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HHE Search Results
474 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) 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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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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