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HHE Search Results
111 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1993) Blackshere Elementary School, Mannington, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Superintendent of Schools for Marion County, West Virginia an investigation was conducted on the ventilation in the Blackshere Elementary School (SIC-8211) due to reports by teachers and students of symptoms such as fatigue, eye irritation, nasal congestion, and headache. Telephone interviews were conducted with 70% of the 33 teachers and questionnaires were completed by the 47 staff and faculty members at the school about the presence of symptoms while at work.... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Superintendent of Schools for Marion County, West Virginia an investigation was conducted on the ventilation in the Blackshere Elementary School (SIC-8211) due to reports by teachers and students of symptoms such as fatigue, eye irritation, nasal congestion, and headache. Telephone interviews were conducted with 70% of the 33 teachers and questionnaires were completed by the 47 staff and faculty members at the school about the presence of symptoms while at work. Air samples were collected at various locations around the school and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems were evaluated. Symptoms associated with being in the school building were reported by 47% of the employees. Sixty three percent of the employees reported too little air movement in the building and 66% reported problems with the temperature. Carbon-dioxide concentrations exceeded 1,000 parts per million, indicating that there may have been insufficient outside air provided to occupied spaces. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the evaluation. The authors recommend that the ventilation system be modified to provide sufficient outside air to occupied spaces.
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(1993) DuPage County Judicial Office Facility, Wheaton, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a management representative at the DuPage County Judicial Office Facility (SIC-9211, SIC-9222), Wheaton, Illinois, an investigation was undertaken to examine possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The facility was occupied by about 700 fulltime workers and entered by 1,300 citizens each day. A humidifier malfunction occurred on March 31, 1992 which resulted in the release of a visible haze, possibly containing water treatment chemicals. The building was... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a management representative at the DuPage County Judicial Office Facility (SIC-9211, SIC-9222), Wheaton, Illinois, an investigation was undertaken to examine possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The facility was occupied by about 700 fulltime workers and entered by 1,300 citizens each day. A humidifier malfunction occurred on March 31, 1992 which resulted in the release of a visible haze, possibly containing water treatment chemicals. The building was evacuated and about 20 people were seen at the local hospital. Building occupants continued to report health symptoms which they attributed to the work environment. Basic indoor environmental quality parameters were monitored. Medical interviews were conducted, and symptom logs were reviewed. The authors conclude that no clear environmental causes were found for the symptoms reported. The authors recommend that changes be made in the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Administrative actions to address employee concerns about indoor environmental quality should be taken.
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(1993) Indiana Bell Telephone Company, Inc., Bloomington, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of employees at the Indiana Bell Telephone Company (SIC-4813), an investigation was made into indoor environmental quality at the South Division Office, Bloomington, Indiana. Several employees had reported symptoms including eye irritation, nasal irritation, nasal congestion, fatigue, skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness. The office occupied a one story building of over 29,500 square feet, employing 200 workers on three 8 hour shifts per day, 7 days a w... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of employees at the Indiana Bell Telephone Company (SIC-4813), an investigation was made into indoor environmental quality at the South Division Office, Bloomington, Indiana. Several employees had reported symptoms including eye irritation, nasal irritation, nasal congestion, fatigue, skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness. The office occupied a one story building of over 29,500 square feet, employing 200 workers on three 8 hour shifts per day, 7 days a week. Carbon- dioxide (124389) concentrations ranged from 425 to 825 parts per million (ppm). Indoor air temperature measurements ranged from 70 to 74 degrees-F. Relative humidity ranged from 68% to 88%. Deficiencies were found in the heating and air conditioning systems which included inadequate cooling capacity, insufficient supply air flow rates, ductwork leakage, and inadequate fan sizing. The authors conclude that no specific building problem that would clearly account for the reported symptoms was found. The authors recommend that specific deficiencies in the ventilation system be corrected.
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(1993) Internal Revenue Service Appeals Office, Omaha, Nebraska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the National Treasury Employees Union, an evaluation was undertaken of indoor air quality at the Internal Revenue Service Appeals Office (SIC-9311) in Omaha, Nebraska. Employees at the site had reported sore throats, sinus problems, cold like symptoms, burning eyes, and headaches. Asbestos (1332214) containing insulation was also a concern. The office was located on the third floor of a ten floor office building, and had 25 employees. Constant volume ventilation sys... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the National Treasury Employees Union, an evaluation was undertaken of indoor air quality at the Internal Revenue Service Appeals Office (SIC-9311) in Omaha, Nebraska. Employees at the site had reported sore throats, sinus problems, cold like symptoms, burning eyes, and headaches. Asbestos (1332214) containing insulation was also a concern. The office was located on the third floor of a ten floor office building, and had 25 employees. Constant volume ventilation systems serviced the office. Relative humidity ranged from 25.2 to 28.2%. Indoor temperatures ranged from 70.5 to 74.8%. Inside particle counts ranged from 12,000 to 71,000 particles per 0.1 cubic foot of air. The higher particle counts were found in an office where smoking was permitted, and in adjacent areas. Data from previous sampling indicated that there were no detectable levels of asbestos fibers in the office areas. The authors conclude that environmental tobacco smoke was a health hazard in this building. The authors recommend that some specific measures be taken to improve the working conditions at this facility.
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(1993) Internal Revenue Service Office, Flint, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the National Treasury Employees Union, an investigation was undertaken of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) at the Internal Revenue Service Office (SIC-9311), Flint, Michigan. Employees had reported sinus problems, cold like symptoms, and headaches. The indoor carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations measured were all below the recommended level of 1,000 parts per million. Temperature and relative humidity levels were within seasonal suggested guidelines. Evidence of... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the National Treasury Employees Union, an investigation was undertaken of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) at the Internal Revenue Service Office (SIC-9311), Flint, Michigan. Employees had reported sinus problems, cold like symptoms, and headaches. The indoor carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations measured were all below the recommended level of 1,000 parts per million. Temperature and relative humidity levels were within seasonal suggested guidelines. Evidence of microbial growth was found in the lined condensate pan of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning unit. There was a potential for vehicle exhaust to enter the building; the below ground outside air intakes were located adjacent to a parking lot. Employees were permitted to smoke in a storage area which formed part of the recirculating air system that served the entire basement area. The most common concerns of the workers included temperature extremes, lack of humidity, and lack of movement of the air. Stuffy or runny nose or sinus congestion, tired or strained eyes, unusual tiredness, fatigue, drowsiness, and dry itching or irritated eyes were the most frequently reported complaints. The authors conclude that environmental tobacco smoke was a health hazard in this location. Other problems identified include microbial growth in the condensate pan and the potential for vehicle exhaust entrainment by the ventilation system. The authors recommend that steps be taken to improve the indoor air quality and eliminate environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace.
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(1993) Lakeland Jr-Sr High School, Jermyn, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the superintendent of the Lakeland School District (SIC-8211), an investigation was begun into the occurrences of bacterial illnesses among employees of the Lakeland Junior Senior High School in Jermyn, Pennsylvania. In 1992 the estimated occupancy was 800 individuals, of whom 10% were adults. Symptoms reported by the teachers and other employees included eye strain, eye irritation, nasal/sinus congestion, and excess fatigue. Nearly all symptoms were reported by a h... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the superintendent of the Lakeland School District (SIC-8211), an investigation was begun into the occurrences of bacterial illnesses among employees of the Lakeland Junior Senior High School in Jermyn, Pennsylvania. In 1992 the estimated occupancy was 800 individuals, of whom 10% were adults. Symptoms reported by the teachers and other employees included eye strain, eye irritation, nasal/sinus congestion, and excess fatigue. Nearly all symptoms were reported by a higher percentage of workers during the school year than during the summer when school was not in session. Possible building related symptoms included mucous membrane irritation, respiratory symptoms, or nonspecific symptoms. Bacterial and fungal counts in bulk samples collected from water stained ceiling tiles, interior ventilation system lining, and wall paint did not indicate a significant problem with microbiological contamination. The authors conclude that a consistent pattern of bacterial disease that could be related to environmental conditions was not found. Reported symptoms were related to employee perceptions of unpleasant working conditions, particularly insufficient air movement and unclean work areas. The authors recommend that an adequate supply of outside air be provided and that temperature and humidity levels be maintained in accordance with guidelines currently in place.
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(1993) Legi-Slate®, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees of Legi-Slate® (SIC-8999), Washington, DC, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the site. The company tracked and analyzed federal legislation to compile an indexed database of legislative action. The company occupied most of one floor in a ten story office building. Employees had complained of headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, and nausea. At the time of the survey, the average temperatures were in excess of those reco... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees of Legi-Slate® (SIC-8999), Washington, DC, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the site. The company tracked and analyzed federal legislation to compile an indexed database of legislative action. The company occupied most of one floor in a ten story office building. Employees had complained of headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, and nausea. At the time of the survey, the average temperatures were in excess of those recommended for workers and the average relative humidity was less. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels were well below the recommended maximum limits. Visible microbial growth was noted on the cooling coils and in the condensate drip pans below the coils of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The author concludes that although there were no health hazards discovered at this site, the environmental conditions were not sufficient to meet thermal comfort recommendations at the time the survey was made. The author recommends that cooling coils and condensate drip pans be inspected on a regular basis and kept free of visible microbial growth. An effort should be made to keep the temperature and humidity levels within proper limits.
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(1993) LORAL Command and Control, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management personnel at LORAL Command and Control (SIC-7371), Colorado Springs, Colorado, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at that location. LORAL Command and Control Systems was a computer software development firm. Workers in the specialty engineering section of Building 9975 had reported skin rash and irritation, a burning facial sensation, nose irritation and eye irritation. Air sample analysis revealed the presence of dec... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management personnel at LORAL Command and Control (SIC-7371), Colorado Springs, Colorado, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at that location. LORAL Command and Control Systems was a computer software development firm. Workers in the specialty engineering section of Building 9975 had reported skin rash and irritation, a burning facial sensation, nose irritation and eye irritation. Air sample analysis revealed the presence of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (541026), limonene (138863), 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (76131) and cellosolve-acetate (111159). Trace amounts of branched alkanes, xylenes, hexanol (111273) and toluene (108883) were also noted. Temperature and relative humidity analyses indicated that the levels were within the appropriate ranges. The author concludes that results of the analyses did not indicate that a health hazard existed at this facility. The author recommends that efforts be continued to determine if any specific changes to the work environment can be made which will positively affect occupant comfort in affected building areas. Another option may be to consider alternatives for on site and possible off site employment accommodations.
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(1993) Oakland Sports Therapy and Work Hardening, Exton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Oakland Sports Therapy and Work Hardening (SIC-8049), Exton, Pennsylvania. Various health complaints such as headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, sinus infections, and respiratory problems resulted in the request. The facility was located on the first floor of a two story brick structure. Most of the facility was dedicated to an open area for physical therapy rehabilitation services. T... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Oakland Sports Therapy and Work Hardening (SIC-8049), Exton, Pennsylvania. Various health complaints such as headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, sinus infections, and respiratory problems resulted in the request. The facility was located on the first floor of a two story brick structure. Most of the facility was dedicated to an open area for physical therapy rehabilitation services. There were 14 employees and typically six to seven clients using the facility at any one time. The temperature and relative humidity measurements were slightly below comfort guidelines. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels consistently exceeded the 1,000 parts per million levels. The center apparently was not receiving sufficient amounts of outside air during maximum occupancy. Bromine (7726956) traces were found in two of three samples collected but not at concentrations which would be expected to cause health effects. Bromine was used as a sanitizer in a large whirlpool. The authors conclude that symptoms reported by workers were consistent with building related symptoms. The amount of outside air supplied by the ventilation system was below ventilation guidelines. The authors recommend that the amount of outside air be increased. The air intake should be relocated, the ventilation system should be balanced, and more efficient filter media should be used.
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(1993) Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (SIC-9311), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Health problems reported included headaches, body aches, dizziness, sinus problems, flue symptoms, low energy levels and constant colds. All of the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels measured were below the required limits. In some places the temperature and relative humidity measures exceeded the summer comf... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (SIC-9311), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Health problems reported included headaches, body aches, dizziness, sinus problems, flue symptoms, low energy levels and constant colds. All of the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels measured were below the required limits. In some places the temperature and relative humidity measures exceeded the summer comfort range. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified included acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), pentane (109660), hexane (110543), tetrachloroethane (79345), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556). None of the compounds exceeded any applicable exposure limits. Symptoms most often reported included tired or strained eyes, stuffed nose, sinus congestion, irritation of the eyes, tiredness, headache, and dry throat. Several potential problems were noted with the air handling units such as leaking control valves, out of calibration controllers, incorrectly selected or placed sensors, and malfunctioning control systems. The authors conclude that no specific exposure were identified that would explain the symptoms reported by workers. The authors recommend measures to improve the work environment, including implementing a more effective smoking policy, minimizing pesticide spraying, and improving the temperature and humidity control in the building.
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