Summary of Recent National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) in Schools

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) program completed evaluations of water damage and mold contamination at three schools. We looked at employee symptoms, workplace conditions, and the effects of remediation on the work environment. We evaluated the ventilation system renovations and the effect these changes had on fungal contamination. We used supplemental evaluation tools such as measuring allergens present in dust to aid in our understanding of damp environments and potential health effects. We identified areas in need of improvement at each facility and research areas to pursue in future investigations.