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Evaluation of Indoor Environmental Quality and Health Concerns Among Employees of a Public Elementary School
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2021/10/01
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Source: 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, HHE 2019-0156-3382, 2021 Oct; :1-48
[PDF-916.08 KB]
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Description:The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a confidential request from employees of a public elementary school because they were concerned that they might be experiencing a greater burden of general and reproductive medical conditions than was typical. Employees were concerned that these medical conditions were related to something in their work environment, specifically mold or other causes of poor indoor environmental quality at the school. During our visit we visually inspected every room in the school and their associated HVAC systems; measured temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide levels in various areas; and interviewed employees about their work and their health. We observed evidence of past roof leaks but found no visible mold, or wet/damp areas inside the school. We observed a leaking hose bibb and two HVAC system condensate drains in the courtyard that did not drain into their respective drainpipes. The unit ventilators were original to the building, approaching the end of their expected service life, and some were partially or completely blocked by books, classroom supplies, or furniture. Carbon dioxide levels were well above outdoor levels and temperature or relative humidity levels exceeded guidelines in some classrooms. Some areas of the school that were not designed for prolonged occupancy were being used as classrooms. Many of the symptoms reported by employees, such as headaches and nasal irritation, are common in the general population but are also associated with inadequate ventilation. We found no evidence that other reported medical problems were occurring more frequently among school employees compared with other similar populations, or that these medical problems could be related to the school. We recommended prioritizing the renovation or replacement of classroom ventilation systems, starting an indoor environmental quality management program with a designated indoor environmental quality manager or administrator, and improving communication with employees about reported hazards and the steps being taken to address those concerns. We also recommended encouraging employees to (1) report concerns about work-related symptoms or medical issues to their supervisor or another designee, and (2) to seek evaluation and care (if needed) from a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable in occupational medicine for work-related medical concerns.
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Pages in Document:48 pdf pages
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Contributor:Booher, Donnie;Chiu, Sophia;Ehlers, Josie;Hamilton, Cheryl;Johnson, Candice;Moore, Kevin;Watts, Shawna;
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NIOSHTIC Number:20063933
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2022-100447
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Citation:NIOSH [2021]. Evaluation of indoor environmental quality and health concerns among employees;of a public elementary school. By Feldmann KD, Rinsky J, Reynolds L. Cincinnati, OH: U.S.;Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National;Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2019-0156-3382,;
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Federal Fiscal Year:2022
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Resource Number:HHE-2019-0156-3382
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