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HHE Search Results
52 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
(2017) 3-D printer emissions and personal exposures at a manufacturing workplace. (Click to open report) We evaluated volatile organic compound and particle emissions from fused deposition modeling™ 3-D printers using poly lactic acid and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene thermoplastics and measured personal exposures to total and specific volatile organic compounds. The 3-dimensional printers emitted both volatile organic compounds and small particles during operation. Levels of all individual volatile organic compounds that were quantified on personal samples were well below applicable occupational... (Click to show more)We evaluated volatile organic compound and particle emissions from fused deposition modeling™ 3-D printers using poly lactic acid and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene thermoplastics and measured personal exposures to total and specific volatile organic compounds. The 3-dimensional printers emitted both volatile organic compounds and small particles during operation. Levels of all individual volatile organic compounds that were quantified on personal samples were well below applicable occupational exposure limits and guidelines. None of the employees reported any respiratory symptoms. At this time, we do not recommend any controls to lower exposures as they are already well-below established regulatory limits. Similarly, at this time we do not recommend the need to lower total particle number and total volatile organic chemical concentrations as there is no available guidance on appropriate levels. It is important to note that 3-D printing has not been thoroughly evaluated to determine its safety. As such, new information may become available in the future which may change our current perspective on the necessity of controls.
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(2017) A chlorine gas release at a metal recycling facility. (Click to open report) In August 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request for technical assistance from a public health department following an unintentional chlorine gas release at a metal recycling facility. Health concerns included mucous membrane and respiratory effects following acute exposure to chlorine gas. We visited the facility on September 21-22, 2015 to interview employees and gather information about the chlorine gas release. We reviewed publicly available record... (Click to show more)In August 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request for technical assistance from a public health department following an unintentional chlorine gas release at a metal recycling facility. Health concerns included mucous membrane and respiratory effects following acute exposure to chlorine gas. We visited the facility on September 21-22, 2015 to interview employees and gather information about the chlorine gas release. We reviewed publicly available records from the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation. We reviewed medical records of employees hospitalized following exposure to chlorine gas. At least four employees were hospitalized for respiratory symptoms, one of whom died from complications of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Given past experience with other chlorine gas release events, it is possible that other employees may have experienced or still be experiencing symptoms related to the release. We recommend reviewing protocols designed to prevent containers under pressure and/ or containing hazardous materials from being accepted for processing. Furthermore, we recommend training employees on emergency plans including evacuation routes to use in the event of a chemical release.
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(2017) A surgical staff's noise exposures during total knee replacement surgeries. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employer representatives at a hospital. They were concerned about the potential for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among operating room employees performing total knee replacement surgeries. We visited the hospital to observe total knee replacement surgeries, learn more about the equipment and tools used, and measure noise exposures of surgical staff. A typical surgical team included a surgical assistant, anesthesiologist, circulati... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from employer representatives at a hospital. They were concerned about the potential for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among operating room employees performing total knee replacement surgeries. We visited the hospital to observe total knee replacement surgeries, learn more about the equipment and tools used, and measure noise exposures of surgical staff. A typical surgical team included a surgical assistant, anesthesiologist, circulating nurse, scrub nurse, surgeon, and, possibly, a surgical fellow. Powered surgical tools were the primary sources of noise in the orthopedic operating room and noise levels were highest during surgical procedures. One surgeon's personal noise exposure exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit on one day we monitored, but all other personal noise exposure measurements were below all occupational exposure limits. On the basis of our noise measurements and our estimates of noise exposures for surgeons, we found that they could be overexposed to noise depending on surgery length, shift length, and number of surgeries in a shift. We recommended including orthopedic surgeons in a hearing loss prevention program, using quieter surgical tools, and providing surgeons with flat attenuation ear plugs or noise cancellation earmuffs.
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(2017) Cadmium exposures at an aircraft equipment depot. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at an aircraft equipment depot. The employer was concerned about employee exposures to cadmium during inspection, repair, maintenance, and decommissioning of wing aerial refueling pods (WARPs) that contain corroded cadmium-plated parts. We toured the depot, spoke with employees, observed employee work practices and work conditions, and collected surface and air samples for cadmium. Employees removing corroded cadmium-plate... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at an aircraft equipment depot. The employer was concerned about employee exposures to cadmium during inspection, repair, maintenance, and decommissioning of wing aerial refueling pods (WARPs) that contain corroded cadmium-plated parts. We toured the depot, spoke with employees, observed employee work practices and work conditions, and collected surface and air samples for cadmium. Employees removing corroded cadmium-plated parts had exposures to airborne cadmium that exceeded occupational exposure limits, despite the short duration of these tasks (less than 2 hours). Cadmium exposures were below exposure limits when work did not involve removing corroded cadmium-plated parts. We detected cadmium on all surface wipe samples we collected, including surfaces in the kitchenette area and inside respirators. We recommended using a vacuum equipped with a high efficiency particulate air filter and wet wiping to clean internal WARP surfaces, work surfaces, and tools. We also recommended ensuring employees are part of a comprehensive respiratory protection program that includes training on respirator use, cleaning, and storage.
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(2017) Chemical exposures at a vape shop. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a vape shop who was concerned about employees' potential exposure to vaping chemicals in the workplace. We collected air samples in the vape shop for flavoring chemicals (diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-hexanedione, acetaldehyde, and acetoin), nicotine, formaldehyde, and propylene glycol. We took wipe samples for nicotine and metals on commonly touched surfaces. We found that employees vaped in the shop throughout the day,... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner of a vape shop who was concerned about employees' potential exposure to vaping chemicals in the workplace. We collected air samples in the vape shop for flavoring chemicals (diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-hexanedione, acetaldehyde, and acetoin), nicotine, formaldehyde, and propylene glycol. We took wipe samples for nicotine and metals on commonly touched surfaces. We found that employees vaped in the shop throughout the day, but very few customers vaped. None of the airborne concentrations of the specific flavoring chemicals we measured were above applicable occupational exposure limits although we detected low levels of two flavoring chemicals, diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, in the personal and area air samples. We detected the presence of metals, such as chromium, lead, copper, and nickel, on surfaces in the shop. We found detectable levels of nicotine on the outside surface of a nicotine transfer bottle. This may have occurred when liquid was poured from one bottle to another without use of a funnel. We did not find nicotine on other surfaces that we sampled. We found that not all employees wore chemical protective gloves when handling liquids containing nicotine. The bottle of stock nicotine solution was stored in the same refrigerator used to store employees' food. We recommend that the employer implement a policy prohibiting vaping in the workplace with e-liquids that contain diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. We also recommended not storing chemicals in the same area where food is stored or eaten, training employees on proper chemical handling procedures, and inspecting and maintaining the shop's exhaust ventilation systems.
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(2017) Chromium, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and isocyanate exposures in an aircraft refinishing plant. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the health and safety manager of an aircraft refinishing company. The manager was concerned about employee exposures to cadmium, chromium, hexavalent chromium, and isocyanates. During our initial visit, we evaluated the ventilation systems, collected air and surface wipe samples for metals, and held confidential health interviews with employees. During a follow-up evaluation, we collected personal air samples and surface wipe samples f... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the health and safety manager of an aircraft refinishing company. The manager was concerned about employee exposures to cadmium, chromium, hexavalent chromium, and isocyanates. During our initial visit, we evaluated the ventilation systems, collected air and surface wipe samples for metals, and held confidential health interviews with employees. During a follow-up evaluation, we collected personal air samples and surface wipe samples for chromium, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and isocyanates; and did a more detailed evaluation of the ventilation systems. We collected urine and blood samples to test for cadmium, chromium (urine only), and isocyanates. We did nasal examinations to look for ulcerations, irritation, scarring, and perforations related to chromium exposure. Sanders and painters were overexposed to airborne hexavalent chromium and cadmium. We measured low levels of chromium and cadmium in employee's blood and urine but found nasal tissue damage consistent with chromium exposure in some employees. Employees in the stripping and paint bays were also exposed to isocyanates. Employees reported respiratory symptoms such as chest tightness and wheeze, sinus congestion, irritation and nosebleeds, and one employee reportedly was diagnosed with isocyanate sensitization. The level of respiratory protection for some tasks and ventilation in all bays were inadequate. We found chromium, hexavalent chromium, and cadmium on surfaces throughout the workplace, suggesting that contaminants were migrating from production to nonproduction areas. We found chromium, hexavalent chromium, and cadmium on hands of employees during breaks and just before leaving the workplace indicating that improved hygiene was needed. We recommended improving the respiratory protection program, ventilation, housekeeping, and medical surveillance.
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(2017) Diesel exhaust exposure at two fire stations. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the chief at a fire department with two stations. The chief was concerned about diesel exhaust because some fire fighters had noticed exhaust odors in the living quarters after starting diesel powered equipment in the adjacent apparatus bay. We sampled in the living areas and apparatus bays of both stations for chemicals found in diesel exhaust. We measured airborne particle counts in the apparatus bays and living quarters. We looked a... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the chief at a fire department with two stations. The chief was concerned about diesel exhaust because some fire fighters had noticed exhaust odors in the living quarters after starting diesel powered equipment in the adjacent apparatus bay. We sampled in the living areas and apparatus bays of both stations for chemicals found in diesel exhaust. We measured airborne particle counts in the apparatus bays and living quarters. We looked at the ventilation systems at the fire stations to see if they were properly maintained. We measured low levels of diesel exhaust in living areas of station 1 and even lower levels at station 2. We saw an increase in airborne particles in the living quarters of station 1 shortly after diesel-engine-powered equipment was started in the bay, suggesting that exhaust was migrating into the living areas. At both stations we found that air flowed from the apparatus bays and into the living quarters, the opposite of what is preferred. The air handlers at station 1 had poorly installed or missing air filters. The air handlers were also in a mechanical room that opened to the bay. This created an opportunity for vehicular exhaust to enter the ventilation systems serving the living areas. We recommended installing diesel control systems to decrease the amount of diesel exhaust in the apparatus bay, and using the existing tailpipe exhaust hose when checking equipment.
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(2017) Dust exposures in a spice shop. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a spice shop. The employer was concerned about employee exposures to dust during spice grinding operations. We measured the amount of dust in the air. We observed work activities, production processes, and personal protective equipment use. We interviewed employees and asked about their work, medical history, and work-related health concerns. Exposures were highest for employees grinding, blending, and mixing spices. The highest inhala... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a spice shop. The employer was concerned about employee exposures to dust during spice grinding operations. We measured the amount of dust in the air. We observed work activities, production processes, and personal protective equipment use. We interviewed employees and asked about their work, medical history, and work-related health concerns. Exposures were highest for employees grinding, blending, and mixing spices. The highest inhalable dust concentrations were in the grinding room where employees ground spices using a mechanical grinder and mixed and blended bulk spices by hand and with a commercial blender. Employees reported occasional brief upper respiratory irritation from work exposures but no persistent symptoms. Although respiratory protection was worn by employees when grinding spices, its use was voluntary and employees did not always use it correctly. As some spice dusts have been reported to be allergens, and the dusts are capable of causing occupational asthma and dermatitis, we encouraged the employer to take the approach that is most protective of employees' health in controlling exposures to spice dust. Installing LEV and improving work practices and material handling techniques to limit dust and aerosol exposures to the lowest feasible limits are needed to reduce employee exposures. Until LEV is installed, employees grinding, mixing, and blending spices should be required to wear respiratory protection. We also recommended the company enhance employee training on the proper use of personal protective equipment.
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(2017) Employee exposures at a plastic bag sealing plant. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer who was concerned about employee exposures to the smoke created when heat-sealing polyethylene plastic bags. Two types of bag-making machines were used, wicketers and flatbed baggers. This plant did not produce the polyethylene film used to manufacture the bags. We collected personal air samples for acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, and respirable dust. We collected area air samples for carbon monoxide. We used ventilat... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer who was concerned about employee exposures to the smoke created when heat-sealing polyethylene plastic bags. Two types of bag-making machines were used, wicketers and flatbed baggers. This plant did not produce the polyethylene film used to manufacture the bags. We collected personal air samples for acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, and respirable dust. We collected area air samples for carbon monoxide. We used ventilation smoke tubes to observe airflow patterns near the bag sealing machines and to evaluate the effectiveness of the recently installed local exhaust ventilation systems. Full-shift personal exposures to respirable dust were low, and short-term samples for acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were below occupational exposure limits. There was a slight visible smoke in the wicketer area. We measured carbon monoxide concentrations up to 19 ppm near the operator stations for the two wicketers that were running, and up to 47 ppm at the operator station near the flatbed bagger. We found that although employees reported that smoke in the wicketer area had decreased since the installation of local exhaust ventilation systems, these systems could be improved. We recommended moving the slot hood closer to the wicketer, tightening loose connections between the hood and the exhaust duct, and eliminating the sagging and sharp turns in the flexible duct. We also recommend forming a health and safety committee consisting of employees and managers.
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(2017) Exposure to crystalline silica, welding fume, and isocyanates during water heater manufacturing. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a union request about employees' exposures to silica during tank finishing operations, welding fume during tank fabrication, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during tank insulation using a spray foam application. We measured exposure to airborne crystalline silica, welding fume, and MDI, held medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, and collected blood for biomarkers of isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We found overexpo... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a union request about employees' exposures to silica during tank finishing operations, welding fume during tank fabrication, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during tank insulation using a spray foam application. We measured exposure to airborne crystalline silica, welding fume, and MDI, held medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, and collected blood for biomarkers of isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We found overexposure to crystalline silica during brushing, tank and flue spraying, and mill room operations. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and welding emissions were below occupational exposure limits. Employees reported symptoms consistent with work-related asthma. Two employees had MDI-specific IgE, consistent with MDI asthma, in their blood. Five employees had MDI-specific IgG in their blood, indicating recent exposure to MDI despite the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment. Some employees in foam booths cut slits in their Tyvek suit to aid in cooling, creating a potential for skin exposure to MDI. Some ventilation controls were either not working or were ineffective in containing airborne contaminants. Improvements in ventilation system design, use, and maintenance are needed. The employer should also begin a medical surveillance program for employees exposed to MDI and silica and provide training on the hazards of working with both.
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