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HHE Search Results
474 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) 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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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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