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HHE Search Results
86 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(2013) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fire fighters. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program carried out a study at a fire service training facility to assess exposures to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other aromatic hydrocarbons. The purpose was to learn whether these substances pass through the skin of firefighters wearing full ensembles. Some PAHs and other aromatic hydrocarbons are known or suspected of causing cancer. The study consisted of two rounds (1 year apart). In each round, five firefighters fought a controlled str... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program carried out a study at a fire service training facility to assess exposures to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other aromatic hydrocarbons. The purpose was to learn whether these substances pass through the skin of firefighters wearing full ensembles. Some PAHs and other aromatic hydrocarbons are known or suspected of causing cancer. The study consisted of two rounds (1 year apart). In each round, five firefighters fought a controlled structure burn once a day for 3 days. Firefighters wore new or freshly laundered turnout gear each day and wore self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The burns took place in a timber-framed structure or a metal container; interior walls were covered with drywall. The rooms were set up with typical family room furniture. The burns lasted an average of 22 minutes. Firefighters' activities included an average of 11 minutes watching the fire build, 3.5 minutes knocking down the fire, and 7.5 minutes doing overhaul. We collected air, breath, urine, and wipe samples of the skin (forearms, hands, neck, face, and scrotum) throughout the day. We analyzed the samples for PAHs and aromatic hydrocarbons in the air, PAHs on firefighters' skin before and after firefighting, and PAHs and aromatic hydrocarbons in firefighters' blood and urine before and after firefighting. The air samples showed that all the burns released PAHs into the air. The PAH levels were the same or higher than levels reported in other firefighting studies. The levels of PAHs in air during five burns were higher than the occupational exposure limit. The air levels decreased after knockdown but remained above the occupational exposure limit during overhaul. Firefighters do not always wear SCBA during overhaul. The biological monitoring showed that (1) the PAH levels on fire fighters' necks (least protected body area) were higher right after the burns than before (PAHs were not found on other areas of fire fighters' skin), (2) levels of PAHs excreted in urine 3 hours after firefighting were higher than those excreted just before or just after firefighting, and (3) benzene was the main aromatic hydrocarbon measured in fire fighters' breath at levels that were higher just after firefighting than just before (we detected no benzene in urine after firefighting). HHE investigators determined that the levels of PAHs and benzene in firefighters' bodies were similar to levels in occupational groups with low exposures to these compounds. PAHs and benzene likely entered their bodies through their skin because most fire fighters wore properly working SCBA. The following recommendations were provided: (1) maintain and routinely test SCBA to ensure proper function, (2) require firefighters to wear full protective ensembles, including SCBA, during knockdown and overhaul for all fire responses, (3) provide firefighters with long hoods that are unlikely to come untucked, (4) provide as much natural ventilation as possible to burned structures before starting investigations, (5) take off gear before entering a rehab area; remove SCBA and hood last, (6) store gear on the outside of the apparatus when riding back to the station, and (7) wash hands immediately and shower as soon as possible after a fire response. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2010-0156-3196S.pdf"target="_blank">A five page summary report is also available.</a>
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(2011) Chemotherapy drug evaluation at a medical laboratory - Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In June 2010, NIOSH received an HHE request from employees who were concerned about their potential exposure to chemotherapy drugs at a medical laboratory in Pennsylvania. The chemotherapy drugs were used to treat biological specimens to help determine which chemotherapy drug protocol would potentially benefit the patient the most. Employees were concerned with reproductive problems and adverse health effects associated with these drugs. We visited the medical laboratory on March 22-23, 2011. We... (Click to show more)In June 2010, NIOSH received an HHE request from employees who were concerned about their potential exposure to chemotherapy drugs at a medical laboratory in Pennsylvania. The chemotherapy drugs were used to treat biological specimens to help determine which chemotherapy drug protocol would potentially benefit the patient the most. Employees were concerned with reproductive problems and adverse health effects associated with these drugs. We visited the medical laboratory on March 22-23, 2011. We observed work processes, practices, and conditions. We interviewed 51 employees about their health and their concerns related to chemotherapy drugs and collected surface wipe samples for cyclophosphamide, one of several chemotherapy drugs used at the medical laboratory. We detected no cyclophosphamide on work surfaces. While most of the 51 interviewed employees at the laboratory reported handling chemotherapy drugs during the course of their work, none reported chronic health effects associated with their work, and three reported experiencing acute symptoms during their work. Employees were aware of the potential risks from exposure to chemotherapy drugs and closely followed administrative procedures and PPE recommendations. We recommended that the medical laboratory continue to control exposures to chemotherapy drugs to levels as low as are reasonably achievable because the facility uses drugs that are considered hazardous [NIOSH 2010]. Control of these exposures can be validated by routine surface sampling for chemotherapy drugs used at the facility.
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(2010) NIOSH investigation of 3M model 8000 filtering facepiece respirators as requested by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Oakland, California. (Click to open report) The CDPH established a stockpile of respirators for use by healthcare personnel during an outbreak of pandemic influenza. The stockpile included an assortment of FFRs including approximately 32 million 3M Model 8000 N95. The CDPH's stockpile of respirators was made available for healthcare worker use during an outbreak of pandemic influenza in Fall, 2009. In addition to the CDPH's reserves, the CDC distributed a supplement of approximately 4 million 3M Model 8000 N95 FFRs to the CDPH from the fe... (Click to show more)The CDPH established a stockpile of respirators for use by healthcare personnel during an outbreak of pandemic influenza. The stockpile included an assortment of FFRs including approximately 32 million 3M Model 8000 N95. The CDPH's stockpile of respirators was made available for healthcare worker use during an outbreak of pandemic influenza in Fall, 2009. In addition to the CDPH's reserves, the CDC distributed a supplement of approximately 4 million 3M Model 8000 N95 FFRs to the CDPH from the federal government's Strategic National Stockpile, which is maintained and managed by CDC. Healthcare facilities within California that were experiencing shortages of respirators for the protection of healthcare personnel received respirators distributed from the CDPH stockpiled respirators, including this 3M model. On December 23, 2009, NIOSH received a request for assistance from Cal/OSHA. Cal/OSHA was concerned that a large healthcare organization was unable to successfully fit test their healthcare workers with the 3M Model 8000 N95 FFR received from the California stockpile. The healthcare organization conducted the initial set of fit tests using the Bitrex qualitative fit test protocol, and none of the approximately 20 workers who were fit tested obtained an acceptable fit (pass rate of 0%). A second group of 20 workers were reported to have obtained a fit test pass rate of 40% (8 of 20) with fit tests conducted by 3M representatives using the TSI PortaCount with N95 Companion quantitative fit test protocol. The California experience with these devices raised questions about whether the subject units had a defect of some type whereby they may have been non-conforming to the NIOSH approval. SMEs from the NIOSH NPPTL conducted the technical assistance investigation. The purpose of the NIOSH investigation was to determine whether the fit test pass rate reported at the various facilities of a California healthcare organization resulted from any defect in the units' characteristics on which the product was certified (e.g., filter efficiency at the N95 criteria, workmanship, or quality of manufacture) as believed by Cal/OSHA and CDPH. To address the concerns, NIOSH requested and received samples from the remaining stockpiled 3M Model 8000 respirators from CDPH for inspection, testing and evaluation. The activities were divided into five parts: (1) assessment of compliance with requirements for NIOSH respirator certification, (2) assessment of conformance with quality assurance provisions incorporated into the NIOSH approval, (3) respirator research review, and (4) fit test trials using the CDPH-supplied 3M 8000 respirators. This investigation was limited to conformity assessment of the respirators to the NIOSH approval requirements and did not include efforts to evaluate the California healthcare organization's fit testing programs, or to conduct additional fit testing on the actual healthcare workers who failed the California fit tests. The investigation revealed that the 3M Model 8000 respirators complied with all applicable approval requirements, which do not include assessment of fit characteristics. The respirators were additionally tested for their ability to fit test subjects representative of the NIOSH Bivariate fit test panel. The sample respirators demonstrated fit test passing results on 22 and 25 of the 40 subjects in the two sets of trials. The investigation found no issues or concerns of non-compliance with normal quality control practices or the requirements of the 3M quality control plan during the manufacturing of the respirators in the CDPH stockpile. As a result of these findings, no further actions will be taken.
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(2008) Ergonomic evaluation of workers at a cabinet mill and assembly plant, Yorktowne Cabinets, Mifflinburg and Red Lion, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On October 24, 2006, NIOSH received an HHE request from management at Yorktowne Cabinets, Inc. to evaluate potential ergonomic hazards at the Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania mill and the Red Lion, Pennsylvania assembly plant. Continued workers' compensation claims for MSDs despite attempts by management to control injuries prompted the request. On December 4-8, 2006, NIOSH investigators conducted site visits. On December 4, 2006, NIOSH investigators held an opening conference with management, employee... (Click to show more)On October 24, 2006, NIOSH received an HHE request from management at Yorktowne Cabinets, Inc. to evaluate potential ergonomic hazards at the Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania mill and the Red Lion, Pennsylvania assembly plant. Continued workers' compensation claims for MSDs despite attempts by management to control injuries prompted the request. On December 4-8, 2006, NIOSH investigators conducted site visits. On December 4, 2006, NIOSH investigators held an opening conference with management, employee, and union representatives. NIOSH ergonomists performed walk-through surveys of the work areas at both facilities to observe the typical job tasks. The NIOSH physician conducted confidential medical interviews and reviewed OSHA's Form 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses and workers' compensation data. NIOSH investigators held closing conferences at each facility and provided preliminary recommendations to those who attended. NIOSH investigators found that workers are exposed to a combination of risk factors for MSDs involving the upper extremities and low back. Work tasks requiring highly repetitive motions, extreme and awkward postures, and forceful exertions for upper extremities; and heavy lifting, bending, and twisting for low back were observed. Workstation and tool designs that place workers at risk for MSDs include low work heights, nonadjustable workstations, heavy tools, and excess vibration exposure. The OSHA Log review indicated that most entries were MSDs involving the upper extremities. Thirty of the 33 interviewed workers reported work-related musculoskeletal pain or discomfort. Of these 30 injuries, 26 involved the upper extremity. Recommendations for reducing the risk of injury are contained in this report. The use of adjustable tables and carts and improved workplace and tool design would eliminate or significantly reduce the physical stresses associated with the observed job tasks. Most workers are exposed to a combination of risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders. Risk factors include high forces, awkward postures, and repetitive motions. The use of adjustable tables and carts, as well as improved workplace and tool design would reduce physical stresses and the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
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(2007) COL-FIN Specialty Steel, Fallston, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On February 27, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the United Steelworkers of America Local 9305 for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at COL-FIN Specialty Steel (COL-FIN) in Fallston, Pennsylvania. The union was concerned about inadequate ventilation in the pickling and annealing areas and other potential health hazards throughout the whole plant. On November 11, 2003, NIOSH investigators made an initial visit to the facility to meet w... (Click to show more)On February 27, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the United Steelworkers of America Local 9305 for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at COL-FIN Specialty Steel (COL-FIN) in Fallston, Pennsylvania. The union was concerned about inadequate ventilation in the pickling and annealing areas and other potential health hazards throughout the whole plant. On November 11, 2003, NIOSH investigators made an initial visit to the facility to meet with union and management representatives, tour the facility to understand the manufacturing process, and observe work practices. Between March 8 and March 12, 2004, NIOSH investigators returned to COL-FIN to conduct environmental sampling and medical interviews with employees. Area and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for respirable particulates and acids (sulfuric and hydrochloric) were collected during the annealing, pickling, and hot etching of steel coils. Area and PBZ air samples for respirable particulates from soap powder and metal working fluids (MWFs) were collected when employees were drawing, straightening, and grinding the steel coils. Respirable particulate samples were also analyzed for crystalline silica. Spot measurements for carbon monoxide (CO) were taken in the annealing area. In addition, personal noise measurements were made on employees during the annealing, drawing, straightening, and grinding processes. Material handlers, who transport steel coils on gas-powered forklifts throughout the production area were assessed for exposure to noise, respirable particulates, silica, CO, and acids. A short-term sample for hydrochloric acid collected during the etching process exceeded the NIOSH and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ceiling limits; sulfuric acid levels were below all occupational exposure limits (OELs). Respirable particulate and silica levels were also below all OELs. Spot measurements for CO ranged up to 18 parts per million. Area and PBZ air samples collected in the grinding and shaving areas were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for MWFs; the local exhaust ventilation units for the grinding and shaving equipment were not functioning as intended. The personal noise dosimetry data showed that noise levels for two material handlers exceeded the OSHA action level of 85 decibels on an A-weighted scale. Many employees' noise levels also exceeded the more protective NIOSH REL. Thirty-five workers were interviewed. Many workers reported respiratory (66%) and skin problems (31%) consistent with exposure to MWFs and other occupational exposures. Over half of interviewed workers were current smokers. Smoking occurred throughout the plant, exposing non-smokers to secondhand smoke. Exposures to excessive levels of noise and MWFs, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke, constitute a health hazard at COL-FIN. Employees reported respiratory and dermal problems consistent with their occupational exposures. NIOSH investigators recommend enrolling COL-FIN employees in a hearing conservation program and banning smoking inside the facility. NIOSH investigators also recommend servicing the local exhaust ventilation units in the grinding and shaving areas to reduce exposure to MWFs and establishing a medical monitoring program for workers exposed to MWFs.
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(2007) Copperhill smelter worker study. (Click to open report) The union that represented some workers at the smelter asked NIOSH to study worker health. The union and people in the nearby community wanted to know if health problems were related to working in or living near the smelter. Although this study only included smelter workers, NIOSH thought the results would help answer questions about health in the community. Many people in the community worked at the smelter. Also, smelter operators had data about exposures in the plant. These data would help re... (Click to show more)The union that represented some workers at the smelter asked NIOSH to study worker health. The union and people in the nearby community wanted to know if health problems were related to working in or living near the smelter. Although this study only included smelter workers, NIOSH thought the results would help answer questions about health in the community. Many people in the community worked at the smelter. Also, smelter operators had data about exposures in the plant. These data would help researchers better understand whether smelter-related exposures were linked to health problems. Because a study of the smelter workers had been done in the 1980s, this study was possible. The researchers set the following four goals for the study: 1. Compare death rates and causes of death in smelter workers with those in the general population. 2. Describe the work environment in the smelter by work area, job title, and levels of exposure to six agents. 3. Describe the smoking history of smelter workers and use this information to help understand the cause-of-death results. 4. Examine whether specific causes of death were related to exposures in the smelter work setting. The study included 2,422 men who worked in the smelter, mill, or sulfur plant for 3 or more years between January 1946 and April 1996. For the years 1949 through 2000, the researchers found out whether these workers were living or deceased. If the workers were deceased, the researchers obtained information about their cause of death. The researchers used information from national and state records to learn whether people in the study had died. The researchers then obtained information about the causes of those deaths. They also used information from records in the smelter about the age, race, and sex of people in the study. They compared the number of deaths of smelter workers to the number that would be expected in groups of people who did not work in the smelter. These included the general population of the United States and the population of the counties around the smelter. They made these comparisons for all causes of death combined, for groups of diseases (such as all cancer or all lung disease), and for specific diseases (such as lung cancer or cerebrovascular disease, also known as stroke). They used statistical tests to decide if the results were meaningful. When they saw meaningful differences, they looked to see if death rates were related to exposure. They got exposure information from smelter records and by interviewing workers about smelter operations. To look at exposure, they grouped people by how long they worked in the plant, what department they worked in, their job title, and the level of exposure. They estimated exposure levels for lead, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, dust, and sulfur dioxide based on records of workplace air sampling done by smelter operators. All causes of death. Of the workers in the study, 961 (41%) were deceased. Researchers found a cause of death for 878 of these. The total number of deaths expected among smelter workers was based on national and local county rates. For all causes of death, all types of cancer, all types of heart disease, respiratory disease other than cancer, and many of the specific causes of death, the rates in the surrounding counties were similar to the national rates. Cancer deaths. Of the workers in the study, 228 died of cancer. This was 18% lower than expected based on national rates and 16% lower based on local county rates. When specific types of cancer were looked at separately, some differences between smelter workers and the general population were found. Most of these differences were based on numbers of deaths so small they were not thought to be important. Eleven workers died of cancer of the central nervous system, an excess of 39% compared to the general population. By statistical tests, this difference was not meaningful. Noncancer deaths. The results did not show that smelter workers had a meaningful increase in the risk of death from any other cause of death. Levels of exposure. The average exposure levels for lead and sulfur dioxide were close to the current workplace limits for these agents. For arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and dust, the past average exposure levels were much lower than current limits. Causes of death and exposure. After examining all causes of death and all measures of exposure, the researchers looked at two findings more closely. These were the link between arsenic exposure and stroke and the link between cadmium exposure and bronchitis. Stroke and arsenic exposure. Seventy workers died of stroke. The risk of death from stroke was higher for people who worked longer and for people with more arsenic exposure. By statistical tests, this difference was not meaningful. For example, workers with the highest level of total exposure were 1.5 times more likely to die of stroke than unexposed workers, but the p value, a measure of significance, was 0.17; a p value of 0.05 or less is regarded as statistically significant. Bronchitis and cadmium exposure. Seven workers died of bronchitis. The risk of bronchitis death was higher for some exposed workers than for unexposed workers. This finding, however, was not the same for all exposure groups or measures. For example, workers with a moderate level of total cadmium exposure were 14.8 times more likely to die of bronchitis than unexposed workers. But, workers with the highest level of exposure were only 3.8 times more likely to die of bronchitis. The p value for these findings was 0.06, not statistically significant. As with most studies of this type, some factors make it hard for researchers to draw firm conclusions about the findings. First, because complete and accurate information about cigarette smoking was not available, the researchers could not investigate how cigarette smoking affected causes of death. But, it is unlikely that this limitation had an important effect on the conclusions. Second, this study was smaller than studies of other workplaces. The small size makes it less likely that the findings will be statistically significant, even if there is a real risk. Because of this, it is helpful to look at the how the findings of this study fit in with the findings of other studies of smelter workers or of other workers with similar exposures. Death rates for Copperhill smelter workers were lower than expected for all causes of death and from specific cancer and noncancer causes. This is not an unusual finding in studies of workers. So, researchers looked to see if workplace exposures were related to the risk of death from specific causes. One finding of interest was for arsenic and stroke. Another was for cadmium and bronchitis. The researchers concluded it is unlikely that arsenic exposure caused increased stroke risk or that cadmium exposure caused increased bronchitis disease risk in Copperhill workers. This conclusion is based on the detailed analyses of the findings from this study and on evidence from other studies about these exposures and diseases. It is also important to note that other studies of smelter workers have shown that arsenic exposure is related to respiratory cancer. Arsenic exposures in the Copperhill smelter were lower than in other smelters studied. The researchers in this study did not see an increase in respiratory cancer risk.
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(2006) Harley-Davidson Motor Company, York, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In February 2006, workers at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company plant in York, Pennsylvania, requested a NIOSH health hazard evaluation (HHE) regarding welding-related exposures in Building 4 (frame shop). The workers were concerned that the ventilation system was not adequately controlling exposures to welding fume. They reported that recent company air sampling indicated that their exposures were too high. They were not aware of any workers with respiratory problems; one of two workers intervie... (Click to show more)In February 2006, workers at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company plant in York, Pennsylvania, requested a NIOSH health hazard evaluation (HHE) regarding welding-related exposures in Building 4 (frame shop). The workers were concerned that the ventilation system was not adequately controlling exposures to welding fume. They reported that recent company air sampling indicated that their exposures were too high. They were not aware of any workers with respiratory problems; one of two workers interviewed reported a history of "cramping up" in his/her hands and feet and a decreased sense of smell. The workers also reported that part of the fume collection system had caught on fire in January and February 2006, requiring part of the ventilation system to be shut off for maintenance and repair. Workers reported that during one of these events, several welders were allowed to keep welding for several minutes after the local exhaust ventilation to their work area had been shut off. A NIOSH team visited the plant on May 3, 2006, to perform a walkthrough of Building 4 and to obtain additional information on exposures, controls, and worker health concerns. The company reported that it follows the 2006 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) for manganese (Mn) of 0.2 mg/m3 as its exposure limit. Of the 17 Mn exposure measurements made by the company in January and February 2006, three exceeded the TLV; the highest Mn exposure was 0.32 mg/m3. The company reported that it follows the ACGIH TLV of 5 mg/m3 for welding fume. (As of 2004, ACGIH no longer has a TLV for welding fume.) Of the 15 welding fume exposure measurements made by the company in January and February 2006 (99% iron oxide according to management), 12 were below 5 mg/m3. The results for the other three measurements were 5.1 mg/m3, 5.8 mg/m3, and 7.9 mg/m3. The OSHA PEL for iron oxide is 10 mg/m3 TWA. The ACGIH TLV and NIOSH REL for iron oxide are 5 mg/m3 TWA. Currently OSHA does not have a specific PEL for welding fume. NIOSH recommends that exposures to welding fume contaminants be reduced to the lowest concentrations technically feasible. During the site visit, no workers requested to speak privately with NIOSH staff regarding health or exposure concerns. The company reported that the most likely cause of the recent fires in the one of the fume collection units was that burning debris entered through a local exhaust duct, or a welding spark ignited particulate buildup in the ducts, ultimately leading to a fire in a filter in one of the modules of one fume collection unit. After the February 2006 fire, the exhaust ventilation ducts and hoods were cleaned out. An outside consultant hired by the company to perform a survey of the fume collection units and ventilation systems recommended several repairs and improvements. One of the consultant's recommendations was to install pressure gauges for each filter module in the fume collection units in order to detect excessive particulate accumulation on filters that could increase the likelihood of fire. The consultant also identified several local exhaust ventilation locations where air flow was insufficient. The company reported that it planned to rebalance the ventilation systems, install an additional fume collection unit and additional local exhaust ventilation hoods, and install pressure gauges for each fume collection unit filter module by the end of 2006. Management should repeat air sampling for welding-related exposures after all ventilation interventions have been completed. Work areas with exposures that are above (or only slightly below) applicable exposure limits should be reassessed to identify possible ways to further decrease exposures. Because of the potential for decreased lung function, lung cancer, and neurologic disease (from chronic manganese exposure), company management should aim to reduce welding-related exposures to the lowest concentrations technically feasible. While only one worker in Building 4 reported any symptoms, decreased lung function and neurologic disease can have a gradual onset and may not be recognized early on. These diseases are often not reversible or treatable. Therefore, it is important to limit exposures that could lead to these conditions. It is also important that welders understand the potential health risks of welding-related exposures and how they can decrease their exposure through optimal use of controls and work practices.
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(2005) Immigration and Naturalization Service, National Firearms Unit, Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled fo... (Click to show more)On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled for lead and noise and found excessive levels of both. An inadequate ventilation system and certain design characteristics of the range were found to be contributing factors to the lead exposure. Recommendations were made for ventilation and design improvements, and for noise exposure reduction. Over several site visits conducted at the facility, NIOSH investigators concluded that health hazards existed at the times of the evaluations. The facility has since taken several steps to mitigate these hazards, including implementing of many of the recommendations proposed by the NIOSH investigators. Recommendations in the final interim letter have not yet been implemented due to lack of funding. However, NFU management has expressed a desire to continue working with NIOSH investigators before implementing any new controls should funding become available. The contents of this document present no new information; rather, it is a compilation of the letters and reports already sent individually to INS NFU management over the course of the investigation.
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(2005) Truth Hardware, West Hazelton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In February 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE). The request concerned potential worker exposures in the zinc casting department at Truth Hardware in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania. The HHE request mentioned that workers had experienced vision blurring, burning eyes, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. On June 29-30, 2004, NIOSH conducted an HHE at this plant. Carbon monoxide (CO) and ele... (Click to show more)In February 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE). The request concerned potential worker exposures in the zinc casting department at Truth Hardware in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania. The HHE request mentioned that workers had experienced vision blurring, burning eyes, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. On June 29-30, 2004, NIOSH conducted an HHE at this plant. Carbon monoxide (CO) and element (metals) air samples were collected in the zinc casting department. In addition, air samples were collected using thermal desorption tubes and charcoal tubes during ink pad operations and analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). CO area results (collected when the doors were shut in the plant) indicated that workers may be exposed to concentrations exceeding the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). In addition, the CO results indicate the potential to approach the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL). Air sampling results indicated element (metals) concentrations at low detectable levels or below the limit of detection for the analytical method (well below applicable occupational criteria). VOC results in the ink pad operations indicated concentrations well below applicable occupational exposure criteria. Sampling results indicate a hazard from overexposure to CO. In the winter when the plant windows and doors are closed and natural ventilation is at a minimum, the CO concentration may be higher. Recommendations to help reduce CO emissions are provided in the report.
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(2005) US Roofing Contractors, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On November 4, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at US Roofing Contractors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate employee exposures to 4,4'-Methylene-bisphenyl isocyanate (MDI) during the spray application of FastTrack 100 polyurethane foam, and exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the... (Click to show more)On November 4, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at US Roofing Contractors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate employee exposures to 4,4'-Methylene-bisphenyl isocyanate (MDI) during the spray application of FastTrack 100 polyurethane foam, and exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the rubber roofing membrane installation and spray gun cleaning. The request stated that employees had reported respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness, and skin irritation, which they believe may be work related. A total of 26 full-shift, task-based, and short-term personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples for MDI and VOCs were collected on October 13, 2004 and on October 25-28, 2004. Confidential medical interviews with seven employees were completed on October 14, 2004. More than 50% of the PBZ samples for MDI exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3), and the NIOSH and OSHA ceiling limit of 200 microg/m3. The VOC PBZ results were all below exposure criteria. Of the seven respondents interviewed using a standard questionnaire, four reported symptoms that they attribute to FastTrack 100 exposure. These symptoms ranged in severity from stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes, to shortness of breath and wheezing. Of the four workers reporting symptoms, three reported chest tightness, cough, sinus congestion, and shortness of breath and two workers reported headaches. One worker with no previous history of asthma reported a combination of wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough that met our case definition for presumptive work-related asthma; this worker was strongly advised to have his respiratory symptoms evaluated by his personal physician for possible occupational asthma. In the event that any worker is determined to have an MDI-associated occupational asthma, he or she must be reassigned to a job that does not involve exposure to MDI-containing materials. NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard exists from exposure to MDI during the polyurethane foam application. Recommendations are provided to reduce exposures to roofers during the spraying of MDI-containing foam, including respiratory protection.
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