Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 96-0207-2635, Santa Fe Indian Hospital,Santa Fe, New Mexico

摘要

In response to a request from the Santa Fe Service Unit Director of the IndianHealth Service, an investigation was begun into environmental air quality at the Santa Fe Indian Hospital (SIC-8062), Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Hospital was an 82,000 square foot facility employing 230 staff. The entire main hospital was evaluated. Concern had been expressed over symptoms reported by employees, predominately nurses, inlcuding headache, nasal congestion, cough, sneezing, irritated eyes, and fatigue. The walk through tour revealed many modifications made to the interior of the hospital, but the ventilation system was not updated. The modifications resulted in areas with inadequate air distribution. Measurements of carbon-dioxide (124389) remained in the 300 to 575 parts per million (ppm) range and were within guidelines. Temperatures were above the maximal limits. Interviews were conducted with 107 workers and questionnaires were returned by 103.