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HHE Search Results
283 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(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.
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(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.
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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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1984) James River Power Plant, City Utilities, Springfield, Missouri. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for coal dust, fly ash, silica (14808607), trace metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the James River Power Station (SIC-4911), Springfield, Missouri, in July 1982. The evaluation was requested by the Safety Department of City Utilities due to concern for possible employee exposure to toxic agents. Noise exposure and heat stress were also measured. A respiratory questionnaire, pulmona... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for coal dust, fly ash, silica (14808607), trace metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the James River Power Station (SIC-4911), Springfield, Missouri, in July 1982. The evaluation was requested by the Safety Department of City Utilities due to concern for possible employee exposure to toxic agents. Noise exposure and heat stress were also measured. A respiratory questionnaire, pulmonary function tests, and chest X- rays were administered to 70 male production workers at the facility. All concentrations of coal dust, fly ash, silica, trace metals, nitrogen-dioxide, and carbon-monoxide were below their relevant standards. Noise measurements ranged from 77.7 to 99.4 decibels (dBA). The current NIOSH and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard is 85dBA. Heat stress measurements ranged from 67 to 96 degrees-F. The ACGIH standard is 77 to 90 degrees. Three percent of the subjects had chronic bronchitis. Seven subjects had at least one abnormal index of lung function. Chest X-rays showed no evidence of pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that a health hazard from excessive noise levels exists. There are no occupationally related respiratory problems. A potential for heat stress exists in certain areas of the facility. Recommendations include management and employee training in health problems associated with coal fired power facilities.
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(1984) Kennecott Smelter, Hurley, New Mexico. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), sulfuric-acid (7664939), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and crystalline silica (7631869) at Kennecott Smelter (SIC-3331), Hurley, New Mexico in January, 1984. The survey was requested by the Steelworkers Union due to the death of a worker from lung cancer. Company medical records of 66 employees were reviewed. Nineteen samples for blood lead and 48 for urine arsenic were ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), sulfuric-acid (7664939), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and crystalline silica (7631869) at Kennecott Smelter (SIC-3331), Hurley, New Mexico in January, 1984. The survey was requested by the Steelworkers Union due to the death of a worker from lung cancer. Company medical records of 66 employees were reviewed. Nineteen samples for blood lead and 48 for urine arsenic were collected and analyzed. All arsenic, cadmium, copper, sulfuric-acid, and silica concentrations were below their relevant standards. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.006 to 0.06 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for lead is 0.05mg/m3. None of seven sulfur-dioxide samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 13mg/m3, but six exceeded the NIOSH standard of 1.3mg/m3. No symptoms of acid gas exposure were reported. All blood lead and urinary arsenic concentrations were within normal limits. The authors note that proper respiratory protection was worn in all areas of the smelter. They conclude that there is a potential health hazard due to sulfur-dioxide and lead exposure at the facility. They recommend establishing a stop smoking program and improving the respiratory protection program.
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