Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HETA-2000-0385-2813, Equifax Payment Services, St. Petersburg, Florida
October 2000
TLDR The investigation found no work-related causes for employee hair loss at Equifax Payment Services, and the environment was not hazardous.
In 2000, NIOSH investigated health concerns at Equifax Payment Services in St. Petersburg, Florida, focusing on employee-reported hair loss and potential exposure to environmental contaminants. The evaluation included confidential medical interviews with 28 employees, inspection of the ventilation system, surface dust samples for metals analysis, and ionizing radiation level measurements. Despite finding various types of hair loss among employees, no work-related causes were identified. Environmental monitoring showed no hazardous levels of contaminants, and the building's HVAC systems were operational and well-maintained. The report concluded that the hair loss and cancer cases reported by employees were unlikely related to occupational exposures, as no such exposures were found. Recommendations included effective management-employee communication and for concerned employees to consult healthcare professionals with experience in occupational or environmental medicine. No further environmental monitoring was suggested, but routine HVAC filter maintenance was recommended.