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HHE Search Results
283 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
(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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(1987) Sancap Abrasives, Inc., Alliance, Ohio. (Click to open report) A request was received from the International Chemical Workers Union to investigate respiratory symptoms occurring from possible exposure to silica (7631869) dust along with neurologic symptoms of memory loss and disorientation from possible exposure to aluminum-oxide (1344281) dust at the Sancap Abrasives Inc. (SIC-3291) facility in Alliance, Ohio. Sancap Abrasives manufactured coated abrasives (sand paper), and had previously discontinued use of abrasives containing silica. The survey found 8 ... (Click to show more)A request was received from the International Chemical Workers Union to investigate respiratory symptoms occurring from possible exposure to silica (7631869) dust along with neurologic symptoms of memory loss and disorientation from possible exposure to aluminum-oxide (1344281) dust at the Sancap Abrasives Inc. (SIC-3291) facility in Alliance, Ohio. Sancap Abrasives manufactured coated abrasives (sand paper), and had previously discontinued use of abrasives containing silica. The survey found 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) exposures of respirable particulate concentrations for 20 samples ranging from 0.09 to 0.79mg/m3. Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.29 to 4.58mg/m3. Results of 20 personal air samples for aluminum (7429905) concentrations ranged from less than detectable to 0.02mg/m3. The amounts of free silica in all personal air samples were below the limit of detection. The amounts of quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) in two bulk samples of aluminum-oxide were also below the detection limits. No neurotoxic agents were identified at the facility. The authors conclude that silica exposures were not sufficient to pose a serious risk of silicosis. Annual medical examinations were recommended for all workers working in the coated abrasives division for a total of at least 10 years when silica was used.
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(1987) Wellman Dynamics Corporation, Creston, Iowa. (Click to open report) A request was received from Local 17, International Molders and Allied Workers Union to evaluate possible hazardous levels of chemical substances in the welding and foundry areas at Wellman Dynamics Corporation (SIC-3321), Creston, Iowa. Crystalline silica (7631869) concentrations in the breathing zone of sand molders, core makers, sand mixers, and core knockout personnel ranged from 52 to 238 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Formaldehyde (50000) levels of 0.11 to 0.42mg/m3 were found in the ... (Click to show more)A request was received from Local 17, International Molders and Allied Workers Union to evaluate possible hazardous levels of chemical substances in the welding and foundry areas at Wellman Dynamics Corporation (SIC-3321), Creston, Iowa. Crystalline silica (7631869) concentrations in the breathing zone of sand molders, core makers, sand mixers, and core knockout personnel ranged from 52 to 238 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Formaldehyde (50000) levels of 0.11 to 0.42mg/m3 were found in the breathing zones of coremakers, metal pourers and core knockout personnel, contributing to eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. Triethylamine (121448) was found at levels of 0.4 to 38mg/m3 in the breathing zone of coremakers, increasing respiratory distress. No excess levels were found of aluminum, magnesium, beryllium, inorganic fluorides, barium, methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, ethyl- alcohol, or ozone. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of crystalline silica and formaldehyde. Workers were also experiencing eye and respiratory irritant exposures. The authors recommend the institution of an effective medical and environmental monitoring program, control of free silica dust exposure through engineering methods, medical examinations for workers with possible exposure to silica, and fit testing respirators.
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(1986) American Crystal Sugar Co., Crookston, Minnesota. (Click to open report) Employee exposures to airborne contaminants during sugar beet processing and to welding fumes during facility maintenance were evaluated at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO), in response to a request from ACSCO's management and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union. Sugar processing operations involved approximately 375 workers, and maintenance included about 175 of these workers. During beet processing, personal breathing zon... (Click to show more)Employee exposures to airborne contaminants during sugar beet processing and to welding fumes during facility maintenance were evaluated at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO), in response to a request from ACSCO's management and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union. Sugar processing operations involved approximately 375 workers, and maintenance included about 175 of these workers. During beet processing, personal breathing zone and general air samples were collected and analyzed for several chemicals and total and respirable particulates of various dusts. Welding fumes were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectroscopy of personal filter samples. The following exposures were considered excessive by the most stringent criteria: lime kiln helper to total particulates (9.6 and 11.2mg/m3), Weibul storage bin housekeeper to sugar dust (13.4mg/m3), diffuser operator and charger to formaldehyde (50000) (0.05 to 0.09mg/m3), and welders and cutters to total welding fumes (2.3 to 84mg/m3) and specific metals, particularly hexavalent chromium (18540299) (0.003 to air and settled dust samples contained crystalline silica (14808607), representing a potential hazard. Recommendations include improved particulate containment and ventilation, use of respirators where appropriate, and formaldehyde replacement.
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(1986) American Crystal Sugar Company, Drayton, North Dakota. (Click to open report) Employee exposures to airborne contaminants during sugar beet processing and to welding fumes during facility maintenance were evaluated at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO), in response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union and ACSCO's management. Sugar processing operations involved approximately 370 workers, and welding potentially exposed ten to 15 workers. Personal and general air samples were collected ... (Click to show more)Employee exposures to airborne contaminants during sugar beet processing and to welding fumes during facility maintenance were evaluated at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO), in response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union and ACSCO's management. Sugar processing operations involved approximately 370 workers, and welding potentially exposed ten to 15 workers. Personal and general air samples were collected and analyzed for several chemicals, total and respirable dusts, and metals and welding fumes. Methods included gravimetric analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Exposures in excess of the most stringent criteria were found for calcium-oxide (1305788), coal dust, crystalline silica (14808607), sugar dust, and formaldehyde (50000). Areas of greatest exposure included lime kiln operation, coal handling, and storage bin housekeeping. The latter was only an area of potential exposure, since workers wore dust respirators. Detectable formaldehyde levels in general air represented a possible carcinogenic risk. Presence of silica in bulk samples presented a potential risk of silicosis. Exposures to total welding fumes and metals exceeded stringent criteria in two thirds of samples. Potential cancer risks included hexavalent chromium (18540299) and nickel (7440020). Recommendations include use of respiratory protection, dust and fume containment, and formaldehyde replacement.
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(1986) American Crystal Sugar Company, East Grand Forks, Minnesota. (Click to open report) Following a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union and management of the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO), employee exposures to airborne contaminants during beet processing and welding fumes during facility maintenance were determined at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by ACSCO. Beet processing involved 680 workers, and welding exposed a potential ten to 15 workers to metal fumes. Personal and general air samples were analyzed for chemicals and total ... (Click to show more)Following a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union and management of the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO), employee exposures to airborne contaminants during beet processing and welding fumes during facility maintenance were determined at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by ACSCO. Beet processing involved 680 workers, and welding exposed a potential ten to 15 workers to metal fumes. Personal and general air samples were analyzed for chemicals and total and respirable dusts, and total welding fumes and metals were analyzed from personal samples. Analytical methods included chromatography, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and gravimetry. Exposures in excess of the most stringent criteria were found for calcium-oxide (1305788) and calcium-carbonate (471341) in lime kiln workers, sugar dust in sugar bin workers, insoluble hexavalent chromium (18540299) and nickel (7440020) during welding, total welding fumes in one case, and nickel during a metal coating spray process. Quartz (14808607) was found in several settled dust samples and high volume air samples. Nickel and chromium exposures presented potential cancer risks. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to calcium-oxide, calcium-carbonate, sugar dust, total welding fumes, hexavalent chromium and nickel at this facility. Recommendations include particulate containment, ventilation, and respiratory protection where appropriate.
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(1986) American Crystal Sugar Company, Hillsboro, North Dakota. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management of the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union, employee exposures to welding fumes during facility maintenance and to airborne contaminants during beet processing were determined at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by ACSCO. Beet processing involved 230 workers, while approximately ten to 15 workers were potentially exposed to welding fumes. General air and personal samples were analyzed f... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management of the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union, employee exposures to welding fumes during facility maintenance and to airborne contaminants during beet processing were determined at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by ACSCO. Beet processing involved 230 workers, while approximately ten to 15 workers were potentially exposed to welding fumes. General air and personal samples were analyzed for total and respirable dusts and various chemicals, and personal filters were analyzed for welding fumes. Analytical methods included X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, chromatography, and gravimetry. Quartz (14808607) was found in high volume air samples and settled dust. Exposures exceeding the most stringent environmental criteria were found for calcium-carbonate (471341) and carbon-monoxide (630080) in lime kiln workers and sugar dust in sugar bin workers. Beet pulp dust was considered a potential hazard based on its content of crystalline silica. Welding produced excessive exposures to total welding fumes, hexavalent chromium (18540299), nickel (7440020), iron-oxide (1332372), and calcium-oxide (1305788). Chromium and nickel posed potential cancer risks. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to calcium-carbonate, carbon-monoxide, sugar dust, total welding fumes, hexavalent chromium, iron-oxide, nickel, and calcium- oxide fumes at this facility. The authors recommend dust containment, ventilation, respiratory protection, and correction of slipping hazards.
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(1986) American Crystal Sugar Company, Moorhead, Minnesota. (Click to open report) A sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) was evaluated for worker exposure to airborne contaminants during beet processing and welding fumes during facility maintenance, following a request from ACSCO management and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union. Beet processing involved approximately 690 workers, while maintenance involved approximately 300 of these workers. Total and respirable dusts were measured in personal and general ai... (Click to show more)A sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) was evaluated for worker exposure to airborne contaminants during beet processing and welding fumes during facility maintenance, following a request from ACSCO management and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union. Beet processing involved approximately 690 workers, while maintenance involved approximately 300 of these workers. Total and respirable dusts were measured in personal and general air samples, and personal welding filter samples were analyzed. Analytical methods included spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gravimetry, and chromatography. Quartz (14808607) was detected in settled dust and high volume air samples; beet pulp was considered to be a potential health risk. Exposures in excess of the most stringent environmental criteria were found for calcium-oxide (1305788) in lime kiln workers, formaldehyde (50000) in diffuser area workers, and total welding fumes, nickel (7440020), and iron-oxide (1332372) during welding operations. Exposures to nickel and formaldehyde presented potential cancer risks. Interference prevented analysis of hexavalent chromium (18540299), but the authors expect that it would be elevated. The authors recommend formaldehyde replacement, particulate containment, ventilation improvement, and use of appropriate respiratory protection.
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(1986) C F and I Steel, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the C-F-and-I Steel Facility, (SIC-3313, SIC-3321), Pueblo, Colorado, an evaluation was made of occupational exposures to phenol (108952), crystalline silica, total particulate, and fiber glass particulates. General room air samples for phenol showed levels to be 0.04 to 0.20 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Cristobalite (14464461) concentrations were below laboratory detection limits. Quartz (14808607) levels, when detectable, ranged from 0.05 to 0... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the C-F-and-I Steel Facility, (SIC-3313, SIC-3321), Pueblo, Colorado, an evaluation was made of occupational exposures to phenol (108952), crystalline silica, total particulate, and fiber glass particulates. General room air samples for phenol showed levels to be 0.04 to 0.20 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Cristobalite (14464461) concentrations were below laboratory detection limits. Quartz (14808607) levels, when detectable, ranged from 0.05 to 0.06 mg/m3. Total particulates were 0.07 to 0.59 mg/m3. Fiberglass samples were below the detection limits. Interviews with workers did not indicate any complaints that appeared to be work related. The respirator program in the electric arc furnace, and in the foundry appeared to meet the OSHA requirements. The author concludes that a health hazard from exposures to quartz, cristobalite, total particulate, phenol and fiberglass did not exist at the time of the survey. It was recommended that compliance with the respiratory protection program be continued and that all workers be advised on all chemicals used in the foundry and the electric arc furnace, with particular concern given to their toxicity.
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