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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
(1983) Inland Steel Company, East Chicago, Indiana. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000), phenol (108952), and crystalline silica (14808607) at Inland Steel Company (SIC-3312), East Chicago, Indiana in July, 1982. The evaluation was requested in response to employee complaints of dry nose and mouth, and eye irritations associated with the use of a clay like substance during the coating and curing of continuous casting troughs of the blast furnace. The concentrations of formaldehyde and phenol were below ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000), phenol (108952), and crystalline silica (14808607) at Inland Steel Company (SIC-3312), East Chicago, Indiana in July, 1982. The evaluation was requested in response to employee complaints of dry nose and mouth, and eye irritations associated with the use of a clay like substance during the coating and curing of continuous casting troughs of the blast furnace. The concentrations of formaldehyde and phenol were below relevant federal standards. Samples collected for crystalline silica showed no detectable amounts of quartz or cristobalite. The authors conclude that a health hazard does not exist at the facility due to exposure to airborne formaldehyde, phenol, or crystalline silica. It is recommended that empty sacks of clay be properly disposed of and not be placed in troughs for burning; continuous casting troughs should be allowed to cool prior to stripping and coating; and eating, drinking, and smoking should be prohibited in the work area and allowed only in designated areas.
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(1983) Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for crystalline silica (14808607), dust, iron-oxide (1309371), manganese (7439965), nickel (7440020), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation (SIC-3310), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in January and May 1981. The survey was requested by United Steel Workers of America, Local 1271 on behalf of 750 employees because of the reported high incidence of cancer among workers. A retrospective study of mortality experience was conducted. Qu... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for crystalline silica (14808607), dust, iron-oxide (1309371), manganese (7439965), nickel (7440020), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation (SIC-3310), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in January and May 1981. The survey was requested by United Steel Workers of America, Local 1271 on behalf of 750 employees because of the reported high incidence of cancer among workers. A retrospective study of mortality experience was conducted. Quartz (14808607) was the only polymorph of crystalline silica detected above the lower limit of quantitation. Breathing zone samples showed quartz concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 1.24 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), below OSHA standards of 5.0mg/m3. One sample contained iron at a concentration that was 24 percent of the OSHA limit. Manganese and nickel were present at 33 percent or less of OSHA and NIOSH standards. Settled dust was 42 to 72 percent quartz. Unexplained excess risk of cardiovascular renal disease in electric furnace workers and arteriosclerotic heart disease in mechanical maintenance workers was revealed. The authors conclude that a potential hazard exists from respirable crystalline silica. Masons are at risk for work related nonmalignant respiratory disease. Further investigation of silica exposures is recommended.
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(1983) Mainstreet Enterprises, Lebanon, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the director of Mainstreet Enterprises (SIC-3273), a nonprofit rehabilitation sheltered workshop in Lebanon, Indiana, an evaluation was made of the occurrence of benign breast tumors among female workers exposed to concrete dust during packaging of dry powdered concrete mortar mix (Fix-Crete). Bulk samples of the finished Fix-Crete were collected to be analyzed for asbestos (1332214), crystalline silica (7631869), hexavalent chromium (18540299), and total chromium (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the director of Mainstreet Enterprises (SIC-3273), a nonprofit rehabilitation sheltered workshop in Lebanon, Indiana, an evaluation was made of the occurrence of benign breast tumors among female workers exposed to concrete dust during packaging of dry powdered concrete mortar mix (Fix-Crete). Bulk samples of the finished Fix-Crete were collected to be analyzed for asbestos (1332214), crystalline silica (7631869), hexavalent chromium (18540299), and total chromium (7440473) content. Hexavalent chromium was found at concentrations of 32 micrograms per gram (microg/g) of bulk material. Total chromium, asbestos and silica were not detectable. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 2.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Total particulates ranged from 2.9 to 34.3mg/m3. After minor modifications of the ventilation system were made, retesting indicated personal breathing zone and air samples for respirable particulates averaged 0.5 and 1.1mg/m3, respectively. Total particulates ranged from 1.7 to 13.8mg/m3. No significant differences in the prevalence of benign breast tumors was noted in supervisors working on the concrete powder process when compared to those who did not work in this area. The authors conclude that there was an exposure to dust for one task. No evidence was found to link the occurrence of benign breast tumors to chemical exposures at the facility. The authors recommend that a further reduction of the mixer operator's exposure be brought about through effective engineering controls. Respirators should be used where appropriate. Vacuum cleaning equipment should be used to collect debris from the clothing of personnel and rehabilitees instead of compressed air. Protective gloves and cleaning and washing facilities should be made available.
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(1983) Mine Safety and Health Administration, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click for full summary) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a technical assistance (TA) request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to evaluate the respiratory status of highwall drill operators and drill helpers employed at five surface coal mines. This request was precipitated by the fact that one-half of the surface work positions on a reduced dust standard involved highwall drill operations, plus a previous NIOSH report had suggested an increased risk of pneu... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a technical assistance (TA) request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to evaluate the respiratory status of highwall drill operators and drill helpers employed at five surface coal mines. This request was precipitated by the fact that one-half of the surface work positions on a reduced dust standard involved highwall drill operations, plus a previous NIOSH report had suggested an increased risk of pneumoconiosis for drill crew members. NIOSH responded to the request by conducting a respiratory health and environmental survey at the designated mines to assess the prevalence of silicosis in drill crew members and to determine if a more complete epidemiological study was indicated. Health screening consisted of a chest radiograph, spirometry and a medical questionnaire detailing occupational history. Of the 185 drillers and 166 nondrillers selected for examination, 148 drillers and 108 nondrillers participated in the study. After review of work histories, a substantial portion (41% for drillers, 21% for nondrillers) were excluded from the analysis due to past exposures in underground mining, welding, etc. A total of 88 drillers and 85 nondrillers were included in the analysis of medical data. Analysis of pulmonary function data using multiple regression techniques indicated no significant differences in values of FEV1 or peak flow between the groups of drillers and nondrillers. The difference for FVC was borderline significant (p = 0.058). Chest radiography indicated six cases of simple pneumoconiosis. Two cases were found in the total analyzed group of workers. One was a former driller helper (1 year tenure) currently employed as an electrician. The other was a mechanic (24 years tenure) with no other work experience. The four additional cases were found in the group excluded from analysis due to past exposures. Three of these had several years (14-19) of underground experience. Environmental measurements obtained at the selected mines indicated a geometric mean exposure for respirable dust of 0.49 mg/m3 . Sixty-eight percent of the personal respirable samples had quartz concentrations greater than 5 percent. The overall geometric mean percentage of quartz by weight was 12.9%. Worker exposure to respirable dust containing quartz exceeded the MSHA Threshold Limit Value (TLV) in 36.5% of the measurements. The NIOSH recommended standard (0.05 mg/m3 ) for exposure to respirable free silica was exceeded in 68% of all measurements taken. The environmental measurements indicated that the engineering controls employed on the drilling equipment at one mine reduced the dust concentrations by 70% at the operator's station, and that a large percentage (40-45%) of the dust measured at the operator's station in all three mines is in the respirable range (10 microns and less). No significant excess respiratory disease was found in this survey of currently employed surface coal mine highwall drill crews. However, in light of previous studies, the environmental data collected, and the NIOSH recommended standard for exposure to respirable free silica, it is likely that such risk is present in some situations. Therefore, NIOSH recommends further epidemiological study to effectively evaluate the respiratory status of current and former highwall drill crews throughout the industry.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-82-112-113-114-0000.
(1983) Pacer Corporation, Custer, South Dakota. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica (14808607) at Pacer Corporation (SIC-1493), Custer, South Dakota, in January and May 1982. The survey was requested by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, on behalf of the workers because of the incidence of silicosis among former employees. Raw materials, final products, settled dust, and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica. Medical tests including chest X-rays and breathing tests wer... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica (14808607) at Pacer Corporation (SIC-1493), Custer, South Dakota, in January and May 1982. The survey was requested by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, on behalf of the workers because of the incidence of silicosis among former employees. Raw materials, final products, settled dust, and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica. Medical tests including chest X-rays and breathing tests were performed and smoking history questionnaires were completed. Present and former workers were included. Quartz was the only form of crystalline silica identified. Respirable dust containing quartz exposures exceeded Mine Safety and Health Administration standards in 38 percent of the samples. The particles less than 10 microns in diameter comprised from 23 to 46 percent of the samples. Silicosis was found in four workers with less than 5 years of exposure. Two of these developed massive fibrosis. The prevalence rate of pneumoconiosis was 12 percent. The authors conclude that high concentrations of respirable quartz are the cause of accelerated silicosis in workers. It is recommended that engineering controls be instituted to reduce exposure.
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(1983) Pennsylvania Power and Light, Martins Creek Steam Electric Station, Martins Creek, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Personal air samples were analyzed for respirable coal dust and free silica (14808607) at the Martins Creek Steam Electric Station, Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (SIC-4911), Martins Creek, Pennsylvania in January 1982. The evaluation was requested by Local 1600 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in order to determine whether the presence of coal dust presented a health or explosion hazard. Twelve medical interviews were conducted. Respirable coal dust concentrations ra... (Click to show more)Personal air samples were analyzed for respirable coal dust and free silica (14808607) at the Martins Creek Steam Electric Station, Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (SIC-4911), Martins Creek, Pennsylvania in January 1982. The evaluation was requested by Local 1600 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in order to determine whether the presence of coal dust presented a health or explosion hazard. Twelve medical interviews were conducted. Respirable coal dust concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 1.8 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and respirable quartz concentrations ranged from less than 0.04 to 0.05mg/m3. The respective OSHA standards are 2.4 and 2.1mg/m3. Interviews revealed no unusual or significant medical problem. No electrostatic precipitator cleanout or asbestos (1332214) removal activity was observed at the facility. Recommendations include establishing and maintaining the highest order of housekeeping to prevent accumulation of combustible dusts, removal of dust by vacuum cleaning and continuous suction, use of dust tight electrical equipment, and proper grounding of all electrical equipment to prevent build up of static electricity.
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(1983) R And S Manufacturing Company, Columbia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Exposures to epoxy resin were investigated in the summer of 1982 and 1983 at R and S Manufacturing Company (SIC-3621), Columbia, Pennsylvania. Evaluation was requested by an employee on behalf of 190 workers concerned about symptoms of dizziness, chills, fever, joint weakness, and back pain. Air samples were collected and analyzed for trimellitic-anhydride (552307) (TMA), epichlorohydrin (106898) (ECH), total dust, and silica (14808607). Sixteen epoxy room workers completed medical examinations ... (Click to show more)Exposures to epoxy resin were investigated in the summer of 1982 and 1983 at R and S Manufacturing Company (SIC-3621), Columbia, Pennsylvania. Evaluation was requested by an employee on behalf of 190 workers concerned about symptoms of dizziness, chills, fever, joint weakness, and back pain. Air samples were collected and analyzed for trimellitic-anhydride (552307) (TMA), epichlorohydrin (106898) (ECH), total dust, and silica (14808607). Sixteen epoxy room workers completed medical examinations and symptoms questionnaires. Breathing zone TMA concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 0.28 milligrams per cubic meter; no OSHA standard exists, but NIOSH recommends exposures be kept to the lowest feasible limit. None of the samples contained ECH or silica. Total dust concentrations were not reported. Four workers reported an irritant syndrome, three reported a late respiratory systemic syndrome, one reported a combination of both syndromes, and one reported an asthmatic rhinitis syndrome. Three females had peripheral neuropathy in the hand and nine had signs of burns on the forearms and hands. The authors conclude that a TMA exposure hazard previously existed; however, TMA is no longer used as part of the resin system. They recommend proper sizing and padding of the tongs to eliminate nerve compression, thermal insulating gloves, and housekeeping improvements.
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(1983) Warrick Generating Station, Yankeetown, Indiana. (Click to open report) Exposures to boiler gases and coal dust were surveyed in August 1981 at Warrick Generating Station (SIC-4911), Yankeetown, Indiana. Evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 702, on behalf of 165 workers. Air samples were collected for nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), nitric-oxide (10102439), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), coal dust, fly-ash, silica (14808607), and inorganic metals. Boiler units were checked for leaks. Questionnaires and medical examinations w... (Click to show more)Exposures to boiler gases and coal dust were surveyed in August 1981 at Warrick Generating Station (SIC-4911), Yankeetown, Indiana. Evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 702, on behalf of 165 workers. Air samples were collected for nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), nitric-oxide (10102439), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), coal dust, fly-ash, silica (14808607), and inorganic metals. Boiler units were checked for leaks. Questionnaires and medical examinations were completed. One of 22 personal samples for coal dust exceeded the OSHA standard of 2.4 milligrams per cubic meter. All other substances in the personal samples were within OSHA limits. Boiler leaks were found on the positive pressure boiler unit. Sulfur-dioxide concentrations in the boiler gas samples ranged from 15 to 20 parts per million (OSHA standard is 5 parts per million for an 8 hour time weighted average). Workers complained of cough, breathlessness, or wheezing. No deficits occurred in respiratory function tests. No cases of pneumoconiosis were found. The authors conclude that workers are exposed to high concentrations of sulfur-dioxide, coal dust, and crystalline silica. They recommend respiratory protection, maintenance of boiler units and seals, a heat stress survey for boiler units and dozer operators, and removal of asbestos insulation in the lunchroom oven.
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(1982) Allis-Chalmers Corporation, West Allis, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of Local 248 of the United Auto Workers, an evaluation of possible health hazards was made at the Allis-Chalmers Corporation (SIC-3321), West Allis, Wisconsin. Air samples were analyzed for free crystalline silica (7631869), carbon-monoxide (630080), and nickel (7440020), each of which was found to be present in excessive amounts in several areas of the facility. A second followup survey measured concentrations of metal fumes, dimethylethylamine (75... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of Local 248 of the United Auto Workers, an evaluation of possible health hazards was made at the Allis-Chalmers Corporation (SIC-3321), West Allis, Wisconsin. Air samples were analyzed for free crystalline silica (7631869), carbon-monoxide (630080), and nickel (7440020), each of which was found to be present in excessive amounts in several areas of the facility. A second followup survey measured concentrations of metal fumes, dimethylethylamine (75649), carbon-monoxide, and methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI). Exposures to respirable crystalline silica, nickel and carbon-monoxide exceeded the NIOSH recommended standards. Of the 67 workers for whom occupational histories and chest x-rays were available, six had silicosis, including one case of silicotuberculosis. One other pneumoconiosis case was also found. Symptoms of recent upper respiratory symptoms were noted in 75 percent of the workers. Nine showed abnormal pulmonary function tests. The authors conclude that health hazards exist due to excessive exposure to free crystalline silica in the core making and cleaning department, carbon-monoxide in the old coke fired cupolas and pouring areas and to nickel in the finishing area. The authors recommend that engineering controls, monitoring, and medical management be improved.
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(1982) Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Health Department of Cincinnati, an evaluation was made of exposures to silica (7631869) dust and bird droppings at the Cincinnati Zoo (SIC-8421), Cincinnati, Ohio, occurring among workers involved in cleaning the bird cages. There were six workers assigned to the aviary area. Sand covered floors of the cages were swept with brooms to remove bird droppings and other debris. The materials from the sweepings were then scooped into a screened bottom shaker box and ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Health Department of Cincinnati, an evaluation was made of exposures to silica (7631869) dust and bird droppings at the Cincinnati Zoo (SIC-8421), Cincinnati, Ohio, occurring among workers involved in cleaning the bird cages. There were six workers assigned to the aviary area. Sand covered floors of the cages were swept with brooms to remove bird droppings and other debris. The materials from the sweepings were then scooped into a screened bottom shaker box and shaken to separate sand and debris. Treated or cleaned sand was returned to the cages while the waste was dumped into a waste container for removal. Positive tuberculin skin tests had occurred among some workers, causing concern. Air samples were taken and the respirable dust concentrations were found to range from 1.7 to 2.1 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and free silica concentrations from 0.32 to resulting 8 hour time weighted average free silica concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 0.1mg/m3 with three of four samples exceeding NIOSH recommended levels. However, these exposures were for periods of 45 minutes to an hour, once or twice a month, and for not more than a few years. No excess occurrence of respiratory disease was found at the zoo, but the rate of tuberculin reactivity was higher than expected. Two former employees with active tuberculosis acquired outside the zoo may have been a source for transmission. The authors conclude that it is unlikely that the silica exposures constitute a hazard. The authors recommend that the substitution of other materials for the sand might lower the exposure to crystalline silica. A ventilation system should be established in the individual bird cages, not only for dust control but also for temperature control. Testing for tuberculosis should be expanded to include all the employees.
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