Evaluation of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) exposures and illness among physicians in training.

Background: A cluster of influenza-like illness (ILI) among physicians in training during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic (pH1N1) led to a health hazard evaluation.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine exposures, infection control practices, ILI prevalence, and transmission among physicians in training at 4 affiliated hospitals during the pandemic. We administered an electronic survey and met with physicians in training and hospital personnel.

Exposure to flour dust and sensitization among bakery employees.

Background: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a study to determine prevalences of sensitization to bakery-associated antigens (BAAs) and work-related respiratory symptoms at a large commercial bakery.

Methods: The following measurements were carried out: personal breathing zone (PBZ) and general area (GA) monitoring for inhalable flour dust, α-amylase and wheat, a questionnaire, and blood tests for IgE specific to flour dust, wheat, α-amylase, and common aeroallergens.

Results: Of 186 bakery employees present during our site visit, 161 completed the questionnaire and 96 allowed their blood to be drawn.

Eye and respiratory symptoms in poultry processing workers exposed to chlorine by-products.

Background: CDC/NIOSH responded to a request to investigate complaints of eye and respiratory irritation among workers in a poultry processing facility's evisceration department.

Methods: Investigators administered symptom questionnaires and sampled for chlorine and chloramines. Spirometry was performed on workers before and after their work shift.

Evaluation of the NIOSH MWF total particulate matter: thoracic particulate matter conversion factor in a machining environment.

Worker exposures to metalworking fluids were characterized at a plant that produced air compressors. Full-shift, side-by-side air samples (n = 147) were collected and analyzed for total particulate matter, extractable total particulate matter, thoracic particulate matter, and extractable thoracic particulate matter. The thoracic particulate matter geometric mean of 0.