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HHE Search Results
114 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
(2016) Indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a public university. (Click to open report) University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilatio... (Click to show more)University managers requested help to address employee concerns about mold in a campus building. We evaluated the building ventilation systems. We checked for moisture, water damage, and mold. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. We saw no widespread mold or water damage. Relative humidity levels in some areas were above 65%. These levels can help microorganisms and dust mites grow. The building had unit ventilators and window air-conditioners, not a central ventilation system. None of the unit ventilators brought in outdoor air. We interviewed employees about their health. They reported some respiratory symptoms associated with damp buildings and inadequate ventilation. These symptoms are also common in the general population. Employees also reported hives, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hair loss. These conditions were not related to working in the building. HHE Program investigators recommended improving building ventilation and stopping environmental sampling.
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(2016) Odors and surface residues in a medical research facility. (Click to open report) Medical center employees requested a health hazard evaluation. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality, odors, and a residue on top of shelves. Employees felt that odors were causing nausea, headache, sinus problems, and aggravation of asthma. We evaluated the ventilation system. We collected air samples in the building and on the roof, and bulk samples of residue from shelves in some laboratories. We found supply air intakes on the roof pulling building exhaust air into the build... (Click to show more)Medical center employees requested a health hazard evaluation. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality, odors, and a residue on top of shelves. Employees felt that odors were causing nausea, headache, sinus problems, and aggravation of asthma. We evaluated the ventilation system. We collected air samples in the building and on the roof, and bulk samples of residue from shelves in some laboratories. We found supply air intakes on the roof pulling building exhaust air into the building. In many laboratories, air was moving from the laboratories into the hallway. We found low levels of airborne volatile organic compounds in the building and on the roof. Some of these compounds could be from chemicals used and stored in the laboratories. Other compounds were of unknown origin. HHE Program investigators determined that these findings may be a source of odors. The residue on the shelves was likely from the breakdown of the shelving material itself.
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(2016) Respiratory and indoor environmental quality concerns at a snack foods facility - Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chem... (Click to show more)In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a confidential health hazard evaluation request from employees at a snack foods manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The request listed concerns about respiratory illnesses, headaches, nosebleeds, and cancer related to indoor dampness and potential exposure to mold and mildew, seasonings, and asbestos. We evaluated employee health concerns and potential exposures to mold and mildew, seasonings, flavoring chemicals and asbestos among employees at a snack food manufacturing facility. We performed an indoor environmental quality assessment and assessed air levels of seasonings, flavoring chemicals, and dust. We noted water damage from roof and window leaks that promoted dampness and the potential for mold growth in the facility. Our air samples highlighted several areas of the facility with high risk of exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals. We recommend roof and building structure repairs to mitigate further water damage. We also provide several means to reduce potential employee exposure to irritant seasonings, dust, and flavoring chemicals.
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(2015) An unpleasant odor at an aircraft ejection seat manufacturer. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at an ejection seat manufacturing facility. Employees were concerned about an odor in the facility and health symptoms thought to be related to it. The odor reportedly permeated and remained in materials and goods of employees for weeks after they left the facility. Some employees described the odor as a musty smell and others as a chemical smell. In this facility, stock aluminum is cut and machined into smaller parts in f... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at an ejection seat manufacturing facility. Employees were concerned about an odor in the facility and health symptoms thought to be related to it. The odor reportedly permeated and remained in materials and goods of employees for weeks after they left the facility. Some employees described the odor as a musty smell and others as a chemical smell. In this facility, stock aluminum is cut and machined into smaller parts in fully enclosed computer numerical control (CNC) metalworking machines that use semi-synthetic, water-miscible cutting oils. The manufacturing process also includes painting parts in a down-draft paint booth, sewing, and assembly. We evaluated indoor environmental quality; sampled air for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metalworking fluid, endotoxin, and microbial contaminants; analyzed metalworking fluid for microbial diversity and endotoxin; and interviewed employees about their work and health during our site visit in May 2014. We found that 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine (3,5-MDMP) was likely causing the odor. This chemical may be produced by bacteria found in the metalworking fluid. The metalworking fluid also contained high endotoxin concentrations. Metalworking fluid exposures in air reached about half of the NIOSH recommended limit. Metalworking fluid was not well contained around the stock metal cutting machine. Additionally, ventilation systems and water diversion systems were not well-maintained, condensation pans in air handling units had standing water and debris, gutters were rusted through, and air recirculation rates were high in some departments indicating poor general ventilation. The most common work-related symptoms reported by employees were fatigue, headache, eye irritation, runny nose or congestion, and cough. Employees who wore gloves used latex gloves when working with metalworking fluid. To eliminate the odor and reduce employee exposures to metalworking fluids, we recommended the employer (1) isolate the CNC department from the rest of the facility with barrier walls or relocate it to a separate room, (2) install a dedicated ventilation system in the CNC department, (3) implement maintenance programs for managing metalworking fluid in the machines and recycling system, (4) develop and carry out a plan for metalworking machine decontamination, and (5) improve metalworking fluid containment at the stock metal cutting machine. We also recommended the employer provide and employees wear non-latex gloves when handling goods or doing tasks that require contact with metalworking fluids, and employees wash with soap and water if they get metalworking fluid on their skin and after removing gloves.
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(2015) Indoor environmental quality and health concerns in a public elementary school. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representing employees at an elementary school because of concerns about possible exposure to mold in the school building. In 2014, some elementary school employees went on medical leave reportedly because of illness from mold exposure after receiving results from fungal immunoglobulin G (IgG) blood tests and urine mycotoxin tests. Knowledge of these results prompted over 20 additional school employees to have their blood teste... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representing employees at an elementary school because of concerns about possible exposure to mold in the school building. In 2014, some elementary school employees went on medical leave reportedly because of illness from mold exposure after receiving results from fungal immunoglobulin G (IgG) blood tests and urine mycotoxin tests. Knowledge of these results prompted over 20 additional school employees to have their blood tested for IgG to fungi. Some of these employees and their physicians interpreted their blood test results as meaning they had high levels of mold in their bodies. Other employees had recurring upper respiratory and sinus infections and throat and eye irritation that they attributed to their work environment. During our evaluation, we (1) checked for moisture, water damage, and mold inside the building and in the crawl spaces beneath the building, (2) evaluated the ventilation systems, (3) measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity, and (4) asked employees about their work, medical history, and work-related health concerns. We found no moisture, signs of water damage, or mold in the school or crawl spaces, except for three classrooms with minor mold growth. Some classroom unit ventilators did not work, had incorrectly installed or missing air filters, or were blocked. Carbon dioxide levels were high in some classrooms. Our employee interviews and review of medical records found symptoms often associated with damp buildings or inadequate ventilation but that are common in the general population. We found no evidence that problems such as neuropathy, thrush, and cancer were related to the school. Lacking an explanation for all symptoms led some employees to seek answers from unvalidated medical tests. To address indoor environmental quality concerns, we recommended the school (1) stop environmental sampling and blood testing for molds and urine testing for mycotoxins; (2) hire a licensed professional mechanical engineer to assess the ventilation systems; (3) encourage employees to report water leaks or water damage; and (4) create a system for employees to report building concerns and to receive feedback on how issues were resolved. We recommended employees report work-related health concerns and see an occupational medicine physician about health problems they think may be work related.
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(2015) Indoor environmental quality in police evidence intake, processing, and storage areas at a medical examiner's office. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees in a medical examiner's office building. Employees in the police evidence intake, processing, and storage areas were concerned about inadequate ventilation. We visited in March 2015 to evaluate the areas of concern on the subbasement 1 and fifth floors. We measured temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide; visually assessed the building's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems; measured ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees in a medical examiner's office building. Employees in the police evidence intake, processing, and storage areas were concerned about inadequate ventilation. We visited in March 2015 to evaluate the areas of concern on the subbasement 1 and fifth floors. We measured temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide; visually assessed the building's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems; measured airflow at supply diffusers; interviewed employees about their work history and health and safety concerns; and reviewed work-related injury and illness reports. We found that most temperature measurements were either above or below the recommended range for employee comfort. Some relative humidity measurements were below the ASHRAE guidelines. Carbon monoxide concentrations were low. Airflow from the supply diffusers on the subbasement floor was less than originally designed. Employees reported that they were often too hot or too cold, airflow and air circulation were inadequate, the workplace was not clean enough, and they lacked training on handling chemical or biological spills. Some employees reported upper and lower respiratory symptoms, skin symptoms, and other nonspecific. To improve the indoor environmental quality, we recommended the medical examiner's office (1) keep temperature and relative humidity within comfort guidelines, (2) supply air as designed and meet current ventilation guidelines, (3) improve housekeeping, (4) prohibit eating and drinking where evidence is handled and processed, and (5) develop standard operating procedures for cleaning spills. We recommended employees report work-related health concerns to their supervisor and seek information from a healthcare provider knowledgeable in occupational medicine and indoor environmental quality issues.
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(2014) Indoor environmental quality in a medical office building. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a medical office building. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality and exposure to sewer gas, specifically hydrogen sulfide. The medical office building was a four-story, concrete masonry office building constructed in the 1960s that had been renovated twice; the three main floors were converted into offices and exam rooms. The building was surrounded by manholes that had been identified as sources of odors.... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employees at a medical office building. They were concerned about indoor environmental quality and exposure to sewer gas, specifically hydrogen sulfide. The medical office building was a four-story, concrete masonry office building constructed in the 1960s that had been renovated twice; the three main floors were converted into offices and exam rooms. The building was surrounded by manholes that had been identified as sources of odors. The building was within 30 feet of a 24-inch trunk line that carried sewage from approximately 60% of the surrounding area toward the wastewater treatment facility. Most of the building's current plumbing was the original cast iron waste and vent piping, which can become brittle and crack with age. We visited the facility in April 2013 and measured hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity levels throughout the building. We also inspected the building's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system. We did not detect hydrogen sulfide in the building. We found that carbon dioxide concentrations generally increased when moving further away from the supply air discharge point on each floor; outdoor air supplied to each floor was not uniformly distributed. Temperature and humidity were within ANSI/ASHRAE recommended levels. We found problems with duct dampers, heat pumps, and the computerized control system, and determined that air flowed from the restrooms into the hallways. We found odor sources within and near the building such as dry drain traps and manholes. We recommended the employer improve the air quality in the building by (1) testing and balancing the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, (2) increasing the amount of outdoor air coming into the building, and (3) fixing the problems with the duct dampers, heat pumps, and computerized control system. We also recommended the employer (1) remove plumbing fixtures and seal unused drain pipes, (2) replace cast-iron pipe with polyvinyl chloride pipe, and (3) create an employee and employer health and safety committee and hold regular meetings. We recommended employees (1) report odors to managers as soon as they occur, (2) not open building windows, and (3) participate in the health and safety committee. Following our visit, the employer reported that drain-trap devices were installed on all floor drains, HVAC components were inspected and repaired, cracks in the sanitary sewer lines were repaired, and manholes were sealed or replaced with solid lids and rain-guard devices. The employer reported that odor complaints have decreased since our evaluation.
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(2014) Indoor environmental quality in a natural history building. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a university health and safety office to evaluate employees' concerns about rashes, sore throat, and respiratory irritation when working on the seventh floor of a natural history building. This floor housed offices, computer workstations, and ornithology, mammology, and icthyology departments. Hundreds of bird and mammal specimens were stored in unventilated cabinets specially designed to minimize internal temperature and relative humi... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a university health and safety office to evaluate employees' concerns about rashes, sore throat, and respiratory irritation when working on the seventh floor of a natural history building. This floor housed offices, computer workstations, and ornithology, mammology, and icthyology departments. Hundreds of bird and mammal specimens were stored in unventilated cabinets specially designed to minimize internal temperature and relative humidity fluctuations. The specimen storage and processing areas were next to offices and computer workstations and shared ventilation systems. Two rooftop variable air volume air handling units provided air-conditioning and heat. The exterior windows could not be opened. During our visit in February 2014, we evaluated indoor environmental quality, interviewed employees and students about their work and health, and reviewed reports of sampling for mold and chemicals. Although employees experienced a variety of symptoms, we did not find evidence of a single exposure for these symptoms. Allergy to animal allergens was likely responsible for some symptoms, but many of the non-specific symptoms reported by the employees are common in the general population, so attributing them to specific allergens is difficult. The ventilation systems were well maintained, however temperature and relative humidity levels were not within the recommended range for human occupants, and air flowed out of the biotic analysis lab into surrounding areas. When handling specimens, some staff wore nitrile gloves, but did not always use a ventilated cabinet or hood or work in the biotic analysis lab. We recommended the employer adjust the ventilation system so (1) air flows into the biotic analysis lab from the surrounding areas, (2) allergens and other contaminants from specimen storage and handling areas do not move into adjacent offices, and (3) temperature and relative humidity are within occupant comfort guidelines. We also recommended (1) isolating the specimen storage and handling areas from other work areas; (2) developing procedures for storing, handling, and preparing specimens; and (3) stopping sampling for molds and chemicals. Employees should wash hands regularly, especially after working with specimens and follow standard operating procedures for handling specimens, including using gloves and wearing a lab coat.
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(2013) Indoor environmental quality at an accounting office. (Click to open report) On April 15, 2011, NIOSH received an employee request regarding headaches, fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, coughing, chronic sinusitis, sore throat, burning eyes, and difficulty concentrating in a water-damaged building. In June 2011, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit. The majority of employees reported building-related symptoms. We found evidence of water damage inside the building and mold inside supply air ducts of two air handlers. Vacuumed ... (Click to show more)On April 15, 2011, NIOSH received an employee request regarding headaches, fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, coughing, chronic sinusitis, sore throat, burning eyes, and difficulty concentrating in a water-damaged building. In June 2011, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit. The majority of employees reported building-related symptoms. We found evidence of water damage inside the building and mold inside supply air ducts of two air handlers. Vacuumed carpet dust samples collected during the site visit showed a high burden of culturable fungi and bacteria. We provided a number of recommendations for remediation including addressing causes of water damage and replacing contaminated carpet and ductwork. Building management replaced two rooftop air handling units and some ductwork. The carpet was steam cleaned. Some building occupants continued to have symptoms, and the accounting company relocated to another building.
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(2013) Lighting, indoor environmental quality concerns, and job stress at a call center - California. (Click to open report) In February 2012, the AFGE submitted an HHE request to NIOSH regarding indoor lighting, IEQ, and job stress at a call center in California. We evaluated the call center on April 17-18, 2012. HHE Program investigators met with managers, local union representatives, and employees and observed work processes, practices, and workplace conditions throughout the call center. We measured illumination; examined the ventilation systems; and measured temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide thro... (Click to show more)In February 2012, the AFGE submitted an HHE request to NIOSH regarding indoor lighting, IEQ, and job stress at a call center in California. We evaluated the call center on April 17-18, 2012. HHE Program investigators met with managers, local union representatives, and employees and observed work processes, practices, and workplace conditions throughout the call center. We measured illumination; examined the ventilation systems; and measured temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide throughout the workday. We also administered a voluntary survey of employees to assess their health and safety concerns as well as their perceptions of the psychosocial work environment. We collected 53 light measurements throughout the call center. The light level averaged 50.7 footcandles, meeting the U.S. GSA illumination recommendations. However, luminance levels (commonly called brightness) in the employee's field of view can cause glare. This glare may cause some of the visual discomfort reported by employees. The CO2 concentrations in the call center ranged from 410 to 635 ppm during this evaluation; outdoor concentrations were 380 ppm. Indoor CO2 concentrations were similar to outdoor concentrations, suggesting that the call center ventilation was adequate. Temperature in the call center ranged from 68 degrees F to 76 degrees F, and relative humidity ranged from 43% to 49%, compared to an outdoor temperature of 60 degrees F to 71 degrees F and relative humidity ranging from 49% to 54%. These values are within the ASHRAE-recommended thermal comfort guidelines. We measured airflow at 71 of 86 ceiling diffusers. Airflow ranged from 0 cfm to 917 cfm, demonstrating that supply air was not evenly distributed to all occupied areas of the call center by the ventilation systems. We were unable to measure airflow at all diffusers because of furniture or file cabinets blocking access. We received 283 completed employee surveys (85% response rate) on job stress, work-related health and safety concerns, and psychosocial factors at work. Participants' reported levels of job stress and concerns for their health at work were moderately high. Most participants reported very little concern for their own personal safety at work. Some employees indicated that they were concerned about being physically attacked by a member of the public on the building grounds or by another call center employee. To address job stress, work-related health and safety concerns, and psychosocial factors we recommended creating a joint management and employee health and safety committee. We also recommended that a system be created for employees to document health and safety concerns. Management should use this system to keep employees informed about how concerns are being addressed. Suggestions for ways to reduce job stress were also provided. We recommended testing and balancing the ventilation systems and modifying the lighting design policy to take employee perception and satisfaction into consideration. Management should look into different parabolic louver designs that may better control light into the work area and reduce glare for employees working nearby. A guard rail should be installed on the loading dock that is used as an employee break area.
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