Health-hazard evaluation report MHETA 88-020-1908, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Technical Report · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6609246

Kullman, G J; Sanderson, W T

In response to a request from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, an investigation was made of complaints among workers of chemical odors and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat in the MHH Building 104. A questionnaire was completed by 67% of the 61 employees in this building. The most-frequent complaints included headaches, sinus problems, and stuffy indoor air in addition to the other complaints noted above. Two distinct odors were noted in these areas, one of which was linked to the carpet and carpet glue used. The second odor, a musty smell, was not entirely pinned down, but may have resulted from an inadequate ventilation system. None of the gases or vapors sampled were above any of the occupational limits. The authors conclude that low-level indoor air pollutants from building materials and the suboptimal ventilation system may explain symptoms reported by workers. The authors recommend that changes should be made in the ventilation system, and replacing carpet and carpet glue in some areas should be considered. Water leaks should be repaired promptly, and water-damaged materials should be sanitized or replaced.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6609246
• Report Number(s): PB-89-120661/XAB; MHETA-88-020-1908
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
ADHESIVES
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
OFFICE BUILDINGS
POLLUTION
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
TOXICITY
VAPORS
VENTILATION