If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
HHE Search Results
285 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) 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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1985) Airco Carbon, St. Marys, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), total particulates, and respirable free silica (7631869) at the Airco Carbon Company (SIC- 3624), Saint Marys, Pennsylvania in January, 1984. The evaluation was requested confidentially because of concern over exposures to soot, coal tar pitch volatiles, and sand in the car bottom and sagger bake operations. Forty three employees were interviewed. Two of 19 total particulate samples exceeded the O... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), total particulates, and respirable free silica (7631869) at the Airco Carbon Company (SIC- 3624), Saint Marys, Pennsylvania in January, 1984. The evaluation was requested confidentially because of concern over exposures to soot, coal tar pitch volatiles, and sand in the car bottom and sagger bake operations. Forty three employees were interviewed. Two of 19 total particulate samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), 17.3 and 32.7mg/m3. Benzene soluble fractions ranged from 0.5 to 5.0mg/m3. The OSHA standard for benzene soluble fractions is 0.2mg/m3. Two of seven samples of silica were above the limit of detection, 0.09 and 0.06mg/m3. In bulk samples, the benzene soluble fractions ranged from 0.44 to 860mg/gram and the PAH content from 0 to 26,124 micrograms per gram. Employees working in the bake areas reported a significant excess incidence of symptoms such as skin, nose and eye irritation, cough, sore or dry throat, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists at the facility. Recommendations include enclosing vehicles used in moving electrodes, cleaning up spilled dust, and controlling fumes emitted from the sagger kilns.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1985) Crystal Zoo, Boulder, Colorado. (Click for full summary) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), petroleum distillate, lead (7439921), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and total particulates at Crystal Zoo (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado in August, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the management because of concern for the workers' health. Medical questionnaires were administered to eight workers in the leaded crystal grinding room. Blood lead and free erythrocyte protop... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), petroleum distillate, lead (7439921), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and total particulates at Crystal Zoo (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado in August, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the management because of concern for the workers' health. Medical questionnaires were administered to eight workers in the leaded crystal grinding room. Blood lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) concentrations were measured in the grinding room workers and in three comparisons. All exposures were below the relevant standards except for lead. Five of six air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.005 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) for lead. The lead concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 0.08mg/m3. The mean blood lead concentration in grinding room workers was 29.1 micrograms per deciliter (microg/dl); values in comparisons averaged 7.2microg/dl. No excessive lead concentrations (over 40microg/dl) were found. No evidence of lead toxicity was found. FEP concentrations averaged 31.4microg/dl in the exposed workers and 21.6microg/dl in the comparisons. The authors conclude that a health hazard due to overexposure to lead exists in the grinding department. Recommendations include improving work practices, prohibiting dry grinding or polishing of leaded glass, and installing down draft ventilation.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-84-384-1580.
(1985) Marion Power Shovel, Marion, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for methylene- bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI), total reactive isocyanate groups (TRIG), triethylamine (121448), mineral spirits, and metal fume at Marion Power Shovel Foundry (SIC-3325), Marion, Ohio, in March and September, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the union to assess exposures in the core and mold areas where MDI binders were used. Interviews were conducted with 26 exposed and 13 nonexposed workers. Medical examinations t... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for methylene- bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI), total reactive isocyanate groups (TRIG), triethylamine (121448), mineral spirits, and metal fume at Marion Power Shovel Foundry (SIC-3325), Marion, Ohio, in March and September, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the union to assess exposures in the core and mold areas where MDI binders were used. Interviews were conducted with 26 exposed and 13 nonexposed workers. Medical examinations that included pulmonary function and immunological testing, and chest X-rays were administered. All exposures were below the OSHA standards for TRIG. TRIG exposures ranged up to 558 micrograms per cubic meter. There is no current federal standard for TRIG. Exposed workers had significantly reduced 1 second forced expiratory volumes. MDI/specific immunoglobulin-G results were obtained in five workers. Seven percent of the X-rays showed signs of silicosis. Previously obtained silica (7631869) monitoring data was reviewed. Silica overexposure was indicated. Twenty seven exposed workers reported lower respiratory tract symptoms consistent with occupational asthma. The authors conclude that significant exposures to isocyanates have occurred at the facility. A health hazard due to silica also exists. Recommendations include establishing a medical surveillance program for MDI and reducing silica exposures by appropriate engineering controls.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1985) United Catalysts, Inc. - South Plant, Louisville, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for nickel (7440020), chromium(VI) (18540299), other metals, particulates, silica (7631869), sulfuric-acid (7664939), ammonia (7664417), and ionizing radiation at United Catalysts, Incorporated, South facility (SIC-2819), Louisville, Kentucky, in November, 1982 and June/July, 1983. The survey was requested by the Kentucky Department of Labor to evaluate occupational exposures and related health problems. Medical questionnaires were distribut... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for nickel (7440020), chromium(VI) (18540299), other metals, particulates, silica (7631869), sulfuric-acid (7664939), ammonia (7664417), and ionizing radiation at United Catalysts, Incorporated, South facility (SIC-2819), Louisville, Kentucky, in November, 1982 and June/July, 1983. The survey was requested by the Kentucky Department of Labor to evaluate occupational exposures and related health problems. Medical questionnaires were distributed to 98 employees. Pulmonary function test data was reviewed. All 33 personal nickel samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). Four area chromium(VI) samples exceeded the NIOSH standard of 0.001microg/m3. Area ionizing radiation readings ranged up to 30 or more millirems per hour (mR/hour). The Nuclear Regulatory Commission standard for ionizing radiation is 3mR/hour. Concentrations of all other substances were below relevant standards. Sixty nine percent of the employees had one or more of such symptoms as cough, nasal sores, or skin rash. About half of the pulmonary test results were abnormal. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists due to nickel exposure. Potential hazards due to ionizing radiation and chromium(VI) also exist. Recommendations include instituting an employee education program about workplace hazards and improving respiratory protection and engineering controls.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1985) United Catalysts, Inc. - West Plant, Louisville, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for nickel (7440020), copper (7440508), other metals, particulates, silica (7631869), ammonia (7664417), nitrogen oxides, and inorganic acids at United Catalysts, Incorporated, West facility (SIC-2819), Louisville, Kentucky in November, 1982, and March and June, 1983. The survey was requested by the Kentucky Department of Labor because of a potential high incidence of cancer in the workplace. Medical questionnaires were administered to 235 e... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for nickel (7440020), copper (7440508), other metals, particulates, silica (7631869), ammonia (7664417), nitrogen oxides, and inorganic acids at United Catalysts, Incorporated, West facility (SIC-2819), Louisville, Kentucky in November, 1982, and March and June, 1983. The survey was requested by the Kentucky Department of Labor because of a potential high incidence of cancer in the workplace. Medical questionnaires were administered to 235 employees. Company pulmonary function test data and retirement and insurance death records were reviewed for a possible cancer excess. Twenty of 38 nickel samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). Twelve of 38 copper samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 1,000microg/m3. The other substances were generally below their relevant standards. Seventy two percent of the employees reported having at least one of such symptoms as cough, nasal sores, itchy burning nose, and skin rash. Almost half of the pulmonary test results were abnormal. No significant excess of cancer was found. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists due to exposure to nickel and copper. Recommendations include establishing an employee education program about workplace hazards and improving the respiratory protection and engineering controls program.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1985) Wyoming High School, Wyoming, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000), metals, organic solvents, inorganic fluorides crystalline silica (7631869) at Wyoming High School (SIC-8210), Wyoming, Ohio in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the principal to investigate chemical exposures in the art and biology departments. Lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), and hexane (110543) concentrations were below their relevant standards. Formaldehyde concentrations in the biolog... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000), metals, organic solvents, inorganic fluorides crystalline silica (7631869) at Wyoming High School (SIC-8210), Wyoming, Ohio in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the principal to investigate chemical exposures in the art and biology departments. Lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), and hexane (110543) concentrations were below their relevant standards. Formaldehyde concentrations in the biology department averaged less than 1.5 parts per million (ppm) when collected with sorbent tubes, but ranged from 0.3 to 7ppm on direct reading, colorimetric indicator tubes. The OSHA standard for formaldehyde is 3.0ppm. Area air samples contained 14.2 to 61 micrograms per cubic meter inorganic fluorides. One settled room dust sample contained 16.7 percent quartz. Bulk samples and some art supplies contained 20 and 42.5 percent lead, 0.03 and 0.05 percent arsenic (7440382), and 0.03 percent cobalt (7440484). The author concludes that a hazard exists from formaldehyde exposure and potential hazards from lead, arsenic, and silica exposure. Recommendations include reducing formaldehyde exposures during animal dissections and keeping the art department clean to reduce the potential hazards from chemicals in settled dust.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) East Penn Foundry, Macungie, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) The incidence of silicosis among workers at the East Penn Foundry (SIC-3321) in Macungie, Pennsylvania was surveyed on October 12, 1982 and October 6, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 295, on behalf of about 100 workers potentially exposed to free silica (7631869). Industrial hygiene records and medical records were reviewed. Respirable dust and free silica exposures were assessed. Earlier chest X-rays were read again for signs of si... (Click to show more)The incidence of silicosis among workers at the East Penn Foundry (SIC-3321) in Macungie, Pennsylvania was surveyed on October 12, 1982 and October 6, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 295, on behalf of about 100 workers potentially exposed to free silica (7631869). Industrial hygiene records and medical records were reviewed. Respirable dust and free silica exposures were assessed. Earlier chest X-rays were read again for signs of silicosis and disease progression. Silica exposures for the core setters, makers, muller operators, shake out operators, and permanent mold fitting/mold cleaning operators exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Current respirable dust concentrations were below the OSHA limit of 10 milligrams per cubic meter. The silica content of settled dust ranged from 7.4 percent for core setting to 78 percent for fitting conveyor shake out. Radiologic evidence of silicosis was found in almost 10 percent of the workers, and incidence was related to duration of exposure. The authors conclude that a serious exposure hazard to free silica exists at this foundry, along with a high prevalence of silicosis. They recommend exposure control measures including material substitution, use of ventilation, and exposure monitoring. Workers should be given preplacement and periodic medical evaluations. Work practices should be improved and workers should be educated about the hazards of silica. Warning labels should be placed on packaged free silica.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant, Port Gibson, Mississippi. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable free silica (7631869) at Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Facility (SIC-1721), Port Gibson, Mississippi, in February, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the local union after painters complained of chest pain, dizziness, and nausea while spray painting in areas without adequate ventilation. Medical interviews were conducted and work practices were observed. Respirable dusts containing 60 percent silica had concentrations of 8.2 mil... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable free silica (7631869) at Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Facility (SIC-1721), Port Gibson, Mississippi, in February, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the local union after painters complained of chest pain, dizziness, and nausea while spray painting in areas without adequate ventilation. Medical interviews were conducted and work practices were observed. Respirable dusts containing 60 percent silica had concentrations of 8.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for such dusts is although symptoms such as nasal, throat, and eye irritation, and dermatitis were frequently reported. In a followup survey, the effectiveness of a water spray system to reduce silica dust exposure and the resistance of rubber gloves worn by painters to penetration by methylene-dianiline (101779) when applying epoxy resin surfaces were evaluated. Dust concentrations were still 1.6 to 42.5 times the OSHA standard. Significant methylene-dianiline concentrations were found inside the gloves. The authors conclude that a health hazard from silica containing dusts exists. The gloves worn by painters were unsuitable for applying preparations containing methylene- dianiline. Recommendations include using respiratory protection and cotton inner gloves inside the outer gloves.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
