From the comforts of our own homes, Mona Shum invited us into a spooky tale of a mysterious event that occurred on 34th Street. The tale started at a site that historically have been a paper recycling facility. Workers were installing equipment on trusses and moving supplies, when suddenly 4 workers fell ill with varying degrees of nausea, burning eyes, congestion and cold-like symptoms. The presence of dust and animal waste, propane lifts, and a polyurethane cave led to initial suspicions of a gas or chemical source as the cause of the incident.
Testing revealed that although the site was dusty, particulate matter was low throughout, lead paint was present in dust and on surfaces, CO levels were higher next to the lift exhaust, and LEL and H2S levels were low.
The next day, 4 more workers from an adjacent area working near polyurethane bark also fell ill with similar symptoms, though some vomited blood. The two areas were shut down, cleaned with a HEPA vacuum and wiped down.
During the post-cleaning inspection, investigators found animal remains among the rafters, which led them to suspect avian pathogens or mouse antigens. Dust analysis results indicated that avian pathogens were not detected, though mould was present at low levels in the dust. 
Given these results and findings, some of the questions asked by the audience related to:
  • the possibility of water contamination;
  • work-related asthma due to exposure of isocyanates in polyurethane products;
  • carboxyhemoglobin levels of the workers who went to the hospital; and
  • the PPE worn by sick workers. 

Can you guess what has caused the workers' illnesses? See the very bottom of the newsletter for the answer!