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HHE Search Results
111 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
(2011) Health concerns in a public middle school - Virginia. (Click to open report) On January 12, 2010, NIOSH received an employer request for an HHE at a middle school in Virginia. The request was made because of staff concerns about exposure to mold in the school building. More than a dozen employees had reported health complaints they thought had been caused by mold since the school underwent renovation in 2006-2007. NIOSH investigators made a site visit on January 27-28, 2010. We randomly selected 72 (out of 137) employees for confidential medical interviews; 68 were avail... (Click to show more)On January 12, 2010, NIOSH received an employer request for an HHE at a middle school in Virginia. The request was made because of staff concerns about exposure to mold in the school building. More than a dozen employees had reported health complaints they thought had been caused by mold since the school underwent renovation in 2006-2007. NIOSH investigators made a site visit on January 27-28, 2010. We randomly selected 72 (out of 137) employees for confidential medical interviews; 68 were available. In addition, three employees on medical leave and nine employees not on our list were interviewed. We observed workplace conditions and the crawl space beneath the renovated part of the building. We reviewed the HVAC system balancing reports, current HVAC operations, and consultant reports, and we evaluated the functioning of the HVAC system. We measured air pressure differentials between the classrooms and crawl space to determine which direction air was flowing between the two areas. Sticky-tape samples were collected from surfaces for microscopic fungal analysis, and vacuum dust samples were collected from furniture for cat, dog, dust mite, and cockroach allergens. Surfaces were wiped with a Swiffer sheet and analyzed for the presence of fungal species. A meter was used to measure the interior wall moisture levels. Measurements of CO2, CO, temperature, and RH were made throughout the workday in the new and renovated classrooms. Randomly selected school employees had rates of work-related symptoms similar to or below those reported in a study of buildings not known to have IEQ problems and in the general population. Many of the nonspecific symptoms reported, such as sinus problems and headaches, are common among people working in offices and schools, as well as in the general population. More serious health problems reported by some staff are not related to working in the building. The crawl space under the renovated part of the building has a dirt floor with a partial moisture barrier, and the soil slopes toward the foundation instead of away from it, allowing water to enter the crawl space. At the time of our site visit in January 2010, there was no visible mold growth or standing water in the crawl space but there was moisture under the partial moisture barrier. The RH levels in the crawl space were higher than in the school building, and there was rust on the crawl space metal beams. In addition, the crawl space was under positive pressure, which allowed air from the crawl space to enter the school building, because the fan that generates the negative pressure (relative to the school) was not turned on. Samples taken from the new part of the school had lower fungal concentrations overall than those from the first floor of the renovated part. Significant concentrations of cat allergen were found on chairs in several classrooms and on the couch in the teachers' lounge. Recommendations to prevent water incursion and microbial growth are provided in this report.
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(2011) Indoor environmental quality evaluation at a health clinic - Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a technical assistance request from the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration we evaluated a university-operated health clinic on December 21, 2010. Employees of the health clinic believed that poor IEQ was responsible for symptoms including headache, dizziness, lethargy, itchy and watery eyes, cough, and a metallic taste. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in the health clinic throughout the workday. We looked for evidence of water dama... (Click to show more)In response to a technical assistance request from the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration we evaluated a university-operated health clinic on December 21, 2010. Employees of the health clinic believed that poor IEQ was responsible for symptoms including headache, dizziness, lethargy, itchy and watery eyes, cough, and a metallic taste. We measured carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in the health clinic throughout the workday. We looked for evidence of water damage and checked the HVAC system. We reviewed previous IEQ evaluations conducted by the university environmental health and safety office. We also held confidential interviews with employees to discuss their health and workplace concerns. Additionally, we reviewed the medical records from employees who saw a doctor because of work-related health concerns. The carbon dioxide concentrations in the health clinic ranged from 475 to 600 ppm; outdoor concentrations were 420 ppm. Indoor carbon dioxide concentrations that are similar to outdoor concentrations suggest that the health clinic was adequately ventilated. Temperature in the health clinic ranged from 69 degrees F-72 degrees F, and relative humidity ranged from 22%-24%; these temperature and relative humidity levels are within recommended thermal comfort guidelines for the winter season. We did not see water damage to the walls, ceiling tiles, or exterior windows, and there was no evidence of water incursion in the space above the suspended ceiling. The constant volume HVAC system for the health clinic was approximately 40 years old but was well maintained. In 2010 the ventilation supply diffusers and return air grilles were cleaned, new thermostats were installed, and more outdoor air was provided to the HVAC system. Sixteen of 22 employees who were interviewed reported having symptoms that began or worsened at work in the 2 months prior to our visit. The most commonly reported symptoms included headache, eye irritation, shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, and dizziness. Most of the employees who reported experiencing symptoms in 2010 reported that they worsened during the second floor renovation, particularly during the cleaning and renovation of the pamphlet room. Most employees with work-related symptoms reported that their symptoms improved after renovation efforts on the second floor were completed. More than one third of the employees interviewed felt that management was not adequately communicating to employees what was being done to evaluate and resolve potential health hazards in the workplace. A review of medical records from six employees found four employees with work-related symptoms that had begun or significantly worsened in April or May 2010. At that time, the building was undergoing renovations. Three of these four were diagnosed with an allergic illness exacerbated by working in the health clinic building. Records showed that the symptoms of these three employees had improved by their last medical visit. We recommended that management maintain acceptable IEQ practices during renovation projects such as sealing off areas of the building that are being renovated. Management should also inform employees in advance about any remediation efforts, and track and promptly investigate any work-related complaints or problems reported by employees.
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(2011) Lead exposure at an indoor firing range - California. (Click to open report) In August 2008, NIOSH received an HHE request from employees at an indoor small arms firing range concerned about lead exposure and indoor environmental quality. We met with employer and employee representatives and observed work processes, practices, and workplace conditions on January 12-13, 2009. We also evaluated the ventilation systems, measured airflow in the firing range, and spoke with employees. On the basis of this initial visit, we recommended installing a new ventilation system capab... (Click to show more)In August 2008, NIOSH received an HHE request from employees at an indoor small arms firing range concerned about lead exposure and indoor environmental quality. We met with employer and employee representatives and observed work processes, practices, and workplace conditions on January 12-13, 2009. We also evaluated the ventilation systems, measured airflow in the firing range, and spoke with employees. On the basis of this initial visit, we recommended installing a new ventilation system capable of delivering the NIOSH-recommended airflow. The follow-up site visit to collect air and surface lead samples was scheduled for March 2009; however, we delayed this site visit until December 2009 because of plans to install a new ventilation system in the firing range. This renovation was still delayed by the time of the December site visit, so we offered instead to collect air and surface samples to assess lead exposure before and after installation of the new ventilation system. This report only describes conditions before installation of the new ventilation system. On December 8-10, 2009, we collected PBZ air samples on firing range instructors (instructors), shooters, and the hazardous materials technician at the facility. General area air samples, floor vacuum samples, and surface wipe samples were collected in areas around the facility. We also repeated the airflow measurements in the firing range. The lead concentrations from PBZ air sampling on instructors ranged from ND- 96 microg/m3 over the sampling period (calculated 8-hour TWAs were ND- 83 microg/m3); one instructor's calculated TWA exposure (83 microg/m3) exceeded applicable OELs for an 8-hour TWA. For shooters, PBZ lead exposures ranged from 42 - 340 microg/m3 over the sampling periods (calculated 8-hour TWAs were 10 - 99 microg/m3). One shooter who repeated a portion of the qualification had an exposure of 99 microg/m3; this exceeded applicable OELs for an 8-hour TWA. The hazardous materials technician's lead exposure was 3,200 microg/m3 over the sampling period (calculated 8-hour TWA was 670 microg/m3), exceeding the applicable OELs for an 8-hour TWA. The PBZ air sample was collected outside the loose-fitting PAPR that the hazardous materials technician wore while sweeping, vacuuming, and changing exhaust air vent filters in the firing range. Floor vacuum and surface wipe sample results showed the presence of lead on work surfaces. This suggests that workplace contamination was being tracked into these areas by employees' footwear, clothing, or hands. Our review of the instructors' medical monitoring results indicated that BLLs were all below 10 microg/dL of lead. While reviewing medical records, we noted that four instructors had slightly more hearing loss in the left ear than the right ear. Two instructors had threshold shifts that met the NIOSH definition of 15 dB or more at any testing frequency. In addition to our previous recommendation for a new ventilation system, we recommended eliminating dry sweeping, removing carpeting, and improving general housekeeping practices. We also recommended that instructors not use firearms on their workdays and that all personnel working in the firing range wash their hands, arms, and face before eating, drinking, or touching others. Periodic air sampling for lead should be performed whenever changes are made that affect instructor, shooter, or hazardous materials technician exposures. Management should also continue medical monitoring for personnel at the facility.
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(2010) Comparison of mold exposures, work-related symptoms, and visual contrast sensitivity between employees at a severely water-damaged school and employees at a school without significant water damage, Alcee Fortier Senior High School, New Orleans. (Click to open report) On January 18, 2005, NIOSH received a request for an HHE at AFSHS in New Orleans, Louisiana. Employees submitted the request because of concerns about exposure to mold and lead paint in their school building. Employees reported a variety of health effects, including difficulty breathing, chronic sinusitis, immune system problems, nosebleeds, skin rashes, irregular menses, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and nausea. We visited AFSHS on April 18-19, 2005. During informal interviews, employees... (Click to show more)On January 18, 2005, NIOSH received a request for an HHE at AFSHS in New Orleans, Louisiana. Employees submitted the request because of concerns about exposure to mold and lead paint in their school building. Employees reported a variety of health effects, including difficulty breathing, chronic sinusitis, immune system problems, nosebleeds, skin rashes, irregular menses, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and nausea. We visited AFSHS on April 18-19, 2005. During informal interviews, employees reported possible work-related symptoms, some of which were consistent with symptoms reported by people working in water-damaged buildings. The building had obvious microbial contamination, so we decided that further evaluation was needed. On May 23-24, 2005, we returned to New Orleans for a follow-up evaluation. During this visit we administered a work history and health symptom questionnaire. We also conducted VCS testing using the F.A.C.T. handheld chart. VCS testing measures the subjects' ability to determine changes in alternating light and dark bands of varying intensity. Performance on this test has been adversely associated with exposure to neurotoxins such as solvents and lead among many other conditions and exposures such as aging, certain eye conditions, alcohol and medication use, and depression. We used VCS testing for this evaluation to determine if it could serve as a biomarker of effect for occupants who experience adverse effects from a water-damaged building. We also collected environmental samples for culturable and aerosolized fungal spores and measured IEQ parameters (CO2, temperature, and RH). We performed a similar evaluation at WHHS in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 27-29, 2006. WHHS had no history of ongoing water intrusion or mold growth. Of 119 employees at AFSHS, 95 (80%) participated in the evaluation. Of 165 employees at WHHS, 110 (67%) participated. Participants at both schools were similar in sex, age, history of psychiatric disease, atopy (the predisposition to allergic disease), smoking history, and having mold or moisture problems in their homes. Employees at AFSHS had higher prevalences of work-related cough, wheezing, or whistling in the chest; chest tightness; unusual shortness of breath; sinus problems; sore or dry throat; frequent sneezing; stuffy nose; runny nose; fever or sweats; aching all over; unusual tiredness or fatigue; headache; difficulty concentrating; confusion or disorientation; trouble remembering things; change in sleep patterns; and rash, dermatitis, or eczema on the face, neck, or arms than employees at WHHS. At each school, 13 employees reported currently having asthma. A significantly higher percent of the asthmatics at AFSHS reported their asthma was worse at work. Monocular and binocular VCS values were significantly lower at all spatial frequencies among AFSHS employees. A significantly higher percentage of employees at AFSHS had scores that fell below the average performance for 90% of the population compared to the results found among employees at WHHS. Actively growing Cladosporium was found on the walls of AFSHS. Mold was found in all three MSQPCR air samples with C. sphaerospermum being the most prevalent. The vacuum dust samples detected 32 of the 35 fungal species tested. The culturable air samples showed that Cladosporium and Pencillium were the most prevalent genera both inside and outside the school. Aspergillus species were detected in inside samples but not in outside air samples. The spore trap samples showed that Cladosporium was the prevalent genera both inside and outside the school with the exception of Room 316. No fungal growth was detected on six of eight sticky tape samples collected at WHHS. One had a trace of hyphae, and the other showed a few Aspergillus/Pencillium-like spores and a trace of hyphae. Both were from the band room. Air samples analyzed with MSQPCR showed low counts for inside samples compared to outside samples. The culturable and spore trap air samples collected inside and outside WHHS were comparable in terms of both counts and genera ranking. CO2 concentrations were elevated in some classrooms. We determined that a health hazard existed at AFSHS. Employees had significantly higher prevalences of rashes and nasal, lower respiratory, and constitutional symptoms than employees at WHHS. The prevalences of several neurobehavioral symptoms were also significantly higher. VCS values across all spatial frequencies were lower in the employees at AFSHS. Further studies are needed to determine what factors could be responsible for the VCS findings and whether they have any clinical significance for affected individuals. The building problems at AFSHS need to be addressed; recommendations to prevent water damage and microbial growth and for remediation in NOPS and WHHS are provided in this report.
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(2010) Exposure to tuberculosis among immigration employees, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention and Removal Operations, Chicago, Illinois and Broadview, Illinois. (Click to open report) In January 2009, NIOSH received an HHE request from the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2718. The request concerned the potential for transmission of TB at the U.S. ICE BSSA facility in Broadview, Illinois. While no known cases of active TB had occurred among employees, the incidence of latent TB infection among employees was unknown. NIOSH investigators made an initial site visit to BSSA on April 8-9, 2009. We walked through the facility and observed work processes, practices... (Click to show more)In January 2009, NIOSH received an HHE request from the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2718. The request concerned the potential for transmission of TB at the U.S. ICE BSSA facility in Broadview, Illinois. While no known cases of active TB had occurred among employees, the incidence of latent TB infection among employees was unknown. NIOSH investigators made an initial site visit to BSSA on April 8-9, 2009. We walked through the facility and observed work processes, practices, and conditions. We spoke with employees about health and workplace concerns about TB and collected environmental and ventilation measurements. We also held confidential interviews with all 29 employees present at the facility. Most employees reported having daily direct contact with detainees, and none of the employees reported receiving general TB training, respirator fit testing, or respirator training during their employment at BSSA. Many employees were unaware of the ICE recommendation that they undergo periodic TB screening. We also learned that the return air from the detainee areas, including the isolation room, was recirculated throughout BSSA. In addition, all of the detainee areas, including the isolation room, were positively pressurized relative to the adjacent hallway and employee areas. Both situations result in air that was shared between employees and detainees, which could lead to an increased risk of exposure if airborne infectious agents (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis) are present. On July 10, 2009, NIOSH received a second HHE request from the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2718 concerning the potential for transmission of TB at the ICE CDO in Chicago, Illinois. We made a second site visit to BSSA and an initial site visit to the CDO on August 10-12, 2009. During that visit, we walked through both facilities and observed work processes, practices, and conditions. We spoke with employees about TB-related health and workplace concerns and collected environmental and ventilation measurements. We also screened employees at both facilities for TB with both the TST skin test and QFT GIT blood test methods. At the CDO, the HVAC system in the detainee area is a constant air volume system that exhausts air directly out of the building without recirculation, which is an optimal design. However, the calculated ACH in the holding cells, processing area, and courtrooms were below those recommended by CDC. We also noted that the air flow movement between many of the holding cells and the processing area and between Courtroom B and a secure hallway was bidirectional. These deficiencies can increase the risk of exposure if airborne infectious agents (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis) are present. Most ICE employees participate in job activities that place them at risk of acquiring TB infection, including transporting and interviewing detainees and supervising court visits. Despite this, few participants reported having annual TB screening. Even when we offered TB screening on-site, the number of employees who returned for the TST reading and second step placement was low. All employees who underwent blood collection for the QFT-GIT completed screening. Our evaluation demonstrates the feasibility and practicality of the QFT-GIT as the preferred TB screening method among ICE employees who often have unpredictable schedules. We recommend that the Field Office Director and other local ICE supervisors familiarize themselves with ICE's existing tuberculosis exposure control plan and then develop plans specific for both BSSA and the CDO. A separate constant air volume HVAC system should be designed for BSSA to provide single-pass exhaust ventilation in the detainee holding cells, isolation room, and processing area. Negative pressure should be maintained in these areas relative to all adjacent administrative areas at BSSA. The HVAC system in the detainee areas at the CDO should be rebalanced to provide the appropriate ACH and air flow patterns to minimize the potential for transmission of TB. General training on TB should be provided annually to all employees. All employees should be made aware that annual TB screening is recommended and that it is offered at no cost through FOH. FOH should consider conducting on-site TB screening on predetermined dates and hours at BSSA and CDO and using IGRA testing instead of TST testing to improve participation rates. A respiratory protection program should be implemented for all employees to minimize the potential for transmission of TB. All employees should receive training and medical clearance, and undergo fit testing as defined in the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
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(2009) Cancer among occupants of two office buildings, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) On October 11, 2007, NIOSH received a request for an HHE from the management of the NASA GRC in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding ongoing employee and union concerns about a possible higher rate of cancer among current and former employees of Buildings 500 and 501. This was the second HHE request NIOSH had received regarding this issue. The first request, received in 2004, was also submitted by management. In response to the first request, NIOSH investigators identified no hazardous exposures and close... (Click to show more)On October 11, 2007, NIOSH received a request for an HHE from the management of the NASA GRC in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding ongoing employee and union concerns about a possible higher rate of cancer among current and former employees of Buildings 500 and 501. This was the second HHE request NIOSH had received regarding this issue. The first request, received in 2004, was also submitted by management. In response to the first request, NIOSH investigators identified no hazardous exposures and closed the HHE with a letter [NIOSH 2004]. In this latest request, NASA GRC management explained that cancer concerns had resurfaced, no cause for these cancers had been identified, and employees were concerned about potential exposure to jet fuel and deicing compounds from the nearby airport, asbestos in the buildings, water damage in the buildings, and general IEQ. This evaluation focused on the employees in Buildings 500 and 501, adjacent three-story brick office buildings constructed in the early 1960s. Building 500 has approximately 110,000 square feet of office space, and Building 501 has about 25,000 square feet; neither building has research labs. Both buildings are on the NASA GRC campus and across the road from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. We reviewed reports provided by NASA GRC management concerning asbestos remediation in these buildings, responses to complaints from building occupants, and environmental sampling during the past 14 years. We evaluated surveys about cancer diagnoses from current and former employees in Buildings 500 and 501 that were provided to us by LESA and NASA management. Additionally, a supervisor sent a confidential list of employees with cancer, and the NASA GRC human resources office provided a list of medical and regular retirements from the buildings during the past 5 years. We spoke with representatives from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regarding any past or current environmental contamination issues involving Buildings 500 and 501. We also consulted with representatives from the Ohio Department of Health's cancer registry. We visited the site on October 7-8, 2008. On October 7, 2008, we held an opening meeting with representatives of management and LESA, then walked through the buildings, took measurements of IEQ comfort parameters, and looked for evidence of water damage, water incursion, visible mold, and other potential IEQ problems. On October 8, 2008, we gave two presentations to employees regarding the findings of our evaluation of the cancers reported among employees, and then had a closing conference with representatives of management and LESA. Twenty different types of cancer were diagnosed among employees of Buildings 500 and 501 since 1985. The most common types of cancer diagnosed were breast (17 cases), lung (7 cases), and prostate (4 cases), which are the three most common cancers in the United States. The other types of cancer diagnosed were melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer, colon, thyroid, bladder, pancreatic, cervical, uterine, head and neck, bile duct, brain, and stomach cancers; Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, clear cell sarcoma, leukemia; and one unknown primary. We found that airport runoff of jet fuel and deicing fluid had entered the Rocky River, which runs next to Building 500. However, jet fuel and deicing fluids are not known to cause cancer, and the river was not a source of drinking water for building occupants, who are supplied with city water. Much of the asbestos in Buildings 500 and 501 had been removed over the years, but some was still managed in place and posed no hazard to building occupants. We identified minor IEQ problems, such as water damage to ceiling tiles and walls, and in some cases poor maintenance of fan coil units, but these are not associated with the cancers that were diagnosed among employees of Buildings 500 and 501. We found no evidence that the cancers reported are associated with work in Buildings 500 and 501 because the number and types of cancers do not appear unusual, the different types of cancers do not suggest a common exposure, no significant hazardous exposures were identified, and evidence leads to nonoccupational causes. Although we recommend no further investigation into the cancers reported in these buildings, employees may have concerns about their own risk for cancer. Therefore, management and the union should take this opportunity to encourage employees to learn about known cancer risk factors, measures they can take to reduce their risk for preventable cancers, and availability of cancer screening programs for certain types of cancer.
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(2009) Cancer, indoor environmental quality, and potential chemical hazards at a police department, Cincinnati Police Department, Criminal Investigation Section, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) On November 18, 20, and 21, 2008, we conducted an HHE at the CPD, CIS. The HHE request, submitted by CPD management, concerned a possible cancer excess among former and current CIS employees. Other concerns listed in the request were IEQ, adequacy of the ventilation systems, chemical exposures encountered during criminal investigation procedures, and effectiveness of the engineering controls at minimizing chemical exposures in the crime lab. We obtained medical and employment information on curr... (Click to show more)On November 18, 20, and 21, 2008, we conducted an HHE at the CPD, CIS. The HHE request, submitted by CPD management, concerned a possible cancer excess among former and current CIS employees. Other concerns listed in the request were IEQ, adequacy of the ventilation systems, chemical exposures encountered during criminal investigation procedures, and effectiveness of the engineering controls at minimizing chemical exposures in the crime lab. We obtained medical and employment information on current and former employees reported to have cancer. We verified their cancer types and employment duration in the CIS. We inspected all engineering controls, including the HVAC system, for deficiencies. We took measurements of CO2 and airflow on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors to evaluate the IEQ and performance of the HVAC system. We collected area air samples in the locations adjacent to the crime lab and photo-processing lab to evaluate the migration of chemicals throughout the building. We collected personal air samples for ethyl acetate during ninhydrin spraying, ethyl cyanoacrylate during super glue fuming, carbon black during fingerprint powder application, ammonia and sulfur dioxide during photo processing, and hydrogen peroxide during luminol spraying. We interviewed employees in a private setting to allow them to express their concerns and describe any symptoms related to their work. The numbers and types of cancer reported among employees did not appear unusual, and the cancers were unlikely related to workplace exposures. Carbon black was the only chemical we identified that is used regularly and is listed by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. NIOSH considers carbon black carcinogenic only if it contains more than 0.1% PAHs. The carbon black used in the fingerprint powders did not contain measurable PAHs. Personal exposures to carbon black and all other chemicals evaluated in this survey were below applicable OELs. The results of the area air sampling demonstrated the migration of ethyl acetate from the crime lab to other areas on the fifth floor. The super glue fuming chamber and associated filtration system controlled ethyl cyanoacrylate vapors inadequately. In addition to the crime lab, the photo-processing lab and bathrooms on the fourth and fifth floors were under positive pressure, which may allow contaminants and nuisance odors to move to other areas of the building. The evidence room was under slight negative pressure. However, because the evidence room did not have a dedicated exhaust system, the odor of the marijuana stored there as evidence was pungent inside and outside the room. The fourth and fifth floors had multiple AHUs. Most of the outdoor air was delivered to the plenum (the space above the suspended ceiling) rather than ducted directly to the AHUs. These independently controlled AHUs likely contributed to the wide range of airflows (0-288 ft3/min) measured at the ceiling diffusers. Most of the HVAC air filters we inspected were dirty and needed to be replaced. In the afternoon (peak occupancy), CO2 levels in the office areas on the fourth and fifth floors were greater than 700 ppm above the outdoor air levels (average of 425 ppm). This suggests that inadequate outdoor air was delivered to the office areas during peak occupancy. Because ethyl cyanoacrylate vapors irritate the respiratory system and mucous membranes, we recommend replacing the super glue fuming chamber with a chamber that controls generated vapors more effectively. The HVAC system should be redesigned so that outdoor air is delivered to the AHUs and actively delivered to the occupied areas of the building. Filters in the HVAC system, fingerprint powder downdraft table, and small super glue fuming chamber should be replaced routinely. The ventilation system should be adjusted to maintain negative pressure in the crime lab, photo-processing lab, bathrooms, and other areas where contaminants and nuisance odors are generated. A dedicated exhaust system should be installed in the evidence room to control odors. A forensic laboratory health and safety plan should be developed. This plan should describe occupational hazards, standard operating procedures, engineering controls, and the PPE required for each method used to process criminal evidence.
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(2009) Health concerns at a printed circuit board manufacturing plant, Sanmina-SCI® Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama. (Click to open report) NIOSH received a confidential employee request for an HHE at Sanmina-SCI Corporation (Sanmina-SCI) located in Huntsville, Alabama. Employees were concerned about exposure to solder paste and fumes during the fabrication, assembly, and testing of printed circuit boards, and noise. Other exposure concerns included copy machine toner, asbestos, mold, and dust. Health effects mentioned in the HHE request included cough, burning eyes, nosebleeds, loss of voice, headache, sinus infection, bronchitis, ... (Click to show more)NIOSH received a confidential employee request for an HHE at Sanmina-SCI Corporation (Sanmina-SCI) located in Huntsville, Alabama. Employees were concerned about exposure to solder paste and fumes during the fabrication, assembly, and testing of printed circuit boards, and noise. Other exposure concerns included copy machine toner, asbestos, mold, and dust. Health effects mentioned in the HHE request included cough, burning eyes, nosebleeds, loss of voice, headache, sinus infection, bronchitis, and respiratory problems. On July 9-10, 2007, we conducted our first site visit. We toured the facility to observe work processes and practices, conducted confidential medical interviews with 40 employees, and collected GA air samples for VOCs and surface wipe samples for lead and tin. We reviewed air sampling records, injury and illness records, the respiratory protection program, and MSDSs. We also reviewed the PPE used for the solder dross cleaning operation and the maintenance schedule for the ARUs. We conducted a second site visit on December 12-13, 2007. We collected air samples for lead and specific VOCs. We conducted noise dosimetry at the AI stations, evaluated the room acoustics near ARUs, evaluated the effectiveness of local exhaust hoods for the wave solder and surface mount machines, and collected hand wipe samples to assess lead contamination on skin. We found that a wave solder operator (cleaning wave solder machines) was exposed to an airborne lead concentration of 49 microg/m3, which exceeded the OSHA AL (30 microg/m3) and was close to the OSHA PEL (50 microg/m3). However, during normal wave solder activities, wave solder operators had lead exposures well below the OSHA AL. We found lead on work surfaces and on hands of employees despite hand washing. We also sampled larger surface areas of the break room tables to ensure they were clean but found detectable levels of lead. Air sampling results for specific VOCs indicated that employee exposures were well below all applicable OELs. Full-shift noise exposures for the AI operators in the MS and DAS were well below the NIOSH REL, and the room acoustics were appropriate for the work environment. A consultant's IEQ assessment report from 2007 identified mold in several ARUs, prompting the company to address employee concerns about odors and mold contamination. Our review of air sampling data collected by the company in March 2007 indicated that the airborne carbon black concentrations resulting from Xerox(TM) toner cartridge cleaning were below OELs. We did not evaluate asbestos exposure, another concern listed in the original HHE request, because management informed us that asbestos-containing material was identified and being managed-in-place. Some of the employees we interviewed were concerned about thermal comfort and exposure to dust and solvents. Most interviewed employees did not report work-related symptoms. Furthermore, the upper respiratory symptoms reported by some employees are common in the general population. We recommend following all requirements of the OSHA lead standard (29 CFR 1910.1025). We recommend using engineering controls such as portable exhaust hoods when removing solder dross and cleaning wave solder machines. General housekeeping practices should be improved to keep break rooms and work surfaces clean. We also recommend cleaning and maintaining the ARUs to ensure mold growth does not occur in the future. Additionally, we recommend revising the written respiratory protection program to address inconsistencies between the written program and current employee respirator use.
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(2008) Histoplasmosis concerns at a United States Post Office, Apple Valley, California. (Click to open report) On April 17, 2007, NIOSH received a request from NALC for an HHE on behalf of workers at the USPS in Apple Valley, California. NALC representatives filed the HHE request because workers at the post office were potentially exposed to pigeon droppings from pigeons roosting on the roof and in the building's HVAC units. Some workers reported experiencing dizziness, breathing difficulties, cough, and weakness, and were concerned that these symptoms resulted from exposure to H. capsulatum, a fungus th... (Click to show more)On April 17, 2007, NIOSH received a request from NALC for an HHE on behalf of workers at the USPS in Apple Valley, California. NALC representatives filed the HHE request because workers at the post office were potentially exposed to pigeon droppings from pigeons roosting on the roof and in the building's HVAC units. Some workers reported experiencing dizziness, breathing difficulties, cough, and weakness, and were concerned that these symptoms resulted from exposure to H. capsulatum, a fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a fungal lung infection. A dead-animal odor in the building was reported by employees and added to their concerns. The NALC specifically asked that NIOSH conduct or recommend medical testing for all AVPO employees to determine whether these symptoms were related to exposure to H. capsulatum, and conduct any additional site evaluations deemed necessary to ensure the health and safety of the postal workers. On July 11-13, 2007, NIOSH representatives made a site visit to the AVPO. NIOSH investigators held opening and closing conferences with union representatives (NALC), management of AVPO, the safety manager, representatives from the USPS San Diego district office, and an industrial hygiene contractor who previously performed environmental sampling. We took IEQ measurements (temperature, RH, and CO2) and held confidential medical interviews with USPS employees. We also reviewed available environmental testing reports and maintenance records. We found no direct relationship between current health symptoms reported by AVPO employees and specific occupational or environmental exposures. Perceived odor and building ventilation issues likely contributed to these symptoms. We found that the potential for employees to contract histoplasmosis was low and this potential was further minimized by cleaning and installing nets around the HVAC units. We do not recommend testing AVPO employees for histoplasmosis. However, if individual employees feel that they should be tested due to their symptoms, they should discuss their symptoms and concerns with their physician. At the time of our investigation, we found comfort parameters at the post office to be within acceptable guidelines recommended by ASHRAE except for elevated CO2 levels in some work areas, possibly indicating inadequate outdoor air intake or uneven mixing of air. All pigeon fecal matter had been cleared from the units we examined and, overall, the bird netting appeared intact. Although we saw two bird feathers in one of the HVAC units, we found no evidence that birds were entering or still living in the unit.
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(2007) Communications, Budd Lake, New Jersey. (Click to open report) On March 25, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees at L-3 Communications in Budd Lake, New Jersey. A few employees at the facility had experienced a sudden loss of hearing in one of their ears in close time proximity to each other. They were concerned that an occupational exposure may have caused their symptoms, particularly a water mister system that was used for humidity control in the assembly areas. An evalua... (Click to show more)On March 25, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees at L-3 Communications in Budd Lake, New Jersey. A few employees at the facility had experienced a sudden loss of hearing in one of their ears in close time proximity to each other. They were concerned that an occupational exposure may have caused their symptoms, particularly a water mister system that was used for humidity control in the assembly areas. An evaluation of the facility was conducted by NIOSH on May 3-4, 2005. NIOSH investigators, including a physician, audiologist, and psychoacoustician, conducted environmental sampling and employee interviews during a full work shift at the facility. The sampling protocol included area spectral noise analyses and air sampling of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters to assess the conditions at L-3 Communications. Private interviews were held with employees and the medical records of workers who had experienced sudden deafness were requested and received. The results of the evaluation revealed no workplace exposures that exceeded applicable occupational exposure limits. Exposures found in the assembly areas of L-3 Communications were below the evaluation criteria used by the NIOSH investigators. It is the opinion of the NIOSH evaluation team that there were no exposures in the facility that would explain the sudden deafness exhibited by the employees and that the disorder was most likely from a virus. Recommendations for improving working conditions at the facility are offered in this report.
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