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HHE Search Results
1063 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
(2001) Campbell Hausfeld, Harrison, Ohio. (Click to open report) In July 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Campbell Hausfeld in Harrison, Ohio, a producer of air compressors. This HHE request concerned several employees from the machining and assembly areas who had been reporting skin problems to management in the months prior to the request. The company had consulted an occupational dermatologist to evaluate the rashes and to determine their cause. ... (Click to show more)In July 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Campbell Hausfeld in Harrison, Ohio, a producer of air compressors. This HHE request concerned several employees from the machining and assembly areas who had been reporting skin problems to management in the months prior to the request. The company had consulted an occupational dermatologist to evaluate the rashes and to determine their cause. Campbell Hausfeld followed the dermatologist's recommendations, but some workers continued experiencing rashes. NIOSH investigators conducted an initial site visit on August 31, 2000. Based on the general area (GA) particulate sampling results in the machining area, a more thorough air sampling survey was done on January 8-12, 2001. During the first site visit, the NIOSH medical officer interviewed 12 employees, 5 of whom had a skin rash at the time of the interviews. Of the five with current rashes, two were assemblers, two were machinists, and one was an office worker. Two had a rash on their hands that appeared to be dyshydrotic eczema; two (both assemblers) had a rash on the forearms consistent with dermatitis, but it could not be determined if it was work-related; and one had folliculitis, which occurred on areas of skin not in contact with metal-working fluid (MWF), as well as on areas that may have contact with MWF. Review of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 200 Injury and Illness logs revealed 15 separate cases of dermatitis since 1995; 9 in machinists, 2 in product services, and 4 in assemblers. Over both site visits, the NIOSH industrial hygienists collected bulk fluid samples for microbial analysis, GA and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for total particulate, thoracic particulate, and extractable MWF analysis, real-time particulate concentration, count, and size data, and PBZ samples for volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis. The microbial sampling did not reveal anything unusual for MWF environments, and the VOC sampling results were all below relevant criteria except for the paint-booth employee who wore a respirator. Over half of the MWF particulate sample concentrations were above the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) total mass or 0.4 mg/m3 thoracic mass, for up to a 10-hour time-weighted average. The real-time data suggest that a large percentage of the particle mass concentration was in the respirable range. NIOSH investigators concluded that a health hazard from exposure to MWF exists at Campbell Hausfeld and recommended that exposures be reduced and a comprehensive MWF safety and health program be developed and implemented. The program should include training, exposure assessment, hazard control, and medical monitoring. MWFs are known to cause irritant contact dermatitis and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. While it is unlikely that there is one single cause of the various rashes experienced by employees, work-related exacerbations of skin problems could be minimized by limiting skin contact with the MWFs, washer detergents, and rust inhibitors. MWFs are also known to cause respiratory irritation and decrease lung function. Engineering controls such as dilution ventilation, enclosures, and local exhaust ventilation are needed to reduce the MWF exposures.
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(2001) CSX Transportation, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. (Click to open report) In June 1992, the Dixie Federation of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) requested a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) health hazard evaluation (HHE) of railroad track maintenance operations conducted by CSX Transportation, Incorporated (CSXT). The request concerned respiratory hazards to maintenance of way (MOW) employees from dusts generated while these operations are performed "in and around Radnor Yard in Nashville, Tennessee and at most tracka... (Click to show more)In June 1992, the Dixie Federation of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) requested a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) health hazard evaluation (HHE) of railroad track maintenance operations conducted by CSX Transportation, Incorporated (CSXT). The request concerned respiratory hazards to maintenance of way (MOW) employees from dusts generated while these operations are performed "in and around Radnor Yard in Nashville, Tennessee and at most trackage in Tennessee as well as other southern states." Subsequent to the request, the Dixie Federation merged with other federations and assumed the name of the Allied Eastern Federation of BMWE. On November 9, 1992, NIOSH representatives met with company and union representatives for an initial meeting and brief site visit near Radnor Yard. NIOSH then conducted environmental air sampling at eight sites during track maintenance activities between August 1993 and April 1997. Twenty-two area samples and 185 personal samples were collected for respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica. Area and personal respirable dust 10-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations ranged from "not detected" to 1.04 mg/m3 and "not detected" to 2.05 mg/m3 , respectively. The range of 10-hour TWA respirable crystalline silica (as quartz) concentrations for the area samples was "not detected" to 0.30 mg/m3 and was "not detected" to 0.43 mg/m3 for the personal samples. Cristobalite, another form of crystalline silica, was not detected on any of the samples. Eighteen of the personal sample concentrations exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for respirable dust, and 28 exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for respirable quartz; these samples were obtained on ballast regulator, broom, and tamper operators as well as track repairmen engaged in ballast dumping. In an effort to reduce worker exposure, the company was modifying operator cabs on equipment. The cabs were being rebuilt with air-conditioning and pressurization systems, and seals were being provided around doors, windows, and levers. Real-time dust measurements showed the effectiveness of these modifications to one such cab. Manual control of ballast car hopper doors was being replaced with radio remote control. NIOSH recommendations include substitution with ballast that contains less crystalline silica, wetting of the ballast to prevent dust, and maintenance of the operator cabs. NIOSH investigators determined that a health hazard existed for railroad track maintenance workers from occupational exposure to crystalline silica. The presence of this risk was indicated by personal measurements of airborne respirable crystalline silica that exceeded occupational exposure guidelines. The hazard was greatest for workers who operated ballast regulating, broom, and tamping machines and for track repairman who dumped ballast. Reduction of worker exposure to airborne dust is recommended to protect the health of the workers engaged in these activities.
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(2001) E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Richmond, Virginia. (Click to open report) On May 10, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from members of the Ampthill Rayon Workers Inc. (ARWI) employed at the E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc., (DuPont) facility in Richmond, Virginia. The request indicated that persons working in the para-aramid (Kevlar) fiber production area were experiencing "infected gland, sore throats, and infections" that they believed may be a result of workplace exposures.... (Click to show more)On May 10, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from members of the Ampthill Rayon Workers Inc. (ARWI) employed at the E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc., (DuPont) facility in Richmond, Virginia. The request indicated that persons working in the para-aramid (Kevlar) fiber production area were experiencing "infected gland, sore throats, and infections" that they believed may be a result of workplace exposures. In response to the request, NIOSH investigators visited the facility on July 26-28, 2000. Environmental monitoring was conducted to characterize exposures in the Spinning and Finishing (Beaming and Roving) areas. Total dust exposures in the Beaming and Roving areas of the Finishing area were below 0.02 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), the limit of detection for the sampling method used. Fiber exposures in the Roving and Beaming areas were 0.01 and 0.02 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc), below the exposure criterion of 0.5 f/cc we used for this evaluation. Sulfuric acid mist exposures in the Kevlar Spinning area during routine activities ranged from less than 0.003 mg/m3 to 0.082 mg/m3. The NIOSH, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established an exposure limit for sulfuric acid of 1 mg/m3 as a time-weighted average. The local exhaust systems in the Spinning area were examined for air flow and air speed. We identified "dead spots" and relatively slow air velocities across the face of the hoods. NIOSH medical officers interviewed 46 DuPont employees: 25 systematically and 3 voluntarily selected of 50 Spinning area employees, 15 of 16 current Finishing area employees, and 3 former Finishing area workers. Medical records of 12 employees seen for potentially work-related health concerns were reviewed. Fourteen (56%) of the twenty-five systematically selected, current Spinning area employees reported work-related episodes of upper respiratory symptoms, two reported brief work-related episodes of shortness of breath, and four reported symptoms mainly occurring during work with the interlacing part of the machine. Of the 15 interviewed Finishing employees, 4 (27%) reported work-related allergy symptoms and/or increased frequency of upper respiratory infections, including sinusitis, 1 reported the onset of episodes of wheeze, and shortness of breath after beginning work in the area, and 1 current and 2 prior Finishing area employees reported symptom onset or worsening after installation of the interlace boxes. Three of five medical records received for Spinning area workers documented findings of throat irritation and/or chronic hoarseness; two of these medical reports mentioned work-related sulfuric acid mist exposure as a potential cause and one documented a physician-recommended job transfer. No association between symptoms and work environment was reported in medical records of four current Finishing employees. Medical records of three former Finishing area workers revealed two with eye and/or throat irritation who had both been restricted at certain times from the Roving interlace area by the company physician, and one with new-onset asthma diagnosed one year after beginning work in the Finishing area, but with no documentation of a specific cause, including exposures in the workplace. All measured concentrations of dust, fibers, and sulfuric acid in this evaluation were well below available guidelines or standards. The symptoms reported by DuPont employees evaluated in this HHE are non-specific and cannot be directly related to specific exposures in the areas evaluated, however, it is possible that elevated concentrations of workplace contaminants could have occurred in the past and contributed to reported symptoms. Recommendations are provided in this report to address health and safety issues identified during our evaluation.
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(2001) Foeste Masonry, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. (Click to open report) Foeste masonry recently received an OSHA citation for overexposure of workers to crystalline silica during the dry cutting of brick. Foeste subsequently purchased several brick/block cutoff saws equipped with water dust suppression. Until Foeste could show that exposures were adequately controlled, Foeste was required by OSHA to enroll the operators in a respiratory protection program (fit testing and use of half mask, cartridge respirators). On April 3, 2000, Foeste Masonry requested a Health H... (Click to show more)Foeste masonry recently received an OSHA citation for overexposure of workers to crystalline silica during the dry cutting of brick. Foeste subsequently purchased several brick/block cutoff saws equipped with water dust suppression. Until Foeste could show that exposures were adequately controlled, Foeste was required by OSHA to enroll the operators in a respiratory protection program (fit testing and use of half mask, cartridge respirators). On April 3, 2000, Foeste Masonry requested a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) to assess the effectiveness of wet dust suppression during the cutting of brick and block. On May 8, 2000, NIOSH investigators met with Foeste representatives to discuss sampling procedures for collecting airborne dust samples. Environmental measurements of airborne particulate were obtained on May 9 -10,2000. NIOSH investigators determined that dry cutting can lead to intense exposures to silica dust. Such exposures are likely to be very hazardous to workers operating the saws and working in their vicinity. NIOSH recommends that wet cutting be used when ever possible. The sampling undertaken in this study indicates that wet cutting, undertaken using the manufacturer's guidelines, generally leads to exposures to silica dust below the OSHA PEL. It is recommended that saw operators continue to wear at least a NIOSH-approved, disposable respirator, especially when wet cutting for two hours or more. If dry cutting brick or block is necessitated by the building design a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) should be worn and the cutting time should be limited. Routine evaluation of dust exposures is desirable to ensure that the workers are adequately protected, especially for brick or block of high silica content.
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(2001) Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino, Watersmeet, Michigan. (Click to open report) On December 13, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino in Watersmeet, Michigan to determine if workplace exposures during counting operations are related to reported health problems that some employees have experienced. Specifically, NIOSH was asked to evaluate exposure to metal dust and other contaminants associated with machine counting of coins and pape... (Click to show more)On December 13, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino in Watersmeet, Michigan to determine if workplace exposures during counting operations are related to reported health problems that some employees have experienced. Specifically, NIOSH was asked to evaluate exposure to metal dust and other contaminants associated with machine counting of coins and paper money at the casino. Reported symptoms included eye, nasal, and respiratory irritation, and other respiratory problems. On January 25-27, 2001, NIOSH researchers conducted a site visit at the Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino. The purpose of this site visit was to review the coin counting process, interview employees, and characterize the work environment to determine factors that may contribute to the reported symptoms. During the first shift (12:00 AM - 8:00 AM) on January 26 and January 27, environmental monitoring was conducted to evaluate count employees personal exposures to nickel, copper, zinc, and other metals that may be present in coin dust, and to the total dust present in both the hard (coin) and soft (paper) counting areas. Surface samples were collected to determine the extent of metal contamination in various areas, and personal noise monitoring was conducted to evaluate worker exposure to noise. The results of the air sampling showed that for the monitoring period all measured concentrations of nickel, copper, and zinc were below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) for these substances. The highest measured concentration of nickel was 7 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3 ), detected in a sample collected from a coin count worker. The NIOSH REL for nickel is 15 µg/m3 . The highest copper concentration (24 µg/m3 ) was measured in this same sample. The NIOSH REL for copper dust is 1000 µg/m3 . All zinc samples were either below the limit of detection (LOD) or between the LOD and the limit of quantitation. The NIOSH REL for zinc oxide is 5000 µg/m3 . The surface sampling results identified some areas in the coin counting room where additional cleaning is warranted to reduce the potential for spreading metal contamination or generating airborne dust. All measured noise exposures were below the NIOSH REL of 85 decibels on the A-weighting scale (dBA) as a full-shift time-weighted average. Workers reported nasal, respiratory, and eye irritation; no skin problems were reported by any of the workers. A number of manual lifting activities involving substantial loads and awkward postures were observed, most of which involved handling the coins. Based on a limited review of the ventilation system and information provided by casino employees, it appears the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system supporting the count areas is insufficient to maintain thermal conditions in an appropriate comfort range. The ventilation in the Soft Count room does not appear to be able to accommodate the number of people that work in this room (conditions are crowded). Temperatures ranging from 73 degrees - 76 degrees F were measured in the work areas (an acceptable range) and the relative humidity in the work areas was lower than desirable (10-11%). These lower humidity levels and insufficient general ventilation could account for some of the eye and nasal irritation that has been experienced by workers. Exposures to nickel, copper, and zinc during currency counting activities were below recommended limits. The surface sampling results indicate that additional cleaning in the coin counting room is warranted. All measured noise exposures were below recommended limits, however there are opportunities to further reduce noise levels in the Hard Count room. The general ventilation system does not appear to adequately support the Hard Count and Soft Count rooms, particularly the Soft Count room. Relative Humidity levels were low and may account for some of the eye and nasal irritation reported by workers. Tobacco smoke was detected in non-smoking areas indicating that smoke is not being effectively isolated and ventilated. It is possible that the health complaints could be resolved by improving the general indoor environmental quality in the counting area. Recommendations to improve conditions and address ergonomic issues are in the Recommendation section of this report.
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(2001) Lehigh Portland Cement Company, Union Bridge, Maryland. (Click to open report) On May 30, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union Local 2-0031 regarding fly ash exposures during the cement manufacturing process at the Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Union Bridge, Maryland. The union was concerned about possible exposures to crystalline silica as a constituent of the fly ash (approximately 1-6%) used in the cement manufac... (Click to show more)On May 30, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union Local 2-0031 regarding fly ash exposures during the cement manufacturing process at the Lehigh Portland Cement Company in Union Bridge, Maryland. The union was concerned about possible exposures to crystalline silica as a constituent of the fly ash (approximately 1-6%) used in the cement manufacturing process. On July 24-25, 2000, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at the Lehigh Portland Cement Company. Area and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples were collected for total dust, respirable dust, and crystalline silica. Bulk samples of the fly ash and raw feed were also collected and analyzed for crystalline silica content and elements (e.g., chromium, copper, nickel, lead, magnesium, manganese, titanium, zinc, etc.). A return site visit was conducted on December 13, 2000, to collect PBZ air samples for elements. PBZ air samples collected for respirable dust, quartz (crystalline silica), cristobalite, and elements did not indicate any exposures exceeding applicable exposure criteria. Three area samples collected at different times in the raw mill separator area indicated total dust concentrations of 149 milligrams of dust per cubic meter of air (mg/m3), 14 mg/m3, and 20 mg/m3. (The settled dust [on equipment, stairs, floors, etc.] in the raw mill area, and leaks in the process equipment may affect dust sample concentrations collected at different times during the day). Three out of seven workers sampled during the initial site visit had total dust time-weighted average (TWA) exposures above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 mg/m3. Two of these workers were performing work tasks in the mill room and had TWA exposures that also exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for total dust (15 mg/m3). PBZ air samples collected on a worker repairing a leak in the process equipment (located within the raw mill building) indicated an extremely high total dust TWA concentration (3800 mg/m3). This sample was not representative of the worker's breathing zone exposure (dust was blowing directly on the sampling cassette at a high velocity while he was repairing the leak). However, because of the high concentration in this sample, it is possible that the worker's true exposure to total dust concentrations was well over applicable exposure criteria. All area and PBZ air samples for quartz (crystalline silica) were below applicable exposure criteria. However, PBZ air samples indicated that total dust TWA exposures were in excess of applicable exposure criteria. Recommendations to control total dust exposures include shutting off process equipment when performing maintenance activities to repair leaks; fixing leaks in process equipment to reduce dust generating sources; using engineering and administrative controls when feasible; using respirators when other controls are not feasible; using vacuums (with P95 filters) instead of pressurized air to clean off work clothing; and re-sampling after any process changes to evaluate worker exposures under new conditions.
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(2001) NIOSH exposure assessment of cellulose insulation applicators. (Click to open report) In July 1994, cellulose insulation (CI) was nominated to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for a comprehensive toxicological evaluation. The evaluation consisted of two components: (1) a bulk analytical characterization of CI and (2) an exposure assessment of U.S. contractors applying the CI in residential and commercial buildings. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was presented with an opportunity to assist in the evaluation of CI by conducting the exposure a... (Click to show more)In July 1994, cellulose insulation (CI) was nominated to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for a comprehensive toxicological evaluation. The evaluation consisted of two components: (1) a bulk analytical characterization of CI and (2) an exposure assessment of U.S. contractors applying the CI in residential and commercial buildings. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was presented with an opportunity to assist in the evaluation of CI by conducting the exposure assessment through an interagency agreement with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NTP. NIOSH conducted the CI exposure assessment, which included a medical component, with 10 contractors located across the United States. During each contractor site visit, air samples were collected for total dust, respirable dust, and for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis to characterize any fibers in the dust. The CI installer and hopper operator each had two SEM air samples collected for each day of CI activities. Bulk samples of the CI were collected and analyzed for metals, boron, and sulfate content. Real-time and video exposure monitoring were also conducted to further characterize the CI dust and workers' exposures. For the 10 contractor site visits, 175 personal breathing zone (PBZ) total dust, 106 area total dust, and 90 area respirable dust air samples were collected during CI related activities. There were 26 employees with total dust eight-hour time-weighted averages (8-hour TWAs) exceeding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and 42 exceeding the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 10 mg/m3. Respirable dust air sampling and real-time monitoring with particle size discrimination indicated low levels of respirable dust generation. The SEM analyses revealed that fibers were on average 28 micrometers in length and ranged from 5 to 150 micrometers. CI installers' PBZ samples and area air samples for total dust were significantly higher for dry attic applications than wet attic applications (p < 0.01). Respirable dust air samples collected in the attic area indicated a significantly higher concentration for dry applications than wet applications (p < 0.01). The hopper operators' total dust exposures were significantly higher during wet wall/ceiling applications than dry wall/ceiling applications (p = 0.02). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests evaluating exposure concentrations revealed that total dust air samples collected in the PBZ of workers (CI installer in attics, CI installer in walls, hopper operator during attic applications, and hopper operator during walls/ceiling applications) varied significantly during dry applications (p < 0.01). The respirable dust air samples collected in various areas (attic area, hopper area during attic applications, and hopper area during walls/ceiling applications) differed significantly during dry applications (p = 0.03). Twenty-three workers participated in the medical phase of the investigation. The workers completed a medical and work history questionnaire, performed serial peak flow tests, and completed multiple acute symptom surveys. The medical questionnaires indicated respiratory, nasal, and skin symptoms that employees attributed to CI exposure. The most common symptoms reported while working with CI included nasal symptoms (35%), eye symptoms (35%), and morning phlegm production (25%). There was a temporal association between CI exposure and eye symptoms. There is little evidence of lower respiratory system health conditions associated with CI exposure. Based on the air sample data collected from the 10 contractor site visits, NIOSH investigators conclude that there is potential for overexposure to cellulose insulation (CI). Employees in virtually all CI application activities were exposed to total dust levels which exceeded the OSHA 8-hour TWA of 15 mg/m3. CI installers' PBZ total dust samples and area air samples for total and respirable dust were significantly higher for dry attic applications than wet attic applications. Eye symptoms were temporally associated with CI exposure. There is little evidence of lower respiratory tract health conditions associated with CI exposure. Suggestions to improve the health and safety of employees in this industry, through the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment (i.e., respirators), are presented in the Recommendations section of this report.
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(2001) North View Elementary School, Clarksburg, WV. (Click to open report) In May of 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the North View Elementary School in Clarksburg, WV. The request, submitted by the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA), cited indoor air quality associated health complaints such as asthma, sinus infections, allergies, respiratory problems and increased absenteeism. On May 27 and June 6, 1999, NIOSH investigators conducted initial investigation... (Click to show more)In May of 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the North View Elementary School in Clarksburg, WV. The request, submitted by the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA), cited indoor air quality associated health complaints such as asthma, sinus infections, allergies, respiratory problems and increased absenteeism. On May 27 and June 6, 1999, NIOSH investigators conducted initial investigations of the environmental conditions and health concerns. The investigation involved interviews with workers, a questionnaire survey, lung function testing, inspection of the building and the air handling unit (AHU), and measurements of temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, and microbial volatile organic compounds in air. On July 22, 1999, NIOSH investigators made a site visit with officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further inspect the school AHU. On August 11 and 12, 1999, during the summer recess, NIOSH investigators took additional environmental measurements to assess the potential for fungal growth and other indoor environmental conditions when the school was unoccupied. Following these surveys, an interim report with recommendations was presented to the school management and employees. On August 14, 1999, further questionnaire survey and lung function testing were done to determine the baseline respiratory health status following a summer recess. On February 11 and 17, 2000, NIOSH investigators conducted additional environmental and medical assessment at the school during the winter season. This survey also evaluated progress made on recommendations provided in the interim report and their impact on employee health. The results of the investigation are summarized below. At the initial investigation on May 1999, employees who worked in the basement area of the school reported higher occurrence of upper and lower respiratory symptoms than those who worked on the first or second floor of the school. Almost all employees from the basement area (89%) reported wheezing and shortness of breath with wheezing during the last 12 months, and 66% reported taking medication for breathing problems. The employees working on the second floor had the lowest prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of nonspecific symptoms (these include a stuffy/runny nose, irritation of the eyes, throat, headache and sinus problems) was also high. There was a noticeable decrease in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms during the summer recess. However, during the winter months the frequency of reported symptoms increased, in particular in the basement and on the first floor. Cross-sectional spirometry testing determined that 8% of the adult school occupants had mild obstructive impairment. Serial lung function tests performed by nine occupants who complained of asthma-like respiratory symptoms did not show visible variability in lung function in response to being in the school environment. On inspection of the school, we observed water incursions and fungal growth on interior ceiling tiles in basement areas. Bioaerosol concentrations in building air, measured during the school break with the AHU in operation, were below ambient levels for fungi, bacteria, spores, and endotoxin. Some of the fungal and bacterial organisms identified in the building, especially in basement areas, were different from those identified in ambient samples suggesting amplification of these organisms within the building. Five unique microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) were detected in the basement area; none of these compounds were detected on the sample collected on the second floor. The airborne dust concentrations measured in building air were below those measured in ambient air. Samples for carbon dioxide, obtained when school was in session, suggest inadequate outside air intake and distribution. Inspection of the AHU indicated too small a filter surface area and other operational problems that would impact system operation and indoor environmental quality.
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(2001) Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation from employees at the Oklahoma City Community College Bookstore on August 13, 2001. Employees were concerned that the temporary location of the bookstore in the school's gymnasium was exposing them to excessive noise from activities occurring in the gymnasium. Following a cheerleading camp held in the Summer of 2001, one employee experienced pain and ringing in her ears from the ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation from employees at the Oklahoma City Community College Bookstore on August 13, 2001. Employees were concerned that the temporary location of the bookstore in the school's gymnasium was exposing them to excessive noise from activities occurring in the gymnasium. Following a cheerleading camp held in the Summer of 2001, one employee experienced pain and ringing in her ears from the yelling and screaming by the participants. The bookstore employees were also concerned about mold and dust in the bookstore that they felt resulted in additional sickness for the workers. A NIOSH investigator visited the campus bookstore on October 17-19, 2001, to make noise measurements in the bookstore while a Fall Break Camp was held in the gymnasium. Personal and area noise samples were obtained over two full days in the bookstore. The NIOSH investigator also made visual observations of the work area, interviewed bookstore employees, and spoke with representatives of the College's physical plant about the operation of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and the condition of the gymnasium's roof. The results of the personal noise sampling revealed time-weighted average (TWA) noise levels that were 6% or less of the daily allowed noise dose according to the evaluation criteria to prevent occupational hearing loss from noise. The area noise samples showed that the activities in the gymnasium did interfere with communications for the employees of the bookstore, particularly the voices of the children in the day camp. The temporary wall constructed to isolate the bookstore was ineffective in reducing the noises emanating from the gymnasium. Also, the housekeeping conditions observed in the bookstore were poor, with dust located throughout the space. The personal noise measurements made during the two days of the Fall Break Camp revealed that employees of the bookstore are not at increased risk of occupational hearing loss as a result of their noise exposures. However, the interference with daily activities at the store was confirmed by the area noise samples. Visual observations made during the site visit found large amounts of dust throughout the bookstore and an area on the southeast wall that had visible staining from a previous roof leak. Recommendations are made in the report on the construction of a more efficient, sound-attenuation wall and on improving general housekeeping practices.
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(2001) Rehabilitation Services Commission, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) On May 5, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from employees at the Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) regarding indoor air quality problems at the RSC building in Columbus, Ohio. Health concerns included chronic sinus infections, allergies, asthmatic bronchitis, and chronic pulmonary problems. On July 11 and 12, 2000, NIOSH investigators conducted a walk-through inspection of the building's interior and exterior, and of the air handli... (Click to show more)On May 5, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from employees at the Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) regarding indoor air quality problems at the RSC building in Columbus, Ohio. Health concerns included chronic sinus infections, allergies, asthmatic bronchitis, and chronic pulmonary problems. On July 11 and 12, 2000, NIOSH investigators conducted a walk-through inspection of the building's interior and exterior, and of the air handling units (AHU). Measurements to detect moisture incursion and general indoor air quality comfort parameters were also made. NIOSH physicians interviewed 29 employees to assess health complaints potentially related to the work environment. Moisture measurements on the inside of the exterior walls and the concrete slab did not indicate a chronic water incursion problem. The AHUs appeared clean and provided good air filtration. The condensate pans on some of the AHU were not draining properly. The building was under positive pressure; the cafeteria was under negative pressure to minimize odors in the building. One non-functional bathroom exhaust fan was identified. Several carbon dioxide measurements exceeded 800 ppm, indicating an inadequate supply of outdoor air. The AHUs were recently switched from a manual adjustment system to a computer-controlled system. Although the computer-controlled system indicated air intakes at 10%, they were actually closed. Thirteen of the 29 employees interviewed reported a physician diagnosis of asthma. Six of these employees reported a consistent increase in symptoms related to being in the workplace. In addition to asthma, 10 of the 29 employees interviewed reported upper respiratory symptoms or mucous membrane irritation temporally related to the work environment. Ten of the 29 reported having positive allergy tests for dust mites. Four employees reported no symptoms related to work. Medical records were obtained for three individuals who reported being diagnosed with asthma since beginning work at the RSC, and who reported a consistent increase in symptoms related to being at work. One of the three had information in the medical record possibly consistent with a diagnosis of asthma, but no evidence of a decrement in lung function at work; two did not have documented evidence of asthma. Among the 29 persons interviewed, the most frequently reported observation was that the work environment was dusty and the cloth-covered cubicles were dirty. Several persons complained of odors from the kitchen. In addition, several employees reported the use of ion-generating or electrostatic precipitator air cleaners (these air cleaners may produce ozone) at their desks. There was no evidence of a significant indoor air quality problem at the RSC building. Minor problems were noted, including a non-operational bathroom exhaust fan, a deficiency in supplied outdoor air, and the use of ozone generating air cleaners. Reported symptoms included asthma, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Recommendations include repair of the bathroom fan, adjusting the outside air dampers to increase the supply of outdoor air, and elimination of ozone-generating air cleaners.
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