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HHE Search Results
474 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1992) U.S. Park Police, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Park Police (SIC-9221), Washington, D.C., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) at a new indoor firing range. Air sampling revealed that for students using the range during training, the 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) exposures ranged from 4.4 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) to 116.4microg/m3 of airborne lead, with a mean of 32.5microg/m3. For range officers, the TWA exposures ranged from 0.15 to 52.6microg/m3, mean... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Park Police (SIC-9221), Washington, D.C., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) at a new indoor firing range. Air sampling revealed that for students using the range during training, the 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) exposures ranged from 4.4 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) to 116.4microg/m3 of airborne lead, with a mean of 32.5microg/m3. For range officers, the TWA exposures ranged from 0.15 to 52.6microg/m3, mean 16.1microg/m3. Area samples ranged from 0.15 to 2291.1microg/m3. During qualification shooting, the 8 hour TWA exposures for students ranged from 1.0 to 103.8microg/m3, with a mean of 26.3microg/m3. For range officers, the 8 hour TWA exposures ranged from 9.7 to 39.8microg/m3, mean 18.0microg/m3. A smoke machine was used to visualize the air patterns in the firing range. It was found that contaminated air could be pulled from downrange to behind the shooting line. The authors conclude that overexposure to lead occurred during use of the firing range, due to deficiencies in the range ventilation system. The authors recommend specific measures to lessen the hazardous exposures.
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(1992) United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC), an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous outcomes associated with members' chronic exposure to asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), wood dust, formaldehyde (50000) and other toxic agents found in carpentry (SIC- 1751). NIOSH conducted pulmonary function screening and administered a questionnaire at a national convention of carpenters. Spirometry screening was undertaken to identify abnorm... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC), an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous outcomes associated with members' chronic exposure to asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), wood dust, formaldehyde (50000) and other toxic agents found in carpentry (SIC- 1751). NIOSH conducted pulmonary function screening and administered a questionnaire at a national convention of carpenters. Spirometry screening was undertaken to identify abnormal pulmonary function patterns across the trades represented by participating members of the UBC. Spirometry was performed on 762 subjects; 135 had abnormal spirometry patterns. Conclusions about the work relatedness of group spirometry results or respiratory history could not be drawn, nor could inferences be made concerning nonparticipants. The evaluation of existing pulmonary function status at a single point in time for the early detection of an abnormal condition constitutes a secondary prevention measure.
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(1992) Warner Amex, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees of the Van Kirk location of Warner Cable Communications (SIC-4841), Cincinnati, Ohio a study was undertaken of possible exposures of workers to lead (7439921), electromagnetic radiation, asbestos (1332214), and poor air quality. The workers were also said to be suffering from psychological disorders as a result of being expected to work in inadequate conditions. The company stored, tested and repaired cable television converter boxes. In repairing the boxe... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees of the Van Kirk location of Warner Cable Communications (SIC-4841), Cincinnati, Ohio a study was undertaken of possible exposures of workers to lead (7439921), electromagnetic radiation, asbestos (1332214), and poor air quality. The workers were also said to be suffering from psychological disorders as a result of being expected to work in inadequate conditions. The company stored, tested and repaired cable television converter boxes. In repairing the boxes, some parts were attached by soldering. Local exhaust ventilation was not provided. Sources of magnetic and electric fields included television sets and video display terminals used to test the boxes. Airborne lead and tin (7440315) concentrations were below minimum detectable concentrations in all samples except one. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations were within the limits required for adequate ventilation. Temperature measurements were slightly above the recommended comfort range and the relative humidity levels were somewhat below the recommended levels. No asbestos fibers were detected. Thermal decomposition products of the solder were identified and may have been the cause of reported mucous membrane irritation. The authors conclude that no occupational health hazard was identified at this facility. The authors recommend measures to reduce potential lead exposures and provide a more comfortable working environment.
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(1992) William Powell Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of lead (7439921) exposures at the William Powell Company (SIC-3366), Cincinnati, Ohio. The company manufactured brass valves. At the time of the visit there were 44 workers at the foundry. Airborne lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for three personal breathing zone samples and constituted a potential hazard to employees working in the pouring and cut of... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of lead (7439921) exposures at the William Powell Company (SIC-3366), Cincinnati, Ohio. The company manufactured brass valves. At the time of the visit there were 44 workers at the foundry. Airborne lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for three personal breathing zone samples and constituted a potential hazard to employees working in the pouring and cut off saw areas. Low concentrations of respirable quartz (14808607) were detected. Cadmium (7440439) was also present. The highest concentrations for both the stationary and continuous pouring operations occurred during the transport of the unventilated full ladle. The cumulative aerosol exposures from the continuous operation task were far greater than those from the stationary operation due to the greater amount of time the worker spent doing continuous pouring. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from lead levels in the pouring and cut off saw areas. The authors recommend several measures to reduce the exposure levels including a more efficient ventilation system and a redesign of some of the equipment in use.
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(1991) ASARCO New Market/Young Mines, Mascot, Tennessee. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Akron, Ohio, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at two American Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-1031) zinc mines (New Market and Young) in Mascot, Tennessee. Specifically, exposures to asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), and diesel emissions were determined. At both mines overexposures were found to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2) and coal-tar pitch volatiles. Twenty four percent of ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Akron, Ohio, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at two American Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-1031) zinc mines (New Market and Young) in Mascot, Tennessee. Specifically, exposures to asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), and diesel emissions were determined. At both mines overexposures were found to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2) and coal-tar pitch volatiles. Twenty four percent of the NO2 measurements taken were above the NIOSH recommended ceiling of 1 part per million (ppm), but none exceeded the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) ceiling of 5ppm. Exposure to diesel particulates ranged from 0.24 to 1.06mg/m3. None of the 52 respirable dust samples collected exceeded the calculated MSHA limits for free silica exposure. A medical evaluation was offered and 83 of the 400 current employees and one retired employee participated. Seven underground employees were found with small opacity readings of greater than 1/0. Pulmonary function tests indicated that four employees had moderate airway obstruction, 17 had mild obstruction and two had mild restriction of lung volume. Three with obstructive lung disease pattern also had positive radiographs for pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to coal-tar pitch volatiles and NO2; radiographic and pulmonary function test results suggest that a chronic respiratory health effect may be related to cumulative workplace exposures. The authors recommend measures for lowering the exposures and the development of a medical surveillance program.
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(1991) Carbonnaire Company, Palmerton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a Carbonnaire Company Representative, an investigation was undertaken of possible exposure to metal dusts at Carbonnaire Company (SIC-2873, SIC-2813), Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The metal dust was thought to be blowing in from an adjacent zinc recycling company. Carbonnaire manufactured synthetic anhydrous-ammonia (7664417) by the Haber-Bosch process. About 29 employees worked three shifts. Air samples, wipe samples and soil samples were collected for analysis of meta... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a Carbonnaire Company Representative, an investigation was undertaken of possible exposure to metal dusts at Carbonnaire Company (SIC-2873, SIC-2813), Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The metal dust was thought to be blowing in from an adjacent zinc recycling company. Carbonnaire manufactured synthetic anhydrous-ammonia (7664417) by the Haber-Bosch process. About 29 employees worked three shifts. Air samples, wipe samples and soil samples were collected for analysis of metal content. Blood samples were obtained from 13 workers. Lead (7439921) concentrations in wipe samples ranged from 108 to 432 micrograms/square foot. Surface soil and ventilation filter dust contained up to 4.5% lead. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 4 to 13 micrograms/deciliter. Personal breathing samples detected ammonia concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 122.6 parts per million (ppm). The highest personal exposure was collected over 5 minutes in the east compressor area. The author concludes that a health hazard existed due to ammonia exposure from leaking equipment. A potential health hazard may exist from exposure to lead at this location. The author recommends specific measures to reduce exposures and improve working conditions at this facility.
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(1991) G.T. Jones Tire and Battery Distributing Inc., Birmingham, Alabama. (Click to open report) In response to a request for technical assistance from the Alabama Health Department, possible hazardous working conditions at the G.T. Jones Tire and Battery Distributing Company (SIC-5093), Birmingham, Alabama were evaluated. The company employed 15 persons in battery breaking and recycling. Twelve of the workers had blood lead (7439921) levels over 60 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) and the average of the last three blood levels exceeded 50microg/dl for 13 of the employees. Blood lead levels... (Click to show more)In response to a request for technical assistance from the Alabama Health Department, possible hazardous working conditions at the G.T. Jones Tire and Battery Distributing Company (SIC-5093), Birmingham, Alabama were evaluated. The company employed 15 persons in battery breaking and recycling. Twelve of the workers had blood lead (7439921) levels over 60 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) and the average of the last three blood levels exceeded 50microg/dl for 13 of the employees. Blood lead levels greater than 60 were associated with biochemical evidence of impaired heme synthesis and impaired renal function. Fourteen workers had elevated zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels over 100microg/dl consistent with moderate lead poisoning. Three had ZPPs over 600microg/dl, consistent with severe lead poisoning. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from overexposure to lead. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures.
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(1991) Georgia Metals, Inc., Powder Springs, Georgia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from OSHA, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Georgia Metals Company (SIC- 3443), Powder Springs, Georgia. A local physician reported to OSHA an elevated blood lead (7439921) level in a facility employee. The company primarily relined newly fabricated or refurbished steel tanks with lead or polyvinylchloride/polypropylene. The company also produces came lead, lead pipe, lead anodes, and lead burning rods from lead pigs and recycled scraps. T... (Click to show more)In response to a request from OSHA, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Georgia Metals Company (SIC- 3443), Powder Springs, Georgia. A local physician reported to OSHA an elevated blood lead (7439921) level in a facility employee. The company primarily relined newly fabricated or refurbished steel tanks with lead or polyvinylchloride/polypropylene. The company also produces came lead, lead pipe, lead anodes, and lead burning rods from lead pigs and recycled scraps. The mean blood lead level among current employees was 32 micrograms/100 grams whole blood, range of 9 to 51. Five current employees had levels of zinc- protoporphyrin above the standards, suggesting elevated blood lead levels 2 to 4 months earlier. At the time of this evaluation the company was not conducting any environmental monitoring, routine medical surveillance, or providing adequate respiratory protection, housekeeping, hygiene facilities or training. Adverse health outcomes such as hypertension and screening tests for impaired renal function were documented in five of the nine employees tested. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from employee exposure to lead. The authors recommend specific measures for reducing lead exposure.
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(1991) Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority, Mount Clemens, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of employees at the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Municipal Refuse Authority (SIC-4953), Mount Clemens, Michigan, an evaluation was undertaken of possible exposures associated with incinerator ash at the incinerator site. Two visits to the site were made. During the first visit it was determined that the weekly clean out operation was the primary source of employee exposures to ash. During the second visit analyses were made of air samples, total dust, res... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of employees at the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Municipal Refuse Authority (SIC-4953), Mount Clemens, Michigan, an evaluation was undertaken of possible exposures associated with incinerator ash at the incinerator site. Two visits to the site were made. During the first visit it was determined that the weekly clean out operation was the primary source of employee exposures to ash. During the second visit analyses were made of air samples, total dust, respirable dust, respirable crystalline silica (14808607), ash and metals. Potential short term exposures to high levels of crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total dust were noted during the clean out operation. One personal air sample collected for total dust exposure measured 20.5mg/m3 which exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15mg/m3. The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 0.5mg/m3 for crystalline silica was exceeded for one personal breathing zone air sample. The author concludes that workers were exposed to crystalline silica, lead and total dust during cleanout; personal exposures did not exceed the OSHA PELs because cleanout was completed in less than 2 hours. The author recommends improvements to work practices and provision of better personal protective equipment.
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(1991) New England Lead Burning Co. (NELCO), Eaton Metals, Salt Lake City, Utah. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Director of the Department of Safety and Health of the United Association of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, an investigation was undertaken at the New England Lead Burning Company (SIC-3443) project at Eaton Metals, Salt Lake City, Utah because of concerns about lead (7439921) exposure. The company contracted for jobs throughout the United States that involved the use of lead. The particular job involved the lining of two 85 foot long, 14.5 foot diamete... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Director of the Department of Safety and Health of the United Association of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, an investigation was undertaken at the New England Lead Burning Company (SIC-3443) project at Eaton Metals, Salt Lake City, Utah because of concerns about lead (7439921) exposure. The company contracted for jobs throughout the United States that involved the use of lead. The particular job involved the lining of two 85 foot long, 14.5 foot diameter steel tanks with lead sheets. Time weighted average exposures for lead ranged from 141 to 307 micrograms of lead per cubic meters of air (microg/m3). The short term lead concentrations ranged from 215 to 307microg/m3 during lead burning, 280 to 390microg/m3 during tinning, and from 27 to 42microg/m3 for grinding. The employees were wearing respiratory protection. Wipe samples revealed the presence of lead contamination on table surfaces in the lunchroom, on workers clothes and shoes which they wore home, in the workers' cars and on the floor of the change room. Hydrogen-chloride (7647010) levels ranged from 3 to more than 10 parts per million. Two employees had blood lead levels over 50 micrograms/100 grams of whole blood. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed at the time of the survey from exposure to lead, noise, hydrogen-chloride, and potential heat stress. The authors recommend specific measures to lessen these exposures.
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