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HHE Search Results
477 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
(2006) Broward County Parks and Recreation Division, Markham Park, Sunrise, Florida. (Click to open report) On March 2, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential union request for a health hazard evaluation at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida. The request concerned potential exposure to lead, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning chemicals. Employees were concerned about lead exposure from the Park's shooting range and from old painted signs. Arsenic exposure was a concern due to the reported use of an arsenic containing ant-killer and chro... (Click to show more)On March 2, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential union request for a health hazard evaluation at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida. The request concerned potential exposure to lead, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning chemicals. Employees were concerned about lead exposure from the Park's shooting range and from old painted signs. Arsenic exposure was a concern due to the reported use of an arsenic containing ant-killer and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated lumber. Two employees had reportedly been diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning. On July 5-6, 2005, NIOSH investigators conducted surface wipe samples for lead in and around the shooting ranges, and from the hands of shooting range personnel. All workers were invited to participate in medical testing, which included an interview and collection of blood and urine specimens for lead and arsenic, respectively. Surface wipe sampling for lead on table and floor surfaces in the shooting range revealed lead levels ranging from 94.7 micrograms lead per 100 square centimeters (mcg/100 cm2) to 519.7 mcg lead/100 cm2. Lead levels on table and floor surfaces in the firing range clubhouse were approximately 10 times lower (range: 9.3 mcg/100 cm2 to 55.7 mcg lead/100 cm2). Surface lead levels in the recreation areas of the clubhouse were the lowest (5.3 mcg lead/100 cm2 on the picnic table in the clubhouse covered patio area and 1.7 mcg lead/100 cm2 on the floor of the clubhouse conference room). Lead levels on the hands of two range attendants ranged from 27.7 to 88.7 mcg lead. No federal standards for lead contamination of surfaces in occupational settings exist. Of 19 employees, 11 volunteered for medical evaluation (interview and specimen collection) while four other employees provided interviews only. None had elevated urinary inorganic arsenic levels. Four of the range employees had minimally elevated blood lead levels and all others were nondetectable. None of the interviewed employees described adverse health effects they considered work related aside from possible heat stress and hearing loss. At the time of this site visit, arsenic did not present a health hazard. There was evidence of minimal exposures to lead for the firing range staff but not for the groundskeeping staff. The presence of lead on the hands of range attendants highlights the importance of proper personal hygiene practices, as hand-to-mouth ingestion of lead dust could be the cause of the low levels of lead detected in the blood of some of the range staff. Recommendations are made regarding employee training, proper handling of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated lumber, proper range housekeeping, proper storage and handling of onsite chemicals, and further evaluation of heat stress and noise exposures.
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(2006) Buildings in the Vicinity of the World Trade Center, New York City, New York. (Click to open report) On January 1, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received three health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from employee representatives at four different work sites: Stuyvesant High School, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), 120 Broadway and 40 Rector Street (housing four city agencies), near the World Trade Center (WTC) site. This report summarizes four separate NIOSH investigations, which document the extent of physical and psychological sympt... (Click to show more)On January 1, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received three health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from employee representatives at four different work sites: Stuyvesant High School, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), 120 Broadway and 40 Rector Street (housing four city agencies), near the World Trade Center (WTC) site. This report summarizes four separate NIOSH investigations, which document the extent of physical and psychological symptoms among workers at these sites in the months following the September 11, 2001 disaster at the WTC. Each of these reports compared physical and mental health symptoms among employees at these buildings with the same symptoms among employees at comparable New York City work sites distant from the WTC. NIOSH personnel conducted a questionnaire survey of employees at Stuyvesant High School and a comparison high school, La Guardia High School, in late January 2002. The survey occurred at BMCC and a comparison college, York Community College, in mid-March 2002; at 40 Rector Street in early April 2002, and at 120 Broadway (state attorney general's office) in early June 2002. The LeFrak Building, was surveyed in early April 2002 and was the comparison building for 40 Rector Street and 120 Broadway. We used a self-administered questionnaire to ask about physical and mental health symptoms that occurred since September 11 and symptoms still present at the time of the survey. In addition, we used the questionnaire to ask participants about experiences on September 11, about medical diagnoses since then, and about social support. Participation rates were 82%-83% at both high schools and at the 40 Rector Street building, 76% at the comparison office building, about 55%-60% at BMCC, about 45%-50% at the comparison college, and 37% at the 120 Broadway building. In all four studies, the prevalence of physical symptoms, including upper and lower respiratory symptoms, tended to be higher at the work sites near the WTC site than at the comparison work sites. The prevalence of persistent symptoms (upper and lower respiratory symptoms) also tended to be higher. Depressive symptoms and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were prevalent at Stuyvesant and BMCC, but not at the two office buildings. Likewise, PTSD diagnosed since September 11 was more prevalent at Stuyvesant and BMCC than at their comparison sites, and a similar, though not statistically significant, prevalence ratio was found at the 40 Rector Street building. Newly diagnosed depression was not statistically more prevalent at any of the individual sites than at the comparison sites. All the surveys were limited by the lack of quantitative information about employees' exposures to dust and smoke from the collapsing buildings and fires on September 11 and our inability to infer medical diagnoses solely on the basis of a symptom survey. Since our interim letters were issued, published reports from several studies have described short- and medium-term physical health effects among rescue workers, office workers, and residents from the surrounding community. These studies have provided information suggesting that exposure to the dust cloud and the chemical/physical properties of the dust from the collapse of the buildings on September 11 as well as exposures to combustion products from the burning materials have contributed to the respiratory problems. Continued longitudinal follow-up of those exposed will be necessary to determine whether the changes in spirometry documented up to 5 years post-disaster will lead to chronic problems or whether the initial decline in respiratory function will be followed by recovery, as has been seen in other irritant-exposed groups. Reports of psychological problems have also been well documented since our interim letters were issued. On-going interventions addressing these reactions may help prevent the development of long-lasting psychological sequelae. NIOSH investigators determined that an occupational health hazard due to exposures surrounding the collapse of the World Trade Center existed among the working groups studied. A substantial burden of symptoms of depression and PTSD, as well as physical symptoms of eye irritation and upper airway irritation were present among those surveyed. Recommendations for medical evaluation of symptomatic persons, facilitating access to medical heath services, fostering social support, and training were given.
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(2006) Harley-Davidson Motor Company, York, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In February 2006, workers at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company plant in York, Pennsylvania, requested a NIOSH health hazard evaluation (HHE) regarding welding-related exposures in Building 4 (frame shop). The workers were concerned that the ventilation system was not adequately controlling exposures to welding fume. They reported that recent company air sampling indicated that their exposures were too high. They were not aware of any workers with respiratory problems; one of two workers intervie... (Click to show more)In February 2006, workers at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company plant in York, Pennsylvania, requested a NIOSH health hazard evaluation (HHE) regarding welding-related exposures in Building 4 (frame shop). The workers were concerned that the ventilation system was not adequately controlling exposures to welding fume. They reported that recent company air sampling indicated that their exposures were too high. They were not aware of any workers with respiratory problems; one of two workers interviewed reported a history of "cramping up" in his/her hands and feet and a decreased sense of smell. The workers also reported that part of the fume collection system had caught on fire in January and February 2006, requiring part of the ventilation system to be shut off for maintenance and repair. Workers reported that during one of these events, several welders were allowed to keep welding for several minutes after the local exhaust ventilation to their work area had been shut off. A NIOSH team visited the plant on May 3, 2006, to perform a walkthrough of Building 4 and to obtain additional information on exposures, controls, and worker health concerns. The company reported that it follows the 2006 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) for manganese (Mn) of 0.2 mg/m3 as its exposure limit. Of the 17 Mn exposure measurements made by the company in January and February 2006, three exceeded the TLV; the highest Mn exposure was 0.32 mg/m3. The company reported that it follows the ACGIH TLV of 5 mg/m3 for welding fume. (As of 2004, ACGIH no longer has a TLV for welding fume.) Of the 15 welding fume exposure measurements made by the company in January and February 2006 (99% iron oxide according to management), 12 were below 5 mg/m3. The results for the other three measurements were 5.1 mg/m3, 5.8 mg/m3, and 7.9 mg/m3. The OSHA PEL for iron oxide is 10 mg/m3 TWA. The ACGIH TLV and NIOSH REL for iron oxide are 5 mg/m3 TWA. Currently OSHA does not have a specific PEL for welding fume. NIOSH recommends that exposures to welding fume contaminants be reduced to the lowest concentrations technically feasible. During the site visit, no workers requested to speak privately with NIOSH staff regarding health or exposure concerns. The company reported that the most likely cause of the recent fires in the one of the fume collection units was that burning debris entered through a local exhaust duct, or a welding spark ignited particulate buildup in the ducts, ultimately leading to a fire in a filter in one of the modules of one fume collection unit. After the February 2006 fire, the exhaust ventilation ducts and hoods were cleaned out. An outside consultant hired by the company to perform a survey of the fume collection units and ventilation systems recommended several repairs and improvements. One of the consultant's recommendations was to install pressure gauges for each filter module in the fume collection units in order to detect excessive particulate accumulation on filters that could increase the likelihood of fire. The consultant also identified several local exhaust ventilation locations where air flow was insufficient. The company reported that it planned to rebalance the ventilation systems, install an additional fume collection unit and additional local exhaust ventilation hoods, and install pressure gauges for each fume collection unit filter module by the end of 2006. Management should repeat air sampling for welding-related exposures after all ventilation interventions have been completed. Work areas with exposures that are above (or only slightly below) applicable exposure limits should be reassessed to identify possible ways to further decrease exposures. Because of the potential for decreased lung function, lung cancer, and neurologic disease (from chronic manganese exposure), company management should aim to reduce welding-related exposures to the lowest concentrations technically feasible. While only one worker in Building 4 reported any symptoms, decreased lung function and neurologic disease can have a gradual onset and may not be recognized early on. These diseases are often not reversible or treatable. Therefore, it is important to limit exposures that could lead to these conditions. It is also important that welders understand the potential health risks of welding-related exposures and how they can decrease their exposure through optimal use of controls and work practices.
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(2006) United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park Durham, North Carolina. (Click to open report) From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas ... (Click to show more)From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas of the facility. Laboratory staff became aware of excessive indoor particulate levels starting in 2003. Some EPA researchers measured PM2.5 (particulate smaller than 2.5 microns) levels and noted instances where indoor concentrations were higher than outdoor concentrations. Staff in many laboratories started to note a rapid buildup of white dust on surfaces which would quickly recur after cleaning. High efficiency particulate filters in bio-safety cabinets in many laboratories had to be changed out after several months use when normally they would be expected to last several years. Electrical components of several laboratory devices were found to be damaged and to have evidence of corrosion and accumulated particulate. Investigations by EPA/RTP facilities staff revealed that the humidification system in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units was causing a buildup of sodium and chloride deposits on the cooling coils and was a potential source of the laboratory particulate. An additional issue contributing to the particulate problem was periodic malfunctioning of ventilation-system controls which would cause transient increased airflows in laboratory areas. Such malfunctions were associated with increased deposition of visible particulate matter on surfaces. These events were referred to as "dumps" by EPA staff. In 2004, a number of laboratory staff in Buildings A and B developed acute health symptoms in laboratories where a dump had just occurred. The symptoms reported by these individuals included cough, shortness of breath, chest pain with inhalation, chest tightness, sore throat, and eye irritation. Some individuals had persistent symptoms for many days prior to eventual resolution, and some had symptoms recur when they tried to return to their usual laboratories. One individual reported receiving a diagnosis of asthma due to the particulate exposure. Despite attempts by EPA/RTP facilities staff to address the particulate problem, employees continued to detect excess particulate in laboratory areas and to experience respiratory symptoms. Results of limited air sampling and observations by NIOSH staff during the site visit suggest that particulate accumulation in the ventilation system air handling units, coupled with periodic loss of control of laboratory airflows by the system, is a likely source of excess particulate in laboratory areas. Other sources of laboratory particulate may include ceiling tiles, floor cleaning activities, and soil and construction activities outside the facility. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils in the HVAC units, along with utilization of reverse osmosis and a water softener to treat the water for the humidification system, may correct the ventilation system particulate problem. However, the fact that the humidifier atomizer heads will still be relatively close to the cooling coils may cause particulate buildup on the coils to recur. In confidential interviews with 17 employees who requested interviews with NIOSH staff, employees reported health effects they experienced in, or attributed to, the EPA/RTP facility (mostly laboratory areas). The most common reports were of upper and lower respiratory symptoms and eye irritation. These symptoms may represent primarily irritant responses. Whether or not particulate exposures in the laboratories caused or exacerbated asthma in some employees could not be determined from the information available. Particulate accumulation on, and corrosion of, the cooling coils in the HVAC units has likely led to increased amount of visible particulate and PM2.5 in the laboratory areas of the EPA/RTP facility. The particulate may be responsible for the irritant-type symptoms that some employees have experienced while in their laboratories and/or adjacent offices. Symptoms were severe in instances where employees were exposed in relation to a particulate "dump" that resulted from a ventilation-system airflow malfunction. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils reportedly will take several months to complete. This should decrease the amount of particulate that enters the laboratory areas from the ventilation system and may lead to resolution of employee symptoms. This report contains recommendations for steps that EPA/RTP facilities and health and safety staff should follow to prevent and minimize particulate from the ventilation system and other sources, and to protect employees that may continue to be adversely affected until the particulate problem is eliminated.
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(2005) Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream, Hagerstown, Maryland. (Click to open report) On March 2, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 9386, in Hagerstown, Maryland. The HHE request indicated that workers at Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream (GHB) were concerned with a variety of health and safety issues, including awkward and unadjustable equipment located in the hand packing areas and the use of potentially irritating chemicals such as food grade ... (Click to show more)On March 2, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 9386, in Hagerstown, Maryland. The HHE request indicated that workers at Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream (GHB) were concerned with a variety of health and safety issues, including awkward and unadjustable equipment located in the hand packing areas and the use of potentially irritating chemicals such as food grade silicone lubricants, hot melt adhesives, and cleaning and sanitizing agents. During April 28-30, 2004, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at GHB. The NIOSH team included an ergonomics specialist, an epidemiologist, and an industrial hygienist. The evaluation consisted of an opening conference attended by the manager of Human Resources, the plant Safety Facilitator, the GHB corporate safety manager, the president of the United Steel Workers of America, Local 9386, the lead member of the Freezer department, and several employees. Following this meeting, we conducted a plant walk-through, interviewed 20 workers, and observed some of the work tasks specified in the HHE request. The closing conference took place on April 30, 2004. The ergonomics evaluation indicated that some jobs, e.g., hand packing, were highly repetitive, and at times workers were required to reach too high and too far, placing them at risk for upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries. Workers lifting bulk containers of waste ice cream risked musculoskeletal injuries to the low back. Confidential interviews with 20 workers and our observations indicated several hazards. Wet and sloped floors presented slip and fall hazards to workers. Some chemicals irritated workers' eyes and lungs, while other workers were at risk for acute injuries from boxes falling from overhead conveyors. Improperly installed safety harnesses presented a risk of acute injury to workers who unloaded trucks. For the years 2002-2003, and the first three months of 2004, there were 82 injury and illness entries on the OSHA 300 log, 38 (46%) for musculoskeletal injury. Based on observations, OSHA log review, employee interviews, and evaluation of job tasks during this HHE, NIOSH investigators conclude that workers at GHB are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and back from repetitive production tasks and lifting. Irritating chemicals, falling boxes, and improperly installed safety equipment present risk for acute injury. This report contains recommendations to reduce the risk of injury to workers.
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(2005) Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducte... (Click to show more)In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit in June 2000 at a single-family home in Madison, Wisconsin, where Ikens Hardwood Floor Services was refinishing hardwood floors. General area and personal breathing-zone (PBZ) air samples were collected for lead and wood dust during floor refinishing, and settled dust samples were measured for lead content. Four in situ (in place) surface measurements were taken to measure the lead content in the varnish on floors. Results from the short-term task-based PBZ air samples ranged from 1.5 to 25 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) and were below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for lead of 50 ug/m3. However, worker exposures during buffing approached the OSHA Action Limit for lead of 30 ug/m3, assuming that buffing would be performed over an 8-hour work day. Tasks with the greatest potential to produce lead exposures were buffing and final sanding combined with buffing. All of the wood dust exposures measured during rough sanding, rough edging, final sanding/buffing, and buffing tasks exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) for wood dust, if extrapolated to full shift. All of the settled dust collected on the floors of rooms during refinishing, but prior to final finishing, had lead concentrations exceeding U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal clearance guidelines for residential floor areas (0.43 milligrams per square meter [mg/m2]). NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard exists during buffing and sanding hardwood floors. Workers are exposed to wood dust above the NIOSH REL, and lead exposures approach the OSHA Action Level for lead. Surface dust samples contained levels of lead which exceed federal clearance standards for residential areas. This suggests a potential health hazard to small children in the home during refinishing, and after if the floors are not cleaned. Recommendations for using engineering and administrative controls and wearing respiratory protection during refinishing activities are included in the Recommendations section of this report.
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(2005) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), National Firearms Unit (NFU), Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled fo... (Click to show more)On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled for lead and noise and found excessive levels of both. An inadequate ventilation system and certain design characteristics of the range were found to be contributing factors to the lead exposure. Recommendations were made for ventilation and design improvements, and for noise exposure reduction. Over several site visits conducted at the facility, NIOSH investigators concluded that health hazards existed at the times of the evaluations. The facility has since taken several steps to mitigate these hazards, including implementing of many of the recommendations proposed by the NIOSH investigators. Recommendations in the final interim letter have not yet been implemented due to lack of funding. However, NFU management has expressed a desire to continue working with NIOSH investigators before implementing any new controls should funding become available. The contents of this document present no new information; rather, it is a compilation of the letters and reports already sent individually to INS NFU management over the course of the investigation.
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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) Liberty Central School District, Liberty, New York. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received Health Hazard Evaluation requests for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in Liberty, New York. The request from the Liberty Faculty Association for the Elementary School listed teacher health concerns including allergy, sinus problems, asthma, respiratory problems, rashes, numbness, and headaches. The exposure concern was "poor air quality" with mold and paint odors listed as specific concerns. The request for the M... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received Health Hazard Evaluation requests for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in Liberty, New York. The request from the Liberty Faculty Association for the Elementary School listed teacher health concerns including allergy, sinus problems, asthma, respiratory problems, rashes, numbness, and headaches. The exposure concern was "poor air quality" with mold and paint odors listed as specific concerns. The request for the Middle and High Schools was submitted by the Superintendent of Liberty Central School District upon learning about the Elementary School request. Health concerns listed for the Middle and High Schools were respiratory or allergic reactions to possible mold exposure. The exposure concerns were mold and indoor moisture. We conducted walkthroughs of each school using our semi-quantitative assessment sheet, a worksheet for a standardized observational assessment of occupied rooms. We modified our existing worksheet to allow us to record values from moisture meter measurements of building components and real-time measurements of room temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. The semiquantitative assessment approach allowed us to document areas of water damage, humidity, or other problems in each school as a means to provide a focus for recommendations made to the school administration. We also compared our observational findings to the equipment measurements and found that at least for some rooms, higher observational scores did relate to elevated temperature or relative humidity. Water damage and possible mold was found in each school, although the Middle School had more visible water damage than the Elementary or High Schools. Some window caulking had failed in the Middle and High Schools, allowing water to enter the classrooms through the window. There was an on-going water infiltration problem in the Middle School library and some classrooms, as evidenced by the containers on the windowsills used to capture rainwater. We found two areas of visible mold in the Middle School: on a mural in the lobby and in a stairwell near exit 6 (next to the cafeteria). We recommended removal of the mural and cleaning of the stairwell using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidance for mold remediation. The Elementary School has no mechanical ventilation in the main portions of the building. The windows are the only means of ventilation. The modular units had unit ventilators. Teachers report that they open windows during the winter due to the heat and odors in the classrooms. Teachers also report that diesel exhaust enters the classrooms on the side of the building where buses load and unload the students. Some water stains and possible mold were found in the third floor hallway. Steam pipe leaks were reported to have occurred in several areas of the building. The modular units, especially the corridor, had odors while we were there. The corridor outside the restrooms smelled of urine. Frozen pipes under the modular units have burst according to teachers, leading to water incursion in the building. The High School had stained ceiling tiles in many classrooms, condensation on many of the curtain wall windows, and some leaky windows. Some of the Plexiglas storm windows were failing as the plastic holding the Plexiglas in place was becoming brittle and breaking on some windows. At least one room had Plexiglas that was hanging from the window. The library had rusty, and possibly moldy, window blinds. The rust appeared to be caused by the blinds sitting in water or staying wet for long periods. We noticed other blinds in various rooms with rust and possible mold, although not to the extent of the library's blinds. During our walkthroughs, we spoke to teachers in the Elementary and Middle schools who reported migraines, watery eyes, sore throats, and cough that they attributed to being in their school. Damp buildings have been associated with risk of nose and throat symptoms, cough, wheeze, asthma symptoms in sensitized persons, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis for building occupants. Some evidence suggests that exposures in damp indoor environments are associated with shortness of breath and development of asthma. We documented dampness in all schools of the Liberty Central School District with the Middle School having both water leaks and visible mold. The finding of dampness in the school buildings calls for action by the school administration to correct the water incursion and to remediate the impacted building materials or furnishings. Employees experiencing health symptoms that they feel are related to the building should seek the care of a physician and should report their concerns to the school administration. Implementing the EPA program, "Tools for Schools", is recommended as a means to protect and maintain indoor environmental quality. Teachers in Liberty Central School District reported health conditions that they attributed to the school. NIOSH conducted a walkthrough of the three schools in the Liberty Central School District. We found evidence of water leaks and dampness in all schools with the Middle School having both active leaks and visible mold. The finding of dampness in the Liberty Schools calls for action by the school administration. Employees with health concerns related to the building should seek the care of a physician and should report their concerns to the school administration.
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(2005) OmniSource Corporation, Lima, Ohio. (Click to open report) On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Sa... (Click to show more)On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Workers identified as having elevated exposures to lead were those who use oxygen/propane torches to cut bulk scrap into smaller pieces using hand-held oxygen/propane torches. NIOSH investigators conducted site visits to the scrap recycling facility on October 14, 2003, and from April 19-22, 2004. During the initial site visit, a NIOSH industrial hygienist and a medical officer spoke with OmniSource management and labor representatives; they also toured the facility and witnessed the torch cutting and scrap processing. During the second site visit, the NIOSH investigators collected full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples and surface samples from workers' hands and solid surfaces. NIOSH investigators sampled during torch cutting operations to detect the presence of lead and other heavy metals. Ten of the 27 PBZ air samples exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL for lead; four samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for cadmium; three samples exceeded the NIOSH 10-hour Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for nickel; and three samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for copper. NIOSH wipe samples detected lead and other heavy metals on workers' hands, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other surfaces. A NIOSH interim report (September 3, 2004) provided OmniSource representatives with a preliminary summary of sample results and recommendations to control exposures. OmniSource employees were exposed to lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, and arsenic above the OSHA PEL and/or NIOSH REL while torch cutting scrap metal. Recommendations include adhering to substance-specific OSHA standards for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, including the requirement for employee showers and other hygiene practices. Other recommendations address the use of local exhaust ventilation during torch cutting operations and the need for PBZ air monitoring for welding gases.
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