If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
HHE Search Results
471 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
(1993) Curcio Scrap Metal, Cirello Iron and Steel, Saddle Brook, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the New Jersey Department of Health, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to lead (7439921) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from contaminated soil at Curcio Scrap Metal and Cirello Iron and Steel (SIC-5093), Saddle Brook, New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA had previously identified high concentrations of contaminants in the soil at the site. Curcio Scrap Metal was involved in nonferrous metal recycling, p... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the New Jersey Department of Health, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to lead (7439921) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from contaminated soil at Curcio Scrap Metal and Cirello Iron and Steel (SIC-5093), Saddle Brook, New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA had previously identified high concentrations of contaminants in the soil at the site. Curcio Scrap Metal was involved in nonferrous metal recycling, predominantly aluminum. Much of the work area was located indoors and contact with contaminated soil appeared to be minimal. Cirello Iron and Steel was involved in ferrous metal recycling and was located on the unpaved lot at the same facility. The concentrations of lead found in the blood of workers ranged from 4 to 39.8 micrograms per deciliter (microg/dl). Levels of PCBs ranged from less than one to 65.3 parts per billion (ppb) with a mean of 7.5ppb. No significant differences were found in the blood lead levels or serum PCB levels of workers for each of the two companies. There was an increase in blood lead levels in direct relation to the number of cigarettes smoked on the job. Increased PCB levels were associated with eating lunch in the work area. No correlation was found between the blood lead levels and the PCB levels in the serum. The author concludes that exposure to lead occurred at both sites. Serum PCB concentrations were not higher than those in the general population. The author recommends that continued measurements be taken and that work practices be improved.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) General Castings - Power Street Facility, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, cleaning and sand handling areas of the General Castings Power Street Facility (SIC-3321), Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry which employed 32 workers. Three coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil bake, and no bake. Of the 15 environmental samples taken, four exceeded the OSHA 100 micrograms/cubic meter (microg... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, cleaning and sand handling areas of the General Castings Power Street Facility (SIC-3321), Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry which employed 32 workers. Three coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil bake, and no bake. Of the 15 environmental samples taken, four exceeded the OSHA 100 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) limit for respirable silica (14808607) as quartz. At the time of the survey, a local exhaust ventilation and bag house system was being installed. Personal breathing zone concentrations of lead (7439921) exceeded the 50microg/m3 permissible exposure level for the furnace operator and two pourers. Benzene (71432) exposures were in excess of the 0.1 part per million recommended exposure limit for two coremakers and a pourer. Carbon-monoxide (630080) levels ranged from 6 to 38 parts per million (ppm). Phenol (108952), toluene (108883), formaldehyde (50000), and other metals did not exceed recommended criteria levels. The authors conclude that workers without respiratory protection were overexposed to respirable silica, lead, carbon-monoxide, and benzene. The authors recommend that engineering controls and improved work practices be instituted to control exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) General Castings - Toledo Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into worker exposures at the Toledo Street Facility of General Castings (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry with 55 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 31 to 284 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as time weighted averages (TWAs). Of the 16 nearly full shift samples taken, six exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposu... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into worker exposures at the Toledo Street Facility of General Castings (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry with 55 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 31 to 284 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as time weighted averages (TWAs). Of the 16 nearly full shift samples taken, six exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 100microg/m3. Benzene (71432S) was detected in one sample for a molder at 0.1 parts per million (ppm), equal to the NIOSH recommended limits. Formaldehyde (50000) concentrations in the area ranged from 0.012 to 0.026ppm. Carbon-monoxide (630080) concentrations ranged from 2 to 30ppm with five of the ten personal breathing zone samples exceeding the accepted levels. Phenol (108952) at 0.07 to 0.54ppm, isopropanol (67630) at 1 to 38ppm, toluene (108883) at less than 0.062 to 0.066ppm, and the metals aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), iron (7439896), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965), lead (7439921), and zinc (7440666), did not exceed the recommended limits. The authors conclude that there was a hazard from respirable silica, carbon-monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene exposures in the coremaking, molding, and shakeout areas. The authors recommend that engineering controls, an improved respiratory protection program, and improved work practices be implemented to reduce exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) Indian Industries, Evansville, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request by an employee of Indian Industries (SIC- 3949), Evansville, Indiana an investigation was conducted of possible occupational exposures to BZ-123 which contains a mixture of solvents. The facility employed 250 to 400 workers in the manufacture of sporting goods equipment. Interviews were conducted with 17 of the over 300 workers at the production facility and air and hand wipe samples were analyzed for the presence of organic solvents. For paint line operators during clea... (Click to show more)In response to a request by an employee of Indian Industries (SIC- 3949), Evansville, Indiana an investigation was conducted of possible occupational exposures to BZ-123 which contains a mixture of solvents. The facility employed 250 to 400 workers in the manufacture of sporting goods equipment. Interviews were conducted with 17 of the over 300 workers at the production facility and air and hand wipe samples were analyzed for the presence of organic solvents. For paint line operators during cleanup, personal breathing zone concentrations of toluene (108883) ranged from 9.1 to 429.4 parts per million (ppm); for one worker, the short term exposure exceeded the NIOSH exposure limit of 150ppm. Styrene (100425) concentrations ranged from 0.64 to 20.9ppm. Low levels of cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), and zinc (7440666) were identified in hand wipe samples. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to potentially hazardous concentrations of organic solvents. The authors recommend that efforts be made to reduce exposures, including improvements in local exhaust ventilation, the implementation of a respiratory protection program, and the use of personal protective equipment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) JMS Southeast, Inc., Statesville, North Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun of worker exposures to airborne contaminants and the effectiveness of the ventilation system at JMS Southeast, Inc. (SIC- 3823), Statesville, North Carolina. The company employed 42 workers, including 17 directly involved in manufacturing temperature measurement devices for industrial applications. Processes evaluated at this site during the on site visit included tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), metal grinding, buffing ... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun of worker exposures to airborne contaminants and the effectiveness of the ventilation system at JMS Southeast, Inc. (SIC- 3823), Statesville, North Carolina. The company employed 42 workers, including 17 directly involved in manufacturing temperature measurement devices for industrial applications. Processes evaluated at this site during the on site visit included tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), metal grinding, buffing and sanding, brazing and soldering, and degreasing. Observations included sporadic adherence to the use of personal protective equipment and the lack of a formal safety program. Shop vacuums were used to ventilate the grinders and tubing cutters and did not appear to effectively contain the dusts after collection. Air sampling results indicated that contaminant levels were below NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Low concentrations of metals, both fumes and dust, were detected at several workstations. The author concludes that workers were not exposed to airborne contaminants above recommended limits at the time of the survey. The shop vacuums used as local exhaust systems were not intended for this use. The author recommends specific measures to improve the level of safety and health, including ventilation and employee training.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Ohio University Athens, Ohio, concerning worker exposures and cleaning effectiveness during a lead based paint cleaning pilot program conducted by a lead abatement contractor (SIC-1799), three cleaning methods were evaluated. The pilot program involved testing the three methods in unoccupied buildings contaminated with deteriorated lead (7439921) based paint. A visit was made to the site to observe work practices, and conduct air, surface, and bulk sampling for lead... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Ohio University Athens, Ohio, concerning worker exposures and cleaning effectiveness during a lead based paint cleaning pilot program conducted by a lead abatement contractor (SIC-1799), three cleaning methods were evaluated. The pilot program involved testing the three methods in unoccupied buildings contaminated with deteriorated lead (7439921) based paint. A visit was made to the site to observe work practices, and conduct air, surface, and bulk sampling for lead. The three cleaning methods included dry scraping followed by broom sweeping, wet scraping followed by high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuuming, and wet scraping followed by HEPA vacuuming with a HEPA filtered air filtration device placed in the room to exhaust room air to the outside. Six workers cleaned 18 rooms in 1 day. Sampling for lead was conducted before, during and after cleaning. The authors conclude that workers were potentially overexposed to lead during the three methods. The wet HEPA method was the best for controlling lead exposures. Even using this method, lead exposures during cleaning reached 50 micrograms/cubic meter. The cleaning effectiveness of the three methods was not significantly different. The authors recommend that the contractor furnish workers with NIOSH approved HEPA filter respirators, protective clothing, a clean change area, handwashing facilities, and job specific hazard training.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) Rhode Island Department of Education, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Professional Employees Union, Local 2012, an investigation was begun into health and comfort complaints at the Rhode Island Department of Education facility (SIC- 8211), Providence, Rhode Island. Friable asbestos (1332214) exposures were also a concern. Water damaged ceiling tiles and carpeting, missing and broken stair treads, pest infestations, mold growth, and potential fire hazards were noted during a walk through survey. Broken or improperly installed air c... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Professional Employees Union, Local 2012, an investigation was begun into health and comfort complaints at the Rhode Island Department of Education facility (SIC- 8211), Providence, Rhode Island. Friable asbestos (1332214) exposures were also a concern. Water damaged ceiling tiles and carpeting, missing and broken stair treads, pest infestations, mold growth, and potential fire hazards were noted during a walk through survey. Broken or improperly installed air conditioners failed to adequately maintain comfortable conditions during the summer months. No mechanical means for supplying fresh outside air was present. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels ranged from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 900ppm in occupied areas. Temperature ranged from 73 to 77 degrees-F with relative humidity between 35 and 42%. Of the workers responding to a health questionnaire, 55% suffered from allergies and 59% frequently experienced both headache and fatigue. Bulk insulation samples from pipe lagging and the furnace surface contained 30 to 50% chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. Two of five air samples in the furnace room indicated the presence of airborne asbestos. Paint chip samples from the furnace room contained 0.44 and 2.19% inorganic lead (7439921). The author concludes that health complaints could not be related to an identifiable environmental contaminant. There were potential exposures to lead and asbestos in basement work areas. The author recommends that specific measures be taken to control lead and asbestos exposures and to remedy other identified conditions.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) Saint Bernard Police Department, Saint Bernard, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Saint Bernard Police Department (SIC-9221), Saint Bernard, Ohio, an investigation was begun into exposures to lead (7439921) during hand gun firing exercises. The Department employed a staff of approximately 17 officers. Each month the firing range was used by four or five officers for 1 to 2 hours. The firing range occupied 2,500 square feet of the lower level of the building. The personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for lead exposure ranged... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Saint Bernard Police Department (SIC-9221), Saint Bernard, Ohio, an investigation was begun into exposures to lead (7439921) during hand gun firing exercises. The Department employed a staff of approximately 17 officers. Each month the firing range was used by four or five officers for 1 to 2 hours. The firing range occupied 2,500 square feet of the lower level of the building. The personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for lead exposure ranged from 36 to 48 micrograms of lead per cubic meter (microg/m3), based on the actual sampling time of 72 minutes. PBZ measurements for three officers ranged from 5 to 7microg/m3. All tests indicated the lead exposure levels were below the permissible limits. Thirteen general area air samples ranged from none detected to 845microg/m3. Peak sound pressure levels measured were as high as 160 decibels (dB), which did exceed the OSHA peak exposure criteria of 140dB. The authors conclude that there were no overexposures to airborne lead at the time of the evaluation. The authors recommend that personal hygiene practices be improved, that the firing range be properly maintained, and that hearing protection devices be maintained in good working order.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) The General Castings Co. - Domestic Division, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in place. Four coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil baked, cold box, and no bake. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted and included personal breathing zone and area air sampling, work practice evaluation, engineering control measures, and noise exposure assessment. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica (14808607), lead (7439921) and noise. Carbon- monoxide (630080), chrysotile (12001295) and benzene (71432) exposures constituted a potential health hazard to employees in the coremaking, molding, pouring, cleaning and shakeout areas. The author recommended measures for reducing exposures and improving the use of respiratory protective devices.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1993) The General Castings Company, Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Expo... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 50microg/m3. Twenty one samples contained cristobalite (14464461). Of the 16 iron exposures measured for the chipper/grinders, 12 exceeded the REL of 5,000microg/m3. Several nickel (7440020) concentrations exceeded the REL of 15microg/m3. Grinders were overexposed to noise. A paint dip tank area sample exceeded the 100 parts per million OSHA standard for xylene (1330207). Exposures to benzene (71432), ethyl-benzene (100414), toluene (108883) aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965) and zinc (7440666) did not exceed recommended limits. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to respirable silica, cristobalite, iron, nickel, and noise; there was a potential health hazard from xylene. The authors recommend that engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and work practices be improved.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
