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HHE Search Results
282 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
(1988) C F and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystal... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystalline silica (quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461)). Seven general area sample measurements ranged from 0.2 to 1.7mg/m3 for sulfur-dioxide. One breathing zone sample registered 0.78mg/m3. Arsenic was found in one sample at a level of 0.02mg/m3. Cadmium was found in one of 11 samples at 0.006mg/m3. Lead was present in all 11 samples ranging from 0.004 to 0.3mg/m3. Total dust measurements were 14 and 12mg/m3. Respirable dust samples contained 1.5 and 1.4mg/m3 respirable dust; free silica samples were 0.5 and 0.2mg/m3 (quartz). The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and crystalline silica. The author recommends that specific improvements be made in respiratory protection, and that workers be notified when sulfur compounds are being added to the steel.
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(1988) City of Ames Municipal Power Plant, Ames, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Municipal Power Facility (SIC-4931), Ames, Iowa and the International Union of Electrical Workers Local 234, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at this work site. Concerns were specifically expressed about the handling and burning of refuse derived fuel (RDF), asbestos (1332214) insulation, coal dust, fly ash, hot working environments, polychlorinated-biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) present in grounding transformers, and on site chemica... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Municipal Power Facility (SIC-4931), Ames, Iowa and the International Union of Electrical Workers Local 234, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at this work site. Concerns were specifically expressed about the handling and burning of refuse derived fuel (RDF), asbestos (1332214) insulation, coal dust, fly ash, hot working environments, polychlorinated-biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) present in grounding transformers, and on site chemical usage and storage. RDF was composed primarily of the shredded combustible part of municipal solid waste. A survey of the facility indicated that potential hazards did exist from noise, heat, asbestos, coal dust, and crystalline silica (14808607). The only documented case of over exposure was to coal dust in the coal yard. Metal exposure was very low or non detectable. The author concludes that hazards existed due to heat levels, noise, potential asbestos exposure, and elevated coal dust and silica exposures. The author recommends work schedule modifications to reduce heat stress, improved storage methods for chemicals, improvements in the respiratory protection program, a hearing conservation program, monitoring workers for trace metal exposures, asbestos cleanup or monitoring, employee education regarding possible hazards, and medical surveillance.
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(1988) H.B. Smith Company, Inc., Westfield, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 95, Molders and Allied Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposures to chemicals at the H.B. Smith Company, Inc. (SIC-3565, SIC-3321), Westfield, Massachusetts, due to concern over symptoms of breathing difficulties experienced by workers. Workers at the foundry were involved in coremaking, mold making, casting, shake out, and knockout operations. Possible exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), respirable free silica (14808607), dimethylethylamine (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 95, Molders and Allied Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposures to chemicals at the H.B. Smith Company, Inc. (SIC-3565, SIC-3321), Westfield, Massachusetts, due to concern over symptoms of breathing difficulties experienced by workers. Workers at the foundry were involved in coremaking, mold making, casting, shake out, and knockout operations. Possible exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), respirable free silica (14808607), dimethylethylamine (75649) (DMEA), and acrolein (107028) were determined. Acrolein was not detected. CO levels ranged from 10.4mg/m3. The respirable free silica ranged up to 0.54mg/m3. Pulmonary function tests and x-rays showed no evidence of silicotic lung disease. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to worker exposures to respirable free silica, DMEA and CO. The authors recommend measures to reduce worker exposures, including a mandatory personal protective equipment policy, administrative and engineering controls for CO, improvements in ventilation, and periodic medical examinations.
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(1988) Hater Industries, Incorporated, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 310, a study was made of possible worker exposure to metallic oxides or fumes, refractory (ceramic) fibers, mold coating compounds, and fluxing agents at Hater Industries (SIC-3341), Cincinnati, Ohio. This foundry was engaged in the manufacture of a variety of aluminum automotive and commercial mold castings. Work practices and conditions of exposure were observed during a walk through survey. Employee medical interviews wer... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 310, a study was made of possible worker exposure to metallic oxides or fumes, refractory (ceramic) fibers, mold coating compounds, and fluxing agents at Hater Industries (SIC-3341), Cincinnati, Ohio. This foundry was engaged in the manufacture of a variety of aluminum automotive and commercial mold castings. Work practices and conditions of exposure were observed during a walk through survey. Employee medical interviews were conducted, and medical records were reviewed. OSHA air monitoring data were reviewed. Transient symptoms of upper respiratory irritation were reported by molders; these were related to the use of spray release compounds. Sawmen and hot inspectors did not report respiratory symptoms. No objective evidence was found of chronic respiratory illness or metal fume fever in this study population. Heat intolerance was reported by two molders. Air monitoring data indicated no overexposures. The authors conclude that no evidence of chronic respiratory illness could be documented, although acute respiratory irritation appeared common. The authors recommend that proper work practices be followed and all appropriate protective equipment be worn by the employees. Period checks of the ventilation controls are suggested.
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(1988) Hubinger Company, Inc., Keokuk, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, Local 48, a study was made of occupational exposures during corn and corn product processing at the Hubinger Company, Inc., Keokuk, Iowa. This facility was engaged in the wet milling of corn and production of food products such as fructose, corn oil, corn germ and corn starch. Overexposure to epichlorohydrin (106898) was deemed unlikely. However, respiratory protection and protective gloves should be worn when working around... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, Local 48, a study was made of occupational exposures during corn and corn product processing at the Hubinger Company, Inc., Keokuk, Iowa. This facility was engaged in the wet milling of corn and production of food products such as fructose, corn oil, corn germ and corn starch. Overexposure to epichlorohydrin (106898) was deemed unlikely. However, respiratory protection and protective gloves should be worn when working around this substance. Acid exposures occurred only in refining areas. Sulfuric-acid (7664939) and phosphoric-acid (7664382) exposures were of concern due to the high concentrations used. Sulfur-dioxide (7446095) exceeded the NIOSH evaluation criteria of 1.3mg/m3 in 11 of 13 general room air samples. One worker out of seven monitored for total particulate and free crystalline silica (14808607) was overexposed to quartz. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposures to crystalline silica, epichlorohydrin, sulfuric-acid, and sulfur- dioxide. Although five cases of multiple sclerosis were noted among current and former workers, there had been no known occupational etiology for this disease and no known connection between the disease and chemicals or working conditions at this site. The author recommends that engineering controls and respiratory protection should be used to reduce exposures.
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(1987) Agrico Chemical Company, Pierce, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union an evaluation was made of respiratory problems among workers at the Agrico Chemical Company (SIC-2819) Pierce, Florida, which closed in 1979. Specific concern had been expressed regarding exposures to silica (7631869), coke, and asbestos (1332214). Of 108 persons participating in the study, 91 had worked at the elemental phosphorus facility (EP). Small, irregular interstitial pulmonary opacities were noted in two participants... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union an evaluation was made of respiratory problems among workers at the Agrico Chemical Company (SIC-2819) Pierce, Florida, which closed in 1979. Specific concern had been expressed regarding exposures to silica (7631869), coke, and asbestos (1332214). Of 108 persons participating in the study, 91 had worked at the elemental phosphorus facility (EP). Small, irregular interstitial pulmonary opacities were noted in two participants, and two others had pleural plaque. Of 88 participants who had ten or more years in the phosphate industry, the 36 workers with ten or more years in the EP facility were no more likely to have chronic cough, shortness of breath, abnormal lung sounds on physical examination, pulmonary function impairment, or x-ray signs of fibrogenic dust exposure than those with less than 10 years exposure. Those working longer than 10 years in the EP facility had numerically higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis and chronic wheeze, but the differences were not statistically significant. The author concludes that no association between health and time at the EP facility could be discerned from the available data, although it is possible that the study participants were not representative of all former facility workers.
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(1987) J.R. Simplot Company, Pocatello, Idaho. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the J.R. Simplot Company (SIC-2874), Pocatello, Idaho, concerning exposures to acid mists, ammonia (7664417), fluorides, nitrogen- dioxide (10102440) (NO2), free silica (7631869), and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2). There were about 600 workers at the facility. A medical and occupational history questionnaire completed by 74 men indicated that 30 percent had eye or ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the J.R. Simplot Company (SIC-2874), Pocatello, Idaho, concerning exposures to acid mists, ammonia (7664417), fluorides, nitrogen- dioxide (10102440) (NO2), free silica (7631869), and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2). There were about 600 workers at the facility. A medical and occupational history questionnaire completed by 74 men indicated that 30 percent had eye or upper respiratory complaints at least 1 to 2 days/week, and 17 percent had such complaints on most days. No relationship was found between chronic cough, chronic bronchitis or shortness of breath and length of employment. Chest x- rays of 40 workers did not reveal signs of pneumoconiosis. Some samples for ammonia, hydrogen-fluoride (7664393), phosphoric-acid (7664382), sulfuric-acid (7664939), and SO2 exceeded the respective NIOSH recommended exposure limits (REL). The REL for free silica was also exceeded, but exposed workers wore respirators. The authors conclude that workers are overexposed to ammonia, hydrogen- fluoride, phosphoric-acid, sulfuric-acid, silica, and SO2. The authors recommend that exposures to hazardous vapors, acid mists and particulates be reduced through application of engineering controls, respiratory protection, and monitoring. Medical evaluations should be conducted for workers using respirators and workers exposed to silica.
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(1987) Jeddo Highland Coal Co., West Pittston, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, District 25, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the J- 44 Strip Mine (Hazelton, Pennsylvania) of the Jeddo Highland Coal Company (SIC-1111), West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Concern was voiced over silica (7631869) dust exposures for highway drill crews during overburden drilling. To reduce operator exposure during this process an enclosed cab was provided for the operator, a rubber skirt was suspended from the deck of th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, District 25, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the J- 44 Strip Mine (Hazelton, Pennsylvania) of the Jeddo Highland Coal Company (SIC-1111), West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Concern was voiced over silica (7631869) dust exposures for highway drill crews during overburden drilling. To reduce operator exposure during this process an enclosed cab was provided for the operator, a rubber skirt was suspended from the deck of the drill to contain the dust, and a collection system conveyed the dust to the ground away from the operator. Respiratory protection was also provided. In hot weather, windows of the cab were left open and respiratory protective devices were seldom used. Quartz (14808607) was the only form of crystalline silica identified. Personal breathing zone samples indicated a time weighted average respirable 8 hour dust exposure of 0.8mg/m3 which exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05mg/m3. The mass of airborne dust particles that were 10 micrometer in aerodynamic diameter and below were approximately 69 percent inside the cab and 45 percent outside the cab. The cab did afford about a 76 percent reduction in respirable dust exposure for the operator. The author concludes that a respiratory health hazard did exist for the drill crew. Engineering controls instituted after this survey resulted in reduction in dust levels.
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(1987) Morris Bean and Company, Yellow Springs, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 6931 of the United Steel Workers of America, worker exposures to alumino-silicate ceramic fibers from Fiberfrax insulation at Morris Bean and Company (SIC-3361), Yellow Springs, Ohio were evaluated. Personal breathing zone samples showed ceramic fiber concentrations of 0.03 to 0.18 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Five area air samples averaged 0.40f/cc, ranging from 0.06 to 0.75f/cc. The sand reclamation area had the two highest air concentrations of 0.48 ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 6931 of the United Steel Workers of America, worker exposures to alumino-silicate ceramic fibers from Fiberfrax insulation at Morris Bean and Company (SIC-3361), Yellow Springs, Ohio were evaluated. Personal breathing zone samples showed ceramic fiber concentrations of 0.03 to 0.18 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Five area air samples averaged 0.40f/cc, ranging from 0.06 to 0.75f/cc. The sand reclamation area had the two highest air concentrations of 0.48 and 0.75f/cc; there was a malfunction in the equipment, allowing the fibers to escape through worn seals. Most of the fibers were of respirable size. Cristobalite was not found in any sample. Health effects noted on interview with the workers who handled the Fiberfrax material consisted only of mild skin and face irritation. Fiber concentration levels were well below those regarded by NIOSH as hazardous for other types of fibrous materials. The author concludes that insufficient data are available to determine the toxicity of ceramic fibers, but because of indications of possible carcinogenicity, exposure should be minimized. The author recommends that alternative substances or methods be considered. Local exhaust systems should be installed in areas where Fiberfrax material is cut. Where local exhaust will not be effective, protective equipment should be used.
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(1987) Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, Lycoming, New York. (Click to open report) The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers requested an evaluation of possible harmful occupational exposure to aluminum- silicate (1302767) ceramic fibers (CF) in a stress relief operation at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation Unit-II, in Lycoming, New York. Stress relief operations were carried out by the Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation. Airborne fiber concentrations ranged from microns or less in diameter and fell mainly in the 0.5 to 2.0 micron range. The majority of the fib... (Click to show more)The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers requested an evaluation of possible harmful occupational exposure to aluminum- silicate (1302767) ceramic fibers (CF) in a stress relief operation at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation Unit-II, in Lycoming, New York. Stress relief operations were carried out by the Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation. Airborne fiber concentrations ranged from microns or less in diameter and fell mainly in the 0.5 to 2.0 micron range. The majority of the fibers were of respirable size. No cristobalite was found in any of the air samples. The identified fibers were mainly amorphous materials. Air and bulk samples contained primarily aluminum (7429905), silicon (7440213), and titanium (7440326). The identified fibers were alumino-silicate. In 1985, the electricians began using personal protective equipment when handling the insulating blankets. The authors conclude that there is insufficient data available regarding CF, but that it would be prudent to minimize exposures to the extent feasible. The authors recommend that the use of personal protective equipment be continued. Medical surveillance should be carried out on all workers exposed to ceramic fibers. Routine x-ray studies are not recommended.
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