Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-87-404-1893, Park County Courthouse, Fairplay, Colorado

摘要

In response to a request from employees at the Park County Courthouse (SIC-9211), Fairplay, Colorado, an evaluation was made of indoor air quality at the facility, with specific reference to symptoms of headaches, ringing in the ears, worsening eyesight, and sinus problems. Six people worked at the building which had been constructed 2 years earlier. Air samples were taken at the facility and analyzed for formaldehyde by visible spectroscopy. Formaldehyde levels were measured at 0.03 to 0.06 parts per million (ppm), with a mean of 0.05ppm in the offices and courtrooms. As a result of recommendations, the building was made a no smoking area, and outside air vents were connected to the furnaces. At a followup visit, carbon-dioxide levels were about 250ppm throughout the building, reaching a maximum of 400ppm at 9:30 in the morning, when 29 people were present in the building. Relative humidity ranged from 14 to 18 percent. The author concludes that there was no hazard due to exposure to formaldehyde, and that adequate amounts of fresh air were supplied throughout the building. The author recommends increasing the relative humidity to about 40 percent to alleviate upper respiratory irritation caused by dry air during the heating season.