This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE), conducted by the CDC and NIOSH, investigates a Ronald McDonald house in Durham North Carolina in response to employees experiencing diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
(.50 RC) - To investigate the effectiveness of portable HEPA air cleaners and universal masking at reducing exposure to exhaled aerosol particles, the investigation team used respiratory simulators to mimic a person with COVID-19 and other, uninfected persons in a conference room. The addition of two HEPA air cleaners that met the Environmental Protection Agency recommended clean air delivery rate… (CDC MMWR, Jul 9 2021)
(.50 RC) - As of April 16, 2021, U.S. correctional and detention facilities reported 399,631 cases of COVID-19 in incarcerated persons, resulting in 2,574 deaths (1). During July 14–November 30, 2020, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 382 persons incarcerated in Idaho correctional facilities with work-release programs. Work-release programs (which place incarcerated persons in community businesses) have social and economic benefits, but might put participants at increased risk for bidirectional transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19… (CDC MMWR, Apr 23 2021)
(.50 RC) - Aircraft can hold large numbers of persons in close proximity for long periods, which can increase the risk for transmission of infectious disease. Current CDC guidelines recommend against travel for persons who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, and a January 2021 CDC order requires masking for all persons while on airplanes. Research suggests that seating proximity on aircraft is associated with increased risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2… (CDC MMWR, Apr 23 2021)
(3 RC) - What can communities do to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke indoors? What interventions are effective for reducing wildland fire smoke exposures and risks? What science is available to support recommendations for communities to develop cleaner air spaces in larger buildings (e.g., schools, community centers)…(EPA, April 2021)
(1 RC) - Asthma has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, affecting millions of people of all ages and races. An average of one out of every 10 school-age children now has asthma, and the percentage of children with asthma is rising more rapidly in preschool-age children than in any other age group. Asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic condition, accounting for nearly 13 million missed school days per year… (EPA, Aug 2010)
(3 RC) - Observations show that warming of the climate is unequivocal. The global warming observed over the past 50 years is due primarily to human-induced emissions of heat-trapping gases. These emissions come mainly from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), with important contributions from the clearing of forests, agricultural practices, and other activities… (EPA)
(3 RC) - Conservation-minded building codes have the potential to reduce naturally occurring air exchange for buildings by tightening the envelope and reducing pressurization of unconditioned spaces (e.g. duct sealing). Indoor moisture, altered airflows, lowered air exchange all have the potential for increasing occupant risk of exposures to indoor generated contaminants..… (EPA, Sep 2009)
(4 RC) - Environmental factors play a large role in children’s health. According to the World Health Organization, more than 30% of the global burden of disease in children is due to environmental factors. Children’s growth and development are dynamic processes; they can be viewed at the molecular, cellular, organ, and whole-child levels. What determines the nature and severity of environmental factors’ health effects is exposure occurrence within the different developmental stages… (ATSDR, Feb 2012)
(1 RC) - The draft proposed sampling plan provides an overview of how buildings (residential, office, and public) south of Houston Street, in Manhattan, would be sampled to determine if any remaining WTC-related contamination is present. As proposed, only dust samples would be taken from buildings made available by the owners or managers. Samples would be taken from locations where exposures are likely to occur, such as in elevated horizontal surfaces.… (ATSDR, Mar 2005)
(1 RC) - On May 24, 2016, CO2 alarms outside the school went off, prompting an evacuation of students and staff. Air monitoring and investigation began two days later on May 26. ATSDR recommends that the building not be reoccupied until thorough investigation and sampling demonstrate no potential health hazards from building indoor air. … (ATSDR, Sept 2006)
(2 RC) - Schlage Lock Company, located in Security, Colorado, discovered that the groundwater beneath their manufacturing facility was contaminated with the chemical tetrachloroethylene, which is also known as perchloroethylene (PCE). Schlage utilized the solvent as a metal cleaner and degreaser during the production of door locks and related hardware… (ATSDR, Nov 2006)
(2 RC) - Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) was requested to provide assistance in addressing concerns about air quality at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ. This health consultation follows up a previous report produced by ADHS in May 2008 and addresses previously unaddressed issues regarding possible exposure to and potential health risks from formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air at the school… (ATSDR, Sept 2008)
(1 RC) - This guide from the EPA for building owners and facility managers details principles, standards, methods and protocols for the proper investigation and remediation of air quality issues, including mold.
(1 RC) -Mold growth in the indoor environment can generally cause allergic, infectious, or toxic symptoms in humans. It is conceivable, that spores or mycelium might potentially serve as fungal fragments for indoor air contamination in the course of the aerosolization process and that inhalation exposure along this route can lead to adverse health effects… (Indoor Air, 2020)
(4 RC) - This background paper addresses the assessment of all types of hazards that may exist in homes, including biological, chemical, physical, structural, and behavioral. It introduces the reader to methods to assess for health and safety hazards, and discusses widely available visual assessment…(HUD, 2012)
(4 RC) - This HHE conducted by the CDC and NIOSH investigates the possibility of mold and fungal activity in the Charles Hardwood Complex. Employees working at the CHC believed that their headaches, coughing, rash, itching, infections, respiratory problems and eye irritants…(NIOSH, 2000)
(4 RC) - This HHE conducted by the CDC and NIOSH investigates the air quality of a county courthouse in Fayette county, looking for mold and other noxious air quality influencers. Employees had reported a variety of health concerns: headaches, nausea, tiredness, nasal and sinus symptoms, vomiting, burning eyes, sore throats, breathing problems, coughing, ear infections…(NIOSH, 2002)
(1 RC) - This HHE conducted by NIOSH and the CDC investigates a Teletech call center building to monitor and adjust the indoor environmental quality. Primary health concerns were: frequent sinus infections, respiratory infections, indoor allergies of unknown origin, hives, and skin rashes. Listed exposures included air fresheners, dirty air ducts and vents…(NIOSH, 2004)
(1 RC) - In June 2001, a middle-aged couple with a history of smoking moved into a newly built, two-story, woodframed home with a finished basement and adjacent crawlspace on land that was formerly mined. Shortly after occupancy, the 42-year old woman noted new-onset shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, and fatigue while in the basement… (NIOSH, 2004)
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