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HHE Search Results
1058 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
(2004) American Pop Corn Company, Sioux City, Iowa. (Click to open report) In July 2001, NIOSH received a request for technical assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Health to evaluate the risk for lung disease in American Pop Corn Company workers exposed to butter flavorings. This request was made after NIOSH investigated severe fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans in former workers of a microwave popcorn plant in Missouri and identified an association between occupational lung disease and exposure to butter flavoring vapors.... (Click to show more)In July 2001, NIOSH received a request for technical assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Health to evaluate the risk for lung disease in American Pop Corn Company workers exposed to butter flavorings. This request was made after NIOSH investigated severe fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans in former workers of a microwave popcorn plant in Missouri and identified an association between occupational lung disease and exposure to butter flavoring vapors. NIOSH conducted a walk-through survey at the American Pop Corn Company plant in Sioux City, Iowa on September 26, 2001. Limited industrial hygiene air sampling on that day showed that air concentrations of diacetyl, a predominant butter flavoring chemical measured as a marker of butter flavoring exposure, were very low compared to levels that were associated with abnormal lung function at the Missouri (index) plant. The company reported that workers who handled flavorings had used full facepiece respirators with particulate filters and organic vapor cartridges since shortly after the microwave popcorn plant began operating in December 1988. In June 2002, the company informed NIOSH that one of its mixing room workers had been diagnosed with fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. NIOSH conducted a medical survey from July 22 through July 26, 2002, and an industrial hygiene survey from July 29 through August 1, 2002. The main findings from these surveys included: 1. The mixing room was isolated and ventilated separately from the packaging area; 2. All tanks of heated soybean oil and flavorings were located in the mixing room and had local exhaust ventilation; 3. Workers (mixers) measured flavorings in open containers in a separate area in the warehouse and then carried the flavorings into the mixing room and poured the flavorings into open tanks of heated soybean oil; 4. Area diacetyl air concentrations in the mixing room were 0.57 parts per million (ppm) parts air by volume when liquid and paste flavorings were in use on July 29 and were below the limit of detection of the sampling method when powder flavorings were in use on July 31 and August 1; 5. Personal diacetyl exposures for the mixers for the three days of sampling were 0.04, 0.004, and 0.005 ppm respectively; 6. Mixers' exposure to diacetyl increased to 80 to 120 ppm for several minutes while pouring liquid butter flavoring into a tank; 7. Six of 13 workers with experience as mixers had abnormal lung function (three with fixed obstruction and three with restriction); 8. The average percentage of time that workers reported using respirators when in the mixing room prior to June 2002 was 20 percent (workers usually did not wear respirators when handling flavorings in the warehouse); 9. The highest measured diacetyl air concentration in the packaging area was 0.03 ppm; 10. Apart from workers with mixing experience, the prevalence of abnormal lung function in microwave popcorn plant workers did not differ significantly from the prevalence in nonmicrowave popcorn plant workers, and was similar to the expected prevalence based on national general population surveys; and, 11. Unlike the index plant, risk for lung disease in workers who popped many dozens of bags of product in microwave ovens per shift was not identified in this plant (these workers popped fewer bags per shift than at the index plant). NIOSH conducted an industrial hygiene survey on September 17 and 18, 2003 to measure air concentrations of respirable and total dust during the handling of powdered flavorings. This survey showed that: 1. Air concentrations varied depending on the particular powdered flavoring being handled and the manner in which it was handled, and 2. Some of the airborne dust was of respirable size The findings from the NIOSH medical and industrial hygiene surveys at this plant show an apparent risk for lung disease in mixing room workers at much lower air concentrations of butter flavoring chemicals than those initially measured at the Missouri index plant. Lung disease risk was not identified in other areas of the plant apart from mixing. Recommendations for engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and medical surveillance for exposed workers are provided in this report.
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(2004) ConAgra Snack Foods, Marion, Ohio. (Click to open report) NIOSH has identified evidence of fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans in workers exposed to airborne butter flavoring chemicals at several microwave popcorn plants. In 2002, NIOSH learned that a worker who had mixed oil and butter flavorings for microwave popcorn production at the ConAgra Snack Foods plant in Marion, Ohio, had been diagnosed with severe fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. During an initial visit to the pla... (Click to show more)NIOSH has identified evidence of fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans in workers exposed to airborne butter flavoring chemicals at several microwave popcorn plants. In 2002, NIOSH learned that a worker who had mixed oil and butter flavorings for microwave popcorn production at the ConAgra Snack Foods plant in Marion, Ohio, had been diagnosed with severe fixed obstructive lung disease consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. During an initial visit to the plant in January 2003, NIOSH identified production processes and work practices similar to those of other microwave popcorn plants. Specifically, workers handled many different butter flavorings in open containers and poured the flavorings into open tanks of heated soybean oil. The tanks did not have local exhaust ventilation and the workers did not use respiratory protection. Oil and flavoring mixing activities and all heated tanks were located in one room (slurry room) adjacent to the packaging line area, and the air pressure in this room was positive relative to the packaging line area. NIOSH proceeded to conduct a detailed health and environmental survey at this plant from March 3 to March 10, 2003, in order to characterize exposures and lung function in mixers and other workers. The main findings from this survey included: 1. The mean time weighted average diacetyl air concentration in the slurry room was 1.14 parts per million parts air (ppm). This air concentration is similar to those measured by NIOSH at two other microwave popcorn plants where mixers also developed fixed obstructive lung disease. 2. Three of 12 current slurry room workers were found to have airways obstruction on NIOSH spirometry tests. Two did not respond to bronchodilators, while one did respond but the forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation (FEV1) remained below normal. All three had normal diffusing capacity. These findings are consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. 3. After adjustments to the slurry room ventilation by ConAgra, the slurry room was found to have negative air pressure relative to the packaging area. 4. The mean time weighted average diacetyl air concentration in the packaging area was 0.02 ppm. 5. Five workers in the packaging area had fixed obstruction on spirometry, normal diffusing capacity, and no history of work in the slurry room. All were smokers but were relatively young (average age 36), making smoking a less likely explanation for their obstruction. If packaging area air concentrations of flavoring chemicals were higher in the past when the slurry room was under positive pressure, it is possible that some packaging area workers developed airways obstruction as a result. 6. Two of 11 current quality assurance (QA) lab workers were found to have abnormal spirometry. One had obstruction that was unresponsive to bronchodilator and had a normal diffusing capacity. Another had restriction. Prior to the installation of an enclosure with exhaust ventilation for the microwave ovens, the average diacetyl air concentration in the QA lab at the ConAgra plant was 0.018 ppm, compared to 0.56 ppm in the QA lab at another plant where five of six QA workers were found to have airways obstruction. At the ConAgra plant and other microwave popcorn plants, the pattern of lung function test abnormalities in workers who regularly mix butter flavorings with heated soybean oil implies a risk for the development of fixed airways obstruction from inhalation of flavoring-related chemicals. Nearby packaging workers may also be at risk if flavoring chemicals or dust in the air of the slurry room contaminate the air in the packaging area. Recommendations for engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and medical surveillance for exposed workers are provided in this report.
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(2004) CPC Pasadena Plastics Complex, Pasadena, Texas. (Click to open report) On July 27, 2003 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation request from the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy (PACE) Union expressing concerns about employee exposures to hexavalent chromium (CrVI) at the Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CPC) Pasadena Plastics Complex, Pasadena, Texas. Chromium is used at the facility as a catalyst in the polyethylene production process. On September 3 and 4, 2003 NIOSH investigators toure... (Click to show more)On July 27, 2003 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation request from the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy (PACE) Union expressing concerns about employee exposures to hexavalent chromium (CrVI) at the Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CPC) Pasadena Plastics Complex, Pasadena, Texas. Chromium is used at the facility as a catalyst in the polyethylene production process. On September 3 and 4, 2003 NIOSH investigators toured the facility, reviewed records, and conducted confidential employee interviews. Due to the limited personal air sampling data available and the potential for employee exposures while replacing components and transferring catalyst, a more in-depth follow-up site visit which included additional confidential employee interviews, air sampling and surface wipe sampling for CrVI was conducted on October 20-24, 2003. Air sampling results were below all applicable occupational exposure limits. Wipe sample results were inconclusive due to the high concentration of CrVI found in the media blanks. NIOSH investigators concluded that no hazard from exposure to CrVI exists. Personal and area air sampling results for CrVI samples collected during this Health Hazard Evaluation were below applicable occupational exposure limits. Employees reported no symptoms related to chromium exposure. CPC Pasadena Plastics Complex has an adequate program to protect their employees from being overexposed to CrVI. Recommendations for improving the Chromium Catalyst Health and Hygiene Program are provided in this report.
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(2004) Felker Brothers Corporation, Marshfield, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) On December 23, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers regarding worker exposures to chromium and nickel compounds during the manufacture of high-quality, corrosive-resistant stainless steel products and fabricated piping systems at the two Felker Brothers Corporation facilities in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Union officials also expressed concerns about potential carcinogenic effects of these expos... (Click to show more)On December 23, 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers regarding worker exposures to chromium and nickel compounds during the manufacture of high-quality, corrosive-resistant stainless steel products and fabricated piping systems at the two Felker Brothers Corporation facilities in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Union officials also expressed concerns about potential carcinogenic effects of these exposures. On February 5, 2003, NIOSH investigators made an initial site visit to gather information on stainless steel cutting, welding, grinding, and pickling processes. An in-depth industrial hygiene evaluation was conducted during May 28-29, 2003. In addition, a NIOSH physician conducted private medical interviews with 23 employees. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) air sampling was conducted on employees during stainless steel cutting, welding, grinding, and pickling operations. PBZ air samples were collected for elements (various metal compounds including nickel and chromium), total welding fumes, hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and inorganic acids. Carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity were also measured. PBZ air samples indicated the potential for some workers to be exposed to nickel and Cr VI concentrations above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) and to manganese above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV). The highest concentrations for nickel, manganese, and Cr VI occurred during operations in which workers welded inside large stainless steel pipes or welded fins on a large stainless steel pipe. Two detector tube results for ozone also indicated concentrations exceeding the NIOSH REL ceiling limit and the potential to exceed ACGIH, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) occupational criteria (if continuous welding occurs throughout the work shift) during welding operations inside stainless steel pipes. A total of 23 employees were interviewed. The average tenure at Felker Brothers was 24 years (range: 6 months to 38 years). Seventeen of the 23 employees reported ever having work-related or work-aggravated health problems, mainly upper respiratory/mucous membrane irritation or musculoskeletal injury. Seven of the 23 employees reported current upper respiratory or mucous membrane irritation. All reported that these symptoms were not severe enough to keep them from working. Welding fumes, acid vapors from the pickling tank, general plant dust, and general plant ventilation could contribute to these symptoms. Twelve (52%) of those interviewed were previous smokers, 6 (26%) had never smoked, and 5 (22%) were current smokers. There was no significant relationship between current mucous membrane irritation and smoking status. PBZ air samples indicated the potential for some workers to be exposed to nickel and Cr VI concentrations above the NIOSH REL and to manganese above the ACGIH TLV. Although the potential for exposure to nickel and chromium exists, at the time of our evaluation, the types of cancers linked to exposure to these substances have not been reported among current or former employees of Felker Brothers. Welding fumes, acid vapors from the pickling tank, general plant dust, and general plant ventilation could contribute to irritant symptoms reported by some workers. Engineering controls (i.e., local exhaust ventilation) should be used in areas where sample results indicated exposures exceeding applicable occupational criteria. Other recommendations to reduce worker exposures are provided in the report.
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(2004) Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, Farmington, New Mexico. (Click to open report) On October 1, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI), in Farmington, New Mexico. The request was to evaluate noise exposures during potato processing and packaging (Fresh Pack area), corn storage and dispensing (Granary), and equipment maintenance and other mechanical tasks at the Mechanic Shop. During the course of the investigation, NIOSH ... (Click to show more)On October 1, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI), in Farmington, New Mexico. The request was to evaluate noise exposures during potato processing and packaging (Fresh Pack area), corn storage and dispensing (Granary), and equipment maintenance and other mechanical tasks at the Mechanic Shop. During the course of the investigation, NIOSH was also requested to measure noise exposure during the manufacture of alfalfa pellets. During the NIOSH visit, the granary was not operating and was not monitored. Potential ergonomic hazards were identified during the packaging of potatoes in the Fresh Pack area. Between October 27 and 30, 2003, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at NAPI. Following a meeting on October 27, 2003, with NAPI's safety officers, NIOSH investigators toured the facility. On October 28 and 29, 2003, NIOSH measured noise exposure to 18 employees in the Fresh Pack area, where potatoes are unloaded from a truck, washed, sorted, and packaged for shipment. On October 30, 2003, NIOSH investigators measured noise exposure on two employees during the manufacture of alfalfa pellets, and on two mechanics from the mechanic shop. The noise exposure assessment revealed that, of the 22 employees monitored, 6 attained or exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL). Four of these employees were from the Fresh Pack area, and one each from the alfalfa pellet-mill operation, and the mechanic shop. Two of the six (bagger and pellet mill operator) also exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Action Limit (AL). NAPI has a well-managed hearing conservation program for employees in the Fresh pack area. Employees were observed wearing foam ear plugs correctly and consistently. We observed ergonomic-related issues during the packaging of potatoes and potential exposure to mold during the manufacture of alfalfa pellets. There is a potential for excessive noise exposure in the Fresh Pack area, the alfalfa-pellet manufacturing area, and the mechanic shop. Twenty-seven percent of the employees who were monitored for noise attained or exceeded the NIOSH REL. In addition, there is an ergonomic hazard during the packaging of potatoes in the Fresh Pack area and a potential for respiratory hazards during the manufacture of alfalfa pellets. Recommendations on these issues are included in this report.
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(2004) NIOSH evaluation of air sampling methodologies for Bacillus anthracis in a United States Postal Service Processing and Distribution Center, Trenton, New Jersey. (Click to open report) On January 16, 2002, NIOSH received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) contamination in the Trenton Processing and Distribution Center (TPDC) located in Trenton, New Jersey. The USPS requested assistance in determining the most appropriate method(s) of air sampling for B. anthracis spores. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators conducted an evaluation of sampling methods at the TPDC on ... (Click to show more)On January 16, 2002, NIOSH received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) contamination in the Trenton Processing and Distribution Center (TPDC) located in Trenton, New Jersey. The USPS requested assistance in determining the most appropriate method(s) of air sampling for B. anthracis spores. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators conducted an evaluation of sampling methods at the TPDC on February 4-7, 2002. NIOSH investigators collected 106 surface wipe samples on the jogger/sorter, feeder, reader, and all final stacker (bin) sections of a Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS), 130 general area (GA) air samples using Andersen samplers with sheep blood agar, 24 GA air samples using mixed-cellulose ester filter media, 24 GA air samples using polytetrafluoroethylene filter media, 72 GA air samples using gelatin filter media, and 6 GA air samples using a dry filter unit with polyester felt filter media. Wipe and air samples were collected before and after operating the DBCS. Operating the DBCS provided a means of re-aerosolization of spores resulting in enhanced capture potential for air sampling media. All of the wipe samples were positive for B. anthracis. The initial analysis of air samples (using 10% of the sample extract) collected before DBCS operation resulted in no detectable B. anthracis colonies (negative sample), except for some Andersen samples. All of the negative filter samples were re-analyzed using the remaining sample, which resulted in each type of filter media having one or more false negative samples. All air sample media had detectable B. anthracis colonies subsequent to DBCS operation. Based on the surface wipe and air sample data, NIOSH investigators conclude the following: (1) walking and light work may be sufficient to re-aerosolize B. anthracis spores; (2) all air sampling methods used were capable of collecting B. anthracis spores, albeit some more efficiently than others; (3) not plating the entire sample during analysis may result in false negative sample results; (4) the Andersen sampling method seems to be the most sensitive for B. anthracis spore collection; (5) because of its high flow rate the dry filter unit may have reduced the number of available spores for collection; (6) the dry filter unit may be the least sensitive when considering the volume of air passing through the sampler. Further laboratory and field evaluation of these and other methods is necessary to understand their practical uses and limitations for collection of B. anthracis in contaminated facilities.
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(2004) PCC Schlosser, Redmond, Oregon. (Click to open report) In February 2003, employees at PCC Schlosser, a titanium investment casting plant in Redmond, Oregon, sent the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to investigate exposures to metals in their workplace. Employees in the finishing area reported that liver and kidney failure or bad liver function levels and digestive tract problems were related to workplace exposures to metals including titanium, antimony, vanadiu... (Click to show more)In February 2003, employees at PCC Schlosser, a titanium investment casting plant in Redmond, Oregon, sent the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to investigate exposures to metals in their workplace. Employees in the finishing area reported that liver and kidney failure or bad liver function levels and digestive tract problems were related to workplace exposures to metals including titanium, antimony, vanadium, and aluminum. Employees reported that they sent hair samples to a private laboratory for analysis and results indicated the presence of a variety of metals that employees believed were related to occupational exposures. Some employees reported that medical tests by their physicians also suggested they were overexposed to certain metals in their workplace. Full-shift, personal breathing sampling was conducted on nine employees working in the finishing and cut-off areas of the plant. Samples were collected for respirable dust (particulates not otherwise regulated), airborne elements and vanadium pentoxide wipe samples were collected on hands and surfaces. Medical records provided by one employee and hair analysis reports provided by five employees were reviewed. Employee job tasks included torch cutting, operating a pneumatic hammer and a water cannon, and finishing cast parts using rotary hand tools. The majority of exposures measured during this HHE were below Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limits (PELs), but three samples exceeded these limits. One air sample collected in the pneumatic hammer area exceeded the PEL for yttrium, and two samples (both collected from the same employee while torch cutting) exceeded Oregon OSHA's PELs for respirable dusts and respirable vanadium pentoxide. Respirable dust exposures ranged from 0.2 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m 3 ) to 5.9 mg/m3 , compared to the PEL of 5 mg/m3 . Yttrium exposures ranged up to 1.14 mg/m 3 , compared to the PEL of 1 mg/m3 . Respirable vanadium pentoxide exposures ranged up 0.123 mg/m3 , compared to the PEL of 0.05 mg/m3 . The workplace exposures that were found to exceed the Oregon OSHA PELS were related to lack of effective ventilation controls in the cut-off area. The medical record provided by one employee showed nonspecific liver function abnormalities that could not be attributed to workplace exposures. The five hair analysis reports were not conclusive because elemental hair analysis is not currently considered to be a standard medical test and the results of such testing cannot be directly related to specific exposures. Two PCC Schlosser employees working in the cut-off area of the plant had workplace exposures to respirable dusts, respirable vanadium pentoxide, and to the element yttrium in excess of the Oregon OSHA PELs. Recommendations are included in this report to control employee exposures by installing effective local exhaust ventilation to control exposures to torch fume (the source of the respirable dust and vanadium pentoxide) at the cut-off area, and to yttrium at the pneumatic hammer station. Until effective engineering controls are in place, employees working in the cut-off area should continue to wear N-95 or greater efficiency (N-99 or N-100) filtering face-piece respirators or elastomeric half-face respirators with P-100 cartridges to protect them against exposures to torch fume and metal-containing dusts. PCC Schlosser management should insure that employees do not have facial hair that comes in contact with the sealing surface of the respirator. Employees should carefully wash their hands before breaks and lunch and before leaving the plant to remove metal dusts that may be on their hands.
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(2004) Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, Missoula, Montana. (Click to open report) In March 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance (HETA 2001-0209) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding dermatitis among employees at Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation ("Smurfit"), a paper-production plant in Missoula, Montana. During an OSHA inspection at the plant, the OSHA inspector learned that over 60 employees had experienced a "skin ailment" over the previous two years. A NIOSH ... (Click to show more)In March 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance (HETA 2001-0209) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding dermatitis among employees at Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation ("Smurfit"), a paper-production plant in Missoula, Montana. During an OSHA inspection at the plant, the OSHA inspector learned that over 60 employees had experienced a "skin ailment" over the previous two years. A NIOSH site visit was conducted in April 2001 to assist OSHA in determining the role of occupational exposures in the skin diseases. At that time, 14 of 25 employees interviewed and examined had rashes; at least nine of these appeared consistent with occupational contact dermatitis. HETA 2001-0209 was closed with a letter to OSHA (Appendix A) on July 11, 2001, concluding that there was evidence of work-related dermatitis among Smurfit workers. On June 13, 2001, NIOSH received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers Local 8-0885 to further evaluate specific exposures at the Smurfit paper mill to determine the source of the dermatitis. To assess workers' exposures, bulk samples of pulp, paper, and white-water were collected from various locations throughout the paper manufacturing process. Samples were analyzed for various chemicals (biocide and naturally occurring compounds), metals, and biological organisms (mold/fungi and bacteria) that could possibly account for the rash. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographics, skin problems, job tasks, work history, and the work environment for all employees. Workers who indicated they had a rash on the day they completed the questionnaire and agreed to have their skin examined were examined by the NIOSH dermatologist. Three hundred fifty-four out of four hundred seven employees (89%) completed the questionnaire. Forty-three workers fit the case definition of having a chronic rash (i.e., having a high recurrence or continual rash). Forty workers fit the case definition of having work-related current rashes which were clinically consistent with either dermatitis and/or folliculitis. The questionnaire and skin examinations did not reveal a single type of skin problem but rather a variety of problems. Analysis of the questionnaire data showed a weak but statistically significant association between chronic rash and not always laundering work clothes (prevalence ratio 2.0 [confidence interval1.1-3.8]) and washing hands more than four times per day (prevalence ratio 1.9 [confidence interval1.1-3.2]). Most areas of the plant had workers with chronic rash, which was not associated with any specific area of the plant. There was a statistically significant association of a previous history of eczema and chronic rash (prevalence ratio 4.4 [confidence interval 2.5 to 7.9]) although the number of workers with previous eczema was relatively small. Chemical and metal analysis of the bulk materials did not identify any single compound in any substantial amount which we suspect would account for the reported dermal ailments. Mostly, trace amounts of typical biocide by-products and natural occurring compounds (e.g., pinene and resin acids) were found. Metals found in the pulp, paper, and white-water samples were found in the source water in similar concentrations and not of concern regarding skin problems. Results of the microbial analyses were unremarkable except in one sample, which contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa a secondary infectious agent of the skin. Coliforms, however, were present in some samples which indicate that pathogens (some are associated with skin ailments) may be present in the pulp even though they were not found in the NIOSH evaluation. In addition, during the initial site visit, a potential heat stress problem was identified in the rewinder area which could lead to excessive sweating and ultimately cause skin damage. Also, glass fibers were found in two bulk samples collected from the same area which is associated with dermatitis. A health hazard was identified at the Smurfit pulp and paper plant in Missoula, Montana. Approximately 11% of the workers had dermatitis or folliculitis. A single definitive etiologic agent was not identified. However, exposure to pulp, white-water, and/or finished paper alone or in combination with resin acids, dust, biocides, glass fibers, and heat may play a role in the skin problems. Based on the information gathered during multiple site visits, we recommend decreasing workers= exposures to the pulp and white-water. Controls such as elimination of potential sources of pathogens, administrative changes, and personal protective equipment are recommended.
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(2004) Teletech, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees of Teletech in Morgantown, West Virginia in which employees expressed concerns about the air quality in the building and the possibility that contaminants might be causing health effects experienced by some of the employees. Primary health concerns were: frequent sinus infections, respiratory infections, indoor allergies of unknown origin, hives, and skin rashes. Listed exposures in... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees of Teletech in Morgantown, West Virginia in which employees expressed concerns about the air quality in the building and the possibility that contaminants might be causing health effects experienced by some of the employees. Primary health concerns were: frequent sinus infections, respiratory infections, indoor allergies of unknown origin, hives, and skin rashes. Listed exposures included air fresheners, dirty air ducts and vents, inadequate fresh air, water leaks in restrooms that appeared to be from plumbing inside walls, and other airborne irritants. The NIOSH response consisted of two site visits. The first site visit on April 8th, 2004 allowed the industrial hygienists to visually inspect the premises and interview the building management. Water incursion in a bathroom was observed during the site visit with the water appearing to be clean water from an unknown source. The second site visit was conducted on May 13th, 2004 and included a similar visual inspection of the interior spaces along with the heating and ventilation (HVAC) system and the roof. The water incursion in the bathroom was known to be sporadic and management believed that the water originated from a natural spring located beneath the building. The second visit also included real-time monitoring of temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and airborne particles in several areas of the building and outdoors. Visual inspection found the building be generally clean and well maintained. The source of water incursion was in the process of being identified and corrected. Real-time measurements were within the currently established values for appropriate building air quality. The exception was carbon dioxide concentrations in an area of the building where one HVAC unit was not operating during the visit. Carbon dioxide concentrations in that area were somewhat elevated and might indicate that the HVAC system is not be entirely adequate for diluting and mixing the air in the building. However, the overall appearance of the building and the results of the real-time monitoring did not identify any items that required immediate correction. NIOSH conducted two site visits to the Teletech call center in Morgantown, West Virginia to address employee concerns about contamination of the indoor air and health effects they were experiencing. An area of water incursion was found but no signs of mold or excessive dampness were observed. Some measurements indicated that fresh air supply and overall air mixing might not be adequate but not to the extent that employee health effects could be attributed to these findings.
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(2004) Transportation Security Administration, Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia. (Click to open report) On January 21, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Dulles, Virginia. The HHE request concerned health hazards from exposure to contaminants found in exhaust emissions of tug and jet engines and noise from tugs, jets, conveyors, and baggage carousels in the checked baggage screening area. Reported health... (Click to show more)On January 21, 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Dulles, Virginia. The HHE request concerned health hazards from exposure to contaminants found in exhaust emissions of tug and jet engines and noise from tugs, jets, conveyors, and baggage carousels in the checked baggage screening area. Reported health problems included respiratory distress, dizziness, possible hearing loss, and headaches. On July 12-13, 2004, NIOSH investigators collected ambient air and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), diesel exhaust particulate (measured as elemental carbon [EC]), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Full-shift personal noise monitoring was also conducted. Concentrations of EC, a surrogate for diesel exhaust, ranged from 3.2 to 26 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). There is no NIOSH evaluation criterion for EC; the California Department of Health Services recommends keeping levels below 20 microg/m3. PBZ concentrations of NO2 and NO ranged from trace (defined as between 0.04 and 0.20 parts per million [ppm]) to 0.38 ppm. PBZ exposure for CO ranged from 1 to 8 ppm (full-shift Time-Weighted Average [TWA]) and from 1 to 19 ppm (15-minute short-term exposures). The dominant VOCs were isopropyl alcohol, toluene, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons. All were found at very low levels. Noise levels for 4 of 16 employees monitored (3 in West baggage, 1 in Southeast baggage) exceeded the NIOSH REL for instituting a hearing conservation program. Other employees surveyed did not have excessive noise exposures that would increase their risk for occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The NIOSH investigators determined that a hazard does not exist from exposure to EC, CO, CO2, NO2, NO, or VOCs. On average, none of the chemicals were detected at concentrations exceeding occupational exposure limits at the time of the NIOSH visit. Some tug emissions were elevated when compared to ambient levels and could contribute to an increase in air contaminants in some baggage areas. There was little evidence of a serious noise problem. Recommendations for maintaining the air quality and further reducing noise exposures are provided in the Recommendations Section of this report.
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