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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
(1992) ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation, Butler, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency exposures at the Ultra-Rapid Annealing (URA) furnace located in the Strip Coating and Silicon Anneal Building (SCSAB). Air samples analyzed indicated that the recommended levels were being exceeded for chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965) and lead (7439921). Radiofrequency radiation measurements at the URA furnace and the visible radiation levels near the electric arc furnaces in the melt shops exceeded the appropriate evaluation criteria. The authors conclude that health hazards existed during the survey from excessive airborne levels of hexavalent chromium, manganese, and lead, high levels of optical radiation near the electric arc furnaces, and radiofrequency radiation at the URA furnace. The authors recommended measures to lower these exposures and suggested the institution of medical and environmental surveillance programs.
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(1992) AVX Corporation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a joint request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, Local 1591 and the AVX Corporation, an evaluation was undertaken concerning dermatitis and hoarseness in workers in the screener stacker area at the AVX Corporation (SIC- 3674), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. AVX Corporation manufactured multilayer ceramic capacitors for electronic applications. Qualitative analysis of air samples identified xylene isomers, 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), me... (Click to show more)In response to a joint request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, Local 1591 and the AVX Corporation, an evaluation was undertaken concerning dermatitis and hoarseness in workers in the screener stacker area at the AVX Corporation (SIC- 3674), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. AVX Corporation manufactured multilayer ceramic capacitors for electronic applications. Qualitative analysis of air samples identified xylene isomers, 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), methoxy-ethanol (109864), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), limonene (138863), formaldehyde (50000), acetaldehyde (75070), unidentified aliphatic amines and C9 to C12 aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Wipe samples revealed contamination of work surfaces with aluminum (7429905), barium (7440393), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), silver (7440224), titanium (7440326), zinc (7440666), chromium (7440473), and palladium (7440053). Of the 36 employees who were interviewed, 20 had histories consistent with work related contact dermatitis. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed among workers in the screener stacker and dicer areas due to contact with multiple skin irritants including barium, titanium, palladium, and mineral spirits. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the potential for skin irritation and dermatitis from chemical contact.
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(1992) Chempower, Incorporated, Combustion Engineering, Incorporated, Albright Power Station, Albright, West Virginia. (Click to open report) An evaluation was conducted in response to two requests from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), Local 667 concerning an outbreak of acute illness among workers involved in a renovation and asbestos removal project on a boiler at the Albright Power Station (SIC-1542), Albright, West Virginia, and worker exposure to heavy metals during another phase of the boiler renovation. In the outbreak of illness, symptoms were reported which were similar to metal fume fever. Of the 36 worke... (Click to show more)An evaluation was conducted in response to two requests from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), Local 667 concerning an outbreak of acute illness among workers involved in a renovation and asbestos removal project on a boiler at the Albright Power Station (SIC-1542), Albright, West Virginia, and worker exposure to heavy metals during another phase of the boiler renovation. In the outbreak of illness, symptoms were reported which were similar to metal fume fever. Of the 36 workers interviewed, 15 met the case definition of possible work related illness defined by the presence of at least three of these symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, chills, headache, nausea, and bloody sputum. Elevated blood mercury (7439976) levels were found in 11 of 19 workers seeking medical care. Workers who were burning through the heavy metal boiler casting with oxyacetylene torches appeared more likely to become ill and have elevated blood mercury levels. The paint on the boiler may have contained mercury. The type of respirators used were not sufficient to protect against sulfur-dioxide (7446095) or mercury. The authors conclude that, based on epidemiologic evidence, the reported illnesses may have been work related. During oxyacetylene cutting of a boiler casing, airborne arsenic (7440382), iron (7439896), and lead (7439921) exceeded the evaluation criteria. The authors recommend that all potential hazards should be evaluated prior to beginning abatement and renovation activities.
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(1992) Delco Remy, Olathe, Kansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from United Auto Workers Local 1021, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at Delco Remy (SIC-3694), Olathe, Kansas. The facility produced lead acid batteries, primarily used in automobiles. Employees were reportedly suffering from headache, sore throat, dizziness, light headedness, eye irritation and stomach aches. Odors had been noticed coming from the ventilation system. Many of the air handling units at the facility had been changed from ste... (Click to show more)In response to a request from United Auto Workers Local 1021, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at Delco Remy (SIC-3694), Olathe, Kansas. The facility produced lead acid batteries, primarily used in automobiles. Employees were reportedly suffering from headache, sore throat, dizziness, light headedness, eye irritation and stomach aches. Odors had been noticed coming from the ventilation system. Many of the air handling units at the facility had been changed from steam coil to direct fired heating just prior to the series of complaints. Air sampling did not detect any contaminants at levels above standards or recommendations. The paste department air handling unit burner was found to be rapidly cycling between low fire and high fire, resulting in a sour odor due to incomplete combustion of natural gas. Inspection of two of the air handling units indicated that proper maintenance procedures were not being followed. There was also a concern that on days where weather conditions were cool and dry there may be too low a relative humidity in the building for employee comfort. The authors conclude that the unidentified odor was being generated by the burner in the air handling unit serving the paste department. The relative humidity may be low during colder weather. The authors recommend that routine maintenance be conducted on all air handing units, the air supply system in the paste department should be refurbished, facility air should not be recirculated, and efforts should be made to decrease forklift truck exhaust.
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(1992) Denver Police Department, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Denver Police Department (SIC- 9221) in Denver, Colorado, an investigation was made into lead (7439921) exposures during the use of different ammunition on the firing range. Ventilation rates were measured and personal breathing zone air samples were collected for ten officers during the firing of .45 caliber pistols. Nonlead primers were not yet available for .45 caliber ammunition. Air lead exposure ranged from 1.0 to 16 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). A s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Denver Police Department (SIC- 9221) in Denver, Colorado, an investigation was made into lead (7439921) exposures during the use of different ammunition on the firing range. Ventilation rates were measured and personal breathing zone air samples were collected for ten officers during the firing of .45 caliber pistols. Nonlead primers were not yet available for .45 caliber ammunition. Air lead exposure ranged from 1.0 to 16 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). A slight improvement was noted in ventilation since an earlier NIOSH study had been performed at this site. The improvement resulted from the removal of a 3 foot high partition along the floor on the firing line. Three was still, however, turbulent air flow across the entire firing line and backflow in some of the shooting booths. The author concludes that there was no health hazard from lead overexposure at this site at this time, but recommends use of jacketed bullets, nonlead primers, and administrative controls to minimize lead exposures.
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(1992) Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employer representative at the Food and Drug Administration (SIC-9641) at Cincinnati, Ohio an investigation was begun into potential exposures to lead (7439921) from lead based paint. A steam leak within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit in the basement caused the paint on the wall of the unit to peel and be distributed throughout the first floor. Bulk samples of the paint were submitted for lead analysis. Results indicated varying amounts of lead ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employer representative at the Food and Drug Administration (SIC-9641) at Cincinnati, Ohio an investigation was begun into potential exposures to lead (7439921) from lead based paint. A steam leak within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit in the basement caused the paint on the wall of the unit to peel and be distributed throughout the first floor. Bulk samples of the paint were submitted for lead analysis. Results indicated varying amounts of lead ranging from 500 to 1000 parts per million (ppm) were present. Area air samples were collected 2 months later to determine possible lead exposures. Area air samples revealed levels up to 0.09 micrograms per cubic meter. Surface wipe samples were also below the allowable limits, ranging from less than 1.86 to 39.0 micrograms per square foot. Bulk samples of paint indicated lead levels from 110 to 52000 micrograms per gram. This was equivalent to 0.01 to 5.2% by weight, respectively. The author conclude that a health hazard did not exist from exposures to lead. The potential for future problems was indicated by the content of lead in the bulk paint samples. The author recommends the development of a management program to prevent further release of lead. A removal program for the rest of the lead containing paint is also proposed.
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(1992) Ford House Office Building, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Architect of the Capital, an investigation was begun into what appeared to be a relatively large number of persons with cancer, particularly brain cancer, who were employed in the Congressional Budget Office and the House Information System (SIC-9121), located in the Ford House Office Building, Washington, DC. Among the 250 people working in these areas, 12 persons were identified with cancer including five with brain tumors. Examination of the medical records a... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Architect of the Capital, an investigation was begun into what appeared to be a relatively large number of persons with cancer, particularly brain cancer, who were employed in the Congressional Budget Office and the House Information System (SIC-9121), located in the Ford House Office Building, Washington, DC. Among the 250 people working in these areas, 12 persons were identified with cancer including five with brain tumors. Examination of the medical records and death certificates for the four full time, permanent employees with brain tumors indicated that one had a benign brain tumor. Two had primary glioblastoma, and had worked in the same area for several years. Measurements were made of 60 hertz electric and magnetic fields at 36 sites in the building. Measurements indicated the exposures to electric and magnetic fields were typical of modern office environments, and well below current exposure criteria. The authors conclude that there was no basis for concluding that the cases of cancer in the building were related to the physical environment. The authors recommend measures to reduce the levels of electric and magnetic fields. There was found to be a high level of anxiety among workers concerning recent testing for lead (7439921) in the drinking water supply. An improvement in the levels and paths of communication could alleviate this concern.
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(1992) HUD Lead-Based Paint Abatement Demonstration Project. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Officer for Policy Development and Research, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions during the HUD Lead Based Pa Abatement Demonstration (SIC-1521). The demonstration took place in 172 vacant housing units in several different cities. The abatement methods used included abrasive removal, chemical removal, heat gun removal, encapsulation, enclosure, and replacement. Evaluations were m... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Officer for Policy Development and Research, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions during the HUD Lead Based Pa Abatement Demonstration (SIC-1521). The demonstration took place in 172 vacant housing units in several different cities. The abatement methods used included abrasive removal, chemical removal, heat gun removal, encapsulation, enclosure, and replacement. Evaluations were made during the demonstrations and it was determined that the workers were exposed to lead (7439921) with the highest exposure levels coming during the heat gun method of removal. Exposures to volatile organic compounds were low. Maximum personal and general area airborne lead concentrations were 916 micrograms/cubic meter and 1296 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. Soil sampling indicated that lead paint abatement in some cases resulted in increases in soil lead levels 1 to 3 feet from the exterior walls. The author concludes that workers were potentially overexposed to lead during lead abatement. The author recommend specific measures concerning training, work practices, engineering controls, safety programs, risk assessment, respiratory protection programs, medical monitoring and surveillance.
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(1992) Independence Police Department, Indoor Range, Independence, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Police Department (SIC-9221) in Independence, Missouri, an investigation was undertaken of a newly redesigned air handling system installed at the Department indoor firing range. The requestors were concerned about exposures to lead (7439921) during handgun qualifying sessions and the possible health hazards associated with these exposures. Environmental samples were collected for airborne lead, surface lead, and hand lead contamination during a 70 minute handgu... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Police Department (SIC-9221) in Independence, Missouri, an investigation was undertaken of a newly redesigned air handling system installed at the Department indoor firing range. The requestors were concerned about exposures to lead (7439921) during handgun qualifying sessions and the possible health hazards associated with these exposures. Environmental samples were collected for airborne lead, surface lead, and hand lead contamination during a 70 minute handgun training activity. A ventilation survey was also conducted. Eight shooters and two range officers were exposed to airborne lead concentrations ranging from 132 to 254 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Lead levels on desk surfaces inside the range were as high as 10,330 micrograms/square meter. The ventilation study revealed back flow eddies throughout the range, especially at the firing line, indicating that the newly redesigned air handling system was not effectively removing lead. The authors conclude that a potential hazard from overexposure to lead via inhalation and ingestion existed at the firing range. There was a potential for para occupational exposure of family members. The authors recommend modifications to the ventilation system and other measures to reduce exposures.
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(1992) Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Kansas City, Kansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a management representative of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department (SIC-9221), an evaluation was undertaken of possible lead (7439921) exposures at the Police Department outdoor firing range. About 200,000 rounds of ammunition are fired at the range each year. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken for lead analysis. Surface wipe samples were taken as well along with hand lead concentrations and contamination of clothing. Air sampling reveale... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a management representative of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department (SIC-9221), an evaluation was undertaken of possible lead (7439921) exposures at the Police Department outdoor firing range. About 200,000 rounds of ammunition are fired at the range each year. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken for lead analysis. Surface wipe samples were taken as well along with hand lead concentrations and contamination of clothing. Air sampling revealed that the officers were exposed to 8 hour time weighted average concentrations of airborne lead ranging from nondetectable to 8 micrograms (microg) per cubic meter. The general air samples collected ranged from nondetectable to trace levels of contamination. Wipe samples of several surfaces indicated lead contamination ranging from 1350 to 1180microg per square meter (m2). The officers' hands were contaminated with lead. Even after washing their hands, the concentrations ranged from 210 to 110microg/m2. One of six patches from a tee shirt worn by an officer showed lead at 110microg/gram of material. The authors conclude that airborne lead did not exceed evaluation criteria, but dermal, surface and clothing contamination could increase the potential for lead ingestion and lead contamination of automobiles and homes. The authors recommend that efforts be made to reduce the potential spread of lead, and that medical surveillance be instituted for frequent range users and the range master.
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