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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
(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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(1994) Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility, Chester, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns inc... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns included ear, nose and throat problems, eye irritation, and skin rash. During the initial visit, lead and other metals were found in settled dust throughout the facility. Lead, chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were present on lunch tables and on workers' hands. During a follow up visit, full shift personal air monitoring was conducted. The greatest concentrations of lead were found in bulk, wipe and air samples. Personal breathing samples taken showed that lead concentrations were well below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter. A potential for excessive heat exposure was found on the fifth and sixth floor of the facility. Safety hazards cited during this visit included improper practices regarding personal protective equipment and inadequate personal hygiene practices such as handwashing. The authors conclude that a possible occupational health hazard existed due to heat exposure in some areas of the facility. The presence of metal in dust on workers' hands and surfaces presented a risk of ingestion.
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(1994) Gen Corp Automotive, Logansport, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum, and Plastic Workers of America, an investigation was conducted into possible hazardous working conditions in department 634, Gen Corp Automotive (SIC-3061), Logansport, Indiana. Workers had reported skin problems and reproductive problems, and had expressed concern about exposure to solvents and nitrosamines. The company employed 512 workers in the production of automotive vibration control products from rubber stock and metal part... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum, and Plastic Workers of America, an investigation was conducted into possible hazardous working conditions in department 634, Gen Corp Automotive (SIC-3061), Logansport, Indiana. Workers had reported skin problems and reproductive problems, and had expressed concern about exposure to solvents and nitrosamines. The company employed 512 workers in the production of automotive vibration control products from rubber stock and metal parts. Air quality samples taken during the study indicated that there was no significant acute hazard from inhaling organic solvent vapors in this work area. No exposures to nitrosamines or lead were detected. Possibly work related dermatitis and urticaria were reported by four workers. Many of the rubber components and the adhesives and elastomers used in the department have been known to cause irritant or allergic reactions. The authors conclude that solvent exposures were well below recommended standards at the time of the survey. Some employees could be experiencing irritant or allergic reactions. The authors recommend that chemical exposures be reduced and the improvements be made in worker education and communication, and management of worker skin problems.
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(1994) Kessler Studios, Loveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owners of Kessler Studios (SIC- 3231), Loveland, Ohio, an investigation was conducted to determine whether hazardous working conditions existed at that site. The company was a small stained glass window studio, adjoining the owners' home. The owners were the only full time employees. Part time employees work occasionally at the studio. The primary concerns were lead (7439921) exposure from working with leaded came and the possible contamination of their home. Ai... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owners of Kessler Studios (SIC- 3231), Loveland, Ohio, an investigation was conducted to determine whether hazardous working conditions existed at that site. The company was a small stained glass window studio, adjoining the owners' home. The owners were the only full time employees. Part time employees work occasionally at the studio. The primary concerns were lead (7439921) exposure from working with leaded came and the possible contamination of their home. Air samples taken during all processes conducted at the studio yielded low concentrations of lead, except one. Breathing zone lead dust concentrations ranging from 60 to 80 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) were generated during the whiting process, a cleaning procedure. Lead dust accumulations in the workshop ranged from 1.2 to 1,600 milligrams per square meter. Wipe samples, vacuum dust samples, and general air samples in the home suggest that lead contamination was not occurring in their residence. Blood lead levels were 1.8 and 2.1 micrograms per deciliter. The zinc protoporphyrin blood levels were 34 and 31 micrograms/deciliter. The author concludes that personal lead exposures were low, except during whiting. Exposures to lead were minimized by ventilation and hygiene practices; these also prevented the contamination of their home.
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(1994) Lasko Metal Parts, Inc., R and S Manufacturing, Inc., Columbia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an investigation was conducted of a new epoxy powder recycling process and epoxy powder exposures at R and S Manufacturing (SIC-3634), Columbia, Pennsylvania, a division of Lasko Metal Parts. The company produced electric motors used in oscillating fans. An epoxy powder was sprayed onto the motors and heat cured. Eight employees worked in the epoxy powder room. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for C7 to C11 naphthas and 1,1,1-trichloroethane ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an investigation was conducted of a new epoxy powder recycling process and epoxy powder exposures at R and S Manufacturing (SIC-3634), Columbia, Pennsylvania, a division of Lasko Metal Parts. The company produced electric motors used in oscillating fans. An epoxy powder was sprayed onto the motors and heat cured. Eight employees worked in the epoxy powder room. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for C7 to C11 naphthas and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) (TCE). General area air samples were analyzed for fiber identification, content of respirable dust, and crystalline silica (14808607). Only trace concentrations of wollastonite (13983170) were identified in the general air samples taken. Respirable dust general area air samples ranged from 0.20 to 0.24mg/m3. Results for crystalline silica were below the minimum detectable concentrations. Deficiencies were noted during a visual inspection of the local exhaust ventilation system. These deficiencies may have contributed to the minor symptoms of heat stress which were reported by employees. Potential lead (7439921) exposure was identified for workers in the wire department due to an inadequate exhaust hood design and poor work practices. Welding fumes from a manual spot welding station were exhausted into the factory. The authors conclude that exposures to epoxy powder were below nuisance dust criteria; however, exposures should be minimized. The authors recommend that exhaust ventilation deficiencies be corrected.
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(1994) Magnetics Division of Spang and Company, Butler, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to paint, paint thinners, and Freon at the Magnetics Division of Spang and Company (SIC-3679), Butler, Pennsylvania. The division employed about 450 people and manufactured two types of magnetic cores used in a variety of electronic devices. Workers in the Tape Core Paint Room had experienced light headedness or fainting episodes. Only one sample contained measurable levels of 2-ethoxyethyl-acetate (111159) bu... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to paint, paint thinners, and Freon at the Magnetics Division of Spang and Company (SIC-3679), Butler, Pennsylvania. The division employed about 450 people and manufactured two types of magnetic cores used in a variety of electronic devices. Workers in the Tape Core Paint Room had experienced light headedness or fainting episodes. Only one sample contained measurable levels of 2-ethoxyethyl-acetate (111159) but the level was 0.25 parts per million (ppm), one half of the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for full shift time weighted average exposure. Methylene-chloride (75092) was detected in all but one of the air samples with levels ranging up to 35ppm. One personal breathing zone sample had a lead (7439921) concentration of 36 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) which exceeded the OSHA action level for lead of 30microg/m3. The paint booth exhaust systems appeared to be operating efficiently and there were good work practices among the painters. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to methylene-chloride, considered by NIOSH to be a potential occupational carcinogen. Exposures to lead and 2- ethoxyethyl-acetate may exceed the evaluation criteria. Some workers may experience symptoms when working near solvents and paints, even though the measured exposures were below the permissible exposure limits. The authors recommend that efforts be made to reduce exposures in the paint room.
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(1994) Rosebud Company, Atlanta, Georgia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owner, an evaluation was made of potential hazardous conditions associated with the use of an experimental paint stripper to renovate wood floors by the Rosebud Company (SIC-1752), Atlanta, Georgia. The work was being performed at an antique residence undergoing renovation. The paint stripper, Experimental Solvent System Formulat MPB, was a viscous liquid used for passive refinishing. Personal exposures to n-methyl- pyrrolidinone (872504) (NMP) were documented a... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owner, an evaluation was made of potential hazardous conditions associated with the use of an experimental paint stripper to renovate wood floors by the Rosebud Company (SIC-1752), Atlanta, Georgia. The work was being performed at an antique residence undergoing renovation. The paint stripper, Experimental Solvent System Formulat MPB, was a viscous liquid used for passive refinishing. Personal exposures to n-methyl- pyrrolidinone (872504) (NMP) were documented at 3.3 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm) on two occasions at the work site. Area samples averaged 3.6 and 7.7ppm. No detectable lead (7439921) was found in the personal or area air samples taken. Wipe samples prior to renovation found a surface lead level of 158 micrograms per square foot from a section of baseboard. Four paint chip samples from the floor or a room being renovated contained 0.19% to 0.28% lead. Levels of formic-acid (64186) were below the 5ppm OSHA permissible exposure limit. The author concludes that the health hazard associated with NMP exposure is not clear. The author recommends that additional precautions be taken to reduce potential exposures for workers and others in the building.
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(1994) State of Rhode Island, Department of Employment and Training, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was detected in any of the twelve general area samples taken for airborne lead. Two bulk samples of residue abrasive blasting and paint chips material contained 3,300 and 120,000 micrograms of lead/gram of material. Forty wipe samples obtained from surfaces in the office ranged from 9 to 200,000 micrograms of lead/square foot. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed due to the presence of lead contaminated dust. The authors recommend that manual cleaning and vacuuming of these areas using a high efficiency particulate air filtering system be conducted.
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