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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-81-429-1299, Appalachian Laboratory For Occupational Safety And Health, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Authors
Patil A; Patnode R
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 81-429-1299, 1983 Apr; :1-27
NIOSHTIC No.
00134190
Abstract
An environmental evaluation of possible chemical contamination, ventilation, temperature and humidity, and illumination levels was conducted at Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia in October 1981. An official request for the survey was made by 3 employees on behalf of 240 workers, because of throat irritation and eye strain complaints. Ventilation, temperature and humidity, and illumination levels were evaluated. Possible effects of microbial or gross chemical contamination were considered. Medical questionnaires were administered. No overexposures to chemicals were found. Airborne microbial populations were very low. Air contaminated by stacks was often recirculated in the building air supply. Ventilation fans were often very dirty. Humidity readings below 20 percent were recorded on several occasions. Lighting levels were often below 75 foot candles. Effects of cigarette smoke and use of video display terminals were not evaluated. Eye irritation, headache, backache, and nervous tension were the main symptoms thought to be job related. Fifty percent reported onset of symptoms within 2 hours of entering the building. The authors conclude that worker symptoms may be related to inadequacies noted n the work environment. Improved ventilation, increased lighting, and maintenance of optimum humidity are recommended.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-3; Clinical-symptoms; Ventilation-systems; Industrial-hygiene; Employee-exposure; HETA-81-429-1299;
Author Keywords: office environment; energy conservation; eye irritation; low humidity; video display terminal
Publication Date
19830401
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Fiscal Year
1983
NTIS Accession No.
PB84-210822
NTIS Price
A03
Identifying No.
HETA-81-429-1299
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
249
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
WV; OH
Page last reviewed: December 28, 2020
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division