Author Description

The Nat. Institute for Occupational Safety Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the federal agency responsible for doing research in workplaces and making recommendations intended to prevent occupational illnesses and injuries. On Feb. 8, 2002, NIOSH received a joint request from the Sgt. at Arms of the U.S. Senate and the Chief Admin. Office of the U.S. House of Representatives related to health concerns regarding handling and opening irradiated mail at the Capitol office buildings in Wash., DC. This report provides the details of what NIOSH did to measure the air for contaminants that could potentially come from irradiated mail. It also includes sections on what NIOSH found, especially in health problems among some employees; what any employees can do if they experience symptoms they feel are associated with a specific work activity such as handling irradiated mail; and what legislative offices and Capitol support services can do. Tables.