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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
(2007) Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York. (Click to open report) On March 24, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Interfaith Medical Center (IMC) in Brooklyn, New York. The survey was conducted July 30 -August 1, 2003. Air monitoring was conducted in the endoscopy unit for glutaraldehyde and indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and ventilation measurements were taken in the operating room, intensive care unit... (Click to show more)On March 24, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Interfaith Medical Center (IMC) in Brooklyn, New York. The survey was conducted July 30 -August 1, 2003. Air monitoring was conducted in the endoscopy unit for glutaraldehyde and indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and ventilation measurements were taken in the operating room, intensive care unit (ICU), and emergency department at the main facility. IEQ measurements were also taken at the methadone clinic, which is at a separate location. Confidential interviews were conducted with twelve employees in the ICU at the main IMC facility, and an informal interview was conducted with three employees at the methadone clinic. OSHA logs were reviewed as well. Glutaraldehyde levels in air were well below applicable occupational exposure limits. However, approximately half the rooms at the main IMC facility lacked adequate ventilation and there was no mechanical ventilation system in place at the methadone clinic. Some employees were concerned about inadequate ventilation in their workplace. Another mentioned that there was a delay in learning whether a patient had a communicable disease. Employees also expressed satisfaction with management's timely response to their complaints. OSHA logs showed that there were 80 cases of workplace violence over a 2-year period. The NIOSH evaluation identified areas in the main IMC facility with inadequate ventilation. Ventilation at the methadone clinic was nonexistent, leading to complaints of heat exhaustion among employees. NIOSH investigators recommend consultation with ventilation engineers who are familiar with hospital facilities to improve ventilation. NIOSH investigators recommend addressing workplace violence, improving communication between management at the main IMC facility and management at the methadone clinic, as well as between employees and management at the methadone clinic.
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(2007) Nuisance odors from a neighboring printing facility-air quality evaluation at a label distributing company, Schreiner Label Tech, Southfield, Michigan. (Click to open report) In August 2006, NIOSH received a management request from Schreiner Label Tech (Schreiner) for an HHE at their facility in Southfield, Michigan. Employees at the Schreiner facility were reporting watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing, and headaches that they believed were the result of exposure to chemicals from the printing company next door. The Schreiner facility consists of several offices and a small warehouse from which labels and self-adhesive products are distributed. It occu... (Click to show more)In August 2006, NIOSH received a management request from Schreiner Label Tech (Schreiner) for an HHE at their facility in Southfield, Michigan. Employees at the Schreiner facility were reporting watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing, and headaches that they believed were the result of exposure to chemicals from the printing company next door. The Schreiner facility consists of several offices and a small warehouse from which labels and self-adhesive products are distributed. It occupies a suite next to a printing company in an industrial mall. MSDSs for the inks used by the printing company indicate that the inks contain petroleum distillates. NIOSH investigators conducted an evaluation of the Schreiner facility from November 27-28, 2006. During the evaluation we observed how air flowed between the Schreiner facility and the printing company, collected GA air samples for VOCs in both facilities, and interviewed Schreiner facility employees. We found that air flowed from the printing company to the Schreiner facility indicating that the Schreiner facility was under negative air pressure relative to the printing company. In addition, several cracks were found in the wall separating the Schreiner facility and the printing company. These openings and pressure differentials allowed printing ink vapors to enter the Schreiner facility. We found similar chemical compounds in the samples collected in the two facilities; concentrations in the printing company were higher. Area air sampling results for samples collected in both facilities indicated that concentrations of 1,2,4- trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene, and petroleum distillates were below applicable occupational exposure limits. However, concentrations of toluene and xylene were above their odor thresholds. Placing the Schreiner facility under positive pressure and sealing the cracks in the common wall should reduce the concentration of VOCs and reduce employees' symptoms. While airborne concentrations of VOCs measured at the Schreiner facility were below applicable occupational exposure limits, six of the seven employees reported eye irritation and headaches. NIOSH recommended placing the Schreiner facility under positive pressure and sealing the cracks in the common wall between the two facilities.
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(2006) Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, Asheville, North Carolina. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees of the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa (Spa), Asheville, North Carolina. The request stated that workers were experiencing chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, headaches, hoarseness, cough, sore throats, burning/watery eyes and nose, dizziness, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, nausea, inability to concentrate, sneezing, excess fatigue, fever, chills, mu... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees of the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa (Spa), Asheville, North Carolina. The request stated that workers were experiencing chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, headaches, hoarseness, cough, sore throats, burning/watery eyes and nose, dizziness, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, nausea, inability to concentrate, sneezing, excess fatigue, fever, chills, muscle aches and dry, itchy skin, that they believed may have been related to exposure to mold and fungi in the treatment rooms and gas released from pools in the facility. In November and December 2003, NIOSH investigators conducted four site visits to evaluate the issues at the Spa. The environmental component included a moisture assessment, microbial sampling, and measurements of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) indicators (carbon dioxide [CO2], temperature, and relative humidity [RH]). Water samples were taken from pools and fountains throughout the Spa and tested for bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, and endotoxin. Chlorine levels in the water and air were measured. The medical component included confidential interviews with employees, administration of a questionnaire, and collection of blood samples for Stachylysin, a research test that may indicate exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum. The environmental evaluation revealed elevated moisture levels that led to mold growth behind walls and above ceilings of Room 18 and the women's restroom. Microbial sampling identified a variety of fungi including Stachybotrys chartarum. Bulk water samples taken from the pool and hot tub systems revealed the presence of Mycobacterium and Gram-negative bacteria. Results of the IEQ monitoring revealed that the ventilation was adequate in supplying air and controlling CO2 levels, air temperature, and RH to within acceptable ranges. Massage therapists reported significantly more cough, achiness, sinus problems, dry or sore throat, sneezing and fatigue than did managers, who served as the referent group. Odors may have played a role in the reporting of subjective symptoms by this group of employees. Odors figure prominently in IEQ complaints, have historically guided ventilation practice, and are often used to make judgments on the healthfulness of indoor spaces. Maintenance employees, whose work included cutting into walls and other activities to identify the fungal growth, did not have a significantly higher prevalence of any work-related symptoms when compared to managers. Regarding the research test we performed, four persons had detectable concentrations of Stachylysin in their serum. Three were managers with no known exposure to the Spa or treatment Room 18. One was a maintenance employee who had been working to identify the source of moldy odors in the Spa. No massage therapists had Stachylysin detected in their serum. The Stachylysin test was performed to determine its usefulness as a biomarker of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum, not to determine whether employees' symptoms were due to mold exposure at the Spa. The lack of detectable Stachylysin in the serum of the massage therapists could have reflected an absence of exposure, or that too much time may have elapsed since their exposure, and the Stachylysin may have cleared from the serum. It could also reflect poor test sensitivity. The positive findings in three of the managers may reflect an unidentified exposure, or it could reflect cross-reactivity with other antigens, such as common environmental fungi. NIOSH investigators found localized areas of fungal contamination in building materials in the Spa. The Spa pools and fountains had higher than anticipated levels of microbial contamination. NIOSH investigators recommend remediating the mold found in treatment rooms, monitoring moisture levels in treatment room walls, and adjusting the water disinfection program to reduce microbial levels in pools and fountains.
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(2006) International Marine Terminal, Portland, Maine. (Click to open report) On February 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the offices of Scotia Prince Cruises (SPC) in the International Marine Terminal (IMT) in Portland, Maine. Employees of Scotia Prince Cruises were concerned their respiratory and neurologic symptoms might be related to mold exposure in the IMT building. An indoor environmental quality (IEQ) evaluation by a SPC consultant during the summer of... (Click to show more)On February 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the offices of Scotia Prince Cruises (SPC) in the International Marine Terminal (IMT) in Portland, Maine. Employees of Scotia Prince Cruises were concerned their respiratory and neurologic symptoms might be related to mold exposure in the IMT building. An indoor environmental quality (IEQ) evaluation by a SPC consultant during the summer of 2004 revealed extensive fungal contamination of the SPC portion of the IMT, and employees were relocated in August 2004 to temporary offices. On February 16, 2005, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which is also housed in the IMT building, submitted a separate HHE request based on their concern about exposure to mold and water intrusion. On March 9-11, 2005, NIOSH investigators made an initial site visit of the IMT. This visit included the collection of air, dust, and bulk samples for fungal analyses, and environmental measurements of humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide. Information concerning the ventilation systems was collected. Confidential interviews were conducted with the SPC and CBP employees. On March 29-30, 2005, NIOSH returned to the IMT to conduct further environmental testing and to complete the confidential interviews of the CBP employees. Blood was collected from the CBP employees for measurement of Stachylysin, a possible marker of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum. In addition, NIOSH performed an environmental assessment of the U.S. Customs House, another CBP site in Portland with no known history of fungal (mold) contamination in order to compare findings between employees exposed to mold and those not exposed to mold. Confidential interviews and blood collection for Stachylysin were performed with the employees of the U.S. Customs House. Blood from some SPC employees that had been previously collected and stored by physicians in Maine and Maryland between September and November 2004, was obtained by NIOSH for Stachylysin analysis because it was closer in time to when the employees occupied the building in August 2004. The SPC section of the IMT had signs of ongoing water intrusion, pigeon roosting, and visible mold growth in wall cavities. Active fungal growth was noted in areas of the second floor by surface (tape) sampling. The CBP section of the IMT had similar signs of water intrusion and pigeon roosting. Overall, in both portions of the IMT building, low levels of airborne fungi were noted. Most airborne fungi were of the Basidiospore genus, common in water-damaged buildings. Settled dust samples revealed many types of fungi, including Penicillium chrysogenum. Microscopic analysis of tape samples and culturable air samples showed that Stachybotrys chartarum spores and numerous other fungi were present. The walk-through survey of the U.S. Customs House revealed no evidence of water intrusion. Fungal ranking at the U.S. Customs House was found to be similar between indoor and outdoor samples and fungal levels overall were lower indoors than outdoors, providing further evidence that there was no fungal contamination problem in the building. Among the SPC employees, the most commonly reported work-related symptoms were memory problems, irritability, and cough. The CBP-IMT workers reported work-related symptoms of sinus problems, fatigue, concentration problems, and irritability most frequently. SPC employees had statistically significantly greater rates of work-related cough, wheeze, irritated eyes, headaches, concentration and memory problems, irritability, chest tightness, shortness of breath, fever/sweats, body aches, sinus problems, fatigue, sore or dry throat, sneezing, dizziness, confusion, depression, and changes in sleep than Customs House employees. The CBP IMT group had higher rates of work-related cough, shortness of breath, body aches, sinus problems, fatigue, irritated/watery eyes, headaches, nosebleeds, sore or dry throat, sneezing, concentration problems, confusion, memory problems, irritability, and depression than Customs House employees but these differences were not statistically significant. Serum Stachylysin concentrations exhibited poor reproducibility, with same sample mean coefficient of variation of 35.8%. Only one blood sample (from an SPC employee) was considered positive (greater than or equal to 41.4 nanogram per milliliter [ng/ml]) for Stachylysin. Overall, neither the presence of Stachylysin nor its concentrations correlated with our assessment of fungal exposure. NIOSH investigators documented ongoing water incursion and subsequent fungal contamination in the IMT building. Employees in the IMT had symptoms consistent with fungal exposure. Therefore, a health hazard did exist at the IMT building. The serum Stachylysin test showed poor reproducibility when used in the field. Recommendations concerning remediation and the establishment of an IEQ management program are included in this report.
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(2005) El Dorado County Health Department, Placerville, CA and South Lake Tahoe, CA. (Click to open report) On September 30, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from a management official at the El Dorado County Health Department in Placerville, California concerning the potential for airborne transmission of infectious diseases within health department clinics. At the time of the request, no health effects had been reported. NIOSH representatives visited the El Dorado County Health Departments in Placerville, California a... (Click to show more)On September 30, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from a management official at the El Dorado County Health Department in Placerville, California concerning the potential for airborne transmission of infectious diseases within health department clinics. At the time of the request, no health effects had been reported. NIOSH representatives visited the El Dorado County Health Departments in Placerville, California and in South Lake Tahoe, California during March 7-10, 2005, to conduct a hazard evaluation. During the evaluation, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were evaluated. The IEQ measurements did not indicate a problem with temperature, relative humidity, or carbon dioxide levels. However, many supply and return air diffusers were discovered to be either non-functioning, obstructed, or functioning at a capacity other than intended. None of the exam rooms at either clinic met the criteria for airborne infection isolation. Airborne infection isolation rooms should be used when providing care for patients with airborne infections such as tuberculosis and chickenpox. The results of the IEQ measurements confirmed that the indoor environmental quality is within acceptable ranges. However, the air flow measurements indicated problems with the function of diffusers, thus affecting the supply of outdoor air and reducing the potential for dilution of normal room contaminants and potentially infectious aerosols. This report provides recommendations to address these issues and advises the designation of an airborne isolation infection room at both clinics.
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(2005) Indian River Memorial Hospital, Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health, Vero Beach, Florida. (Click to open report) On April 26 and 27, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the Indian River Memorial Hospital's Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health (CEBH). This visit was conducted as part of a health hazard evaluation requested by Teamsters Local Union 769 on behalf of its members who work at CEBH. This was the second request for an evaluation since February 2004. The first request concerned respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including asthma... (Click to show more)On April 26 and 27, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the Indian River Memorial Hospital's Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health (CEBH). This visit was conducted as part of a health hazard evaluation requested by Teamsters Local Union 769 on behalf of its members who work at CEBH. This was the second request for an evaluation since February 2004. The first request concerned respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including asthma, that workers felt could be related to possible mold contamination in the ventilation system, ceilings, walls, and rugs due to roof leaks. In April 2004, NIOSH provided management with written recommendations and best practice guidelines for addressing and preventing indoor environmental quality problems due to water incursion (See Appendix). Teamsters Local Union 769 made a second request for a NIOSH evaluation of CEBH in March 2005 due to continued worker reports of building-related respiratory symptoms and asthma, and concerns that areas of potential mold contamination in the building had not been adequately addressed. While the roof was replaced in the spring of 2004, two hurricanes during the summer of 2004 led to additional water incursion into the building. The April 2005 site visit by NIOSH staff involved all sections of the building and included several offices, staff lounges, patient rooms, patient lounges, the gymnasium, and the cafeteria. A Q-trak indoor air quality monitor (TSI, Inc., Shoreview, MN) was used to measure temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels at several locations. The ceiling plenum space (i.e. area above the ceiling tiles) was examined at several locations in hallways, offices, lounges, and the cafeteria. The ceilings in patient rooms did not have removable ceiling tiles. The walkthrough also included the roof deck, where the inside of two heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units (one original to the building, one a newer unit) was examined, as well as the exterior of the building and grounds. Overall the CEBH facility appeared to be clean and well maintained. Carbon dioxide concentration and temperature measurements throughout the facility were within the limits recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). At several locations, relative humidity exceeded the upper limit of 60% recommended by ASHRAE. NIOSH staff did not detect any odors that might indicate water-damaged materials and/or mold growth. In the areas of the building that NIOSH staff inspected, there was no visible evidence of moisture-damaged building materials or mold growth. However, no wall finishes were removed as part of this evaluation and no invasive examinations of wall cavities were performed. Limited inspection of the ventilation ducts revealed a lining material that appeared to be breaking down. This may be responsible for the dirty appearance of ventilation supply diffusers and returns that workers have reported in the past. The CEBH building has a history of water incursion from roof leaks over many months in 2003 and 2004 as well as through hall windows and the ventilation system attributed to damage from hurricanes in the summer of 2004. During and after this time period, workers reported experiencing eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and the onset of asthma (or exacerbation of preexisting asthma). An inspection of the facility by NIOSH staff found the building to be predominantly clean and well maintained. Issues identified that should be addressed in order to minimize potential effects on health include: (1) deteriorating ventilation duct lining, and (2) moisture-damaged walls that have been painted and/or covered with another material such as fiberglass reinforced panels. CEBH management should follow the recommendations in this report in order to address these and other issues that could impact indoor air quality and potentially lead to health effects in workers.
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(2005) Nye County Justice Court Building, Pahrump, Nevada. (Click to open report) On September 12, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees to evaluate health concerns thought to be related to the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of the Nye County Justice Court Building (NCJCB) in Pahrump, Nevada. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators conducted telephone interviews with requesters, building health and safety personnel, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors, NCJ... (Click to show more)On September 12, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees to evaluate health concerns thought to be related to the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of the Nye County Justice Court Building (NCJCB) in Pahrump, Nevada. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators conducted telephone interviews with requesters, building health and safety personnel, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors, NCJCB legal counsel, and consultants who performed sampling and remediation at the NCJCB. We also reviewed OSHA reports, data from air and surface samples, and reports of past building remediation activities. We found that the employees' health concerns and building odors could be explained by the presence of hydrogen sulfide from sewer gases in the NCJCB. It also appears that the NCJCB had a moisture problem caused by failures of several building-related components. Repair of the sewer lines and recent remediation of the moisture problems should alleviate or reduce the cause for employee concerns. NIOSH investigators determined that employee symptoms and odor reports were most likely due to hydrogen sulfide and other sewer gases from the sewer main. Moisture intrusion problems have been remediated. Based on evaluation of available information, there was no convincing evidence of significant building mold contamination or mold exposure among employees.
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(2003) Fayette County Courthouse, Uniontown, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In July 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Employees had reported a variety of health concerns: headaches, nausea, tiredness, nasal and sinus symptoms, vomiting, burning eyes, sore throats, breathing problems, coughing, ear infections, and dizziness. The employees reported strong and unpleasant odors from the carpeting, old pa... (Click to show more)In July 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Employees had reported a variety of health concerns: headaches, nausea, tiredness, nasal and sinus symptoms, vomiting, burning eyes, sore throats, breathing problems, coughing, ear infections, and dizziness. The employees reported strong and unpleasant odors from the carpeting, old papers, and dirty ceiling tiles; poor air quality; lack of airflow; stale water; mold, fungus, and mildew; asbestos; excessive dust; and dampness. All of the concerns involved the basement and first floors of both the original courthouse and annex buildings. On August 28, 2002, NIOSH investigators completed a preliminary site walkthrough evaluation. Medical interviews and an environmental investigation were conducted in October of 2002. The environmental investigation revealed a number of locations in the courthouse that may have had mold growth due to water incursion or leakage. The ventilation systems in most of the basement and first floors were inadequate (i.e., air changes and the amount of fresh air entering the offices did not meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE] minimum requirements). Temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels were largely within recommendations in all monitored areas. The levels for volatile organic compounds were generally below established exposure limits. The ventilation systems should be upgraded to meet ASHRAE recommendations. Water leaks should be repaired and damaged ceiling tiles and walls should be replaced with care to ensure that any generated dust does not enter occupied sections of the building. Interviewed office workers reported respiratory symptoms consistent with asthma with onset after the date of hire. Environmental assessment demonstrated insufficient ventilation, mold growth, and water incursion in the building.
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(2003) Norwin Middle School East, North Huntington, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On November 27, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Norwin Middle School East in North Huntington, Pennsylvania. The request stated employees were concerned that the dust collector used in the wood shop was not working properly, thus potentially exposing teachers in adjacent classrooms to wood dust. Health concerns included sinus infections, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and eye irritation.... (Click to show more)On November 27, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Norwin Middle School East in North Huntington, Pennsylvania. The request stated employees were concerned that the dust collector used in the wood shop was not working properly, thus potentially exposing teachers in adjacent classrooms to wood dust. Health concerns included sinus infections, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and eye irritation. On February 24-25, 2003, NIOSH industrial hygienists conducted an HHE at Norwin Middle School East. Following an opening conference and walkthrough tour of the wood shop, NIOSH investigators evaluated the wood shop ventilation system and the dust collector using a smoke machine. The next day, air monitoring was conducted for total dust in the wood shop and in two classrooms. The local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system in the wood shop was also evaluated. In addition, confidential interviews were conducted with teachers concerning their health and work environment. Seven area air samples for total dust were collected. The locations of the samples included the sanding table and the band saw in the wood shop, and in classrooms 204 and 208 on the third floor of the school building. Classroom 208 is located above the wood shop, while classroom 204 is located in a hallway adjacent to 208. Personal breathing zone samples were collected from the wood shop teacher for total and inhalable dust. Sampling was conducted for the entire work day, which included six wood shop classes. Air sampling results indicated that exposures to wood dust were below established occupational exposure limits on the day of the NIOSH survey. With the exception of the canopy hood, ventilation measurements indicated that the LEV and the dust collector were within recommended operating standards for dust removal. To be effective, the canopy hood should be enclosed on three sides, allowing for visibility from the front. The LEV system should be on whenever equipment is used in the wood shop. An emphasis should be placed on working as close to the inlet as safely possible without compromising any guards in order to capture the maximum amount of wood dust. Concerns expressed by teachers related to poor general housekeeping and poor communication between employees and management. Recommendations in the report address these issues.
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(2002) 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York. (Click to open report) On November 7, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) representatives regarding indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems at the Federal Office Building, 26 Federal Plaza, New York City (NYC), New York. This building is located approximately 5 blocks northeast of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site. DHHS employees in the building expressed conce... (Click to show more)On November 7, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) representatives regarding indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems at the Federal Office Building, 26 Federal Plaza, New York City (NYC), New York. This building is located approximately 5 blocks northeast of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site. DHHS employees in the building expressed concerns regarding potential exposures and health effects related to the attacks on, and subsequent collapse of, the WTC. Because of the immense impact the WTC attack had on the lives of NYC residents and workers, as well as the concerns of many employees about ongoing security issues, NIOSH investigators included an assessment of mental health symptoms in the HHE. On November 12-15, 2001, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at the Federal Office Building to perform an environmental survey and meet with employees. A second site visit for a questionnaire survey was performed on December 4-5, 2001, and a similar questionnaire survey among a comparison group of DHHS employees in Dallas, Texas, was performed on December 12, 2001. Area air samples in the Federal Office Building were collected to measure concentrations of elements, asbestos, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total dust, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Bulk samples of settled material were collected at the 44th floor air intake and analyzed for elements and asbestos. Qualitative wipe samples of dust on surfaces were collected in various work areas and analyzed for elements. Carbon monoxide was monitored at various locations, including areas where employees had noted potential health problems, the 44th floor air intake, and near the basement loading dock. Additionally, on approximately every 5th floor, carbon dioxide (CO2), small particle counts, temperature, and relative humidity measurements were collected. One of the bulk samples of settled material indicated the presence of chrysotile asbestos (in the range of 1 - <3 percent). No asbestos fibers were found in the air. Many of the air samples collected inside the building indicated that concentrations of contaminants were below the limit of detection (LOD) for the method used. The concentrations of volatile organic compounds we found in our sampling were similar to concentrations we have found in other offices (outside NYC and unrelated to the WTC disaster) evaluated by NIOSH. One hundred ninety-one (68 percent of the 279 available) NYC Federal Office Building employees completed the questionnaire; 155 (47 percent of the available 328) Dallas DHHS employees completed the questionnaire. A variety of constitutional symptoms, most related to headache, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and irritation of the respiratory tract, were reported more frequently among the workers in NYC compared to those in Dallas. The most commonly reported symptoms among workers in NYC were eye and nose/throat irritation - both were reported by more than 60 percent of participants, compared to 12 (prevalence ratio [PR] 5.0, 95 percent confidence interval [95 percent CI] 3.2 - 7.7) and 21 percent (PR 3.1, 95 percent CI 2.3 - 4.3) (respectively) in Dallas. Measures of medical care for these constitutional symptoms did not differ between the workers in NYC and Dallas. Workers in NYC were more likely than those in Dallas to experience both depressive (prevalence ratio [PR] 3.4, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] [1.9 - 5.9]) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (PR 5.7, 95 percent CI [2.5 - 13.1]) symptoms. The prevalence of symptoms varied by agency within DHHS. Because our HHE was performed more than two months after the WTC disaster, we are unable to document occupational exposures of Federal Office Building employees closer to the time of the WTC disaster. No exploration of an association between exposure to potential air contaminants present at the time of our HHE and reported symptoms was possible because measured concentrations of air contaminants were too low. We observed that constitutional symptoms (such as headache, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and symptoms affecting the respiratory tract) were more prevalent among NYC Federal Office Building employees than the employees in Dallas. Symptoms associated with depression and stress were also more commonly reported among workers in NYC; the prevalence of both constitutional and mental health symptoms varied by agency within DHHS. Our survey revealed no occupational exposures to substances at concentrations which would explain the reported symptoms; however, we are unable to assess potential occupational exposures of Federal Office Building employees in the time immediately after the WTC disaster. Although our data suggest that an increase in social support might be associated with fewer reported symptoms of depression and stress, an evaluation of all factors which may be related to the reported symptoms was not performed in this HHE. Recommendations are provided in the report to assist DHHS management in addressing these findings.
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