim use of hearing protection devices as part of a hearing conservation program is recommended unless measured noise doses do not exceed the NIOSH REL, or the use of engineering or administrative controls have been effective in reducing worker exposure to below the NIOSH REL. The NIOSH investigators determined that a hazard does not exist from exposure to EC, CO, CO2, NO2, NO, or VOCs. Some tug emissions were elevated when compared to ambient levels and could contribute to an increase in air contaminants in some baggage areas. There was little evidence of a serious noise problem. However, additional noise analyses may be useful in characterizing worker exposure in areas where the NIOSH REL was exceeded. Also, changes in the maintenance of baggage handling equipment (conveyors) and repairing cracks in the concrete floors are needed to reduce unnecessary noise. Additionally, the interim use of hearing protection devices is recommended for workers whose noise doses exceed the NIOSH REL. Other recommendations for maintaining the air quality and further reducing noise exposures are provided in the Recommendations Section of this report.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducte... (Click to show more)In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit in June 2000 at a single-family home in Madison, Wisconsin, where Ikens Hardwood Floor Services was refinishing hardwood floors. General area and personal breathing-zone (PBZ) air samples were collected for lead and wood dust during floor refinishing, and settled dust samples were measured for lead content. Four in situ (in place) surface measurements were taken to measure the lead content in the varnish on floors. Results from the short-term task-based PBZ air samples ranged from 1.5 to 25 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) and were below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for lead of 50 ug/m3. However, worker exposures during buffing approached the OSHA Action Limit for lead of 30 ug/m3, assuming that buffing would be performed over an 8-hour work day. Tasks with the greatest potential to produce lead exposures were buffing and final sanding combined with buffing. All of the wood dust exposures measured during rough sanding, rough edging, final sanding/buffing, and buffing tasks exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) for wood dust, if extrapolated to full shift. All of the settled dust collected on the floors of rooms during refinishing, but prior to final finishing, had lead concentrations exceeding U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal clearance guidelines for residential floor areas (0.43 milligrams per square meter [mg/m2]). NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard exists during buffing and sanding hardwood floors. Workers are exposed to wood dust above the NIOSH REL, and lead exposures approach the OSHA Action Level for lead. Surface dust samples contained levels of lead which exceed federal clearance standards for residential areas. This suggests a potential health hazard to small children in the home during refinishing, and after if the floors are not cleaned. Recommendations for using engineering and administrative controls and wearing respiratory protection during refinishing activities are included in the Recommendations section of this report.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), National Firearms Unit (NFU), Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled fo... (Click to show more)On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled for lead and noise and found excessive levels of both. An inadequate ventilation system and certain design characteristics of the range were found to be contributing factors to the lead exposure. Recommendations were made for ventilation and design improvements, and for noise exposure reduction. Over several site visits conducted at the facility, NIOSH investigators concluded that health hazards existed at the times of the evaluations. The facility has since taken several steps to mitigate these hazards, including implementing of many of the recommendations proposed by the NIOSH investigators. Recommendations in the final interim letter have not yet been implemented due to lack of funding. However, NFU management has expressed a desire to continue working with NIOSH investigators before implementing any new controls should funding become available. The contents of this document present no new information; rather, it is a compilation of the letters and reports already sent individually to INS NFU management over the course of the investigation.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Kewaunee Fabrications, LLC, Kewaunee, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) On September 3, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the management at Kewaunee Fabrications, LLC, Kewaunee, Wisconsin. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate employee exposures to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) during spray painting. Additionally, exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulates, and silica was measured. Two ventilation systems were examined and confidential medical interviews wi... (Click to show more)On September 3, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the management at Kewaunee Fabrications, LLC, Kewaunee, Wisconsin. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate employee exposures to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) during spray painting. Additionally, exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulates, and silica was measured. Two ventilation systems were examined and confidential medical interviews with 13 employees were performed. Full-shift air samples for HDI, VOCs, particulates, and silica were collected between December 13-15, 2004. No air samples collected for HDI monomer exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 35 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). There is no Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for HDI monomer or other species of HDI. However, the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive (UK-HSE) does publish a Total Reactive Isocyanate Group (TRIG) 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) criteria of 20 microg/m3 and a Ceiling Limit criteria of 70 microg/m3. Of the 15 painters sampled for HDI exposure, six workers' had PBZ levels that exceeded the UK-HSE TRIG 8-hour TWA criteria of 20 microg/m3 while four workers' HDI levels exceeded the UK-HSE TRIG Ceiling Limit criteria of 70 microg/m3. Workers wore supplied air respirators, full-body Tyvek suits, boot covers, and latex gloves while spray painting, so actual exposure to airborne HDI may be lower. However, latex gloves do not provide adequate protection against HDI and other solvents used in the paint shops. Two sanding/prep workers' particulate exposure levels exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV), (10 milligrams per cubic meter of air [mg/m3]). Levels for another worker engaged in the same activity also exceeded the OSHA PEL of 15 mg/m3. No silica (quartz and cristobalite) was found in these samples. Disposable filtering-facepiece respirators were available on a voluntary basis and sporadically used by some workers engaged in sanding/prep activities. All samples collected for VOCs were well below relevant occupational exposure criteria. Air velocities, measured at the exhaust outlets, were three to seven times higher in the West paint shop than in the East paint shop. This likely accounted for the lower airborne concentration of HDI in the West paint shop. No consistent respiratory symptoms were noted among the 13 workers interviewed, and symptoms reported were not those commonly found among workers exposed to HDI. However, a common work practice reported by workers involved the use of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) to wash their skin and remove paint. This practice should be discontinued because MEK can be absorbed through the skin. NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard exists from exposure to particulates during the sanding/prep work activity and the use of solvents such as MEK to clean skin. Recommendations to increase the level of protection for workers engaged in sanding/prep activities include mandatory use of NIOSH-approved, single-use filtering-face piece N-95 respirators. Additionally, exhaust ventilation in the East paint shop should be increased to at least 100 feet per minute (fpm), as an average air velocity across the exhaust outlet to reduce the potential health hazard from exposure to isocyanates.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Lehigh Portland Cement Company, Union Bridge, Maryland. (Click to open report) On October 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Union Bridge, Maryland, to conduct an evaluation of employee exposure to airborne dust. This request was made to ensure safe work conditions for employees after the company moved into a new facility. The evaluation was conducted on April 13 and 14, 2004. Full-shift personal breathing air zone samples for total and respirable dusts were ... (Click to show more)On October 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Union Bridge, Maryland, to conduct an evaluation of employee exposure to airborne dust. This request was made to ensure safe work conditions for employees after the company moved into a new facility. The evaluation was conducted on April 13 and 14, 2004. Full-shift personal breathing air zone samples for total and respirable dusts were collected from 19 employees over a 2-day period. In addition to particulate weight, total dust samples were analyzed for metal content, and respirable dust samples were analyzed for silica content. Area air samples were collected in five locations throughout the facility. In addition, bulk samples representing various types of dusts present at the facility were analyzed for metal and silica content. Five of the nineteen total dust samples exceeded the Mine Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limit of 10 mg/m3. The respirable dust samples did not exceed any exposure limits. In the total dust samples, aluminum, calcium, manganese, magnesium, titanium, sodium, and iron were present in quantifiable amounts. None of these metals exceeded any recommended or regulatory standards. Silica (quartz and cristobalite) was not present in any of the personal air samples. NIOSH investigators have determined that a health hazard exists at this facility due to overexposure to dust. This report contains recommendations to reduce worker exposure to the dust. This includes use of respirators in dusty areas.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City, New York City, New York. (Click to open report) In January 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) from representatives of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Local 100. The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 726, later asked to be included in this HHE. The HHE request cited concerns about respiratory and mental health symptoms among MTA employees subsequent to the September 11 Worl... (Click to show more)In January 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) from representatives of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Local 100. The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 726, later asked to be included in this HHE. The HHE request cited concerns about respiratory and mental health symptoms among MTA employees subsequent to the September 11 World Trade Center (WTC) attack. Employees believed exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks caused these symptoms. In response, NIOSH investigators conducted meetings between MTA-NYCT management and union representatives to prepare for a study to evaluate worker concerns. The initial site visit included an opening conference, a walk-through evaluation of three subway train stations near the WTC, and a closing conference. During the week of April 30, 2002, NIOSH investigators administered questionnaires to 269 MTA employees. This self-administered questionnaire contained questions about demographics, past medical history, smoking history, work duties and location, WTC-related activities performed, and symptoms occurring on and after September 11. Questionnaire data analysis showed that workers in the dust cloud at the time of the WTC collapse had significantly higher risk of persistent lower respiratory symptoms (OR=9.85; 95% CI: 2.24, 58.93), persistent mucous membrane symptoms (OR=4.91; 95% CI: 1.53, 16.22), depressive symptoms (OR=2.48; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.51), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms (OR=2.91; 95% CI: 1.003, 8.16) compared to those not exposed to the dust cloud. Based on these data, we conclude that clinical follow up for physical and psychological health conditions should be provided for affected public transportation workers subsequent to a catastrophic event. NIOSH sent an interim letter including preliminary results to MTA and union officials on December 17, 2002. This report describes our final results, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations. NIOSH investigators determined that NYC transit workers exposed to the dust cloud at the time of the September 11, 2001, WTC collapse had significantly higher risk of persistent lower respiratory and mucous membrane symptoms, and depressive and PTSD symptoms 7-1/2 months later compared to those not exposed to the dust cloud. Clinical follow up of affected transit workers for physical and psychological conditions should be continued through existing federal programs. Worker participation in these programs should be encouraged by MTA management.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) OmniSource Corporation, Lima, Ohio. (Click to open report) On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Sa... (Click to show more)On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Workers identified as having elevated exposures to lead were those who use oxygen/propane torches to cut bulk scrap into smaller pieces using hand-held oxygen/propane torches. NIOSH investigators conducted site visits to the scrap recycling facility on October 14, 2003, and from April 19-22, 2004. During the initial site visit, a NIOSH industrial hygienist and a medical officer spoke with OmniSource management and labor representatives; they also toured the facility and witnessed the torch cutting and scrap processing. During the second site visit, the NIOSH investigators collected full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples and surface samples from workers' hands and solid surfaces. NIOSH investigators sampled during torch cutting operations to detect the presence of lead and other heavy metals. Ten of the 27 PBZ air samples exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL for lead; four samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for cadmium; three samples exceeded the NIOSH 10-hour Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for nickel; and three samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for copper. NIOSH wipe samples detected lead and other heavy metals on workers' hands, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other surfaces. A NIOSH interim report (September 3, 2004) provided OmniSource representatives with a preliminary summary of sample results and recommendations to control exposures. OmniSource employees were exposed to lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, and arsenic above the OSHA PEL and/or NIOSH REL while torch cutting scrap metal. Recommendations include adhering to substance-specific OSHA standards for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, including the requirement for employee showers and other hygiene practices. Other recommendations address the use of local exhaust ventilation during torch cutting operations and the need for PBZ air monitoring for welding gases.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Taft Elementary School, Santa Ana, California. (Click to open report) On February 1, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Taft Elementary School in the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) in Santa Ana, California. The requesters were concerned about exposure to "toxic mold" in the school. There were reports that teachers had been diagnosed with toxic encephalopathy (brain damage) while other complaints included migraine headaches, sinusitis... (Click to show more)On February 1, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Taft Elementary School in the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) in Santa Ana, California. The requesters were concerned about exposure to "toxic mold" in the school. There were reports that teachers had been diagnosed with toxic encephalopathy (brain damage) while other complaints included migraine headaches, sinusitis, asthma and other health conditions related to toxic mold exposure in the school. A site visit was made on April 5-6, 2005, which included an opening conference, an inspection of the school, and confidential employee interviews. A closing conference was held in which preliminary findings and recommendations were presented. Measurements of indoor environmental quality were made including temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide; and a moisture meter was used to detect moisture in walls and ceilings or wherever evidence of water staining was visible in the buildings. Visual inspections were made on each of the five 30-ton multizone heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units and on 6 of the 12 Trane (3-ton) air handling units (AHUs). To investigate the nature of fine black particulates on filters installed downstream of the central AHUs, samples of air filters were collected and evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in buildings A and B ranged from 70 degrees-77 degrees, 25%-38% and 569-1060 ppm, respectively. Indoor temperature, RH and CO2 in bungalows B-3, B-4, and B-9 ranged from 72 degrees-79 degrees, 41%-58% and 1374-1477 ppm, respectively. Outside measurements were 76 degrees-77 degrees, 23% and 443-450 ppm. The presence of moisture was not detected on or in walls, ceiling tiles or wood framing members where evidence of previous water staining was visible. Microscopy results from air filters revealed various mineral fragments, skin cells, pollen and mold spores, and diesel particulates. Other reported particulates appeared physically similar to rubber dust. Minor deficiencies were found in several AHUs. Fifteen of the 37 (41%) staff members interviewed reported no symptoms related to work. The most common work-related symptoms were nasal symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose (8/37 or 22%). Work-related eye irritation was reported by four persons (11%). Headache, throat irritation, and cough were each reported by three (8%). Two persons described sinus pressure that got better when away from work. Nobody reported shortness of breath, chest tightness, or wheezing. Eight of 37 (22%) reported constant sinus problems or recurrent sinusitis. Three persons reported memory problems and being diagnosed by the same physician with toxic encephalopathy from mold exposure in the school. Medical records were also reviewed for seven persons. One person had evidence of sinusitis and rhinitis and one had rhinitis. None had evidence of toxic encephalopathy. NIOSH investigators did not identify an occupational health hazard at the Taft Elementary School. Inspection of the HVAC system revealed minor problems such as evidence of dust intrusion, and presence of standing water and biofilm in some of the condensate drain pans. All water leaks had been repaired, and there was no evidence of mold or fungal growth. Taft employees had rates of work-related nasal problems similar to those reported in studies of buildings with indoor environmental quality complaints; however, we were unable to directly relate any symptom to the work environment. No exposure was identified in the school that would cause toxic encephalopathy, and there was sufficient evidence to conclude that none of the Taft Elementary School employees interviewed had toxic encephalopathy. Recommendations are included in this report to address HVAC deficiencies in all units that were inspected.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2005) Transportation Security Administration, Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), Linthicum, Maryland. (Click to open report) On January 21, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) in Linthicum, Maryland. The HHE request concerned potential health hazards among TSA workers in the "checked" baggage screening areas from exposure to contaminants found in exhaust emissions of tug and jet engines and noise from tugs, jets, conveyor sys... (Click to show more)On January 21, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) in Linthicum, Maryland. The HHE request concerned potential health hazards among TSA workers in the "checked" baggage screening areas from exposure to contaminants found in exhaust emissions of tug and jet engines and noise from tugs, jets, conveyor systems, and baggage carousels in the checked baggage screening area. Reported health problems included respiratory distress, dizziness, possible hearing loss, and headaches. An initial site visit was made on April 1, 2004. On July 15-16, 2004, NIOSH investigators conducted area and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), diesel exhaust particulate (measured as elemental carbon [EC]), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fullshift personal noise monitoring was also conducted. Concentrations of EC, a surrogate for diesel exhaust, ranged from 4 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) to 24 microg/m3 with an airport-wide average of 11 microg/m3. There is no NIOSH evaluation criterion for EC; however, the California Department of Health Services recommends keeping exposure levels below 20 microg/m3. PBZ concentrations of NO2 and NO ranged from "trace" to 0.19 parts per million (ppm). Area air samples of NO2 and NO collected in the vicinity of workers ranged from "trace" to 0.13 ppm. Nondetectable NO2 results (<0.1 ppm) were obtained from real time personal exposure monitors (full-shift and 15-minute short-term exposures) and were in agreement with the other method used to measure NO2 exposure. PBZ exposure for CO ranged from non-detectable (<0.1 ppm) to 2 ppm (full-shift Time-Weighted Average [TWA]) and from non-detectable to 3 ppm (15-minute short-term exposures). Instantaneous peak values ranged from 2 to 221 ppm. Exposure to VOC's, including isopropanol and toluene, were very low. Noise dosimetry results indicated no appreciable risk for occupational noise induced hearing loss at BWI. However, a few areas (i.e., Air Tran and Delta) do have noise levels that are high enough to warrant further evaluation. The NIOSH investigators determined that a hazard does not exist from exposure to EC, CO, CO2, NO2, NO or VOCs. The sampling results indicate that, on average, none of the exposures exceeded occupational exposure limits. The measured noise levels provide little evidence of a serious noise problem. Recommendations for maintaining the air quality and further reducing noise exposures are provided in the Recommendations Section of this report.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
