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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
(2003) Bemis, West Hazelton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On December 9, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Graphics Communications International Union to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Bemis, in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Employees were concerned that work conditions in the bag, press, and extrusion departments were contributing to sinus infections, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and eye irritation. On March 24-25, 2003, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at Bemi... (Click to show more)On December 9, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Graphics Communications International Union to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Bemis, in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Employees were concerned that work conditions in the bag, press, and extrusion departments were contributing to sinus infections, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and eye irritation. On March 24-25, 2003, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at Bemis. Following an opening conference with management and union representatives, NIOSH investigators toured the facility. On March 25, personal and area air sampling was conducted for ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the extrusion department, VOCs in the press department, and VOCs, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and particulates in the bag department. Twenty one employees were interviewed from all areas of the plant. Every tenth employee was selected from a list of 290 employees who worked the day shift. Interviews covered employees' work history, past medical history, smoking history, and current symptoms, complaints, and concerns. The concentration of formaldehyde ranged from 0.04 to 0.09 parts per million (ppm). This exceeds the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.016 ppm, but is below the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) criteria. Concentrations of acrolein, acetaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, 1-propanol, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, and toluene were below all recommended and regulatory criteria. Particle size characterization indicated that 99.9% of the particles were in the respirable range, with a concentration of 0.32 milligram/cubic meter (mg/m3). This is below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 5 mg/m3 and the ACGIH's recommended value of 3 mg/m3 for respirable particulates. A majority (57%) of interviewed employees reported upper respiratory or mucous membrane irritation, which they associated with smoke in the bag department. The haze is a result of emissions during the bag manufacturing process. Chemicals used in the manufacturing process of the bags, such as formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde and VOCs, are likely to be found in the haze. It is possible that low levels of exposure to these chemicals can result in irritative effects. Air sampling results indicate the presence of a variety of chemical substances in the press, bag, and extrusion departments. However, quantitative measurements of most of these substances indicate that airborne concentrations are below those believed to result in chronic health effects, though some irritative symptoms might occur with minimal exposure. The airborne concentration of formaldehyde exceeded the NIOSH REL. Recommendations are included in this report to further improve the air quality in the bag department by introducing dilution ventilation in addition to the local exhaust ventilation currently in place. Following the ventilation changes, the concentrations of formaldehyde and particulates should be monitored again.
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(2003) Fayette County Courthouse, Uniontown, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In July 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Employees had reported a variety of health concerns: headaches, nausea, tiredness, nasal and sinus symptoms, vomiting, burning eyes, sore throats, breathing problems, coughing, ear infections, and dizziness. The employees reported strong and unpleasant odors from the carpeting, old pa... (Click to show more)In July 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Employees had reported a variety of health concerns: headaches, nausea, tiredness, nasal and sinus symptoms, vomiting, burning eyes, sore throats, breathing problems, coughing, ear infections, and dizziness. The employees reported strong and unpleasant odors from the carpeting, old papers, and dirty ceiling tiles; poor air quality; lack of airflow; stale water; mold, fungus, and mildew; asbestos; excessive dust; and dampness. All of the concerns involved the basement and first floors of both the original courthouse and annex buildings. On August 28, 2002, NIOSH investigators completed a preliminary site walkthrough evaluation. Medical interviews and an environmental investigation were conducted in October of 2002. The environmental investigation revealed a number of locations in the courthouse that may have had mold growth due to water incursion or leakage. The ventilation systems in most of the basement and first floors were inadequate (i.e., air changes and the amount of fresh air entering the offices did not meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE] minimum requirements). Temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels were largely within recommendations in all monitored areas. The levels for volatile organic compounds were generally below established exposure limits. The ventilation systems should be upgraded to meet ASHRAE recommendations. Water leaks should be repaired and damaged ceiling tiles and walls should be replaced with care to ensure that any generated dust does not enter occupied sections of the building. Interviewed office workers reported respiratory symptoms consistent with asthma with onset after the date of hire. Environmental assessment demonstrated insufficient ventilation, mold growth, and water incursion in the building.
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(2003) Norwin Middle School East, North Huntington, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On November 27, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Norwin Middle School East in North Huntington, Pennsylvania. The request stated employees were concerned that the dust collector used in the wood shop was not working properly, thus potentially exposing teachers in adjacent classrooms to wood dust. Health concerns included sinus infections, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and eye irritation.... (Click to show more)On November 27, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Norwin Middle School East in North Huntington, Pennsylvania. The request stated employees were concerned that the dust collector used in the wood shop was not working properly, thus potentially exposing teachers in adjacent classrooms to wood dust. Health concerns included sinus infections, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and eye irritation. On February 24-25, 2003, NIOSH industrial hygienists conducted an HHE at Norwin Middle School East. Following an opening conference and walkthrough tour of the wood shop, NIOSH investigators evaluated the wood shop ventilation system and the dust collector using a smoke machine. The next day, air monitoring was conducted for total dust in the wood shop and in two classrooms. The local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system in the wood shop was also evaluated. In addition, confidential interviews were conducted with teachers concerning their health and work environment. Seven area air samples for total dust were collected. The locations of the samples included the sanding table and the band saw in the wood shop, and in classrooms 204 and 208 on the third floor of the school building. Classroom 208 is located above the wood shop, while classroom 204 is located in a hallway adjacent to 208. Personal breathing zone samples were collected from the wood shop teacher for total and inhalable dust. Sampling was conducted for the entire work day, which included six wood shop classes. Air sampling results indicated that exposures to wood dust were below established occupational exposure limits on the day of the NIOSH survey. With the exception of the canopy hood, ventilation measurements indicated that the LEV and the dust collector were within recommended operating standards for dust removal. To be effective, the canopy hood should be enclosed on three sides, allowing for visibility from the front. The LEV system should be on whenever equipment is used in the wood shop. An emphasis should be placed on working as close to the inlet as safely possible without compromising any guards in order to capture the maximum amount of wood dust. Concerns expressed by teachers related to poor general housekeeping and poor communication between employees and management. Recommendations in the report address these issues.
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(2003) Somerset County assistance office, Somerset, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation from employees of the Somerset County Assistance Office (SCAO) in November 2000. The request included health complaints (sinus infections, breathing problems, bronchial infections, chronic fatigue, muscle aches, and irritation of throat, nose and eyes) and environmental concerns about water incursion and malfunction of ventilation. At the time of the request, there had been four ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation from employees of the Somerset County Assistance Office (SCAO) in November 2000. The request included health complaints (sinus infections, breathing problems, bronchial infections, chronic fatigue, muscle aches, and irritation of throat, nose and eyes) and environmental concerns about water incursion and malfunction of ventilation. At the time of the request, there had been four reported cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and eight reported cases of doctor-diagnosed asthma among a staff of 68 employees. In response to the request, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial walk-through survey in March 2001. The results of sample analyses and the screening questionnaire from the initial survey suggested possible biological contamination of the building and adverse respiratory effects. A second visit was planned and conducted from July 25 through August 15, 2001, to conduct environmental sampling, a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection, medical testing, and a more extensive questionnaire survey. In December 2001, SCAO relocated their employees to a newly constructed building. The objectives of the second visit were to assess potential fungal contamination in the building and exposure levels of occupants, to characterize respiratory symptoms among occupants, to objectively test occupants' pulmonary function, and to examine the association of symptoms and medical test results with environmental exposure. For those aims, we conducted an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey, objective medical tests (spirometry and methacholines challenge tests, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity test, and exhaled nitric oxide measurements), and environmental measurements for microbial contaminants (culturable fungi, spore counts, endotoxin, ergosterol, and (1-->3)-ß-D-glucan), and evaluation of the HVAC system during the survey period. The participation rate was 93% for the screening questionnaire and 59% for the main questionnaire. There were 62 participants in the screening questionnaire survey and 15% reported asthma, 10% HP, and 36% any chest symptoms (wheeze, chest tightness, or shortness of breath in the past 4 weeks). Work-relatedness was reported by about 61% of the symptomatic people with one or more lower-respiratory symptoms (cough, wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath in the past 4 weeks). There were 40 participants in the main questionnaire survey and shortness of breath was reported by 52%, chest tightness by 40%, wheezing by 38%, and coughing for three consecutive months in the past 12 months by 25%. Up to 60% of the symptomatic people with the lower respiratory symptoms reported work-relatedness. Ninety-two percent of the participants in the main survey reported nasal symptoms and 90% reported sinus symptoms. In our study, we defined a case of probable work-related HP as a building occupant who reported one or more work-related (getting better away from work) lower respiratory symptoms (cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, and chest tightness) AND one or more systemic symptoms (fever/chills, flu-like/muscle achiness, weight loss of 10 pounds or more). From the questionnaire we identified 11 probable work-related HP cases. Note, however, that only 4 of these 11 symptomatic individuals were diagnosed as having HP by their physicians. We found two employees with borderline airways obstruction from our objective pulmonary function tests. One participant had mildly elevated exhaled nitric oxide. Three employees had low vital capacity with normal total lung capacity. No participants had test results indicating airways hyperresponsiveness or difficulties in gas transfer in the lungs. Our environmental investigation showed that the count of total airborne fungal spores (geometric mean=20,654 spores/m3) was about 60 times higher outdoors than indoors (geometric mean=348 spores/m3). A total of twenty fungal genera were identified in 180 indoor spore trap samples, and Cladosporium, basidiospores, and Epicoccum were the most frequently identified fungi indoors and outdoors. The level of total culturable airborne fungi (geometric mean=1,224 colony forming units (CFU)/m3) was about 10 times higher outdoors than indoors (geometric mean=123 CFU/m3). A total of 55 species of culturable fungi were identified in indoor air samples, and only 15 species were identified in outdoors samples. Both airborne spore counts and culturable fungi data showed different fungal composition between indoors and outdoors which implies that the SCAO indoor environment is likely to have had indoor sources of fungal contamination. However, we did not observe visible sources of fungal contamination within the occupied spaces at the time of investigation. Stachybotrys chartarum was found in 7 chair dust samples, but not in floor and air samples. In air, floor and chair dust samples, a total of 77 fungal species were identified, and air showed the most diverse range of fungal species. Our indoor monitoring data for relative humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, and particles, along with bioaerosol measures, clearly showed variation of those parameters in association with human activity. Occupants were exposed to more bioaerosol and particles toward the end of the workweek. The levels of indoor carbon dioxide were lower than the recommended level (1,000 ppm, which is 700 ppm plus the outdoor level) from ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)1; temperature during the survey period ranged from 70 to 80 degrees F and relative humidity ranged from 43 to 55%, both of which are within the recommended ranges for comfort and minimizing microbial growth (68-77oF and 30-60% relative humidity). Although our analyses were limited by a possible participation bias and by the small number of subjects participating in the study, we found a significant association of (1-->3)-ß-D-glucan level as a surrogate for fungal level in chair dust with usual cough using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender, and atopic status. Airborne ergosterol, a surrogate measure for airborne fungi, was significantly associated with self-reported asthma after adjusting for gender. In our interim report on the NIOSH investigation of the HVAC system (see Appendix A), we recommended the remediation of roof leaks and problems with the HVAC system. Based on our HVAC evaluation and on the health evaluations described above, we make the following recommendations to SCAO, the previous building managers, and the SCAO employees. We recommend that the SCAO manager take the following actions: 1. Replace or clean the water-damaged furniture which may have been brought from the evaluated building to current SCAO offices. We recommend that employees take the following actions: 1. Consult a doctor for persistent or work-related lower respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath and/or cough or a combination of work-related lower respiratory symptoms and systemic symptoms (such as fever/chill, flu-like/muscle achiness, weight loss of 10 pounds or more). Objective medical tests can help your doctor diagnose the respiratory condition and its severity, and may help establish that it is work-related. We recommend that the manager of the evaluated building take the following actions to protect future tenants: 1. Fix or renovate areas with water incursion (roof, walls, and floor). Especially, repair the damaged roof to prevent condensed water from the air handling units (AHUs) from leaking through the roof. 2. Redirect the drainage from the AHU drain traps directly to the gutter, at least until the damaged roof is completely repaired. 3. Replace any water damaged building materials and water-stained carpet or ceiling tiles. 4. Inspect int...
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(1999) R. H. Sheppard Company, Inc. Hanover, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on May 29, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc., facility in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to determine if reported worker health problems were associated with exposure to contaminants in plant No. 1 and Department No. 109, at this automotive power steering unit manufacturer. The reported health problems include... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on May 29, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc., facility in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to determine if reported worker health problems were associated with exposure to contaminants in plant No. 1 and Department No. 109, at this automotive power steering unit manufacturer. The reported health problems included allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and skin and eye irritation. Potential exposures identified in the request included metalworking fluids (MWFs), naptha, and metal dust from grinding. Inadequate ventilation was also noted as a concern.
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(1998) Caterpillar Inc., York, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In October 1994, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Caterpillar Inc., in York, Pennsylvania. The requestor noted concerns about the possible relationship between cadmium exposures in the brazing area of the oil cooler department (OCD) and sexual dysfunction among five long-term workers in the area.... (Click to show more)In October 1994, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Caterpillar Inc., in York, Pennsylvania. The requestor noted concerns about the possible relationship between cadmium exposures in the brazing area of the oil cooler department (OCD) and sexual dysfunction among five long-term workers in the area. At the time of the HHE request, managers and newly hired workers continued production while most long-term employees were on strike. In May 1995, while the strike continued, NIOSH investigators met with a group of OCD workers at the local union hall. In May 1996, after the strike ended, NIOSH investigators visited the Caterpillar facility to review medical records and Caterpillar environmental and biological monitoring data, conduct a walk-through survey and interview employees, and perform air sampling for airborne metals and fluorides. A return visit was made in August 1996, to conduct biological monitoring for urine cadmium in current and former OCD workers.
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(1998) Dorma Door Controls, Inc., Reamstown, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On May 21, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees of Dorma Door Controls, Inc. located in Reamstown, Pennsylvania. The request was prompted by the occurrence of adverse health effects that employees associated with exposures to airborne contaminants from the paints and other chemicals used during the manufacture of hydraulic door closers. The request also indicated concerns about ... (Click to show more)On May 21, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees of Dorma Door Controls, Inc. located in Reamstown, Pennsylvania. The request was prompted by the occurrence of adverse health effects that employees associated with exposures to airborne contaminants from the paints and other chemicals used during the manufacture of hydraulic door closers. The request also indicated concerns about the ventilation system not continuously operating in the paint drying/arms assembly area (dryline room) of the facility. On December 3-4, 1997, investigators from NIOSH visited the Dorma facility to conduct environmental sampling when the ventilation systems that service the dryline room would be operated intermittently. Environmental samples were collected for 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE), 2(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol(DGBE), trichloroethylene, dibutyl phthalate, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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(1998) General Electric, Bridgeville Glass Plant, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On August 15, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the International Union of Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers. This request centered on a union concern that employees at General Electric - Bridgeville Glass Plant (GEBGP), Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, were exposed to hazardous concentrations of mercury (Hg) during glass tubing manufacturing and maintenance activities.
On August 15, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the International Union of Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers. This request centered on a union concern that employees at General Electric - Bridgeville Glass Plant (GEBGP), Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, were exposed to hazardous concentrations of mercury (Hg) during glass tubing manufacturing and maintenance activities.
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(1998) Victoria Vogue, Inc., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In February 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from a group of employees at Victoria Vogue, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The HHE request concerned employee health complaints that include skin rash, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing that were believed to be caused by occupational exposure to cotton dust during the production of velour materials and cosmetic powder puffs. Employees ... (Click to show more)In February 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from a group of employees at Victoria Vogue, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The HHE request concerned employee health complaints that include skin rash, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing that were believed to be caused by occupational exposure to cotton dust during the production of velour materials and cosmetic powder puffs. Employees were also concerned about poor lighting while operating machinery in the Automatics department. On August 4-5, 1997, a site visit was made by NIOSH investigators to conduct an industrial hygiene survey that included exposure monitoring on workers for cotton dust, a lighting survey to determine adequate illumination at workstations, and a general safety inspection of the weaving operation. A symptoms questionnaire was distributed to each employee to obtain baseline information and the prevalence of their health complaints.
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(1997) Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of pathology laboratory employees at the Albert Einstein Medical Center (SIC-8071), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions in the Pathology Laboratory. Concern was expressed regarding symptoms of fatigue, headache, dizziness, skin rash and respiratory and eye irritation felt by the workers to be caused by exposure to laboratory chemicals and diesel exhaust emissions from the ambulance bay. The labora... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of pathology laboratory employees at the Albert Einstein Medical Center (SIC-8071), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions in the Pathology Laboratory. Concern was expressed regarding symptoms of fatigue, headache, dizziness, skin rash and respiratory and eye irritation felt by the workers to be caused by exposure to laboratory chemicals and diesel exhaust emissions from the ambulance bay. The laboratory staff includes approximately 80 workers generally working 8 hour shifts. Area air sampling results for individual hydrocarbons were well below their respective exposure limits. Carbon-monoxide (630080) concentrations peaked at 6 parts per million, and carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations ranged up to 500 parts per million. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged up to 0.04mg/m3 which was well below the EPA ambient air quality standard of 0.150mg/m3. Temperature and relative humidity levels were within acceptable ranges. There were, however, some ventilation deficiencies noted along with fire prevention and general laboratory safety concerns which were observed. The authors recommend that improvements be made in laboratory safety, and that worker exposures to formaldehyde (50000) and potentially other solvents emanating from laboratory analytical instruments be evaluated.
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