Case Studies
Occupational Exposure Issues in a College Human Anatomy Laboratory
Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc. performed industrial hygiene sampling at a California college. The work focused on evaluating inhalation exposures to chemicals during anatomy instructional courses involving work with human cadavers. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate lab instructor exposures to chemicals found in tissue preservation solutions (e.g., formaldehyde, phenol, glutaraldehyde) relative to occupational exposure limits, provide recommendations for controls, and provide documentation for the college’s adherence to health and safety guidelines and regulations.
Fungal Infection Outbreak at a Medical Center
Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc. (FACS) was retained by a university medical center to evaluate indoor environmental quality with respect to Rhizopus fungal spores in the air and on surfaces in their bone marrow therapy department. While no single source of the reported outbreak was identified, FACS did uncover conditions and issues that have the potential to negatively impact environmental quality at the facility.
Aspergillosis Outbreak at a Medical Center
Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc. (FACS) was retained by a medical center in Southern California to assist in an outbreak investigation which included a mold and moisture investigation in selected patient rooms and nurse stations in one of the hospital’s critical care units. The assessment was performed to assess for potential sources and airborne levels of Aspergillus fumigatus mold spores following a reported Aspergillosis outbreak. The hospital was especially concerned about potential threats to patient health.
FACS Experts Encounter an Odd Case of Lead Exposure
This multifamily housing property owner didn’t wait long before calling FACS for assistance. The tenant’s young son suffered a mysterious illness, and a blood test revealed elevated levels of lead in his blood. Suspicion immediately turned to the family’s apartment, prompting the owner to ask FACS to help find the source of lead exposure. The results of that investigation were quite surprising.
Waterborne Pathogens in Healthcare
A dental group discovered the limitations of filtration systems the hard way. By the time CDC officials and a local health officer pinpointed the source of the issue, dozens of adolescent dental patients treated by the dental group were infected with Mycobacterium abscessus, a type of bacteria that can colonize healthcare facility water supplies. In all cases, hospitalization and surgery were required to combat the infection. After irrigation water used at the practice was identified as the cause, the dental group filed suit against the filtration company that supplied the system used at the practice’s several offices. FACS environmental scientists were hired by the attorney representing that company to investigate and report their findings.
FACS Solves a Mysterious Outbreak of Eye Health Issues at a Casino
FACS experts are often asked to help solve indoor environmental quality problems after others have hit a perplexing dead end. In this case, OSHA investigators pointed staff in the wrong direction (while demanding the problem be quickly solved). In desperation, management called FACS for assistance. Aided by decades of experience and a firm grip on the science behind environmental issues, that call provided insight that satisfied all stakeholders and ended the dilemma.