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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
(1999) Gwinnett Medical Center, Lawrenceville, Georgia. (Click to open report) On February 1, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems reportedly experienced by some GMC employees working in the In Patient Surgery (IPS) and Day Surgery (DS) departments at this hospital. Health problems described in the request included derma... (Click to show more)On February 1, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems reportedly experienced by some GMC employees working in the In Patient Surgery (IPS) and Day Surgery (DS) departments at this hospital. Health problems described in the request included dermatitis, burning and itching eyes, respiratory irritation, headache, and cough. Potential exposures included construction dust and debris, volatile contaminants from new carpet and paint, disinfectants, common cleaning chemicals, and waste anesthetic gases. On March 1, 1999, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial site visit at GMC. The purpose of this site visit was to review the current status of the health complaints with GMC personnel, inspect the IPS and DS departments and observe work practices, and assess the ventilation system supporting these two areas. A follow-up site visit was conducted on April 20-21, 1999. During this follow up site visit, eight area air samples for natural rubber latex (NRL) allergen were collected in the IPS and DS departments. Bulk and surface samples for NRL allergen analysis were obtained from ceiling plenums (ventilation return air pathways) in both departments. Because of concerns regarding latex allergy, GMC had previously implemented a powder-free latex glove policy and cleaned both the DS and IPS departments. In response to cases of clinically confirmed latex allergy in the DS department, the ventilation duct work was also cleaned. No workers in the IPS department were found to be latex-allergic and the ventilation duct work in this area was not cleaned. NRL monitoring was conducted to compare the two areas. At the time of the NIOSH site visits, the health concerns in the DS department were associated with poor indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and monitoring for standard IEQ parameters (temperature, relative humidity [%RH], and carbon dioxide [CO2]) was conducted in this area. No NRL allergen was detected on any of the air samples collected from the IPS or DS departments. However, NRL allergen was not detected on two quality control sample filters spiked with known concentrations of NRL. Therefore, a meaningful comparison of airborne NRL allergen between the DS and IPS cannot be made from these results. Regulatory standards for acceptable levels of NRL allergen in air have not been established. The bulk and surface dust samples indicated the presence, at various concentrations, of NRL allergen in the return air (RA) plenums from the IPS and DS departments. NRL allergen in bulk samples from the RA plenum in IPS ranged from 21,070 nanograms per gram sample (ng/gm) to 52,800 ng/gm. The two samples from the RA plenum in DS contained 21,067 ng/gm and 39,301 ng/gm of NRL allergen. Regulatory criteria for NRL allergen in surface or dust samples has not been established, although guidelines have been suggested (Mayo Clinic) for bulk dustsamples. The suggested recommendations for bulk dust are: Low, < 10,000 ng/gm; Low-Moderate, 10,000-100,000 ng/gm; High, >100,000 ng/gm. Although only limited samples were collected, there did not appear to be any appreciable difference in NRL concentrations in dust between the DS and IPS departments. The temperature, RH, and CO2 monitoring found all measured parameters to be within acceptable ranges. Inspection of the air handling units (AHUs) providing ventilation to the IPS and DS departments found the units to be clean and well maintained. The units are equipped with efficient filtration that should effectively prevent most dust particles from entering the supply side of the air handlers. As such, dispersion of latex containing particles from supply ducts into occupied areas is unlikely. However, because a reservoir of NRL was identified in the plenum spaces, episodic dispersion of latex-containing particles is a possibility, and actions should be implemented (e.g., proper work practices, particularly during maintenance activities) to control the potential release of NRL-containing dust into occupied areas. Humidification of supply air to the operating rooms is accomplished by direct injection of boiler steam, and there is the potential for introducing boiler water treatment chemicals into the system, and subsequently into the work environment.
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(1999) Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, Marietta, Georgia. (Click to open report) In September 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HEE) request from Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems (LMAS) in Marietta, Georgia. The joint management and employee request concerned potential office employee exposures to diisocyanate-containing paints, primers, solvents, and cured and uncured composite materials used during the manufacturing of the F-22 fighter jet. The request stated that office workers in Area K of Bui... (Click to show more)In September 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HEE) request from Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems (LMAS) in Marietta, Georgia. The joint management and employee request concerned potential office employee exposures to diisocyanate-containing paints, primers, solvents, and cured and uncured composite materials used during the manufacturing of the F-22 fighter jet. The request stated that office workers in Area K of Building 11 had experienced breathing difficulties, asthma, burning eyes, and neurological and memory impairment. In response to the request, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial site visit at LMAS on October 30, 1998, and returned to conduct medical interviews and a tracer gas ventilation study on February 17-18, 1999.
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(1999) Ronald McDonald House of Durham, Durham, North Carolina. (Click to open report) In November 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request from the Steven Brouillard Construction Company (SBCC) for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Ronald McDonald House (RMDH) in Durham, North Carolina. The HHE requesters expressed concern over employees' reports of adverse health effects (diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue), which the SBCC employees attributed to exposures to fungi and their toxi... (Click to show more)In November 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request from the Steven Brouillard Construction Company (SBCC) for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Ronald McDonald House (RMDH) in Durham, North Carolina. The HHE requesters expressed concern over employees' reports of adverse health effects (diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue), which the SBCC employees attributed to exposures to fungi and their toxins while performing renovations on contaminated building materials at the RMDH. In response, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial site visit at the RMDH on November 12-13, 1997, and returned to conduct microbial sampling on November 24-25, 1997.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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