Evaluation of Potential Employee Exposures during Crime and Death Investigations at a County Coroner’s Office

In October 2011 and January 2012, NIOSH evaluated coroner’s office in Ohio to determine if conditions and work practices at the facility were posing a health hazard to employees. This report provides information on the methods used by NIOSH during the evaluation, and their findings after the site visit. Evaluators found that some exposures to formaldehyde in the autopsy suite exceeded recommended exposure levels. Also lead contamination of surfaces in the firearms section and drug particle contamination of surfaces in the drug evidence laboratory may have posed health hazards. Recommendations were provided to improve work conditions and minimize exposures.