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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
(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1996) Bally's Park Place Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees at the Bally's Park Place Casino Hotel (SIC-7011), Atlantic City, New Jersey, an investigation was begun into exposure to second hand tobacco smoke among the employees. The casino employed about 800 persons who work on the casino floor, with about 330 full time dealers and 180 dealer supervisors. Workers in the gaming areas had more environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure than a representative sample of the US population. The mean serum cotinine (486566... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees at the Bally's Park Place Casino Hotel (SIC-7011), Atlantic City, New Jersey, an investigation was begun into exposure to second hand tobacco smoke among the employees. The casino employed about 800 persons who work on the casino floor, with about 330 full time dealers and 180 dealer supervisors. Workers in the gaming areas had more environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure than a representative sample of the US population. The mean serum cotinine (486566) levels of the casino workers in this study were 1.34 nanograms/milliliter (ng/ml) (preshift) and 1.85ng/ml (postshift). Workers at the nonsmoking tables did not appear to have any decrease in their exposure to ETS. The nonsmoking tables were generally located directly adjacent to tables where smoking was permitted. No significant correlations were found between cotinine levels and either air nicotine (54115) concentration or reported ETS exposure. The authors recommend that workers not be involuntarily exposed to tobacco smoke. The best method for controlling worker exposure was to eliminate tobacco use from the workplace and to implement a smoking cessation program for employees. Until tobacco use can be completely eliminated, the authors recommend that areas where smoking is permitted be isolated and provided with dedicated ventilation.
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(1996) Greater Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Wheaton, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the manager of the Greater Wheaton Chamber of Commerce (GWCC), an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the GWCC offices (SIC-8611). Workers had complained of headaches, dizziness, nausea, sore throats, lethargy, and hematuria. The workers expressed concern about possible exposure to solvents which had been discovered in a floor drain in a garage/warehouse adjacent to their building. At the time of the study, the heating system had be... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the manager of the Greater Wheaton Chamber of Commerce (GWCC), an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the GWCC offices (SIC-8611). Workers had complained of headaches, dizziness, nausea, sore throats, lethargy, and hematuria. The workers expressed concern about possible exposure to solvents which had been discovered in a floor drain in a garage/warehouse adjacent to their building. At the time of the study, the heating system had been turned on to accelerate the off gassing of any volatile organic compounds. Air samples were collected during and after this bake out. Concentrations of toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), and perchloroethylene (127184) were very low, ranging from trace amounts to 0.046 part per million (ppm). Concentrations of total volatile organic compounds ranged from 1.4 to 3.2mg/m3. No odors detected in the offices. No evidence was found for any exposures which would account for hematuria among these workers. A newly installed ventilation system was supplying about 100 cubic feet per minute of outside air to the office.
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(1996) Martin County Courthouse and Constitutional Office Building, Stuart, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to toxicogenic fungi during the renovation of microbiological contaminated areas of the Martin County Courthouse Complex (SIC- 9211) in Stuart, Florida. Severe contamination was present, consisting predominantly of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. Due to occupant health complaints the Courthouse complex was not occupied. Prior to beginning remediation effort... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to toxicogenic fungi during the renovation of microbiological contaminated areas of the Martin County Courthouse Complex (SIC- 9211) in Stuart, Florida. Severe contamination was present, consisting predominantly of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. Due to occupant health complaints the Courthouse complex was not occupied. Prior to beginning remediation efforts, an initial environmental assessment had been made in September of 1993, by NIOSH investigators. Follow up site visits were conducted in October and November. After completion, a final visit was made in June of 1994. Containment areas with dedicated supply and exhaust ventilation systems were used in the remediation activities. While containment areas reduced the dissemination of spores, potentially toxicogenic fungal spores were identified on 56% of the filter samples collected outside the containment areas. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to a potential health hazard during removal of the microbiologically contaminated building materials. The authors note that workers performing renovations in buildings contaminated with fungi may unknowingly put themselves and other occupants of the buildings at risk for exposure.
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(1996) Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of Pathology Lab employees at the Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center (SIC-8071), Indianapolis, Indiana an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions. Workers reported symptoms of eye and upper respiratory irritation. The staff in the Pathology Laboratory included medical technologists and technicians working 8 hours a day performing routine tests. Even though the airborne respirable particulate concentrations were low, s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of Pathology Lab employees at the Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center (SIC-8071), Indianapolis, Indiana an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions. Workers reported symptoms of eye and upper respiratory irritation. The staff in the Pathology Laboratory included medical technologists and technicians working 8 hours a day performing routine tests. Even though the airborne respirable particulate concentrations were low, settled particulates were noted throughout the laboratory which could contribute to worker health complaints of eye and upper respiratory irritation. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations were below the 800 parts per million guideline for indoor air. Temperature and relative humidity levels were not within the comfort guidelines for optical and acceptable ranges for occupants of buildings. Air velocities were nearly five times hood face velocity, which may cause a pressure difference, allowing contaminants to escape. The author concludes that settled particulates could contribute to eye and respiratory irritation, and that ventilation deficiencies caused thermal comfort problems. The author recommends that excess particulates be reduced by improving housekeeping practices, and thermal comfort problems be resolved by modifying supply air diffusers and adjusting the relative humidity.
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(1995) Advanced Occupational Health Services, Inc., Elizabethtown, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a management request from Advanced Occupational Health Services, Inc. (SIC-8049), Elizabethtown, Kentucky, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous conditions at a satellite office located in Leitchfield, Kentucky. The concern was centered around the existing ventilation system and possible exposure to chemical contaminants off gassing from the carpeting and floor tiles. Measurements of carbon-dioxide (124389) levels indicated that adequate amounts of outside air were no... (Click to show more)In response to a management request from Advanced Occupational Health Services, Inc. (SIC-8049), Elizabethtown, Kentucky, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous conditions at a satellite office located in Leitchfield, Kentucky. The concern was centered around the existing ventilation system and possible exposure to chemical contaminants off gassing from the carpeting and floor tiles. Measurements of carbon-dioxide (124389) levels indicated that adequate amounts of outside air were not being delivered to the worksite. The temperature measurements varied widely and were not within the comfort guidelines. Relative humidity levels were within comfort levels. Although trace amounts of some organic compounds were detected, the only quantifiable measurements were of ethanol (64175) at up to 2.2 parts per million (ppm) and isopropanol (67630) (up to 1.4ppm). None of the levels monitored were even close to exposure criteria. The author concludes that little outside air was introduced by the ventilation system, but exposures to organic chemicals in the air did not present an occupational hazard. The author recommends that improvements be made in the ventilation system.
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(1995) Tri-County North School, Lewisburg, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from administrators at the Tri-County North (TCN) Local School System (SIC-8211), Lewisburg, Ohio, a follow back evaluation was conducted after ventilation changes had been made, and the ventilation system had been tested and balanced. Carbon- dioxide (124389) levels, temperature, relative humidity, formaldehyde (50000), and total volatile organic compounds were measured. Carbon-dioxide levels exceeded 1,000 parts per million (ppm) in some classrooms. Formaldehyde levels... (Click to show more)In response to a request from administrators at the Tri-County North (TCN) Local School System (SIC-8211), Lewisburg, Ohio, a follow back evaluation was conducted after ventilation changes had been made, and the ventilation system had been tested and balanced. Carbon- dioxide (124389) levels, temperature, relative humidity, formaldehyde (50000), and total volatile organic compounds were measured. Carbon-dioxide levels exceeded 1,000 parts per million (ppm) in some classrooms. Formaldehyde levels ranged up to 0.019ppm in the classrooms as time weighted averages (TWAs). Total volatile organic compound concentrations of 3.7 and 4.4mg/m3 were detected in two of eight general area samples, near photocopiers. The author concludes that a health hazard was not identified during this evaluation. Indoor environmental quality has continued to improve since the initial evaluation conducted in 1992. The author recommends that the photocopiers which use liquid toner be replaced, or local exhaust ventilation be used in the area. Some classrooms still did not provide the recommended 15 cubic feet of outside air per person.
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(1995) Truman State Office Building, Jefferson City, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees of the Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue at the Truman State Office Building (SIC-9621), Jefferson City, Missouri, an investigation was begun into indoor air quality. Symptoms reported included headaches, chronic cough, sinus problems, and sleepiness. The temperatures were within the comfort zones but some relative humidity levels were lower than acceptable. The ventilation system apparently provided adequate outside air exchange. A follow ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees of the Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue at the Truman State Office Building (SIC-9621), Jefferson City, Missouri, an investigation was begun into indoor air quality. Symptoms reported included headaches, chronic cough, sinus problems, and sleepiness. The temperatures were within the comfort zones but some relative humidity levels were lower than acceptable. The ventilation system apparently provided adequate outside air exchange. A follow up survey was conducted during the winter months. Formaldehyde (50000) was detected in almost every sample location, with the highest recorded concentration being 0.008 parts per million (ppm). The ventilation filtration system appeared to be operating effectively. The authors conclude that specific environmental conditions likely to cause the symptoms reported were not identified during this study. However, there were some environmental deficiencies, plus work organization and communication problems. The authors conclude that improvements should be made in the ventilation system, and employee comfort and satisfaction could be improved through better work organization and communication with the department.
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