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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
(1986) Champion International, Frenchtown, Montana. (Click to open report) Possible exposures to crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total particulates were reviewed at Champion International (SIC-2621), Frenchtown, Montana, in response to a request by the Hellgate Local 885 of the United Paperworkers International Union. The hog fuel and waste fuel boilers were the areas of specific concern at this paper mill. Breathing zone samples collected for nine locations were found to be below the evaluation criteria for crystalline silica and total particulate contents. Re... (Click to show more)Possible exposures to crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total particulates were reviewed at Champion International (SIC-2621), Frenchtown, Montana, in response to a request by the Hellgate Local 885 of the United Paperworkers International Union. The hog fuel and waste fuel boilers were the areas of specific concern at this paper mill. Breathing zone samples collected for nine locations were found to be below the evaluation criteria for crystalline silica and total particulate contents. Respirable silica was present at 0.02mg/m3 at its highest concentration. Results of the bulk analyses showed that the workers were exposed to material containing only 3.1 percent quartz (14808607) and less than 0.75 percent cristobalite, suggesting no hazard from crystalline silica. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 11.0, with a average concentration of 4.12mg/m3. Lead and chromium (7440473) were below the detection limit. A bulk sample of gasket material was 50 to 60 percent chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to total dust in the boiler area, and from installation of asbestos gasket material. Workers involved in handling the gasket material should be advised that it is made of asbestos and to take the required safety precautions. The asbestos gasket material should be replaced by some less hazardous material.
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(1986) City of Columbus Refuse Derived Fuel Power Plant, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) As a result of a request from the City of Columbus, Ohio, potential for heat stress along with exposure to chemical contaminants and airborne microbial pollutants was investigated at the city refuse derived fuel powerplant (SIC-4931, SIC-4953). Health hazards existed from lead (7439921) and silica exposures for workers involved in handling ash. Low levels of exposure to chromium (7440473), chromium-VI, cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were noted. Excessive heat stress occurred during the ... (Click to show more)As a result of a request from the City of Columbus, Ohio, potential for heat stress along with exposure to chemical contaminants and airborne microbial pollutants was investigated at the city refuse derived fuel powerplant (SIC-4931, SIC-4953). Health hazards existed from lead (7439921) and silica exposures for workers involved in handling ash. Low levels of exposure to chromium (7440473), chromium-VI, cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were noted. Excessive heat stress occurred during the maintenance activities in hot areas of the facility. Airborne microbial contamination levels in the refuse handling areas indicated that exposure hazards existed by both the inhalation and ingestion routes. Human pathogens may be present in the microbial pollutants. The author recommends that the use of engineering controls be instituted to lessen the exposure of employees to lead. In the power plant area and in the refuse handling area, eating, drinking, and the carrying or use of tobacco products or cosmetics should be prohibited. Use of dry sweeping or compressed air cleaning of surfaces to remove dust must be discontinued. Vacuuming or wet removal of dust particles should be used instead. At material transfer points, where dust exposure can be a real problem, it is recommended that enclosures be built. Single use disposable dust respirators are not recommended. Recommended methods for controlling heat stress include modification of environmental heat exchange components, work schedule modifications, protective clothing, worker education, and preplacement and periodic medical surveillance.
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(1986) Cooper Energy Services Corporation, Grove City, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) The prevalence of respiratory disease was studied in a population of foundry workers in the Cooper Energy Services Corporation Facility (SIC-3320), Grove City, Pennsylvania. Ten definite cases of silica induced pneumoconiosis, and six probable cases of silicosis, out of 181 foundry employees were found. Restrictive lung changes were demonstrated on pulmonary function tests in four of the cases. These findings were consistent with early pneumoconiosis. Work as a chipper between the years of 1951 ... (Click to show more)The prevalence of respiratory disease was studied in a population of foundry workers in the Cooper Energy Services Corporation Facility (SIC-3320), Grove City, Pennsylvania. Ten definite cases of silica induced pneumoconiosis, and six probable cases of silicosis, out of 181 foundry employees were found. Restrictive lung changes were demonstrated on pulmonary function tests in four of the cases. These findings were consistent with early pneumoconiosis. Work as a chipper between the years of 1951 and 1970 showed a definite correlation with risk for silicosis development. The greatest exposures to respirable crystalline silica appeared to be among chippers and grinders. All current employees exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica equal to or greater than 25 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over a work shift of 8 to 10 hours, should be included in a medical screening program. The efficacy of the dust controls implemented as a result of this study should be evaluated through the existing environmental surveillance program. Limiting of worker exposure to crystalline silica of 50 micrograms/cubic meter, averaged over a work shift of 8 to 10 hours, is recommended to reduce the possibility of developing pneumoconiosis.
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(1986) E.I. Dupont Sabine River Works, Orange, Texas. (Click to open report) Painter exposures to isocyanates during painting of process equipment at the E. I. Dupont Sabine River Works, Orange, Texas, were investigated. The evaluation was jointly requested by the International Painters and Allied Trades Union, Local 328, and the painting contractor, Courtney Enterprises (SIC-1721), Houston, Texas. Long term personal breathing zone and area air sampling were performed during painting operations to assess exposures to monomeric hexamethylene-diisocyanate (822060) (HDI) an... (Click to show more)Painter exposures to isocyanates during painting of process equipment at the E. I. Dupont Sabine River Works, Orange, Texas, were investigated. The evaluation was jointly requested by the International Painters and Allied Trades Union, Local 328, and the painting contractor, Courtney Enterprises (SIC-1721), Houston, Texas. Long term personal breathing zone and area air sampling were performed during painting operations to assess exposures to monomeric hexamethylene-diisocyanate (822060) (HDI) and toluene- diisocyanate (584849) (TDI), total reactive isocyanate groups (TRIG), and organic solvents. Midget impingers, charcoal tube, and silica gel collection devices provided samples for gas and high performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Monomeric HDI was found in two personal samples at concentrations of 5.9 and 23.4 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), and at 41.5microg/m3 in one area sample. Monomeric TDI was found in two personal air samples at 9.3 and 33.8microg/m3. TRIG concentrations ranged from 41.2 to 484 microg/m3. Cellosolve-acetate (111159) concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 63.9 milligrams/m3 (mg/m3). Air concentrations of organic solvents ranged from undetectable to: methyl-ethylketone (78933), 11.4mg/m3; ethyl-acetate (141786), 30.6mg/m3; and xylene (1330207), 9.9mg/m3. The authors conclude that employee overexposures to isocyanates and TRIG were found, while the additive effect of combined exposures to individual solvents could also be hazardous. Use of supplied air respirators was recommended in combination with improved medical placement examinations and general industrial hygiene.
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(1986) FMC Corporation, Pocatello, Idaho. (Click to open report) Following a request from the International Association of Machinists, Lodge 1933, breathing zone air samples were evaluated and 187 of 493 workers were interviewed concerning health problems at the FMC Corporation (SIC-2819), Pocatello, Idaho. Carbon- monoxide (630080) concentrations ranged from 1 to 9.5 parts per million (ppm). Respirable quartz (14808607) concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 5.71 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3). Seven of nine total quartz dust samples exceeded the criterion of 3.... (Click to show more)Following a request from the International Association of Machinists, Lodge 1933, breathing zone air samples were evaluated and 187 of 493 workers were interviewed concerning health problems at the FMC Corporation (SIC-2819), Pocatello, Idaho. Carbon- monoxide (630080) concentrations ranged from 1 to 9.5 parts per million (ppm). Respirable quartz (14808607) concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 5.71 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3). Seven of nine total quartz dust samples exceeded the criterion of 3.75mg/m3. Phosphorus (7723140) concentrations ranged from less than 0.023 to occurred in the furnace area and ranged from 0.01ppm to 1.24ppm. Phosphine (7803512) concentrations were less than 0.1ppm. Of workers interviewed, 47.6 percent described possibly work related health problems, including respiratory tract problems, skin irritation, and back problems; 34 percent reported minor phosphorus burns. Dental problems correlated with work in the phosphorus department. The authors conclude that workers are potentially exposed to excessive airborne concentrations of respirable and total quartz dust and sulfur-dioxide. The potential exists for harmful exposures to phosphorus, phosphine, hot surfaces and liquids, but medical, dental and environmental programs appear to address these problems. Respiratory protection is recommended for jobs involving potential exposures.
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(1986) Hirschfield Press, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Following a request from Local 440M of the Graphic Communication International Union, solvent exposures in the Toshiba Press area of Hirschfield Press (SIC-2751), Denver, Colorado were evaluated. Samples for petroleum naphtha (8030306), toluene (108883), and isopropanol (67630) were collected on organic vapor charcoal sampling tubes using vacuum pumps. Methanol (67561) was collected on silica gel tubes using vacuum pumps. All 12 workers were interviewed and 11 were monitored for exposure to airb... (Click to show more)Following a request from Local 440M of the Graphic Communication International Union, solvent exposures in the Toshiba Press area of Hirschfield Press (SIC-2751), Denver, Colorado were evaluated. Samples for petroleum naphtha (8030306), toluene (108883), and isopropanol (67630) were collected on organic vapor charcoal sampling tubes using vacuum pumps. Methanol (67561) was collected on silica gel tubes using vacuum pumps. All 12 workers were interviewed and 11 were monitored for exposure to airborne contaminants. The average concentration of petroleum naphtha was 53 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and ranged from 18mg/m3 to 106mg/m3. Toluene concentrations ranged from 0.01mg/m3 to 2mg/m3 for an average toluene concentration of 0.9mg/m3. The average isopropanol concentration was 17mg/m3 in a range from 3 to 33mg/m3. Methanol was found in only one sample at a concentration of the afterburner on the Toshiba Press was not working, although this occurred rarely. The author concludes that there is no health hazard in the vicinity of the Toshiba Press on the day of the survey. It is recommended that employees be informed about the chemicals they use to maintain and operate the press. Respiratory protection should be provided when the afterburner malfunctions.
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(1986) International Bakers Services, Inc., South Bend, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from International Bakers Services, Inc. (SIC-2099), South Bend, Indiana, a health hazard evaluation was conducted in the mixing room. At this location in the factory, three employees are charged with weighing and loading a large variety of fragrances, flavorings, starch, and 50 to 100 pound bags of flour into one of three mixers. Considerable dust is generated during the loading and mixing tasks. At times, this dust level has been measured at 20 milligrams per cubic met... (Click to show more)In response to a request from International Bakers Services, Inc. (SIC-2099), South Bend, Indiana, a health hazard evaluation was conducted in the mixing room. At this location in the factory, three employees are charged with weighing and loading a large variety of fragrances, flavorings, starch, and 50 to 100 pound bags of flour into one of three mixers. Considerable dust is generated during the loading and mixing tasks. At times, this dust level has been measured at 20 milligrams per cubic meter. When material was added to the mixers, employees wore a supplied air respirator. Workers did not always use the respirator during clean up operations. Catastrophic fixed airway disease developed in two workers who had no known personal risk factors prior to employment at the factory. The disease is suggestive of bronchiolitis obliterans or emphysema. The workers demonstrated symptoms of the disease within 5 to 6 months of beginning employment. Two other workers in the mixing room were not affected. No specific etiology of the illnesses was identified. The authors conclude that a short term exposure to a specific mix may have triggered the reaction and initiated the disease in these individuals. They recommend that when a specific etiology for a disease cannot be found, all airborne dust exposures should be controlled in the mixing room. In cases where engineering or ventilation changes alone may not be sufficient, protective equipment in the form of a respirator should be worn. This report also contains the walk through survey report made at the facility to study control technology employed in the manual transfer of chemical powders.
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(1986) Ladish Company, Cudahy, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) A walk through survey was made to investigate exposures to crystalline silica (7631869), metal dust and fumes, solvents, machine coolants, and lead (7439921) at a metal forging facility owned by the Ladish Company (SIC-3462), Cudaby, Wisconsin as requested by an authorized representative of the employees. Medical surveys were conducted and environmental air samples collected. Additional specific substances investigated included titanium (7440326), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron oxide... (Click to show more)A walk through survey was made to investigate exposures to crystalline silica (7631869), metal dust and fumes, solvents, machine coolants, and lead (7439921) at a metal forging facility owned by the Ladish Company (SIC-3462), Cudaby, Wisconsin as requested by an authorized representative of the employees. Medical surveys were conducted and environmental air samples collected. Additional specific substances investigated included titanium (7440326), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron oxide (1332372), cobalt (7440484), vanadium (7440622), aluminum (7429905), cutting fluids, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556). No evidence of excess respiratory disease was found among 45 grinders. A substantial number of employees complained of irritant symptoms attributed to brief exposures to high concentrations of the grinding dust. No evidence of skin problems related to coolant exposures was noted. Concentrations of total particulates were below the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA). Nickel was detected in five of six personal samples at TWA concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.056 mg/m3. The authors conclude that instances involving the grinding of large forgings and forgings containing nickel present a potential health hazard if not properly controlled. It is recommended that nickel exposure be reduced to the lowest feasible level. Employees should position their work so that dust generated is effectively captured by the grinding hood, in some cases using a moveable hood, or periodically repositioning a part.
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(1986) Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) Following a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the source of nose bleeds and upper respiratory tract irritation among employees in the insulation shop at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (SIC-3731) Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was investigated. Air samples were collected and analyzed for total fiber count. Samples were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy for fiber identification, gravimetrically for respirable dust exposure, and using X-ray diffrac... (Click to show more)Following a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the source of nose bleeds and upper respiratory tract irritation among employees in the insulation shop at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (SIC-3731) Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was investigated. Air samples were collected and analyzed for total fiber count. Samples were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy for fiber identification, gravimetrically for respirable dust exposure, and using X-ray diffraction for quartz (14808607) content. Medical questionnaires were completed by 73 of 100 insulators. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 8.7 to 30 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). Concentrations of total fibers less than 5 microns in length ranged from 0.0017 to 0.005 fibers per cubic centimeter. Asbestos (1332214) concentrations did not differ significantly from zero. Symptoms most frequently reported were sneezing, experienced by 81 percent of respondents, followed by runny nose, frequent colds, and skin irritation. Sixty three percent reported having some nose bleeds, consisting of spotting when blowing the nose, with an average frequency of two per week. The author concludes that employee symptoms are probably caused by the irritating properties of magnesium-silicate, portland cement (65997151), and fibrous glass, as well as poor work practices which resulted in direct contact and transfer of the irritating dusts. Rigorous attention to personal hygiene is recommended.
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(1986) Winters Industry Foundry, Canton, Ohio. (Click to open report) An assessment was made of possible exposure to the catalyst dimethylethylamine (75649) (DMEA) at the Winters Industry Foundry (SIC-3321, SIC-3565) in Canton, Ohio in the coreroom sand binder system, in response to a request from the Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 154. Symptoms of vision disturbances consisting of blurred, foggy or halovision had been reported by workers at the facility along with headaches and stomach pain. Long term personal breathing zone air samples were taken during... (Click to show more)An assessment was made of possible exposure to the catalyst dimethylethylamine (75649) (DMEA) at the Winters Industry Foundry (SIC-3321, SIC-3565) in Canton, Ohio in the coreroom sand binder system, in response to a request from the Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 154. Symptoms of vision disturbances consisting of blurred, foggy or halovision had been reported by workers at the facility along with headaches and stomach pain. Long term personal breathing zone air samples were taken during the core manufacturing processes and revealed the following airborne concentrations: DMEA, nondetectable to 29mg/m3; respirable free silica (14808607), nondetectable to 1,144 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3); methylene- chloride (75092), nondetectable to 4.7mg/m3; perchloroethylene (127184), 2.2 to 6.4mg/m3; 1,1,1-trichloroethane (79016), 451 to 764mg/m3; and total reactive isocyanate groups, nondetectable to 144microg/m3. No airborne concentrations of ammonia or nitrosamines were detected. Over 90 percent of the employees experienced at least one symptom or effect which was consistent with DMEA exposure. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists with regard to exposure to free silica. Vision disturbances were considered to be consistent with current and past exposures to DMEA at levels which could jeopardize health. The authors recommend that concentrations of DMEA be kept as low as possible, although there are at present no regulations concerning safe levels of this chemical in the workplace.
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