Worksite Investigation of a Reported Increase in Respiratory Illness Among Workers at a Fire Station – Arlington, Virginia

BACKGROUND:  In late 2010, Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) was notified about concerns of increased respiratory illness at a fire station (Fire Station A).  This increase was substantiated by a reported increase in sick leave usage among personnel at the fire station.  Fire Station A is an older station that houses rescue, tower, and medic squads.

METHODS:  ACPHD analyzed leave usage data for 2008-2010.  Additionally, focus groups were held with all shifts working at Fire Station A to determine what concerns the personnel had.  ACPHD also toured the worksite.  Finally, a formal survey based on National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) worksite questionnaires was administered to personnel at Fire Station A, and also to personnel at a comparable station, Fire Station B.  The goal of the survey was to determine if there was any significant association between any respiratory signs/symptoms/conditions and work at Fire Station A.

RESULTS:  Analysis of leave usage indicated no increase in leave usage among personnel at Fire Station A when compared to personnel at other fire stations.  The focus groups revealed that personnel were concerned about the conditions at Fire Station A, that the symptoms they were experiencing would not be reflected in leave usage because they symptoms were not bad enough to use leave, and that working at Fire Station A could harm their health in the future.  In addition, several anecdotal reports regarding structural concerns at Fire Station 4 were relayed.  The formal survey found a significant association between working at Fire Station A and self-reported cough over the previous year when compared with personnel at Fire Station B; however, these findings did not change when personnel were away from the building.

CONCLUSIONS:  Based on data from both the review of leave usage and the formal survey, for the time period investigated, it would be difficult to conclude that respiratory symptoms experienced were exclusively associated with exposure to Fire Station A.  ACPHD recommended making any necessary structural repairs and doing any needed cleaning of Fire Station A regardless of the results of the investigation.  In addition, ACPHD recommended consideration of ongoing surveillance for respiratory signs/symptoms/conditions and that personnel consider seeking medical care through the employee health program for any on-going or future signs/symptoms/conditions.