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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-84-248-1694, Wasson Elementary School, Dubois, Pennsylvania.
Authors
Gorman R; Aw T-C
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 84-248-1694, 1986 May; :1-22
NIOSHTIC No.
00163563
Abstract
The DuBois area school district DuBois, Pennsylvania requested an evaluation due to complaints of bloody nose, dry eyes, upper respiratory irritation, and headaches among students and faculty at the Wasson Elementary School (SIC-8211). All 24 teachers were involved in a questionnaire that focused on medical histories and symptoms related to working in the school. Environmental air samples revealed trace concentrations of organic vapors, primarily toluene (108883) and C9 to C12 hydrocarbons. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels measured 200 parts per million (ppm) outside and up to 800 ppm inside, suggesting that the amount of fresh air coming into the building was inadequate. The distribution of that air within the building was inadequate. The authors conclude that the health complaints were related to poor indoor air quality caused by deficiencies in the ventilation system. The heating/cooling system had many deficiencies related to design, installation, and maintenance. The authors recommended improvements to be made in the system, including cleaning air filters, adjusting dampers, leaving classroom doors open, using fans to promote mixing of outside air, and setting thermostats at the same setting. After the recommended improvements in the system were made, complaints were greatly reduced.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Region-3; HETA-84-248-1694; Teachers; Air-quality-control; Air-quality-measurement; Respiratory-irritants; Workplace-studies; Hazard-Confirmed;
Author Keywords: Elementary and Secondary Schools; Indoor Air Quality; Formaldehyde; Isocyanates; Ventilation
CAS No.
108-88-3; 124-38-9
Publication Date
19860501
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Fiscal Year
1986
NTIS Accession No.
PB87-106514
NTIS Price
A03
Identifying No.
HETA-84-248-1694
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
8211
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
PA; OH
Page last reviewed: November 6, 2020
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division