If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
HHE Search Results
471 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
(1998) U.S. Department of the Interior, Yosemite National Park, California. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) responded to a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The request pertained to cases of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper and lower extremities and back among workers who build and maintain the back country trails of Yosemite National Park. NIOSH investigators reviewed available accident and injury records for the years 1995-97, interviewed workers, and evaluated the trail constructio... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) responded to a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The request pertained to cases of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper and lower extremities and back among workers who build and maintain the back country trails of Yosemite National Park. NIOSH investigators reviewed available accident and injury records for the years 1995-97, interviewed workers, and evaluated the trail construction projects for ergonomic risk factors. The ergonomics evaluation included analyzing videotape and still photo records of workers performing their jobs, and applied forces required to maneuver rocks with a lever bar. NIOSH investigators concluded that the job tasks associated with building and maintaining hiking trails at Yosemite National Park include many ergonomic stress factors that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders of the back and upper and lower extremities.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, San Ysidro, California. (Click to open report) On August 15, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for health hazard evaluation at the San Ysidro Port of Entry (POE) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The request asked NIOSH to assess employee exposures to vehicle exhaust and noise. Reported health effects among INS inspectors included headaches, dizziness, breathing problems, and difficulty hearing. A site visit was conducted September 17-19, 1997, by NIOSH scient... (Click to show more)On August 15, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for health hazard evaluation at the San Ysidro Port of Entry (POE) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The request asked NIOSH to assess employee exposures to vehicle exhaust and noise. Reported health effects among INS inspectors included headaches, dizziness, breathing problems, and difficulty hearing. A site visit was conducted September 17-19, 1997, by NIOSH scientists including two industrial hygienists and a psychoacoustician. Personal air samples were collected for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, lead particulate, and noise exposures were measured. Area air samples were collected for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, noise, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and qualitative volatile organic compounds. A limited ventilation survey was also conducted as part of the initial site visit.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Clinch River Power Plant, Cleveland, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible exposures during rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Clinch River Power Plant (SIC-4911), Cleveland, Virginia. During the sampling period, boilermakers removed secondary inlet and secondary outlet boiler elements and removed and replaced portions of the steel boiler casting, exposing them to fly ash and fumes from air arc gouging, welding, and torch cutting. ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible exposures during rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Clinch River Power Plant (SIC-4911), Cleveland, Virginia. During the sampling period, boilermakers removed secondary inlet and secondary outlet boiler elements and removed and replaced portions of the steel boiler casting, exposing them to fly ash and fumes from air arc gouging, welding, and torch cutting. Laborers maintained the walkways and prepared work areas using sweeping and vacuuming techniques, primarily exposing them to fly ash. The highest personal breathing zone (PBZ) air sample concentrations of arsenic (7440382), beryllium (7440406), cadmium (7440439), nickel (7440020), lead (7439921), and respirable dust occurred when boilermakers performed job tasks inside the boiler and outside the boiler on the steel boiler casing. Air arc gouging, welding, oxyacetylene torch cutting, or grinding on or near the scale greatly increased the potential for the generation of airborne particles. Cristobalite (14464461) was found in one PBZ sample at 0.03mg/m3. The author concludes that there appears to be a potential for a health hazard at job sites where similar activities take place. The author recommends lowering worker exposures through the use of engineering controls and improvements in housekeeping procedures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, Concord, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Building Services Supervisor at the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training facility (SIC-9221), Concord, New Hampshire, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards from lead (7439921) dust generated during firearms training. Personal breathing zone samples, area air samples, and wipe samples were collected. The highest airborne lead concentrations were collected during maintenance activities; 22 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) during sweeping... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Building Services Supervisor at the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training facility (SIC-9221), Concord, New Hampshire, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards from lead (7439921) dust generated during firearms training. Personal breathing zone samples, area air samples, and wipe samples were collected. The highest airborne lead concentrations were collected during maintenance activities; 22 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) during sweeping and 140microg/m3 during cleaning of target retrieval rails. All air samples collected during firearms training had detectable levels of lead with six ranging from 0.7 to 9.5microg/m3. Wipe sampling indicated lead concentrations ranging from 2.5 micrograms per 100 square centimeters (cm2) on a kitchenette countertop to 1,100 micrograms/100cm2 in a gun cleaning tray in a classroom. Analysis of the bulk sample indicated 45,000 micrograms lead/gram sample in floor sweepings. The author concludes that airborne lead was not causing a health hazard for these individuals but that some exposure could result from surface contamination. Lead ingestion can be avoided through good hygiene practices. Respiratory protection equipment should be provided during maintenance operations.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) People Working Cooperatively, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of People Working Cooperatively (SIC-1521) (PWC), a nonprofit organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous lead (7439921) exposures occurring during renovation of homes with lead based paint (LBP). Potentially hazardous lead exposures were measured during exterior dry scraping and wet scraping of LBP1 with maximum exposures of 120 and 63 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. Sixty eight of the full time em... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of People Working Cooperatively (SIC-1521) (PWC), a nonprofit organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous lead (7439921) exposures occurring during renovation of homes with lead based paint (LBP). Potentially hazardous lead exposures were measured during exterior dry scraping and wet scraping of LBP1 with maximum exposures of 120 and 63 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. Sixty eight of the full time employees participated in a medical evaluation. Ten persons, all field personnel, had a blood lead level of 10 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) or greater. Four had levels of 15microg/dl or greater, with the highest being 17.5microg/dl. All of the 126 paint chip samples collected from 49 painted work surfaces in 15 homes had detectable lead, ranging from 0.0022 to 58%. Twelve surface dust samples collected on floors in six homes during renovation on average had lead loadings hazardous to children. The authors conclude that there were potentially hazardous exposures during wet and dry scraping; these tasks were infrequently performed. The average surface levels in homes undergoing renovation were potentially hazardous to young children. Surface levels in the workers' personal vehicles were also potentially hazardous.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Woodward Governor Company, Fort Collins, Colorado. (Click to open report) On January 13, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the safety director of the Woodward Governor Co., Fort Collins, Colorado, plant to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked for assistance in documenting worker exposure to a wide variety of contaminants in production jobs including printed circuit board manufacturing, electrical product assembly, silk screening, spray painting, shipping, and mechanical production. Th... (Click to show more)On January 13, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the safety director of the Woodward Governor Co., Fort Collins, Colorado, plant to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked for assistance in documenting worker exposure to a wide variety of contaminants in production jobs including printed circuit board manufacturing, electrical product assembly, silk screening, spray painting, shipping, and mechanical production. The exposures of concern included isocyanates, inorganic acids, ammonia, solvents, lead, cutting fluids, and noise. Woodward Governor has many plants around the world involved in the manufacture of engine control devices. The Fort Collins, Colorado, plant employs about 800 workers involved in a wide range of production jobs. An environmental survey was conducted on March 10-12, 1997, which included monitoring for noise, metal working fluids, solvents (toluene, xylene, propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME), and formaldehyde), lead, ammonia, inorganic acids (hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids), and isocyanates (toluene diisoyanate (TDI) and methylene diisocyanate (MDI) monomers and oligomers, and total reactive isocyanate groups (TRIGs)).
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Abrasive Blasters, Parma and Akron, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was begun of possible silicosis in workers involved in or around abrasive blasting operations. Workers were screened from Parma and Akron, Ohio who were involved in abrasive blasting operations in April of 1995. The participants were recruited from the membership of the International Brotherhood of Painters Union. All of the 170 participants had chest X-rays, and 96 (56%) participated in blood lead (7439921) screening as well. ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was begun of possible silicosis in workers involved in or around abrasive blasting operations. Workers were screened from Parma and Akron, Ohio who were involved in abrasive blasting operations in April of 1995. The participants were recruited from the membership of the International Brotherhood of Painters Union. All of the 170 participants had chest X-rays, and 96 (56%) participated in blood lead (7439921) screening as well. Eight of the 170 participants had chest X-rays consistent with pneumoconiosis. All eight had worked as abrasive blasters. Only one of the eight had previously known that his chest X-ray was consistent with this diagnosis. The blood lead levels ranged from 2 to 30 micrograms/deciliter, with a median of 5 micrograms/deciliter. Results of questionnaires indicated deficiencies in knowledge of the proper use of respirators in that only one third of the workers were fit tested and 18% had facial hair that could interfere with respirator seal. There was also little understanding of the NIOSH recommendations to prevent silicosis. The authors conclude that there is a need for better training and education in silicosis prevention and the use of respiratory protection in abrasive blasting operations.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Bath Iron Works Corporation, Bath, Maine. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Bath Iron Workers Corporation (SIC- 3731), Bath, Maine, the accuracy of personal air monitoring during abrasive blasting in confined spaces was evaluated. The facility was a large shipyard on the coast of Maine employing about 9,000 workers. Operations at the site were primarily involved with construction of US Navy destroyers. Blasters wore personal protective equipment including gloves, boots, coveralls, and a continuous flow supplied air blast hood. Personal ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Bath Iron Workers Corporation (SIC- 3731), Bath, Maine, the accuracy of personal air monitoring during abrasive blasting in confined spaces was evaluated. The facility was a large shipyard on the coast of Maine employing about 9,000 workers. Operations at the site were primarily involved with construction of US Navy destroyers. Blasters wore personal protective equipment including gloves, boots, coveralls, and a continuous flow supplied air blast hood. Personal breathing zone samples were collected using a standard closed face cassette, a closed face cassette with a metal guard, and a nylon cyclone. The NIOSH sampling and analytical methods did not accurately represent worker exposure to lead (7439921) and other elements during abrasion. The methods were inaccurate due to the abrasive blasting grit which entered the cassette inlet due to its high velocity, rather than being collected on the filter as an airborne contaminant in an air sample of known volume. The sampling conducted during this visit indicated that accumulation of steel grit in sampling cassettes produced results which overestimated the concentration of inhalable lead particulate. A need was noted for a sampling analytical method that can provide an accurate estimate of exposure to airborne lead and other elements.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Bruce Mansfield Power Station, Shippingport, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 47, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to arsenic (7440439) and other heavy metals during the rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Bruce Mansfield Power Station (SIC-4911), Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Metal concentrations were measured in 45 personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples; an additional 12 PBZ samples were monitored for exposure to respirable dust and silica (14808607). Eight bulk ash samples and 11 ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 47, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to arsenic (7440439) and other heavy metals during the rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Bruce Mansfield Power Station (SIC-4911), Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Metal concentrations were measured in 45 personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples; an additional 12 PBZ samples were monitored for exposure to respirable dust and silica (14808607). Eight bulk ash samples and 11 hand wipe samples were taken. The workers put in 60 hour work weeks, 10 hours a day for 6 days. Arsenic was detected in 18 samples and ranged from 0.30 to 31 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) with three of the samples exceeding the adjusted OSHA permissible exposure limit of 5.6microg/m3. In 11 samples, beryllium (7440417) was detected, and ranged from 0.02 to 0.04microg/m3. Cadmium (7440439) was detected in seven samples and ranged from 0.17 to 2.5microg/m3. Both the beryllium and cadmium concentrations were below the allowable limits. Lead (7439921) concentrations were measurable in 12 samples and ranged from 1.7 to 1,82microg/m3, with one sample exceeding the OSHA limit of 28microg/m3. Crystalline silica was below the detectable limit. Wipe samples collected from the hands of the employees indicated the potential for exposure through ingestion. The author concludes that there was a potential hazard from exposure to arsenic, beryllium, and lead. The author recommends that housekeeping procedures and work practices be improved to reduced exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Cass Lake Indian Health Service Hospital, Cass Lake, Minnesota. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Bemidji Area Indian Health Service, a lead (7439921) based paint inspection was conducted at the Cass Lake Indian Hospital (SIC-8062), Cass Lake, Minnesota. Paint chip samples were collected from interior surfaces for analysis, and direct reading measurements were made using an X-ray fluorescence monitor. Of 32 paint chip samples analyzed, lead was detected in 23. Five of the samples exceeded the HUD criteria for lead based paint (LBP) which was 0.5% by weight. ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Bemidji Area Indian Health Service, a lead (7439921) based paint inspection was conducted at the Cass Lake Indian Hospital (SIC-8062), Cass Lake, Minnesota. Paint chip samples were collected from interior surfaces for analysis, and direct reading measurements were made using an X-ray fluorescence monitor. Of 32 paint chip samples analyzed, lead was detected in 23. Five of the samples exceeded the HUD criteria for lead based paint (LBP) which was 0.5% by weight. The lead in ten of the 23 samples was below the Consumer Product Safety Commission allowable level of 0.06%. The authors conclude that lead based paint was detected in interior components of the hospital. The authors recommend that precautions be taken during the remodeling activities involving those materials which contain lead. Trained and certified lead abatement contractors and workers should be used for these tasks. Clearance testing of surfaces using the HUD criteria and sampling protocol should be conducted once remodeling is completed. The Cass Lake Hospital project should be discussed with the Minnesota lead program that has specific requirements for LBP abatement projects. The disposal pathways for lead containing waste proposed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should be followed.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
