If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
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
(1999) Social Security Administration, Batavia, Ohio. (Click to open report) In April 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Social Security Administration (SSA) facility in Batavia, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate indoor environmental conditions including ventilation and possible exposure to microbial contaminants due to frequent flooding of the building. Employees were reporting a high incidence of allergies, colds, and respiratory infections. An initial... (Click to show more)In April 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Social Security Administration (SSA) facility in Batavia, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate indoor environmental conditions including ventilation and possible exposure to microbial contaminants due to frequent flooding of the building. Employees were reporting a high incidence of allergies, colds, and respiratory infections. An initial walk-through inspection of the building was conducted on June 17, 1997, and an exposure assessment for potential fungal contamination was conducted on July 15-16, 1997.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. (Click to open report) On May 28, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Local 12 for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). The requesters asked NIOSH to investigate indoor environmental quality (IEQ), air-handling, temperature, and humidity problems in the decontamination suite of the central sterilization service in the John W. Colloto... (Click to show more)On May 28, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Local 12 for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). The requesters asked NIOSH to investigate indoor environmental quality (IEQ), air-handling, temperature, and humidity problems in the decontamination suite of the central sterilization service in the John W. Colloton Pavilion. Health effects reported by employees included bronchitis, upper respiratory problems, and sinus problems. On December 10-19, 1997, two NIOSH industrial hygienists and a NIOSH physician conducted a site visit to investigate the concerns expressed in the request.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) J. L. Long Middle School, Dallas, Texas. (Click to open report) In May of 1994, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a formal request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the J.L. Long Middle School in Dallas, Texas. The request was from the director of health services for the Dallas Independent School District. Employees of the school reported a variety of building-related health complaints, including an elevated prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma. On May 15, 1994, NIOSH investigators completed a site walk -thr... (Click to show more)In May of 1994, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a formal request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the J.L. Long Middle School in Dallas, Texas. The request was from the director of health services for the Dallas Independent School District. Employees of the school reported a variety of building-related health complaints, including an elevated prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma. On May 15, 1994, NIOSH investigators completed a site walk -through evaluation. Medical and environmental investigations were done in August of 1994. An interim NIOSH industrial hygiene report was issued on November 9, 1994. An indoor air contaminant was suspected of causing the elevated prevalence of asthma at the school. Environmental investigations completed prior to the NIOSH HETA uncovered indoor air quality (IAQ) problems and provided recommendations for improvements in the maintenance of ventilation systems and the control of potential bioaerosols. During the NIOSH walk-through evaluation, isocyanates from the roofing materials were identified as a potential exposure source; subsequent air sampling during test applications of foam roofing and sealing compounds, at a site remote from the school, revealed that the roofing/repair processes used at the school could have released isocyanates.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) Northwest Airlines, Wayne County Airport. (Click to open report) On February 21, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from Northwest Airlines (NWA) customer service agents (CSAs) to investigate ongoing health complaints among NWA employees at Wayne County Airport in Detroit, Michigan. Employees expressed concern that certain symptoms such as difficulty breathing, headache, fatigue, nausea, and miscarriages may be related to the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) at the airport. The requesters identified se... (Click to show more)On February 21, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from Northwest Airlines (NWA) customer service agents (CSAs) to investigate ongoing health complaints among NWA employees at Wayne County Airport in Detroit, Michigan. Employees expressed concern that certain symptoms such as difficulty breathing, headache, fatigue, nausea, and miscarriages may be related to the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) at the airport. The requesters identified several agents of concern including malodorous sewer gas, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and glycols. In response to the request, NIOSH investigators reviewed the results of previous IEQ investigations conducted at the airport and visited the airport on February 9-10, 1998. NIOSH investigators focused on those agents which were of the greatest concern to employees and to which exposure seemed plausible. These included measurements of CO and odors. NIOSH also sought to better understand the types and patterns of symptoms experienced by CSAs.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) Point Pleasant High School, Point Pleasant, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In April 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from employees of Point Pleasant High School (PPHS) for a health hazard evaluation at PPHS. The requesters asked NIOSH to evaluate the indoor environment, specifically employees' exposures to gases produced during the operation of gas-fired furnaces. PPHS employees reported headache, sinus problems, upper respiratory problems, dizziness, tiredness, and burning, itchy eyes which they associated wit... (Click to show more)In April 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from employees of Point Pleasant High School (PPHS) for a health hazard evaluation at PPHS. The requesters asked NIOSH to evaluate the indoor environment, specifically employees' exposures to gases produced during the operation of gas-fired furnaces. PPHS employees reported headache, sinus problems, upper respiratory problems, dizziness, tiredness, and burning, itchy eyes which they associated with exposures to the PPHS indoor environment. From May 28 to 30, 1997, NIOSH investigators performed a walk-through inspection of the school, which included a physical inspection of the building and the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the gymnasium, in certain classrooms, and in the basement and crawl space below the ground floor. A symptom survey was made available to employees to determine symptoms experienced while at PPHS.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of pathology laboratory employees at the Albert Einstein Medical Center (SIC-8071), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions in the Pathology Laboratory. Concern was expressed regarding symptoms of fatigue, headache, dizziness, skin rash and respiratory and eye irritation felt by the workers to be caused by exposure to laboratory chemicals and diesel exhaust emissions from the ambulance bay. The labora... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of pathology laboratory employees at the Albert Einstein Medical Center (SIC-8071), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions in the Pathology Laboratory. Concern was expressed regarding symptoms of fatigue, headache, dizziness, skin rash and respiratory and eye irritation felt by the workers to be caused by exposure to laboratory chemicals and diesel exhaust emissions from the ambulance bay. The laboratory staff includes approximately 80 workers generally working 8 hour shifts. Area air sampling results for individual hydrocarbons were well below their respective exposure limits. Carbon-monoxide (630080) concentrations peaked at 6 parts per million, and carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations ranged up to 500 parts per million. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged up to 0.04mg/m3 which was well below the EPA ambient air quality standard of 0.150mg/m3. Temperature and relative humidity levels were within acceptable ranges. There were, however, some ventilation deficiencies noted along with fire prevention and general laboratory safety concerns which were observed. The authors recommend that improvements be made in laboratory safety, and that worker exposures to formaldehyde (50000) and potentially other solvents emanating from laboratory analytical instruments be evaluated.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Auto Workers, an investigation was begun into possible indoor environmental quality at Blue Cross and Blue Shield (SIC-6324), Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nasal congestion, headaches, and flue like symptoms were reported among the workers there, which they believed to be associated with poor ventilation and air circulation problems. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations increased slightly during the work day, but never exceeded 800 parts per million (ppm). Te... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Auto Workers, an investigation was begun into possible indoor environmental quality at Blue Cross and Blue Shield (SIC-6324), Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nasal congestion, headaches, and flue like symptoms were reported among the workers there, which they believed to be associated with poor ventilation and air circulation problems. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations increased slightly during the work day, but never exceeded 800 parts per million (ppm). Temperatures ranged from 72 to 74 degrees-F. Relative humidity ranged from 33 to 44%. Analysis of volatile organic compound samples revealed the presence of very low levels of ethanol (64175), acetone (67641), isopropanol (67630), toluene (108883), limonene (138863), butyl-Cellosolve (111762), and Freon, as well as aliphatic hydrocarbons. The results of ventilation system testing indicated that the tracer gas was dispersed relatively quickly to some areas, but much more slowly and in lesser amounts to others, indicating an adequate but uneven supply of outside air at the time of the survey. The tracer gas was also removed from the building somewhat slowly, highlighting the importance of limiting the sources of noxious odors in the building, or using local exhaust ventilation to control potentially troublesome odors. The authors conclude that hazardous conditions did not exist at the time of the survey.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Cowlitz County Health Department, Longview, Washington. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Service Employees International Union, a health hazard evaluation was performed at the former Cowlitz County Health Department Building (CCHDB) (SIC-9431) in Longview, Washington. Concern was voiced over employee reports of upper respiratory problems, aches and pains in joints and muscles, and skin rashes, perhaps related to toxins and molds in the building. After an inspection by the Washington State Department of Health revealed the presence of fungi including... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Service Employees International Union, a health hazard evaluation was performed at the former Cowlitz County Health Department Building (CCHDB) (SIC-9431) in Longview, Washington. Concern was voiced over employee reports of upper respiratory problems, aches and pains in joints and muscles, and skin rashes, perhaps related to toxins and molds in the building. After an inspection by the Washington State Department of Health revealed the presence of fungi including Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, the building was evacuated. Twenty nine of the 341 current employees and eight former employees participated in medical interviews and responded to a symptoms questionnaire. Employees reported a decrease in all symptoms after leaving the CCHDB. There was a statistically significant decreased prevalence in most symptoms after leaving the old building. The authors recommend that the new building be inspected once renovations are complete. Employees should see their personal physician for health concerns and should inform that person of any problems they feel may be work related.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Federal Express, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from employees at the Federal Express Call Center (SIC-4513), Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was begun into indoor environmental quality at the facility. The concerns included a lack of ventilation; an unclean work area; exposures to dust, mold, and contaminants; illnesses of unknown origin; chronic upper respiratory problems; above average absenteeism; low employee morale; and a hostile work environment. Employees who were interviewed spoke of runny nos... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from employees at the Federal Express Call Center (SIC-4513), Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was begun into indoor environmental quality at the facility. The concerns included a lack of ventilation; an unclean work area; exposures to dust, mold, and contaminants; illnesses of unknown origin; chronic upper respiratory problems; above average absenteeism; low employee morale; and a hostile work environment. Employees who were interviewed spoke of runny nose, stuffy nose/sinus congestion, dry throat, eye irritation, fatigue, and sleepiness. Several also reported pain or numbness in the shoulder, neck, hands, or wrist. One recently had undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. A number of employees reported that they experienced symptoms of stress as a result of excessive work pressure and mandatory overtime. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels, temperature, and relative humidity were all within acceptable ranges, and the carbon-dioxide concentration did not increase throughout the day, suggesting that the ventilation system was providing good air circulation and introducing enough outside air into the work area. In the roof top air handling unit there was visible mold growth and fine dust. Recommendations were made to improve the situation, but no specific hazards were noted.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Valley High School, West Des Moines, Iowa. (Click to open report) On September 16-17, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in response to a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked NIOSH to assess indoor air quality and measure exposures to crystalline silica in the art rooms at this school. The source of crystalline silica was clay and various glazes used during ceramics courses in art room 403. The request was initiated ... (Click to show more)On September 16-17, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in response to a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked NIOSH to assess indoor air quality and measure exposures to crystalline silica in the art rooms at this school. The source of crystalline silica was clay and various glazes used during ceramics courses in art room 403. The request was initiated folloing an employee complaint filed with the Iowa Department of Labor Services, Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Division, regarding potential exposure to dust and silica from clays. The IOSH administrator recommended that school officials request a NIOSH HHE. Adverse health effects reported in the IOSH complaint included respiratory difficulties, dizziness, nausea, and chronic sneezing.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
