Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HHE-2015-0183-3255, June 2015. Evaluation of Indoor Environmental Quality and Health Concerns in a Junvenile Court Building.

摘要

The employer at a juvenile court and detention building requested help in evaluating exposure to raw sewage, leaks from an underground diesel storage tank, and mold. We evaluated these concerns and measured carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation airflow. We saw no evidence of a current mold or sewage problem in the building. The underground diesel storage tank was inspected and maintained. However, we identified several correctable problems including inadequate building ventilation and a lack of up-to-date building plans to help maintain the ventilation systems. Carbon dioxide levels were high in some offices. Temperatures in offices and courtrooms were not within recommended comfort guidelines. Many employee symptoms, such as sinus problems and headaches, are associated with damp buildings or inadequate ventilation. But these symptoms are also common in the general population. We found no evidence that other health problems, such as cancer, gallstones, and thyroid problems, were related to working in the building.