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Health-hazard evaluation report MHETA 87-193-1865, Clarksburg Publishing Company, Clarksburg, West Virginia

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6926692

In response to a request from employees at the Clarksburg Publishing Company, Clarksburg, West Virginia, a study was made of work related health complaints at their Exponet Telegram Building (ETB). Particular attention was given to employees reporting symptoms of headache, sinus trouble, nasal irritation, blurred vision, dizziness, diarrhea, memory loss, muscle weakness/cramping, nausea, confusion, and chills. Of the 124 workers in the ETB, 46% completed an indoor air quality survey. Discomfort related to work was reported by about 16%, and about 5% reported work related illness. The most-prevalent medical symptom was discomfort/irritation related to cigarette smoke. Air samples indicated no contaminants present at levels above those recommended for working environments. The ventilation system for the facility was suboptimal and recommendations were offered for its improvement and routine maintenance, along with a recommendation for a restriction or ban on smoking. The author concludes that symptoms in ETB workers are consistent with tight building syndrome.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6926692
Report Number(s):
PB-88-224191/XAB; MHETA-87-193-1865
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English