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HHE Search Results
112 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1994) Goodwill Industries of America, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Goodwill Industries of America (SIC-8399), Bethesda, Maryland concerning indoor environmental quality issues. Concern had been expressed over potential exposures to print shop solvents, second hand smoke, and water damaged carpeting in the office areas. The facility had about 70 employees. Seven recirculating heating, ventilating, and air conditioning package units with heat pumps serviced the building. At the ti... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Goodwill Industries of America (SIC-8399), Bethesda, Maryland concerning indoor environmental quality issues. Concern had been expressed over potential exposures to print shop solvents, second hand smoke, and water damaged carpeting in the office areas. The facility had about 70 employees. Seven recirculating heating, ventilating, and air conditioning package units with heat pumps serviced the building. At the time of the site visit, the ventilation equipment seemed to be in good condition, but was being operated on an automatic mode, which allowed no supply air delivery once the temperature setpoints were satisfied. Potential contaminants in the recirculating air included chemicals from the print shop and environmental tobacco smoke. Some evidence of water damage was noted. All measurements taken for organic solvents were below the allowable limits. Of 70 questionnaires distributed, 81% were returned and analyzed. Thermal comfort, lack of air movement and smoke odors were among the most commonly reported concerns. Pain or stiffness in the back, shoulders, or neck; stuffy nose or sinus congestion; dry, itching, or irritated eyes; and tired or strained eyes were the most common symptoms reported. The author concludes that environmental tobacco smoke was a health hazard in this building. There was a potential for tobacco smoke and print shop chemicals to enter the recirculating ventilation system. The author recommends that measures be taken to reduce exposures to environmental tobacco smoke and print shop solvents.
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(1994) H.E. McCracken Middle School, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Assistant Superintendent for Operations of the Beaufort County School District, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the H. E. McCracken Middle School (SIC-8211), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The school was opened in the fall of 1991, serving grades 6 to 8. Approximately 1,100 persons occupied the building including students, faculty and support staff. The concern at the school was due to mold and mildew problems, and h... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Assistant Superintendent for Operations of the Beaufort County School District, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the H. E. McCracken Middle School (SIC-8211), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The school was opened in the fall of 1991, serving grades 6 to 8. Approximately 1,100 persons occupied the building including students, faculty and support staff. The concern at the school was due to mold and mildew problems, and health symptoms reported by employees. Many persons reported fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, tension or nervousness and back, neck, or shoulder discomfort. Many of these same persons reported that their symptoms disappeared when they left the building. Too little air movement was a frequent complaint and temperature control was also a problem. Carbon-dioxide (124389) measurements used to asses the capabilities of the air handling system suggested that too little outside air was provided to occupied spaces. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the survey. The authors recommend that the ventilation system be modified to provide additional outside air to occupied spaces.
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(1994) Houghtaling Elementary School, Ketchikan, Alaska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the principal, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Houghtaling Elementary School (SIC-8211), Ketchikan, Alaska. The building was occupied by 280 persons, 17% of which were staff. Occupants reported a history of respiratory problems among teachers and students in the 5 year period before the current study. Respiratory problems included severe colds, bronchitis, and bouts of pneumonia. On site sampling revealed a significant di... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the principal, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Houghtaling Elementary School (SIC-8211), Ketchikan, Alaska. The building was occupied by 280 persons, 17% of which were staff. Occupants reported a history of respiratory problems among teachers and students in the 5 year period before the current study. Respiratory problems included severe colds, bronchitis, and bouts of pneumonia. On site sampling revealed a significant disparity between the design of the ventilation system and the measured volumetric air flow values. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels in most areas of the school increased over the course of the day. No significant levels of fungi, bacteria or thermoactinomycetes were located in the building. However, bulk carpet samples from select classrooms revealed varying concentrations of gram negative bacteria and yeasts characteristic of microbial proliferation due to elevated moisture conditions. The authors conclude that the higher prevalence of lower respiratory tract symptoms reported among workers in carpeted areas may be related to microbial contamination of the carpet. The authors recommend that the ventilation system be properly balanced, and microbially contaminated areas be remediated by removal of carpets.
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(1994) Internal Revenue Service, McNamara Building, Detroit, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the National Treasury Employees Union Detroit Chapter Number 24, an investigation was begun of possible hazardous working conditions at the Internal Revenue Service, McNamara Building (SIC-9311), Detroit, Michigan. Workers had expressed concern over poor air quality, temperature extremes, fire/electrical hazards, excessive noise, and other safety and ergonomic issues. Environmental measurements were made in the Toll free Telephone Area on the eighteenth floor and th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the National Treasury Employees Union Detroit Chapter Number 24, an investigation was begun of possible hazardous working conditions at the Internal Revenue Service, McNamara Building (SIC-9311), Detroit, Michigan. Workers had expressed concern over poor air quality, temperature extremes, fire/electrical hazards, excessive noise, and other safety and ergonomic issues. Environmental measurements were made in the Toll free Telephone Area on the eighteenth floor and the tax collection area on the twenty first floor. Measurements of carbon-dioxide (124389) levels, temperature and relative humidity, and noise levels were made on the two floors over 3 days. The levels monitored were common for office buildings. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from workers on the two floors. No significant elevations in the number of complaints were received when compared to other similar buildings and work forces. The authors conclude that there were no specific environmental concerns identified that would explain the reported symptoms. The authors recommend that specific measures be taken concerning ventilation, humidity, noise, safety and employee communications in the building.
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(1994) Patio Enclosures, Inc., Macedonia, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a management representative of Patio Enclosures, Inc. (SIC-3442), Macedonia, Ohio, an environmental survey was conducted in the 700 and 720 office buildings of Patio Enclosures. Personnel working at the site had complained of eye problems, burning of the throat, and sinus problems. Patio Enclosures consisted of a large manufacturing area with two story office areas at the east and west ends. Average temperatures in the office ranged from 69.2 to 74.9 degrees-F durin... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a management representative of Patio Enclosures, Inc. (SIC-3442), Macedonia, Ohio, an environmental survey was conducted in the 700 and 720 office buildings of Patio Enclosures. Personnel working at the site had complained of eye problems, burning of the throat, and sinus problems. Patio Enclosures consisted of a large manufacturing area with two story office areas at the east and west ends. Average temperatures in the office ranged from 69.2 to 74.9 degrees-F during the morning and from 69.1 to 75.3 degrees in the afternoon. Average relative humidity ranged from 15.0 to 21.2% during the morning and 18.0 to 23.3% in the afternoon. Average carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations ranged from 375 to 850 parts per million (ppm) in the morning and 500 to 850ppm in the afternoon. Visible microbial growth was present in some of the air handling unit drip pans. Analysis revealed several species such as Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, yeasts, Ulocladium, and Fusarium. Smoking was permitted in the private offices which then circulated to other areas served by the same units. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed due to the recirculation of environmental tobacco smoke throughout the offices. Microbial growth in the ventilation system could be aerosolized and distributed throughout the building. The author recommends that a no smoking policy be established, and cooling coil condensate pans and drains be cleaned.
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(1994) Princeton High School, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a union, the Princeton Association of Classroom Educators (PACE), a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Princeton High School (SIC- 8211), Cincinnati, Ohio. The school building housed about 2,000 students and 200 staff. Faculty and students reported allergy and asthma problems, along with irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. When not in the building, their symptoms subsided. A medical questionnaire was distributed and an environ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a union, the Princeton Association of Classroom Educators (PACE), a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Princeton High School (SIC- 8211), Cincinnati, Ohio. The school building housed about 2,000 students and 200 staff. Faculty and students reported allergy and asthma problems, along with irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. When not in the building, their symptoms subsided. A medical questionnaire was distributed and an environmental evaluation was begun of two areas in the school, the office area and one of the classroom wings. One or more symptoms, which decreased when absent from the building, were reported by 57% of those completing the questionnaire. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels exceeding 1,000 parts per million were noted in the evaluated classroom wing, suggesting an inadequate supply of outside air. Inspection of the air handling equipment revealed a significant amount of microbial growth on the drain pans. The author concludes that some environmental deficiencies were identified, as well a major problem with ventilation system maintenance. The author recommends that the air supply system be cleaned up, and its performance improved.
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(1994) Social Security Administration, Petersburg, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Social Security Administration office (SIC-9441) located in Petersburg, Virginia. Concern was expressed regarding high humidity levels, breathing problems, burning eyes, and a lack of air conditioning. Based on a visual inspection of the air conditioning and heating system, increased maintenance was needed. An abundance of visible microb... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Social Security Administration office (SIC-9441) located in Petersburg, Virginia. Concern was expressed regarding high humidity levels, breathing problems, burning eyes, and a lack of air conditioning. Based on a visual inspection of the air conditioning and heating system, increased maintenance was needed. An abundance of visible microbiological growth was noted on the interior of the air handling unit (AHU) mixed air plenum, and the pneumatic linkage for the return air damper was disconnected. An abundance of fungi and bacteria were noted in the analysis of bulk material samples collected from the AHU mixed air plenum. In some cases the measured airflow volume was less than 50% of the adjacent slot diffusers, indicating the air distribution was not balanced, perhaps resulting in the comfort complaints. Temperature measurements exceeded suggested comfort ranges for winter months. Some carbon-dioxide (124389) measurements exceeded the 1,000 parts per million ceiling recommendation. The author concludes that there were significant deficiencies in the indoor environment that may be related to reported symptoms and comfort complaints. The author recommends that improvements be made in the ventilation system, and that a system maintenance program be implemented.
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(1994) State of Rhode Island, Department of Employment and Training, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was detected in any of the twelve general area samples taken for airborne lead. Two bulk samples of residue abrasive blasting and paint chips material contained 3,300 and 120,000 micrograms of lead/gram of material. Forty wipe samples obtained from surfaces in the office ranged from 9 to 200,000 micrograms of lead/square foot. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed due to the presence of lead contaminated dust. The authors recommend that manual cleaning and vacuuming of these areas using a high efficiency particulate air filtering system be conducted.
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(1994) Tri-County North School, Lewisburg, Ohio. (Click to open report) A follow up study was conducted at the Tri-County North School (SIC- 8211), Lewisburg, Ohio, in an effort to determine whether progress had been made in addressing indoor air quality concerns at this site. The original study had been made at this site 2 years earlier. In some sections of the school the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels had decreased by 52% from levels recorded during the previous survey. The major recommendation of the earlier study was to increase the induction of outside air. Rel... (Click to show more)A follow up study was conducted at the Tri-County North School (SIC- 8211), Lewisburg, Ohio, in an effort to determine whether progress had been made in addressing indoor air quality concerns at this site. The original study had been made at this site 2 years earlier. In some sections of the school the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels had decreased by 52% from levels recorded during the previous survey. The major recommendation of the earlier study was to increase the induction of outside air. Relative humidity levels were still below the recommended range, averaging below 30% at the 1994 study. Formaldehyde (50000) levels ranged from 0.02 to 0.04 parts per million (ppm) in 1992 and 1993, and had dropped to less than 0.002 to 0.007ppm in the current study. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) arising from the use of photocopiers, ranged from less than 0.08 to 11.4mg/m3, down from 1.6 to 18.3 mg/m3 in 1992. The rate of symptoms experienced by the employees dropped from 26% in 1992 to 10% in 1994 since the installation of an auxiliary ventilation system. The authors conclude that a health hazard was not identified during this follow up evaluation. The authors recommend that TVOC levels be further reduced, and that the auxiliary ventilation systems be tested and balanced.
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(1993) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Juneau, Alaska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Safety Offices at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (SIC-9511), Juneau, Alaska, an investigation was begun into indoor air quality. Complaints about air quality had begun shortly after the building was first occupied in 1991. Major complaints from the workers were centered on comfort related issues such as too hot, too stuffy, and noticeable odors being present. Health problems included headache, stuffy or runny nose, burning or itchy eyes, and... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Safety Offices at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (SIC-9511), Juneau, Alaska, an investigation was begun into indoor air quality. Complaints about air quality had begun shortly after the building was first occupied in 1991. Major complaints from the workers were centered on comfort related issues such as too hot, too stuffy, and noticeable odors being present. Health problems included headache, stuffy or runny nose, burning or itchy eyes, and several miscellaneous symptoms. The three story office building had about 50,000 square feet of office space and 200 occupants. The ventilation consists of a central system providing heated and cooled air to 78 zones. The system was shut down overnight. After occupant complaints, the system was set to operate with 100% outside air. At the time of the study, humidity and carbon-dioxide levels were all within the recommended limits. However, there have been occasions where the humidity levels were as low as 10%. The only deficiencies noted were the finding of standing water in the condensation drip pans and the fact that the ventilation system might be turned off while workers are inside the building outside normal working hours. The author concludes that no airborne contaminants were identified which would constitute a health hazard. The author recommends measures to help alleviate worker complaints.
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