Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 91-238-2162, University of South Florida,Tampa, Florida

摘要

In response to a request received from the University of South Florida (SIC-8221), Tampa, Florida an investigation was made of possible indoor air quality problems at the Administration Building. Questionnaires were completed by 192 out of 239 employees. Compensation claims of 77 workers associating health problems with indoor air quality at this building were also reviewed. The use of a mastic remover during an asbestos abatement project coincided with the worker compensation claims. Indoor levels of carbon-dioxide (124389) ranged from 525 to 725 parts per million (ppm) and outdoor levels ranged from 350 to 425ppm. Temperature and relative humidity were within recommended comfort guidelines. No sources of solvent emissions were found. Although a number of volatile compounds were detected, they were all below the limit of quantification. Bioaerosol monitoring indicated that the concentration of microbial aerosols was slightly higher in the areas where the majority of indoor air quality complaints occurred. While the symptoms reported by the workers corresponded to those commonly referred to as sick building syndrome, the study failed to identify any causative contaminant and all ventilation system parameters measured indicated that the system was supplying sufficient quantities of outside air.