Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 90-202-2116, Shamokin Elementary School, Shamokin, Pennsylvania

Technical Report · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:6148564

Klein, M; Wilcox, T; Burr, G

In response to a request from the management of the school system in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Shamokin Elementary School (SIC-8211). Health and comfort complaints had included tiredness, irritated eyes, and dry throat. Real time carbon-dioxide (124389), respirable particulate, temperature and relative humidity measurements were made in a selection of rooms throughout the day of the survey. Symptom questionnaires were distributed to all of the teachers and followup interviews were conducted. Supply air flow rates to the classrooms varied widely. Average carbon-dioxide levels ranged from about 800 parts per million (ppm) to over 900ppm. Morning readings of 475 to 1000ppm and afternoon readings of 723 to 1125ppm were noted. Average respirable particulate levels were 0.03mg/cu m. Average temperatures were 73 degrees-F in the morning, rising to 76 degrees in the afternoon. Average humidities began at 22% and rose to 27% in the afternoon. Of 51 teachers, 38 frequently experienced two or more building related health complaints. According to the authors, no obvious health hazards were identified. The imbalanced air and faulty control systems appear to have caused overheating of some areas which can result in thermal comfort problems. Low humidity levels are also believed to have exacerbated these problems. The authors recommend measures to solve the problems for the mechanical systems and to relieve occupant symptoms.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6148564
• Report Number(s): PB-91-240937/XAB; HETA--90-202-2116
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR FLOW
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
BUILDINGS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
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ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
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FEDERAL REGION III
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GAS FLOW
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MONITORING
NORTH AMERICA
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
PENNSYLVANIA
POLLUTION
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
SURVEYS
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USA