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HHE Search Results
62 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
(1994) New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHHC) and District Council 37, AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible hazards associated with aerosolized pentamidine (100334) (AP) administration in the facilities of the NYCHHC. In interviews with 12 of 22 exposed workers, workers described symptoms of mucosal irritation. The exposed respondents indicated that they gave an average of 11 pentamidine treatments per week, ranging from 0 to 20. There wer... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHHC) and District Council 37, AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible hazards associated with aerosolized pentamidine (100334) (AP) administration in the facilities of the NYCHHC. In interviews with 12 of 22 exposed workers, workers described symptoms of mucosal irritation. The exposed respondents indicated that they gave an average of 11 pentamidine treatments per week, ranging from 0 to 20. There were no statistically significant differences between the percentages of exposed workers reporting symptoms or illnesses and those of workers not exposed. None of the exposed employees who were tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test negative before AP was introduced had converted to PPD positive on their most recent test. Pentamidine was detected in a single urine specimen from an exposed worker. Personal breathing zone samples and area air samples were taken. Personal breathing zone samples ranged from nondetectable to 46.6 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). The highest personal exposures of 20 and 46microg/m3 were obtained on a nurse and respiratory therapist who were present during drug administration in treatment areas where local exhaust ventilation was not used. The authors conclude that workers administering aerosolized pentamidine were potentially exposed. The authors recommend that efforts be made to reduce worker exposures to aerosolized pentamidine and to Mycobacterium-tuberculosis.
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(1994) Orange County Employees, Goshen, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Commissioner of Health for Orange County, New York, an investigation was begun into the occupational transmission of tuberculosis among Orange County employees (SIC- 8322). Four county departments were selected for study including the Office of the District Attorney, the Mental Health Department, the Social Services Department, and the Probation Department. A tuberculin skin testing (TST) program was conducted to assess the risk of tuberculosis among these worke... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Commissioner of Health for Orange County, New York, an investigation was begun into the occupational transmission of tuberculosis among Orange County employees (SIC- 8322). Four county departments were selected for study including the Office of the District Attorney, the Mental Health Department, the Social Services Department, and the Probation Department. A tuberculin skin testing (TST) program was conducted to assess the risk of tuberculosis among these workers. The study population included all 540 Orange County employees in these four departments. Participants were recruited into the study through a letter distributed to each employee of these four departments. Of these 540, 148 (27%) chose to participate. Seven persons had positive test results; active tuberculosis was ruled out in all seven cases. In a follow up TST program after 1 year, one person was found to seroconvert from a negative to a positive skin test. That person worked in a suspected exposed job and was placed on preventive therapy after active tuberculosis was ruled out. The author recommends that the skin testing program be continued for those workers who are potentially exposed to tuberculosis on the job.
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(1994) Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, Capital Hill Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Capital Hill Health Care Center (SIC- 8011), Providence, Rhode Island. Specific concern was expressed about the suitability of current ventilation systems for preventing tuberculosis (TB) transmission at the facility and four other health care centers. This clinic was served by four single zone, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HV... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Capital Hill Health Care Center (SIC- 8011), Providence, Rhode Island. Specific concern was expressed about the suitability of current ventilation systems for preventing tuberculosis (TB) transmission at the facility and four other health care centers. This clinic was served by four single zone, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) package units located on the roof, as well as an additional air conditioning unit for the perimeter offices, laboratory and conference room. The heating, ventilating and air conditioning units were operated in an automatic mode. This resulted in no supply air being delivered to the examination rooms or the laboratory when temperature setpoints were satisfied. The author concludes that deficiencies in the ventilation system potentially increased the risk of TB transmission and contributed to other indoor air quality problems. The author recommends that changes be made to the HVAC system to provide airflow at all times. An isolation room for the TB clinic, a formal employee tuberculin skin test, and a policy for health care workers regarding the use of respiratory protection should be established.
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(1994) Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, Inc., Central Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation (SIC-8011), an investigation was begun into the ventilation system at the Central Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island, and the suitability of the system for minimizing tuberculosis transmission. The facility had 31 full time staff and up to 10 working part time as physicians, dentists and laboratory workers. The building was served by four single zone, heating ventilating, and air conditioning package units o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation (SIC-8011), an investigation was begun into the ventilation system at the Central Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island, and the suitability of the system for minimizing tuberculosis transmission. The facility had 31 full time staff and up to 10 working part time as physicians, dentists and laboratory workers. The building was served by four single zone, heating ventilating, and air conditioning package units on the roof as well as an additional air conditioning unit for perimeter offices, laboratory, and conference room. The units were operated in an automatic mode which resulted in no supply air being delivered to the examination rooms and laboratory when the temperature set points on the system were reached. In some of the enclosed offices there were no supply diffusers to provide supply air. A tuberculin screening program was in place for clients but none for employees. The author concludes that the deficiencies noted in the ventilation system could increase the risk of tuberculosis transmission and cause other indoor environment problems. The author recommends specific measures to correct these deficiencies along with steps to strengthen the control program for preventing the spread of tuberculosis.
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(1994) Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, Inc., Fox Point Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, an evaluation of the ventilation system at the Fox Point Health Care Center (SIC-8011), Providence, Rhode island was conducted. The clinic served a population considered to have a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). The Fox Point Center was located in a building with a Boys and Girls Club of America and a public library. Visual inspection of the ventilation system indicated that the fan coil units were rusty and di... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, an evaluation of the ventilation system at the Fox Point Health Care Center (SIC-8011), Providence, Rhode island was conducted. The clinic served a population considered to have a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). The Fox Point Center was located in a building with a Boys and Girls Club of America and a public library. Visual inspection of the ventilation system indicated that the fan coil units were rusty and dirty, and there were no filters to remove particulates. There were times when there was no airflow in the building provided by the ventilation systems. No ventilation system was noted in the laboratory. All new patients were screened for TB using a tuberculin skin test on their first visit. There was no TB testing program for workers. The author concludes that deficiencies in the ventilation systems of this facility could potentially increase the risk of TB transmission if TB patients are present. The author recommends that improvements be made in the ventilation system, and the TB control program.
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(1994) Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation, Inc., Olneyville Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation (SIC-8011), an evaluation of the suitability of the current ventilation systems for preventing the transmission of tuberculosis at the Olneyville Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island, was conducted. The clinic was served by four single zone, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) package units located on the roof as well as an additional air conditioning unit for the perimeter offi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Providence Ambulatory Health Care Foundation (SIC-8011), an evaluation of the suitability of the current ventilation systems for preventing the transmission of tuberculosis at the Olneyville Health Care Center, Providence, Rhode Island, was conducted. The clinic was served by four single zone, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) package units located on the roof as well as an additional air conditioning unit for the perimeter offices, laboratory, and conference room. The HVAC units were found to be operating in an automatic mode, which resulted in no supply air being delivered to the examination rooms and the laboratory when temperature setpoints were satisfied. One of the thermostats controlling the HVAC units was not working properly. A tuberculin screening program was established for clients but no program was in place for employees. The author concludes that there were observed deficiencies in the ventilation systems which could potentially increase the risk of tuberculosis transmission. The author recommends that the operation of the ventilation system be improved, and the tuberculosis control program be strengthened.
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(1994) Spectrum Health Care, Inc., Newark, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management at Spectrum Health Care Inc. (SIC-8093), Newark, New Jersey, an investigation was begun into the potential for tuberculosis transmission resulting from contact with the client population. Administrative and engineering controls used to reduce worker exposures to Mycobacterium-tuberculosis were examined. Spectrum was a nonprofit organization, operating as an outpatient methadone maintenance and detoxification center. Treatment was provided for cocaine ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management at Spectrum Health Care Inc. (SIC-8093), Newark, New Jersey, an investigation was begun into the potential for tuberculosis transmission resulting from contact with the client population. Administrative and engineering controls used to reduce worker exposures to Mycobacterium-tuberculosis were examined. Spectrum was a nonprofit organization, operating as an outpatient methadone maintenance and detoxification center. Treatment was provided for cocaine and heroin addicts. About 700 clients used the facility over the past year. The center employed physicians, social workers, nurses, and clerical staff. At least 67 tuberculin skin tests on clients yielding positive results. Of the 55 employees, eight had a positive skin test prior to employment, and three others tested positive on the initial skin test. Of the remaining 44, three employees converted to a positive skin test during their work at the center. These three performed different job tasks, and converted at different times. Air mixing occurred among all areas of the center, and 100% of the air was recirculated. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed for workers exposed to clients who have active tuberculosis. The author recommends that the ventilation systems, the use of personal protective equipment and the skin testing program should be improved.
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(1993) 44th Street Independence Support Center, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employer representative at the 44th Street Independence Support Center (SIC-8399) (ISC) in New York, New York, an investigation was conducted on the potential for tuberculosis transmission due to contact with high risk clients. ISC was a drop in center for homeless clients with a history of mental illness. The screening program used by the ISC to determine the health status of the clients, including TB infection, was evaluated, as were the ventilation system in t... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employer representative at the 44th Street Independence Support Center (SIC-8399) (ISC) in New York, New York, an investigation was conducted on the potential for tuberculosis transmission due to contact with high risk clients. ISC was a drop in center for homeless clients with a history of mental illness. The screening program used by the ISC to determine the health status of the clients, including TB infection, was evaluated, as were the ventilation system in the building in which the ISC was housed and the effectiveness of germicidal ultraviolet radiation lamps installed to help with infection control. Of the 32 ISC clients tested for tuberculosis using the Mantoux skin test, ten were found to be positive; however no instances of PPD conversions were seen among the eight staff members. Fifty six percent of full time worker training employees, 40% of part time worker training employees, and one of the 22 permanent workers at a homeless shelter located in the same building tested positive to PPD. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed for workers exposed to clients who had active TB. The authors recommend that improvements be made in the program used to screen clients and staff members for tuberculosis, and in the ventilation system.
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(1993) Commercial Steel Treating Company, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request received from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk Program (SENSOR) from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was conducted on exposures to respirable silica (14808607) at a sandblasting operation being conducted at the Commercial Steel Treating Company (SIC-3471) in Cleveland, Ohio. SENSOR had been informed of the death of a sandblasting worker due to silico tuberculosis; the worker had been employed at the company for 10 years. The facility he... (Click to show more)In response to a request received from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk Program (SENSOR) from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was conducted on exposures to respirable silica (14808607) at a sandblasting operation being conducted at the Commercial Steel Treating Company (SIC-3471) in Cleveland, Ohio. SENSOR had been informed of the death of a sandblasting worker due to silico tuberculosis; the worker had been employed at the company for 10 years. The facility heat treated and sandblasted products such as weldments. Air samples obtained from the sandblasting area were evaluated for airborne respirable silica and medical evaluations, including chest X-rays, were conducted on 16 of the 17 employees. All but one of the air samples demonstrated levels of respirable quartz that were in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.1mg/m3. Abnormal pulmonary function test results were seen in five of the workers. Four had opacities in the lungs of 1/0 or greater, one had advanced silicosis, and four had radiological evidence of tuberculosis scarring. The author concludes that there is a serious problem related to respirable silica dust at this sandblasting operation. The author recommends that medical screenings and engineering controls be instituted.
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(1993) District of Columbia, Board of Parole, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of employees at the District of Columbia Board of Parole (SIC-8322), Washington, DC, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous conditions into which employees were being placed when they were dealing with parolees with active tuberculosis. In August of 1992, 54 Board of Parole employees supervised about 4,200 parolees from this office location. Each officer had approximately 225 parolee visits per month. Overcrowding in the waiting areas was frequen... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of employees at the District of Columbia Board of Parole (SIC-8322), Washington, DC, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous conditions into which employees were being placed when they were dealing with parolees with active tuberculosis. In August of 1992, 54 Board of Parole employees supervised about 4,200 parolees from this office location. Each officer had approximately 225 parolee visits per month. Overcrowding in the waiting areas was frequent. An evaluation was made of the ventilation system at the facility. Outside air intake on the first floor, and possibly the third floor, did not meet the minimum requirements. Afternoon carbon-dioxide (124389) levels exceeded 1,300, 875, and 1,000 parts per million (ppm) on the first, second, and third floors, respectively. Of the 51 employees, 67% completed a self administered questionnaire. All respondents recalled at least one tuberculin skin test prior to November 1992. None of the respondents had been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. Two employees whose previous skin tests had been negative had positive tuberculin reactions. The authors conclude that these employees may have an added risk of tuberculous infection due to the fact that parolees are at increased risk for developing active tuberculosis, and the limitations of the building's ventilation system. The authors recommend that a tuberculosis screening program be established for employees. Improvements in the ventilation system should be made.
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