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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
(1996) Dartmouth Police Department, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Dartmouth Chief of Police, an investigation was begun into possible lead (7439921) exposure to officers of the Dartmouth Police Department (SIC-9221), Dartmouth, Massachusetts during firearms training at the New Bedford Police Department indoor firing range. The indoor facility was located in an old office trailer. Sampling was conducted during the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition. Air sampling indicated that airborne lead concentrations wer... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Dartmouth Chief of Police, an investigation was begun into possible lead (7439921) exposure to officers of the Dartmouth Police Department (SIC-9221), Dartmouth, Massachusetts during firearms training at the New Bedford Police Department indoor firing range. The indoor facility was located in an old office trailer. Sampling was conducted during the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition. Air sampling indicated that airborne lead concentrations were below the minimum quantifiable concentration. Wipe samples from surfaces inside the trailer revealed lead concentrations ranging from 6.6 to 31.6 micrograms/100 square centimeters. The surface contamination likely resulted from the use of lead containing ammunition by other police forces. Ventilation was provided through two 14 inch axial fans located in the sidewalls of the trailer. The author concludes that the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition did not present a health hazard, but the continued use of lead primer ammunition by other departments may expose officers to lead from surface contamination.
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(1996) FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a management representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (SIC-9221), Quantico, Virginia, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) during firearms training and certification. Noise induced hearing loss was another concern. The 16 full time firearms instructors spent approximately 30 hours a week on the ranges. One range was indoors for training, another indoor range was for gun testing, and there were also seven outdoor rang... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a management representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (SIC-9221), Quantico, Virginia, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) during firearms training and certification. Noise induced hearing loss was another concern. The 16 full time firearms instructors spent approximately 30 hours a week on the ranges. One range was indoors for training, another indoor range was for gun testing, and there were also seven outdoor ranges used for training. A total of 61 personal breathing zone samples were collected, and 30 area samples for airborne lead. The airborne concentrations of lead ranged up to 51.7 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) for the instructors. The range technicians were exposed to up to 2.7microg/m3, and gunsmiths were exposed to up to 4.5microg/m3. Short term exposures while the custodians cleaned the range were as high as 220microg/m3. Medical interviews and blood studies were conducted. The mean blood lead level among instructors declined from 14.6 to 7.4 micrograms/deciliter from 1989 through 1991. Significant findings of lead in the dormitory rooms of FBI students suggest that they are tracking the lead back to their living quarters. The authors conclude that a potential hazard for short term overexposure to lead existed, and there was a potential for lead exposure of families of workers. Workers may have been at increased risk of noise induced hearing loss. The authors recommend that efforts be made to increase hearing protection, and reduce lead exposures.
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(1996) Philadelphia School District, Franklin Learning Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) at the Franklin Learning Center (SIC-8211), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building was about 85 years old. There were about 90 employees; blood lead tests and hand wipe sampling were performed on 45. Water sampling showed lead concentrations less than the 3 parts per billion (ppb). Surface wipe samples were collected from floors, desks, and window sills. Wi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) at the Franklin Learning Center (SIC-8211), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building was about 85 years old. There were about 90 employees; blood lead tests and hand wipe sampling were performed on 45. Water sampling showed lead concentrations less than the 3 parts per billion (ppb). Surface wipe samples were collected from floors, desks, and window sills. Window sills in nonabated and abated areas were sampled. Dust lead loadings exceeded HUD guidelines on 26% of all window sills sampled. Floors in nonabated and abated areas were also sampled with HUD guidelines for lead on floors being exceeded in 17 of the nonabated and three of the abated areas. Dust lead loading on desktops ranged up to 230 micrograms/square foot. Wipe samples from hands of employees contained from 2 to 160 micrograms lead. All blood lead levels were low, ranging from 0.6 to 5.6 micrograms per deciliter. While severe peeling of lead based paint was found and significant dust lead loadings were present, the authors conclude that a hazard from lead exposure was not found at the school for the staff.
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(1996) Standard Industries, San Antonio, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Standard Industries (SIC-3691), San Antonio, Texas, an investigation was conducted to determine if improved engineering controls reduced employee lead (7439921) exposures. Standard Industries manufactured lead acid batteries in a 300,000 square foot facility. Approximately 150 persons were employed on site. The process was typical of such industries but the facility was not highly automated as the batteries produced were often of unique sizes. Personal breathing zon... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Standard Industries (SIC-3691), San Antonio, Texas, an investigation was conducted to determine if improved engineering controls reduced employee lead (7439921) exposures. Standard Industries manufactured lead acid batteries in a 300,000 square foot facility. Approximately 150 persons were employed on site. The process was typical of such industries but the facility was not highly automated as the batteries produced were often of unique sizes. Personal breathing zone samples collected in various locations throughout the facility exceeded the OSHA 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) criterion. The highest personal breathing zone exposures were found in the plate pasting operations, ranging from 68 to 495microg/m3. In the first assembly and pouching areas, exposures ranged from 15 to 418microg/m3 and from 31 to 77microg/m3, respectively. Lead was consistently found in wipe samples from cafeteria table tops. Hand wipe samples showed significantly increased amounts of lead from employees finishing lunch compared to wipes prior to entering the lunchroom. A consistent daily increase in saliva lead was monitored. The authors conclude that lead exposures exceeded the OSHA limit, even though engineering controls were appropriate. Work practices and housekeeping issues were identified which may have contributed to overexposures. Modifications to some engineering controls were suggested.
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(1995) George Campbell Painting Company, Groton, Connecticut. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades of America, an investigation was begun into a possible hazard from carry home lead (7439921) containing dust during the removal of paint by George Campbell Painting Company, (SIC-1622), Groton, Connecticut. The company was renovating a two span highway bridge. Work had begun 4 months earlier and was to be finished in 36 months. Blood lead levels of the employees ranged from 2.2 to 16.5 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) wi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades of America, an investigation was begun into a possible hazard from carry home lead (7439921) containing dust during the removal of paint by George Campbell Painting Company, (SIC-1622), Groton, Connecticut. The company was renovating a two span highway bridge. Work had begun 4 months earlier and was to be finished in 36 months. Blood lead levels of the employees ranged from 2.2 to 16.5 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) with a mean of 7.2microg/dl. The 13 workers whose jobs took them near the containment structure had blood lead levels much higher than the nine workers whose jobs were less exposed. Those in job categories of blaster/painter, apprentice, and recycling equipment operator had much higher time weighted average exposures than the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 40 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). In three samples taken for the blaster/painters, the personal breathing zone lead concentration exceeded 1,000microg/m3. Surface lead levels on skin, clothing and personal cars were determined. In each of the 27 cars tested, lead was detected, with the greatest concentrations being on the floor at the driver's feet, suggesting lead was carried on the shoes. The authors conclude that workers who entered areas where abrasive blasting took place were potentially exposed to lead. Workers may carry lead on their skin and clothes into their cars. The authors recommend that personal hygiene practices be used to reduce these exposures.
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(1995) New York City Department of Sanitation, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a joint request from the New York City Department of Sanitation and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at three waste incineration sites of the New York City Department of Sanitation (SIC-4953), New York City, New York. Six area air samples and five bulk fly ash samples were collected. Greater amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs ... (Click to show more)In response to a joint request from the New York City Department of Sanitation and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at three waste incineration sites of the New York City Department of Sanitation (SIC-4953), New York City, New York. Six area air samples and five bulk fly ash samples were collected. Greater amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs were present on the fly ash particulates collected from the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). A total of eight personal breathing zone and nine area samples were collected for metals during cleanout operations. Levels approached or exceeded the established criteria for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), and nickel (7440020). For respirable dust/silica (14808607), the highest sample concentration occurred during ESP cleanout. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit for respirable quartz of 0.05mg/m3 was exceeded in one sample. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed during cleanout operations. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce exposures, including providing more effective respiratory protection, instruction on confined space entry, medical surveillance programs, and the prohibition of tobacco smoking in exposure locations.
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(1995) Pan American Health Organization, National Smelting Company, Oruro, Bolivia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), an investigation was begun into possible exposures to heavy metals and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) at Empresa Metalurigica Vinto (SIC-3339), a large tin smelter near Oruro, Bolivia. Fifteen workers were selected for exposure monitoring. Of the 15, 14 had exposures greater than the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit or the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level to arsenic; 11 had hazardous exposures to cadmium (7440439), and eight had... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), an investigation was begun into possible exposures to heavy metals and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) at Empresa Metalurigica Vinto (SIC-3339), a large tin smelter near Oruro, Bolivia. Fifteen workers were selected for exposure monitoring. Of the 15, 14 had exposures greater than the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit or the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level to arsenic; 11 had hazardous exposures to cadmium (7440439), and eight had hazardous exposures to sulfur-dioxide. Surfaces throughout the facility were highly contaminated with heavy metals. Fifteen workers participated in biological monitoring studies. The median value for urinary arsenic (7440382) (UA) was 78 micrograms per gram creatinine. Nine of the 15 workers had UA levels exceeding the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Biological Exposure Index. The median blood lead (7439921) level was 19 micrograms per deciliter. The authors conclude that a significant health hazard from exposures to heavy metals and sulfur-dioxide exists for some of the employees at this location. The authors recommend that measures be taken to control the hazards, including further study of exposure, implementing engineering controls, improving hygiene facilities, implementing medical surveillance programs, and improving respiratory protection programs. (A Spanish language version of this publication is available. See NTIS-PB95-261061).
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(1995) Sacramento Army Depot, Sacramento, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, Local 1681 an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Sacramento Army Depot (SIC-7629), Sacramento, California. Workers in Building 555 reported light headedness, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin rashes, upper respiratory illness, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Workers in a small computer module in Warehouse 3 were concerned about air quality. Samples monitored for aceto... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, Local 1681 an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Sacramento Army Depot (SIC-7629), Sacramento, California. Workers in Building 555 reported light headedness, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin rashes, upper respiratory illness, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Workers in a small computer module in Warehouse 3 were concerned about air quality. Samples monitored for acetone (67641), ethanol (64175), and isopropyl-alcohol (67630) showed all levels were below the NIOSH recommended levels. Lead (7439921) was not detected in the personal breathing zone samples taken. Air heating units inspected did not show any evidence of a microbiologic reservoir. Levels of carbon-dioxide (124389) as well as the temperature and relative humidity readings were all in the acceptable and normal ranges. All activities at the facility ceased with the closing of the Depot in 1995. The authors conclude that the symptoms found among employees could not be attributed to a particular compound. The authors indicate that the anticipated routine use of various organic solvents and the application of Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paint during touch up operations at other facilities may require the use of engineering controls to keep levels down.
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(1995) University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. (Click to open report) A study was conducted at the University of Maryland (SIC-8221), College Park, Maryland regarding the exposure of custodial workers to lead (7439921) during the performance of their duties. Personal breathing zone air samples collected for 16 workers were analyzed for lead, and blood lead levels were determined in 13 of the workers. During custodial and janitorial activities, time weighted average airborne lead concentrations ranged up to 36 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3); 44% of the samples ... (Click to show more)A study was conducted at the University of Maryland (SIC-8221), College Park, Maryland regarding the exposure of custodial workers to lead (7439921) during the performance of their duties. Personal breathing zone air samples collected for 16 workers were analyzed for lead, and blood lead levels were determined in 13 of the workers. During custodial and janitorial activities, time weighted average airborne lead concentrations ranged up to 36 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3); 44% of the samples contained no detectable lead. The highest short term exposures were recorded during the power belt sanding of a painted wooden door and during the heating of lead in a ladle during a plumbing repair. These levels were 36 and 26microg/m3, respectively. There were no detectable lead exposures occurring during the emptying of trash, sweeping floors, and vacuuming carpets. Lead content of paint chips ranged up to 19% by weight. Blood lead levels ranged from 2.8 to 10 micrograms/deciliter. These blood levels were normal for adults in this country. Of the 16 participants, nine occasionally wore a respirator on the job. The authors conclude that none of the tasks studied resulted in lead exposures in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50microg/m3. The tasks producing the highest exposure levels were identified. Since those tasks which did produce the highest levels can be easily identified, the author recommends that these tasks be restructured.
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(1994) Blaw Knox Rolls, Inc., Wheeling, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3096, an investigation was begun into workplace exposures at the Blaw Knox facility (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The foundry produced rolls for both ferrous and nonferrous rolling mills. One of the major hazards found at the site was exposure to free crystalline silica (14808607). Of all personal and area samples taken, 42% exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level for respirable quartz and 23% exceeded the OSHA ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3096, an investigation was begun into workplace exposures at the Blaw Knox facility (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The foundry produced rolls for both ferrous and nonferrous rolling mills. One of the major hazards found at the site was exposure to free crystalline silica (14808607). Of all personal and area samples taken, 42% exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level for respirable quartz and 23% exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit. Overexposures were also noted to nickel (7440020), lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), sulfur-dioxide (7446095) and isopropyl-alcohol (67630). The respiratory health of 70% of the workers was examined, and pneumoconiotic changes with a median profusion reading of 1/0 or greater on the 12 point International Labor Organization scale were considered to be present on the chest x-rays of two of the workers. Obstructive lung function abnormalities were noted in 23% of the participants. No restrictive lung function abnormalities were noted. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to elevated levels of nickel, lead, chromium, sulfur-dioxide, isopropyl-alcohol and respirable free silica dust. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce these exposures. Medical surveillance should be provided for the workforce.
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