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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
(2009) Health concerns at a printed circuit board manufacturing plant. (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. (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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(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. (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, Scotia Prince Cruises and Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 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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