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HHE Search Results
1057 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
(2006) Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center, Swannanoa, North Carolina. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees at the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (DJJDP) Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center (SVYDC) in Swannanoa, North Carolina, to conduct an investigation of tuberculosis (TB) control, indoor air quality (IAQ), and asbestos management at that facility. Employees expressed concerns about possible TB exposure after hearing that at least one of ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees at the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (DJJDP) Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center (SVYDC) in Swannanoa, North Carolina, to conduct an investigation of tuberculosis (TB) control, indoor air quality (IAQ), and asbestos management at that facility. Employees expressed concerns about possible TB exposure after hearing that at least one of the facility's students was being treated with TB medication and that one employee recently had a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) result when tested by a private physician. They questioned the change in policy that occurred in 2000, whereby annual skin testing for employees was replaced with testing at hire only. In addition, employees expressed concerns about indoor air quality, including exposure to mold. They reported asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Finally, employees expressed concerns about possible exposure to asbestos. They reported broken floor tiles that they believed contained asbestos as well as construction debris containing asbestos that had been buried on the campus grounds. The NIOSH response consisted of several phone interviews with the requesters and management to gather information, phone interviews with members of the state health department, a two-day site visit by NIOSH staff, review of the state's tuberculosis control policy manual, and review of the facility's operations and management plan. During the site visit, a NIOSH industrial hygienist conducted a walkthrough of the facility's buildings, evaluated building ventilation systems, and interviewed both SVYDC and DJJDP safety officers. A NIOSH medical officer reviewed the facility's TB control program (including skin testing protocols and results for students and employees), inquired about its respiratory protection program, and interviewed the facility and state health department health care personnel responsible for infection control. A TB control nurse consultant from the state health department participated in the site visit, including the review of the facility's TB control program. The TB control program includes one-step TST at baseline (pre-admission) and every two years for students; and one-step TST at hire for employees. Employees do not receive information on TB as part of their safety training and do not participate in a respiratory protection program for TB. Review of student TST results for the past three years revealed five newly positive results in students who had negative baseline results. According to the facility and state health department health care personnel, there have not been any cases of infectious TB among the students for at least the past three years. Mold growth in some of the student shower areas was observed. Some of the ventilation ducts had substantial dust build-up. Concentrations of carbon dioxide were found to be elevated in the clinic area when it was occupied by multiple people. Materials identified in the facility's Asbestos Management Plan as containing asbestos were noted to be intact with the exception of several broken floor tiles in one area. NIOSH staff conducted a two-day site visit to the Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center in Swannanoa, North Carolina to address employee concerns about exposure to TB, indoor air quality, exposure to asbestos, and health effects that employees were experiencing. Students are skin-tested for TB every two years. While some students have had tuberculin skin test conversions, there have been no documented cases of infectious TB among students. Employees are skin-tested at hire only. One employee who had a positive test in 2005 when tested by a private physician may have had a workplace exposure. Further investigation is recommended and annual employee testing should be initiated. A respiratory protection program for TB was not in place for employees and should be established. A small amount of mold growth was noted in the student showers and there was evidence of roof leaks in the cafeteria. Real-time measurements indicated that carbon dioxide levels in the clinic area were elevated when it was occupied by multiple people, indicating that fresh air supply was inadequate. Floor tiles in the Greenwood Cottage A-wing had been identified in the Asbestos Management Plan as containing asbestos. Several of these tiles were found to be broken and should be replaced.
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(2006) Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy, Boardman, Oregon. (Click to open report) On June 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy in Boardman, Oregon. The requestors reported health effects such as cough, sore throat, throat infection, burning eyes, dizziness, and headache and concerns about exposure to chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, and exposure to dust. During a site visit on August 9-11, 2005, we ... (Click to show more)On June 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy in Boardman, Oregon. The requestors reported health effects such as cough, sore throat, throat infection, burning eyes, dizziness, and headache and concerns about exposure to chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, and exposure to dust. During a site visit on August 9-11, 2005, we collected personal breathing zone (PBZ) and area air samples for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide using a combination of three direct reading methods. Additionally, we observed employee health practices and conducted confidential medical interviews on 56 randomly selected employees out of about 275 employees. Time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of ammonia ranged from 2 to 8 parts per million (ppm), below the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) of 35 ppm for a TWA up to 10 hours. Peak ammonia concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 9 ppm, below the NIOSH short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 35 ppm. Concentrations of hydrogen sulfide ranged from 1 to 2 ppm as a TWA. The two highest peaks, 10 ppm and 14 ppm, each lasted for one minute. These correspond to 10-minute average concentrations of 5.5 ppm and 6.1 ppm, below the NIOSH 10-minute ceiling limit of 10 ppm and the OSHA ceiling limit of 20 ppm. Although air sampling was not conducted for nuisance dust (particulates not otherwise regulated), trucks were observed spraying water on the dirt roads; this was a good attempt to reduce the amount of dust generated. In interviews, most employees thought their symptoms were related to road dust and that dust masks helped to reduce their symptoms. We also observed that some employees did not wear eye protection while pouring bleach solutions, reportedly because the safety glasses easily fogged. The most predominant symptom, burning/watery eyes, was reported by 23 of the 56 employees (41%). Thirteen people reported burning/itching of the throat (23%), eleven (20%) reported sneezing and ten (18%) burning/itching nose. Seven persons (12%) reported at least one episode of rash, five (9%) reported cough and excessive phlegm, and four (7%) complained of episodic chest tightness. Although there were two people with adult-onset asthma they did not associate their symptoms with the work environment. NIOSH investigators concluded that the ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and dust levels measured or observed do not pose a health hazard. We identified a potential for chemical splash during the handling of bleach and recommended that face shields be made available to employees and that employees with potential for exposure be required to use them.
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(2006) United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park Durham, North Carolina. (Click to open report) From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas ... (Click to show more)From September 6 through September 9, 2005, investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, performed a site visit at the Environmental Protection Agency facility at Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina. This evaluation was conducted in response to a request from EPA management for a NIOSH health hazard evaluation regarding a history of particulate exposure and staff health effects in the laboratory areas of the facility. Laboratory staff became aware of excessive indoor particulate levels starting in 2003. Some EPA researchers measured PM2.5 (particulate smaller than 2.5 microns) levels and noted instances where indoor concentrations were higher than outdoor concentrations. Staff in many laboratories started to note a rapid buildup of white dust on surfaces which would quickly recur after cleaning. High efficiency particulate filters in bio-safety cabinets in many laboratories had to be changed out after several months use when normally they would be expected to last several years. Electrical components of several laboratory devices were found to be damaged and to have evidence of corrosion and accumulated particulate. Investigations by EPA/RTP facilities staff revealed that the humidification system in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units was causing a buildup of sodium and chloride deposits on the cooling coils and was a potential source of the laboratory particulate. An additional issue contributing to the particulate problem was periodic malfunctioning of ventilation-system controls which would cause transient increased airflows in laboratory areas. Such malfunctions were associated with increased deposition of visible particulate matter on surfaces. These events were referred to as "dumps" by EPA staff. In 2004, a number of laboratory staff in Buildings A and B developed acute health symptoms in laboratories where a dump had just occurred. The symptoms reported by these individuals included cough, shortness of breath, chest pain with inhalation, chest tightness, sore throat, and eye irritation. Some individuals had persistent symptoms for many days prior to eventual resolution, and some had symptoms recur when they tried to return to their usual laboratories. One individual reported receiving a diagnosis of asthma due to the particulate exposure. Despite attempts by EPA/RTP facilities staff to address the particulate problem, employees continued to detect excess particulate in laboratory areas and to experience respiratory symptoms. Results of limited air sampling and observations by NIOSH staff during the site visit suggest that particulate accumulation in the ventilation system air handling units, coupled with periodic loss of control of laboratory airflows by the system, is a likely source of excess particulate in laboratory areas. Other sources of laboratory particulate may include ceiling tiles, floor cleaning activities, and soil and construction activities outside the facility. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils in the HVAC units, along with utilization of reverse osmosis and a water softener to treat the water for the humidification system, may correct the ventilation system particulate problem. However, the fact that the humidifier atomizer heads will still be relatively close to the cooling coils may cause particulate buildup on the coils to recur. In confidential interviews with 17 employees who requested interviews with NIOSH staff, employees reported health effects they experienced in, or attributed to, the EPA/RTP facility (mostly laboratory areas). The most common reports were of upper and lower respiratory symptoms and eye irritation. These symptoms may represent primarily irritant responses. Whether or not particulate exposures in the laboratories caused or exacerbated asthma in some employees could not be determined from the information available. Particulate accumulation on, and corrosion of, the cooling coils in the HVAC units has likely led to increased amount of visible particulate and PM2.5 in the laboratory areas of the EPA/RTP facility. The particulate may be responsible for the irritant-type symptoms that some employees have experienced while in their laboratories and/or adjacent offices. Symptoms were severe in instances where employees were exposed in relation to a particulate "dump" that resulted from a ventilation-system airflow malfunction. The ongoing replacement of the cooling coils reportedly will take several months to complete. This should decrease the amount of particulate that enters the laboratory areas from the ventilation system and may lead to resolution of employee symptoms. This report contains recommendations for steps that EPA/RTP facilities and health and safety staff should follow to prevent and minimize particulate from the ventilation system and other sources, and to protect employees that may continue to be adversely affected until the particulate problem is eliminated.
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(2006) University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio. (Click to open report) On July 8, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) in Dayton, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate potential sources of emissions from carbon nanofiber handling processes. No health complaints were reported by management or workers. Measurements made with real-time instruments capable of sizing and determining airborne particle conce... (Click to show more)On July 8, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) in Dayton, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH to evaluate potential sources of emissions from carbon nanofiber handling processes. No health complaints were reported by management or workers. Measurements made with real-time instruments capable of sizing and determining airborne particle concentrations indicate that most processes did not release substantial quantities of carbon nanofibers when compared to background particle measurements. However, some processes (wet sawing of composite material and the transferring of carbon nanofibers to a mixing vessel) did elevate area airborne particle mass concentrations. Surface sampling indicated that carbon nanofiber material migrated from the laboratory to an adjacent office area, with employee footwear being the most likely means of transport. Despite the absence of occupational exposure criteria, UDRI management decided to take a cautious approach and instituted a policy requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPE used by lab workers included disposable Tyvek lab coats, latex gloves, and elastomeric half-mask respirators with a P100 pre-filter and organic vapor cartridge. A laboratory hood and local exhaust ventilation were evaluated with "smoke tubes" and appeared to operate as designed. NIOSH investigators cannot conclude whether a health hazard exists to UDRI laboratory workers from exposure to nano-scale materials. There are currently no occupational exposure limits for carbon nanofibers nor clearly defined health effects, so no conclusions can be made regarding excessive exposure. The UDRI lab did have exhaust ventilation available to control potential releases of carbon nanofibers, but the ventilation was not operating during mixing outside the laboratory hood or wet saw cutting. The lab workers were wearing PPE; however, latex gloves should be replaced with nitrile gloves to avoid the potential development of latex allergy.
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(2006) West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources - Webster Springs District Office, Webster Springs, West Virginia. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation request from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) Director of Facilities regarding leased office space in the Webster Springs, West Virginia, district office. The request reported poor indoor air quality, new-carpet and other odors, water leaks, and inadequate heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. The request reported respiratory, allergy, and sinus s... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation request from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) Director of Facilities regarding leased office space in the Webster Springs, West Virginia, district office. The request reported poor indoor air quality, new-carpet and other odors, water leaks, and inadequate heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. The request reported respiratory, allergy, and sinus symptoms; eye, nose, and throat irritation; and skin irritation, including rashes and hives, among the employees. On September 11-12, 2003, we conducted a walkthrough of the building. Odors from cleaning supplies were apparent. We did not find obvious sources of mold or water incursion. Measurements made during the site visit found bioaerosol concentrations that were similar to outdoor concentrations, carbon dioxide concentrations that were elevated, and volatile organic compounds that are commonly found in office settings. Twenty-one (88%) of the employees completed a health questionnaire. Seven employees (33%) reported a physician diagnosis of asthma after occupying the building. We returned to the building on April 12-16, 2004 and performed a second building walkthrough, administered health questionnaires to employees, conducted lung function testing, and offered employees serial spirometry for assessment of work-related changes in lung function. During the 2004 walkthrough, we found water incursion, visible mold, and musty odors in the basement. Musty odors were noticeable in the entry area of the building, the elevator, and the south stairwell. It had been raining before and during the 2004 visit, but not during the 2003 visit. Odors from the restrooms were evident on the second floor. All 24 WVDHHR employees currently working in the building participated in the April 2004 medical testing and questionnaire. The employees were 4.6 and 2.6 times more likely to report having current asthma than the U.S. adult population and the West Virginia adult population, respectively. Five employees reported current asthma that was diagnosed after building occupancy. Twelve employees reported lower respiratory symptoms occurring in the last 12 months and improving when away from the building. Seven of the employees had some indication of abnormal lung function or exhaled nitric oxide levels suggestive of airways inflammation. Three of these seven employees had both some degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exhaled nitric oxide levels suggestive of airways inflammation, consistent with poorly controlled asthma. Furthermore, one of these three employees had indications of a work-related pattern of lung function on serial spirometry. Our survey identified respiratory symptoms and conditions among employees that may be related to the workplace. The prevalences of physician-diagnosed and current asthma were high when compared to national and state prevalences, as were building-related symptoms. The building was found to have standing water, mold, and musty odors in the basement. Odors were also present in other parts of the building. The documented health effects and the environmental findings of water damage, standing water, and mold dictate continued remediation efforts to improve the conditions in the building as a means to protect the health of occupants and to prevent additional health effects. The NIOSH investigators determined that this building located in Webster Springs, West Virginia, was damp, as evidenced by water incursion and visible mold in the basement combined with musty odors in other areas of the building. While specific environmental exposures causing these health effects were not identified, current scientific evidence indicates that damp buildings are associated with the risk of nose and throat symptoms, cough, wheeze, asthma symptoms in sensitized persons, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, lending credence to attributing excess employee symptoms and conditions to working in the building. The employee reports of respiratory symptoms and the objective lung function test results support the possibility of work-related respiratory conditions. NIOSH provided recommendations for correcting the dampness and conducting building maintenance to help reduce health risks for the building occupants.
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(2005) Air contaminant and noise exposures among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage screeners at four international airports. (Click to open report) In January 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) related to checked baggage screening operations at the following four international airports: Palm Beach, Florida (PBI); Miami, Florida (MIA); Washington-Dulles, Virginia (IAD); Baltimore-Washington, Maryland (BWI). TSA expressed concern about health hazards from exp... (Click to show more)In January 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) related to checked baggage screening operations at the following four international airports: Palm Beach, Florida (PBI); Miami, Florida (MIA); Washington-Dulles, Virginia (IAD); Baltimore-Washington, Maryland (BWI). TSA expressed concern about health hazards from exposure to contaminants found in exhaust emissions of tug and jet engines and noise from tugs, jets, conveyors, and baggage carousels. Health problems reported at the four airports included respiratory distress, dizziness, possible hearing loss, and headaches. NIOSH investigators conducted site visits at the four airports, collecting general area and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), diesel exhaust particulate (measured as elemental carbon [EC]), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Full-shift personal noise monitoring was also conducted. This report is a composite of the individual reports issued under HHE #s 2004-0100, 2004-0101, 2004-0130, 2004-0146. A total of 72 PBZ samples were collected for EC, a surrogate for diesel exhaust; concentrations ranged from 1 to 26 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). There are no NIOSH or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exposure limits for EC; however, the California Department of Health Services recommends keeping exposure levels below 20 microg/m3. While four PBZ samples exceeded 20 microg/m3, the average exposures across all four airports were 11 microg/m3. A total of 40 PBZ samples were collected for both NO and NO2. "Trace" concentrations of NO were measured at MIA, IAD, and BWI (defined as between 0.03 parts per million [ppm] and 0.7 ppm). These values correspond to the Minimum Detectable Concentration [MDC] and the Minimum Quantifiable Concentration [MQC]. Trace concentrations of NO2 were also measured at these airports (between 0.02 ppm [MDC] and 0.8 ppm [MQC]). Concentrations of NO and NO2 were "not detectable" at PBI (defined as below 0.15 ppm [MDC]). Similar results were obtained for 21 full-shift general area air samples using the same sampling method. Measurements made with direct-reading instruments yielded similar results. None of the NO and NO2 samples exceeded their respective NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV), or the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) (25 ppm for NO; 3 ppm for NO2). A total of 61 full-shift exposure measurements for CO were collected using direct-reading instruments. PBZ exposures ranged from 1 to 5 ppm (full-shift time-weighted average [TWA]) and from 1 to 16 ppm (15-minute short-term exposures). Instantaneous peak values ranged from 176 ppm to 333 ppm. No average exposure values exceeded any occupational exposure limit (NIOSH REL = 35 ppm; ACGIH TLV =25 ppm; OSHA PEL = 50 ppm). The dominant VOCs identified within the baggage screening areas of all surveyed airports were isopropyl alcohol, toluene, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons. A total of 20 general area air samples were collected; concentrations ranged from "none detected" (below the MDC; isopropyl alcohol and low molecular weight hydrocarbons - 0.1 mg/m3; toluene - 0.02 mg/m3) to "trace" (below the MQC; isopropyl alcohol and low molecular weight hydrocarbons - 0.5 mg/m3; toluene - 0.05 mg/m3 but above the MDC). All measurements were well below any occupational exposure limit. Gasoline-powered tug tailpipe emissions for hydrocarbons (HC), CO, and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were measured at two airports while the tugs idled. Tailpipe concentrations of these compounds were as follows: HC ranged from 20 ppm to 1700 ppm; CO ranged from zero ppm to 86,500 ppm; NOx ranged from zero ppm to 52 ppm. The majority of the tugs' engines ran poorly. None of the measured noise doses from the 56 full-shift samples exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL. However, each airport had a few workers with exposures above the NIOSH REL. This finding led to recommendations for additional noise assessments and changes in airport equipment and facility structure. Additionally, the interim use of hearing protection devices as part of a hearing conservation program is recommended unless measured noise doses do not exceed the NIOSH REL, or the use of engineering or administrative controls have been effective in reducing worker exposure to below the NIOSH REL. The NIOSH investigators determined that a hazard does not exist from exposure to EC, CO, CO2, NO2, NO, or VOCs. Some tug emissions were elevated when compared to ambient levels and could contribute to an increase in air contaminants in some baggage areas. There was little evidence of a serious noise problem. However, additional noise analyses may be useful in characterizing worker exposure in areas where the NIOSH REL was exceeded. Also, changes in the maintenance of baggage handling equipment (conveyors) and repairing cracks in the concrete floors are needed to reduce unnecessary noise. Additionally, the interim use of hearing protection devices is recommended for workers whose noise doses exceed the NIOSH REL. Other recommendations for maintaining the air quality and further reducing noise exposures are provided in the Recommendations Section of this report.
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(2005) City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services, Los Angeles, California. (Click to open report) On March 19, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Asphalt Plant 1 of the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services (LABSS) located in Los Angeles, California. The request expressed concern about exposure to fumes, vapors, work stress, heat stress, and diesel fuel during asphalt processing at Plant 1 and during delivery of this asphalt to paving projects. The request indicated ... (Click to show more)On March 19, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Asphalt Plant 1 of the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services (LABSS) located in Los Angeles, California. The request expressed concern about exposure to fumes, vapors, work stress, heat stress, and diesel fuel during asphalt processing at Plant 1 and during delivery of this asphalt to paving projects. The request indicated that LABSS employees had experienced a variety of health symptoms including cancer, respiratory symptoms, and hearing problems. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators conducted a site-visit on September 13-15, 2004. NIOSH investigators collected 19 general area (GA) and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for total particulate with additional analysis for the benzene-soluble fraction of this particulate; 19 GA and PBZ air samples for polycyclic aromatic compounds with additional analysis for total organic sulfur compounds; 19 GA and PBZ air samples for diesel exhaust (elemental and organic carbon); and eight GA real-time, data-logged air samples for carbon monoxide. NIOSH investigators interviewed 25 of 26 employees of Asphalt Plant 1 and reviewed LABSS compensation claims, OSHA logs, and a company sick-time study. All the air sample concentrations for compounds listed above were below relevant occupational exposure criteria. The majority of interviewed workers (21 of 25) reported that they had no work-related health symptoms. Of those with symptoms, the most common was eye irritation, followed by headache. Based on the low air sample concentrations found and the low rate of work-related health complaints during medical interviews with employees, there does not appear to be a health hazard at City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services, Asphalt Plant 1. The transient eye, nasal, and throat irritation symptoms reported by some employees are consistent with exposures to asphalt fumes and particulates at levels below recommended limits. The current scientific literature has determined that there is inadequate evidence that asphalt alone increases cancer risk to humans. Recommendations to minimize work exposures are provided and include the following: repair damage to existing ventilation systems, improve asphalt loading work practices, dispose of outdated personal protective equipment, and improve the existing respiratory and hearing protection programs.
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(2005) Freudenberg-NOK, High Quality Plastics Division, Findlay, Ohio. (Click to open report) In August 2003 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at Freudenberg-NOK G.P., High Quality Plastics Division (HQP) in Findlay, Ohio. Employees were concerned with potential exposure to airborne particles and fumes created during the manufacture of polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) and thermoplastic rotating ring seals. The initial request noted that workers were experiencing non-sp... (Click to show more)In August 2003 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employees at Freudenberg-NOK G.P., High Quality Plastics Division (HQP) in Findlay, Ohio. Employees were concerned with potential exposure to airborne particles and fumes created during the manufacture of polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) and thermoplastic rotating ring seals. The initial request noted that workers were experiencing non-specific respiratory symptoms, itchy skin, and "oven fever" (presumably from exposure to PTFE fumes generated during the manufacturing process). In subsequent conversations with the requesters concerns involving heavy lifting and repetitive movement were also mentioned. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) and general area (GA) sampling was performed for hydrogen fluoride, carbonyl fluoride, glass fibers, elements (cobalt, zirconium, tin, and chromium), and respirable particulate. PBZ and GA air samples were collected from Work Cells 1, 3, 3N, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10. Workers who requested to speak with NIOSH representatives were interviewed to determine the extent and severity of their health concerns. We also reviewed Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Illness and Injury logs for the years 1999-2003. The ergonomics evaluation consisted of a walk through of the plant to view the variety of job tasks workers perform to produce PTFE and thermoplastic seals, subassembly systems, and plastic mating components. No overexposures to fibrous glass, gaseous and particulate fluorides, respirable dust, or metals were found, based on PBZ and GA air samples collected on the days of this evaluation. Most interviewed workers did not have symptoms they attributed to working conditions at HQP. However, some interviewed workers complained of dry, itchy skin that they associated with exposure to fibrous glass in the plastic mix, and three workers reported muscle fatigue in the arms and low back from lifting heavy loads into the ovens. We observed some physically demanding work that may be improved by redesigning parts containers and handles. NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard does not exist at this facility. However, some work is physically demanding and improvements can be made to the containers used to handle the mandrels. Recommendations have been provided to redesign a container used to transport mandrels around the plant.
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(2005) Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducte... (Click to show more)In May 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from management at Ikens Hardwood Floor Services, Madison, Wisconsin. The request concerned potential lead and wood dust exposures during wood floor refinishing. The floor service company had previously evaluated 41various floor finishes for lead content; among these, 15% exceeded the federal action level for lead-based paint (0.5% lead by weight). NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit in June 2000 at a single-family home in Madison, Wisconsin, where Ikens Hardwood Floor Services was refinishing hardwood floors. General area and personal breathing-zone (PBZ) air samples were collected for lead and wood dust during floor refinishing, and settled dust samples were measured for lead content. Four in situ (in place) surface measurements were taken to measure the lead content in the varnish on floors. Results from the short-term task-based PBZ air samples ranged from 1.5 to 25 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) and were below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for lead of 50 ug/m3. However, worker exposures during buffing approached the OSHA Action Limit for lead of 30 ug/m3, assuming that buffing would be performed over an 8-hour work day. Tasks with the greatest potential to produce lead exposures were buffing and final sanding combined with buffing. All of the wood dust exposures measured during rough sanding, rough edging, final sanding/buffing, and buffing tasks exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) for wood dust, if extrapolated to full shift. All of the settled dust collected on the floors of rooms during refinishing, but prior to final finishing, had lead concentrations exceeding U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal clearance guidelines for residential floor areas (0.43 milligrams per square meter [mg/m2]). NIOSH investigators conclude that a health hazard exists during buffing and sanding hardwood floors. Workers are exposed to wood dust above the NIOSH REL, and lead exposures approach the OSHA Action Level for lead. Surface dust samples contained levels of lead which exceed federal clearance standards for residential areas. This suggests a potential health hazard to small children in the home during refinishing, and after if the floors are not cleaned. Recommendations for using engineering and administrative controls and wearing respiratory protection during refinishing activities are included in the Recommendations section of this report.
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(2005) Immigration and Naturalization Service, National Firearms Unit, Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled fo... (Click to show more)On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled for lead and noise and found excessive levels of both. An inadequate ventilation system and certain design characteristics of the range were found to be contributing factors to the lead exposure. Recommendations were made for ventilation and design improvements, and for noise exposure reduction. Over several site visits conducted at the facility, NIOSH investigators concluded that health hazards existed at the times of the evaluations. The facility has since taken several steps to mitigate these hazards, including implementing of many of the recommendations proposed by the NIOSH investigators. Recommendations in the final interim letter have not yet been implemented due to lack of funding. However, NFU management has expressed a desire to continue working with NIOSH investigators before implementing any new controls should funding become available. The contents of this document present no new information; rather, it is a compilation of the letters and reports already sent individually to INS NFU management over the course of the investigation.
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