HHE report no. HETA-97-0048-2641, Cowlitz County Health Department, Longview, Washington.
Authors
Boudreau-Y; Perkner-J
Source
NIOSH 1997 Jul; :1-19
Abstract
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.
Keywords
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
Document Type
Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance; Field Studies
NTIS Accession No.
PB98-115900
Identifying No.
HETA-97-0048-2641
Source Name
Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio, Report No. HETA-97-0048-2641, 19 pages, 43 references
