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HHE Search Results
1056 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
(2007) COL-FIN Specialty Steel, Fallston, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On February 27, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the United Steelworkers of America Local 9305 for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at COL-FIN Specialty Steel (COL-FIN) in Fallston, Pennsylvania. The union was concerned about inadequate ventilation in the pickling and annealing areas and other potential health hazards throughout the whole plant. On November 11, 2003, NIOSH investigators made an initial visit to the facility to meet w... (Click to show more)On February 27, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the United Steelworkers of America Local 9305 for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at COL-FIN Specialty Steel (COL-FIN) in Fallston, Pennsylvania. The union was concerned about inadequate ventilation in the pickling and annealing areas and other potential health hazards throughout the whole plant. On November 11, 2003, NIOSH investigators made an initial visit to the facility to meet with union and management representatives, tour the facility to understand the manufacturing process, and observe work practices. Between March 8 and March 12, 2004, NIOSH investigators returned to COL-FIN to conduct environmental sampling and medical interviews with employees. Area and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for respirable particulates and acids (sulfuric and hydrochloric) were collected during the annealing, pickling, and hot etching of steel coils. Area and PBZ air samples for respirable particulates from soap powder and metal working fluids (MWFs) were collected when employees were drawing, straightening, and grinding the steel coils. Respirable particulate samples were also analyzed for crystalline silica. Spot measurements for carbon monoxide (CO) were taken in the annealing area. In addition, personal noise measurements were made on employees during the annealing, drawing, straightening, and grinding processes. Material handlers, who transport steel coils on gas-powered forklifts throughout the production area were assessed for exposure to noise, respirable particulates, silica, CO, and acids. A short-term sample for hydrochloric acid collected during the etching process exceeded the NIOSH and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ceiling limits; sulfuric acid levels were below all occupational exposure limits (OELs). Respirable particulate and silica levels were also below all OELs. Spot measurements for CO ranged up to 18 parts per million. Area and PBZ air samples collected in the grinding and shaving areas were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for MWFs; the local exhaust ventilation units for the grinding and shaving equipment were not functioning as intended. The personal noise dosimetry data showed that noise levels for two material handlers exceeded the OSHA action level of 85 decibels on an A-weighted scale. Many employees' noise levels also exceeded the more protective NIOSH REL. Thirty-five workers were interviewed. Many workers reported respiratory (66%) and skin problems (31%) consistent with exposure to MWFs and other occupational exposures. Over half of interviewed workers were current smokers. Smoking occurred throughout the plant, exposing non-smokers to secondhand smoke. Exposures to excessive levels of noise and MWFs, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke, constitute a health hazard at COL-FIN. Employees reported respiratory and dermal problems consistent with their occupational exposures. NIOSH investigators recommend enrolling COL-FIN employees in a hearing conservation program and banning smoking inside the facility. NIOSH investigators also recommend servicing the local exhaust ventilation units in the grinding and shaving areas to reduce exposure to MWFs and establishing a medical monitoring program for workers exposed to MWFs.
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(2007) Copperhill smelter worker study. (Click to open report) The union that represented some workers at the smelter asked NIOSH to study worker health. The union and people in the nearby community wanted to know if health problems were related to working in or living near the smelter. Although this study only included smelter workers, NIOSH thought the results would help answer questions about health in the community. Many people in the community worked at the smelter. Also, smelter operators had data about exposures in the plant. These data would help re... (Click to show more)The union that represented some workers at the smelter asked NIOSH to study worker health. The union and people in the nearby community wanted to know if health problems were related to working in or living near the smelter. Although this study only included smelter workers, NIOSH thought the results would help answer questions about health in the community. Many people in the community worked at the smelter. Also, smelter operators had data about exposures in the plant. These data would help researchers better understand whether smelter-related exposures were linked to health problems. Because a study of the smelter workers had been done in the 1980s, this study was possible. The researchers set the following four goals for the study: 1. Compare death rates and causes of death in smelter workers with those in the general population. 2. Describe the work environment in the smelter by work area, job title, and levels of exposure to six agents. 3. Describe the smoking history of smelter workers and use this information to help understand the cause-of-death results. 4. Examine whether specific causes of death were related to exposures in the smelter work setting. The study included 2,422 men who worked in the smelter, mill, or sulfur plant for 3 or more years between January 1946 and April 1996. For the years 1949 through 2000, the researchers found out whether these workers were living or deceased. If the workers were deceased, the researchers obtained information about their cause of death. The researchers used information from national and state records to learn whether people in the study had died. The researchers then obtained information about the causes of those deaths. They also used information from records in the smelter about the age, race, and sex of people in the study. They compared the number of deaths of smelter workers to the number that would be expected in groups of people who did not work in the smelter. These included the general population of the United States and the population of the counties around the smelter. They made these comparisons for all causes of death combined, for groups of diseases (such as all cancer or all lung disease), and for specific diseases (such as lung cancer or cerebrovascular disease, also known as stroke). They used statistical tests to decide if the results were meaningful. When they saw meaningful differences, they looked to see if death rates were related to exposure. They got exposure information from smelter records and by interviewing workers about smelter operations. To look at exposure, they grouped people by how long they worked in the plant, what department they worked in, their job title, and the level of exposure. They estimated exposure levels for lead, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, dust, and sulfur dioxide based on records of workplace air sampling done by smelter operators. All causes of death. Of the workers in the study, 961 (41%) were deceased. Researchers found a cause of death for 878 of these. The total number of deaths expected among smelter workers was based on national and local county rates. For all causes of death, all types of cancer, all types of heart disease, respiratory disease other than cancer, and many of the specific causes of death, the rates in the surrounding counties were similar to the national rates. Cancer deaths. Of the workers in the study, 228 died of cancer. This was 18% lower than expected based on national rates and 16% lower based on local county rates. When specific types of cancer were looked at separately, some differences between smelter workers and the general population were found. Most of these differences were based on numbers of deaths so small they were not thought to be important. Eleven workers died of cancer of the central nervous system, an excess of 39% compared to the general population. By statistical tests, this difference was not meaningful. Noncancer deaths. The results did not show that smelter workers had a meaningful increase in the risk of death from any other cause of death. Levels of exposure. The average exposure levels for lead and sulfur dioxide were close to the current workplace limits for these agents. For arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and dust, the past average exposure levels were much lower than current limits. Causes of death and exposure. After examining all causes of death and all measures of exposure, the researchers looked at two findings more closely. These were the link between arsenic exposure and stroke and the link between cadmium exposure and bronchitis. Stroke and arsenic exposure. Seventy workers died of stroke. The risk of death from stroke was higher for people who worked longer and for people with more arsenic exposure. By statistical tests, this difference was not meaningful. For example, workers with the highest level of total exposure were 1.5 times more likely to die of stroke than unexposed workers, but the p value, a measure of significance, was 0.17; a p value of 0.05 or less is regarded as statistically significant. Bronchitis and cadmium exposure. Seven workers died of bronchitis. The risk of bronchitis death was higher for some exposed workers than for unexposed workers. This finding, however, was not the same for all exposure groups or measures. For example, workers with a moderate level of total cadmium exposure were 14.8 times more likely to die of bronchitis than unexposed workers. But, workers with the highest level of exposure were only 3.8 times more likely to die of bronchitis. The p value for these findings was 0.06, not statistically significant. As with most studies of this type, some factors make it hard for researchers to draw firm conclusions about the findings. First, because complete and accurate information about cigarette smoking was not available, the researchers could not investigate how cigarette smoking affected causes of death. But, it is unlikely that this limitation had an important effect on the conclusions. Second, this study was smaller than studies of other workplaces. The small size makes it less likely that the findings will be statistically significant, even if there is a real risk. Because of this, it is helpful to look at the how the findings of this study fit in with the findings of other studies of smelter workers or of other workers with similar exposures. Death rates for Copperhill smelter workers were lower than expected for all causes of death and from specific cancer and noncancer causes. This is not an unusual finding in studies of workers. So, researchers looked to see if workplace exposures were related to the risk of death from specific causes. One finding of interest was for arsenic and stroke. Another was for cadmium and bronchitis. The researchers concluded it is unlikely that arsenic exposure caused increased stroke risk or that cadmium exposure caused increased bronchitis disease risk in Copperhill workers. This conclusion is based on the detailed analyses of the findings from this study and on evidence from other studies about these exposures and diseases. It is also important to note that other studies of smelter workers have shown that arsenic exposure is related to respiratory cancer. Arsenic exposures in the Copperhill smelter were lower than in other smelters studied. The researchers in this study did not see an increase in respiratory cancer risk.
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(2007) Environmental Protection Services, Inc., Wheeling, West Virginia. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Environmental Protection Services (EPS), Inc. Wheeling, West Virginia. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate exposures to dust, smoke, and fumes generated while recycling transformers, some of which contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). During an initial site visit to the EPS facility on February 15-16, 2006, we observed the transformer recycling ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Environmental Protection Services (EPS), Inc. Wheeling, West Virginia. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate exposures to dust, smoke, and fumes generated while recycling transformers, some of which contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). During an initial site visit to the EPS facility on February 15-16, 2006, we observed the transformer recycling processes, looked at potential worker exposures, and randomly selected eight persons for confidential interviews to discuss their concerns about work exposures and adverse health outcomes. On July 10-13, 2006, we took personal breathing-zone (PBZ) and area air samples for PCBs and metals, collected surface wipe samples and bulk samples of transformer oil for PCB analysis, and ash from incinerated materials for PCB and metal analysis. We found that a worker sorting and baling metal was exposed to copper and lead over the NIOSH recommended exposure limit-time weighted average (REL-TWA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) -TWA of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) and 0.05 mg/m3, respectively. One PBZ air sample collected on a worker in the PCBXSM trailer was above the NIOSH REL for PCBs of 0.001 mg/m3. Some workers were wearing respirators inappropriately and had not been fit tested. Some work surfaces were contaminated with PCBs above 100 micrograms per square meter (µg/m2), a guideline used by NIOSH investigators based on the results of previous evaluations. We observed several unsafe work practices including lifting gas cylinders by the valve cap, working beneath an energized overhead shear without lockout/tagout, and storing sodium ingots near a water source. We did not find any health effects suggestive of PCB exposure. At one time all EPS employees were tested for serum PCB but currently only workers in the enclosed decontamination area are tested. EPS management referred one person with an elevated serum PCB level for medical evaluation. Our review of the EPS OSHA 300 Logs of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses did not identify any health effects suggestive of PCB or metals exposure. NIOSH investigators determined that a health hazard exists for some employees from exposure to lead, copper, and PCBs; improper use of respirators; and unsafe work practices. Recommendations are provided for engineering controls and modification of work practices to reduce employee exposures to metals and PCBs. NIOSH investigators also recommended that EPS management review procedures for handling gas cylinders, storing and handling sodium ingots, and working on energized equipment.
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(2007) Hurricane Katrina response. (Click to open report) On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck coastal areas in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, causing numerous deaths, massive infrastructure damage, and flooding. The two hardest hit areas were along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi. The State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans invited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist with the rebuilding of the city's public health system. Between September 11, 2005, and October 29, 2005, investigator... (Click to show more)On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck coastal areas in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, causing numerous deaths, massive infrastructure damage, and flooding. The two hardest hit areas were along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi. The State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans invited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist with the rebuilding of the city's public health system. Between September 11, 2005, and October 29, 2005, investigators from CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were deployed to New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Their main objectives were to assist Federal, state, and local agencies in addressing occupational safety and health issues, to perform health and injury surveillance and exposure assessments among workers, to perform outreach to vulnerable workers, and to develop and disseminate occupational health information. Three teams of personnel responded to numerous requests for assistance in evaluating exposures to mold, chemicals, biological agents, floodwaters, dust and dried flood sediment, flood debris, and noise. Except for a limited number of noise exposure samples above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit and carbon monoxide levels above the NIOSH ceiling limit, environmental sampling for a variety of substances including asbestos, metals and dust did not reveal levels above recognized occupational exposure limits. A summary of the findings was shared with workers and employers. Safety hazards such as broken glass posed a risk to workers. Worksites in the flood-ravaged areas had varying degrees of capacity for hazard recognition, evaluation, and control. In general, the need for readily accessible, pertinent, understandable information regarding workplace hazards and exposures was apparent throughout the response, and distribution of information proved challenging.
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(2007) Report on severe fixed obstructive lung disease in workers at a flavoring manufacturing plant, Carmi Flavor and Fragrance Company, Inc., Commerce, California. (Click to open report) On June 11, 2006, CDHS-OHB and Cal/OSHA made a joint request for NIOSH technical assistance with industrial hygiene assessment and medical screening for occupational lung disease risk at the Carmi Flavor and Fragrance Company plant in Commerce, California. At the time of this request, Cal/OSHA was conducting a compliance investigation at this facility due to the identification in April 2006 of a former worker (and possibly a second worker) with bronchiolitis obliterans. NIOSH investigators were ... (Click to show more)On June 11, 2006, CDHS-OHB and Cal/OSHA made a joint request for NIOSH technical assistance with industrial hygiene assessment and medical screening for occupational lung disease risk at the Carmi Flavor and Fragrance Company plant in Commerce, California. At the time of this request, Cal/OSHA was conducting a compliance investigation at this facility due to the identification in April 2006 of a former worker (and possibly a second worker) with bronchiolitis obliterans. NIOSH investigators were aware of similarly affected workers at five other flavoring plants, and had previously investigated similar lung disease in microwave popcorn workers, identifying inhalation exposure to butter flavoring chemicals as the cause. In July 2006, NIOSH staff conducted a medical survey at the plant consisting of an interviewer-administered questionnaire and lung function testing with spirometry. In August 2006, NIOSH staff conducted industrial hygiene air sampling in all areas of the plant. NIOSH staff conducted follow-up spirometry tests on production and laboratory workers at the plant in November 2006. NIOSH staff conducted spirometry tests on 34 of 36 current workers and administered the questionnaire to 31 of 36 current workers at the plant. One former laboratory worker had the questionnaire and spirometry administered at the plant and two former production workers had the questionnaire and spirometry administered at an off-site location. Workers in all areas of the plant commonly reported symptoms of eye and nasal irritation. Respiratory symptoms were reported more often by production workers who made powdered flavorings and by laboratory workers. Respiratory illness was reported mostly by production workers who ever worked in powdered flavoring production. Respiratory illness was reported infrequently by other workers. Of the16 current workers and two former workers who had a history of working in the production room, four were found to have abnormal spirometry: one had mild restriction and the other three had severe fixed obstruction (FEV1 ranged from 21 to 32 percent of predicted). All three production workers with severe obstruction had made powdered flavorings. The highest area TWA total VOC concentrations were seen in the production room, with concentrations ranging from 10.3 mg/m3 to a high of 38.5 mg/m3. The highest real-time area total VOC concentrations (greater than 100,000 ppb units) were identified in the powdered flavoring production area during production of a butter-flavored baking powder which contained diacetyl, specifically when the production worker was filling boxes with the finished product. Some of the highest peak real-time VOC concentrations observed in the liquid flavoring production area may have resulted from migration of contaminants from the powdered flavoring production area. Full-shift personal and area mean TWA diacetyl air concentrations in the liquid flavoring production area were 0.030 ppm and 0.025 ppm respectively, and in the powdered flavoring production area were 0.223 ppm and 0.249 ppm respectively. Partial-shift personal and area mean TWA diacetyl air concentrations in the powdered flavoring production area during the production of butter-flavored and vanilla-flavored powders were 7.76 ppm and 21.2 ppm respectively. Real-time FTIR sampling in the workers' breathing zones during the production of these butter- and vanilla-flavored powders showed peak diacetyl air concentrations as high as 204 ppm during the packaging of the finished product.
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(2007) Yatsko's Popcorn, Sand Coulee, Montana. (Click to open report) In March 2006, NIOSH received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from owners of Yatsko's Popcorn, a small popcorn popping plant, located in Sand Coulee, Montana. The company had originally operated out of a smaller building from 1979 to 1999, when the operation was moved to the current location. The occupational exposure concerns cited in this request included flavoring chemicals from popcorn production activities; reported health concerns included breathing problems, shortness of br... (Click to show more)In March 2006, NIOSH received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from owners of Yatsko's Popcorn, a small popcorn popping plant, located in Sand Coulee, Montana. The company had originally operated out of a smaller building from 1979 to 1999, when the operation was moved to the current location. The occupational exposure concerns cited in this request included flavoring chemicals from popcorn production activities; reported health concerns included breathing problems, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and skin disorders. This request was based on health concerns following NIOSH investigations of fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans in microwave popcorn plant workers associated with exposure to butter flavorings. We conducted an industrial hygiene survey at the popcorn popping plant on April 12 and 13, 2006. Air samples were collected for total and respirable particles, particle size distributions, volatile organic compounds, total hydrocarbons, ketones (diacetyl, acetoin, and 2-nonanone), inorganic acids, and acetaldehyde. Bulk samples of flavoring ingredients were collected and analyzed for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on heating. We reviewed medical records for two former workers and one current worker and we interviewed two workers and the spouse of the other worker. In May 2006, subsequent to our survey, the plant closed its operation. The main findings from this HHE include: At this plant, popcorn was popped and bagged; powdered cheese and jalapeno pepper flavorings were manually applied to some of the popped popcorn. Popping and bagging operations were done approximately twice a week for 2 to 4 hours per day depending on orders. Popping was done in a small building with a wall exhaust fan; the worker wore a disposable dust mask during popping; however, this was not a NIOSH-approved respirator. Diacetyl was detected by gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (GCMS) in vapors released from a bulk sample of flavored oil heated to 50 degrees C in an analytical laboratory, although it was not a predominant volatile organic compound released from the oil. Diacetyl was also detected by GCMS in two- and four-hour area air samples. Concentrations were too low to be detected (less than approximately 0.01 parts per million (ppm) in four-hour personal and area air samples by NIOSH method 2257). Using a direct-reading instrument, a peak diacetyl concentration of 0.14 ppm was measured in the air directly above a heated container of butter-flavored oil. Aldehydes were the predominant type of VOC identified in area air samples. However, acetaldehyde concentrations were less than the detectable (0.09 ppm) or quantifiable (0.15 ppm) concentrations. Average area particle concentrations in air using gravimetric analysis were 2.72 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) for total particles and 0.89 mg/m3 for respirable particles. Particle concentrations were higher during popcorn bagging activities than during other activities; particle concentrations were also higher on the day that powdered flavorings were applied to the popcorn than on the day when powdered flavorings were not used. Airborne exposures of this popcorn popping operation included lower diacetyl concentrations and more aldehyde compounds than was observed in microwave popcorn production. All three workers who worked at the company developed respiratory disease while working there. One former worker, who had only worked at the original smaller plant and who eventually died as a result of his respiratory disease, had airways obstruction that improved with a bronchodilator, which is consistent with asthma. Two other workers who had worked at both the original smaller plant and the current plant had symptoms of asthma; one of these had pulmonary function test results that improved significantly with a bronchodilator, which also is consistent with asthma. Some evidence suggests possible bronchiolitis obliterans in the worker who died and in one of the other two workers. While employed at the plant, all three workers experienced worsening of their respiratory symptoms the days they worked. NIOSH investigators found that aldehydes were the predominant type of volatile organic compound identified in air samples at the plant. Diacetyl was present in the air of the plant with a concentration too low to be quantified. Average area particle concentrations in air using gravimetric analysis were 2.72 mg/m3 for total particles and 0.89 mg/m3 for respirable particles. All three workers who worked at the plant developed respiratory symptoms while working there and had worsening of respiratory symptoms on days worked. Evidence from medical records and radiographs of these three individuals was consistent with asthma in all three workers and suggestive of possible bronchiolitis obliterans in two of the workers.
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(2006) ACH Foam Technologies, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) On May 17, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from three employees at ACH Foam Technologies in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The requestors expressed concerns about potential long-term effects from exposure to smoke and chemicals generated while manufacturing polystyrene and cutting polyethylene sheeting and expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam. On August 31, 2005, NIOSH investigators sampled for chemical byproducts from the EPS process... (Click to show more)On May 17, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from three employees at ACH Foam Technologies in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The requestors expressed concerns about potential long-term effects from exposure to smoke and chemicals generated while manufacturing polystyrene and cutting polyethylene sheeting and expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam. On August 31, 2005, NIOSH investigators sampled for chemical byproducts from the EPS processes at the ACH facility. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) and area air samples were collected for pentane, styrene, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and respirable and total dust. Air samples collected on thermal desorption tubes identified pentane, styrene, acetophenone, ethylbenzene, and xylene as predominant chemicals. The charcoal tubes used to sample for VOCs were submitted for laboratory analysis for acetophenone, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Area concentrations of carbon monoxide, a potential byproduct from the EPS processes, were measured in several departments with a direct reading instrument. All sample results were below applicable occupational exposure limits. NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard did not exist on the day of this evaluation. Employees were not exposed over applicable occupational exposure limits to carbon monoxide, pentane, styrene, acetophenone, ethylbenzene, xylene, respirable dust, or total dust while molding and cutting EPS products. Recommendations in this report include providing local exhaust ventilation in the hot wire cutting area, repairing damaged duct work in the Recycling department, and improving communication between supervisors and employees.
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(2006) Broward County Parks and Recreation Division, Markham Park, Sunrise, Florida. (Click to open report) On March 2, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential union request for a health hazard evaluation at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida. The request concerned potential exposure to lead, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning chemicals. Employees were concerned about lead exposure from the Park's shooting range and from old painted signs. Arsenic exposure was a concern due to the reported use of an arsenic containing ant-killer and chro... (Click to show more)On March 2, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential union request for a health hazard evaluation at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida. The request concerned potential exposure to lead, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning chemicals. Employees were concerned about lead exposure from the Park's shooting range and from old painted signs. Arsenic exposure was a concern due to the reported use of an arsenic containing ant-killer and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated lumber. Two employees had reportedly been diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning. On July 5-6, 2005, NIOSH investigators conducted surface wipe samples for lead in and around the shooting ranges, and from the hands of shooting range personnel. All workers were invited to participate in medical testing, which included an interview and collection of blood and urine specimens for lead and arsenic, respectively. Surface wipe sampling for lead on table and floor surfaces in the shooting range revealed lead levels ranging from 94.7 micrograms lead per 100 square centimeters (mcg/100 cm2) to 519.7 mcg lead/100 cm2. Lead levels on table and floor surfaces in the firing range clubhouse were approximately 10 times lower (range: 9.3 mcg/100 cm2 to 55.7 mcg lead/100 cm2). Surface lead levels in the recreation areas of the clubhouse were the lowest (5.3 mcg lead/100 cm2 on the picnic table in the clubhouse covered patio area and 1.7 mcg lead/100 cm2 on the floor of the clubhouse conference room). Lead levels on the hands of two range attendants ranged from 27.7 to 88.7 mcg lead. No federal standards for lead contamination of surfaces in occupational settings exist. Of 19 employees, 11 volunteered for medical evaluation (interview and specimen collection) while four other employees provided interviews only. None had elevated urinary inorganic arsenic levels. Four of the range employees had minimally elevated blood lead levels and all others were nondetectable. None of the interviewed employees described adverse health effects they considered work related aside from possible heat stress and hearing loss. At the time of this site visit, arsenic did not present a health hazard. There was evidence of minimal exposures to lead for the firing range staff but not for the groundskeeping staff. The presence of lead on the hands of range attendants highlights the importance of proper personal hygiene practices, as hand-to-mouth ingestion of lead dust could be the cause of the low levels of lead detected in the blood of some of the range staff. Recommendations are made regarding employee training, proper handling of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated lumber, proper range housekeeping, proper storage and handling of onsite chemicals, and further evaluation of heat stress and noise exposures.
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(2006) Buffalo Newspress, Buffalo, New York. (Click to open report) On October 13, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Buffalo Newspress in Buffalo, New York. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate employee exposures to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), respirable particulate matter, and carbon monoxide (CO). Employee concerns included dermatitis (thought to be caused by contact with the blanket and fountain... (Click to show more)On October 13, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Buffalo Newspress in Buffalo, New York. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate employee exposures to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), respirable particulate matter, and carbon monoxide (CO). Employee concerns included dermatitis (thought to be caused by contact with the blanket and fountain wash solutions), headaches, burning eyes, and sinus irritation. Results from full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, VOCs, and respirable dust were below occupational exposure criteria. However, dermal contact with these compounds was observed to be a significant route of exposure in press employees. In addition, employee skin examinations revealed that nearly one third of 41 interviewed had a visible hand/arm rash consistent with workplace exposure. Approximately 80% of workers wore wrist-length vinyl gloves during the handling of inks, blanket wash solutions, and other solvents. Barrier creams and gauntlet-type nitrile gloves were available on request, but were not in regular use. General area measurements of CO at various plant locations indicated that sources (ovens, heating units, and propane-powered forklift trucks) increased CO air concentrations above the plant background of 1-2 parts per million (ppm). Although no CO sample result exceeded the NIOSH Ceiling limit of 200 ppm, some press room workers' exposures may exceed the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 35 ppm as a time-weighted average. The high prevalence of headache (56%) among press employees suggests a possible relationship between these headaches and CO concentrations. NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard existed at the time of the survey from dermal exposure to blanket wash and other solvents. Observations of work practices, glove type, and glove use and availability indicate a significant opportunity for dermal exposure to Rycoline blanket wash and fountain solution and other solvents among press employees. The prevalence of contact dermatitis among these workers indicates that skin exposure to workplace solvents should be minimized. PBZ air sampling in the press room indicated that no exceedence of any occupational airborne exposure criteria occurred during the survey. General area air concentrations of CO above background levels (1-2 ppm) and the occurrence of headache among press employees indicate that actions to decrease CO exposure in the press room are necessary. Recommendations include improving press room ventilation, implementing a personal protective equipment (PPE) program that includes worker training, using less abrasive hand cleaners, and supplying appropriate gloves and barrier creams.
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(2006) Buildings in the Vicinity of the World Trade Center, New York City, New York. (Click to open report) On January 1, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received three health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from employee representatives at four different work sites: Stuyvesant High School, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), 120 Broadway and 40 Rector Street (housing four city agencies), near the World Trade Center (WTC) site. This report summarizes four separate NIOSH investigations, which document the extent of physical and psychological sympt... (Click to show more)On January 1, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received three health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from employee representatives at four different work sites: Stuyvesant High School, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), 120 Broadway and 40 Rector Street (housing four city agencies), near the World Trade Center (WTC) site. This report summarizes four separate NIOSH investigations, which document the extent of physical and psychological symptoms among workers at these sites in the months following the September 11, 2001 disaster at the WTC. Each of these reports compared physical and mental health symptoms among employees at these buildings with the same symptoms among employees at comparable New York City work sites distant from the WTC. NIOSH personnel conducted a questionnaire survey of employees at Stuyvesant High School and a comparison high school, La Guardia High School, in late January 2002. The survey occurred at BMCC and a comparison college, York Community College, in mid-March 2002; at 40 Rector Street in early April 2002, and at 120 Broadway (state attorney general's office) in early June 2002. The LeFrak Building, was surveyed in early April 2002 and was the comparison building for 40 Rector Street and 120 Broadway. We used a self-administered questionnaire to ask about physical and mental health symptoms that occurred since September 11 and symptoms still present at the time of the survey. In addition, we used the questionnaire to ask participants about experiences on September 11, about medical diagnoses since then, and about social support. Participation rates were 82%-83% at both high schools and at the 40 Rector Street building, 76% at the comparison office building, about 55%-60% at BMCC, about 45%-50% at the comparison college, and 37% at the 120 Broadway building. In all four studies, the prevalence of physical symptoms, including upper and lower respiratory symptoms, tended to be higher at the work sites near the WTC site than at the comparison work sites. The prevalence of persistent symptoms (upper and lower respiratory symptoms) also tended to be higher. Depressive symptoms and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were prevalent at Stuyvesant and BMCC, but not at the two office buildings. Likewise, PTSD diagnosed since September 11 was more prevalent at Stuyvesant and BMCC than at their comparison sites, and a similar, though not statistically significant, prevalence ratio was found at the 40 Rector Street building. Newly diagnosed depression was not statistically more prevalent at any of the individual sites than at the comparison sites. All the surveys were limited by the lack of quantitative information about employees' exposures to dust and smoke from the collapsing buildings and fires on September 11 and our inability to infer medical diagnoses solely on the basis of a symptom survey. Since our interim letters were issued, published reports from several studies have described short- and medium-term physical health effects among rescue workers, office workers, and residents from the surrounding community. These studies have provided information suggesting that exposure to the dust cloud and the chemical/physical properties of the dust from the collapse of the buildings on September 11 as well as exposures to combustion products from the burning materials have contributed to the respiratory problems. Continued longitudinal follow-up of those exposed will be necessary to determine whether the changes in spirometry documented up to 5 years post-disaster will lead to chronic problems or whether the initial decline in respiratory function will be followed by recovery, as has been seen in other irritant-exposed groups. Reports of psychological problems have also been well documented since our interim letters were issued. On-going interventions addressing these reactions may help prevent the development of long-lasting psychological sequelae. NIOSH investigators determined that an occupational health hazard due to exposures surrounding the collapse of the World Trade Center existed among the working groups studied. A substantial burden of symptoms of depression and PTSD, as well as physical symptoms of eye irritation and upper airway irritation were present among those surveyed. Recommendations for medical evaluation of symptomatic persons, facilitating access to medical heath services, fostering social support, and training were given.
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