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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-97-0048-2641, Cowlitz County Health Department, Longview, Washington.

Boudreau-Y; Perkner-J

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 97-0048-2641, 1997 Jul; :1-19

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1997-0048-2641.pdf

00239441

In response to a request from the Service Employees International Union, a health hazard evaluation was performed at the former Cowlitz County Health Department Building (CCHDB) (SIC-9431) in Longview, Washington. Concern was voiced over employee reports of upper respiratory problems, aches and pains in joints and muscles, and skin rashes, perhaps related to toxins and molds in the building. After an inspection by the Washington State Department of Health revealed the presence of fungi including Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, the building was evacuated. Twenty nine of the 341 current employees and eight former employees participated in medical interviews and responded to a symptoms questionnaire. Employees reported a decrease in all symptoms after leaving the CCHDB. There was a statistically significant decreased prevalence in most symptoms after leaving the old building. The authors recommend that the new building be inspected once renovations are complete. Employees should see their personal physician for health concerns and should inform that person of any problems they feel may be work related.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-97-0048-2641; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Region-10; Indoor-air-pollution; Office-workers; Respiratory-system-disorders; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Indoor-environmental-quality

19970701

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1997

PB98-115900

A03

HETA-97-0048-2641

DSHEFS

9431

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

WA; OH