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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-86-421-1956, Cincinnati Public Schools, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Authors
Bryant-CJ; O'Malley-MA
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 86-421-1956, 1989 Apr; :1-21
Link
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1986-0421-1956.pdf
NIOSHTIC No.
00189612
Abstract
In response to a request from the Assistant Superintendent of Schools expressing concern over health conditions at the Hughes Vocational School (SIC-8249), Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation was made of the working conditions in rooms 430, 431, and adjacent areas. The School is a six story brick building, about 125,000 square feet, attached to the Hughes High School. Each floor has its own heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Air samples for ethylene-oxide (75218) (EtO), formaldehyde (50000), hydrocarbons, and bioaerosols were below all relevant criteria. Temperature and relative humidity levels were within accepted comfort ranges. Levels of carbon-dioxide (124389) at 500 to 1000 parts per million (ppm) inside, and 300ppm outside, indicated that inadequate amounts of fresh air were being delivered to classrooms 431 and 432. The symptoms of respiratory problems were reported in eight of nine persons in these classrooms and included eye irritation, irritation or sores in the mouth, unusual odors, headaches and fatigue. These symptoms have been associated with a lack of enough fresh air, rather than being attributed to a specific toxic agent. The authors conclude that inadequate ventilation was the most likely cause for the symptoms. The authors recommend specific improvements in the ventilation system, including correction of deficiencies, and evaluation of the system by a ventilation contractor.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-86-421-1956; Region-5; Hazard-Confirmed; Ventilation-systems; Indoor-air-pollution; Air-quality; Indoor-environmental-quality
CAS No.
75-21-8; 50-00-0; 124-38-9
Publication Date
19890401
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Fiscal Year
1989
NTIS Accession No.
PB90-103557
NTIS Price
A03
Identifying No.
HETA-86-421-1956
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
8249
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
OH
Page last reviewed: April 12, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division