Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 91-120-2286, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center, Austin, Texas

摘要

In response to a request from the management at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center (SIC-9451), Austin, Texas, an investigation was made concerning complaints of poor indoor air quality. Complaints included breathing problems, itching, headaches, coughing, congestion, fiberglass from ceiling panels, and paper dust. The site was formerly a warehouse which was converted to office space. Five general area, full shift air samples were collected for total dust concentrations. The eight hour time weighted average results ranged from not detectable to 0.21mg/cu m. Ozone (10028156) concentrations were equal to or greater than the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) at microfiche reader printer exhaust ports. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels in the building ranged from 425ppm to 875ppm. Temperature ranged from 72.0 to 80.0 degrees-F. Relative humidity indoors ranged from 48.4 to 64.4%. The most common symptoms reported by the workers were mucous membrane irritation, fatigue or sleepiness, and headache. The authors conclude that clear evidence was not found to explain all of the symptoms reported. Respiratory symptoms may be explained by ozone levels near the microfilm reader printers. Psychosocial conditions may have been contributory. The authors recommend that maintenance of the air handling system be improved.