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HHE Search Results
479 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) Metropolitan Sewer District, Mill Creek Facility, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Metropolitan Sewer District, Mill Creek Facility (SIC-4952) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Concern had been expressed regarding exposure to sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen oxides, inorganic acids, metals, dioxins, furans, and bacteria in the sludge dewatering and incineration buildings. There were approximately 60 employees on three shifts with the potential for exposure in the sewer sludge dewaterin... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Metropolitan Sewer District, Mill Creek Facility (SIC-4952) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Concern had been expressed regarding exposure to sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen oxides, inorganic acids, metals, dioxins, furans, and bacteria in the sludge dewatering and incineration buildings. There were approximately 60 employees on three shifts with the potential for exposure in the sewer sludge dewatering and incineration buildings. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken along with surface wipe and bulk materials samples. Contaminant concentrations did not exceed current environmental evaluation criteria for the substances investigated. Health complaints were not reported by employees at the time of the site visits. The authors conclude that concentrations of cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), and quartz (14808607) in dewatered sludge and surface dusts represented potential ingestion and inhalation hazards. The authors recommend measures to prevent contact with contaminated materials.
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(1992) 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, United Association of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, a follow up investigation was undertaken to determine if worker exposures to lead (7439921) had been reduced as a result of changes made after an initial evaluation at the New England Lead Burning Company (SIC-3443) project at Eaton Metals, Salt Lake City, Utah. The job at Eaton Metals involved the lining of two 85 foot long, 14.5 foot diameter steel ta... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Director of the Department of Safety and Health, United Association of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, a follow up investigation was undertaken to determine if worker exposures to lead (7439921) had been reduced as a result of changes made after an initial evaluation at the New England Lead Burning Company (SIC-3443) project at Eaton Metals, Salt Lake City, Utah. The job at Eaton Metals involved the lining of two 85 foot long, 14.5 foot diameter steel tanks with lead sheets. All 22 employees on the day of the study provided blood specimens. The mean blood lead level was 23 micrograms/100 grams whole blood with a range of 4 to 38. No employee had creatinine (CR) levels above the normal range. Two employees had blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels above the normal range. Time weighted average exposures for airborne lead ranged from 23 to 1790 micrograms/cubic meter of air; all but one were above the Utah OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms/cubic meter. The short term lead concentrations for the various jobs ranged from 53 to 450 micrograms/cubic meter. Wipe samples revealed the presence of lead contamination on table surfaces in the lunch room, on workers' clothes and shoes, in the workers' cars, and on the floor of the change room. The authors conclude that employee blood lead levels were reduced below the level requiring bimonthly testing. However, personal breathing zone lead levels were above the PEL and wipe samples still indicated lead contamination. The authors recommend that additional efforts be made to clean up lead contamination. Respirators should be stored in protective bags.
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(1992) Northwest Incinerator, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City of Philadelphia and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 33, Local 427, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Northwest Incinerator (SIC-4953), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Full shift personal breathing zone and general area air samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), total dust, respirable dust, crystalline... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City of Philadelphia and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 33, Local 427, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Northwest Incinerator (SIC-4953), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Full shift personal breathing zone and general area air samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), total dust, respirable dust, crystalline silica (14808607), and metals. Airborne concentrations of respirable nuisance dust were all well below the permissible exposure limits. Concentrations of PCDDs/PCDFs expressed as 2,3,7,8- tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) equivalents ranged from 0.01 to 12.8 picograms per cubic meter. There was also significant lead (7439921) surface contamination in one wipe sample. The authors conclude that possible exposures to PCDDs/PCDFs via inhalation and from surface contamination did exist. The facility ceased operations immediately after the evaluation. The authors recommend measures to cut down on exposure should the site be reopened for use or remediation.
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(1992) Seaway Painting, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland. (Click to open report) In response to a request received from an engineering consultant, an evaluation was undertaken of health hazards at an elevated water storage tank in Annapolis, Maryland where exterior repainting was being carried out by Seaway Painting, Inc. (SIC-1629). The requestor was concerned about possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921). The 135 foot high elevated water storage tank had an estimated exterior surface area of 35,000 square feet. It had been painted with a red lead primer, and an alky... (Click to show more)In response to a request received from an engineering consultant, an evaluation was undertaken of health hazards at an elevated water storage tank in Annapolis, Maryland where exterior repainting was being carried out by Seaway Painting, Inc. (SIC-1629). The requestor was concerned about possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921). The 135 foot high elevated water storage tank had an estimated exterior surface area of 35,000 square feet. It had been painted with a red lead primer, and an alkyd lead based paint. During moving and set up of a primary containment structure, personal airborne lead exposures were below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). During abrasive blasting operations, levels outside the containment approached the PEL. Airborne lead concentrations in the containment ranged from 620 to 3000microg/m3. No workers had increased blood lead levels during the job. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard due to lead exposures existed during repainting of the structure; however, the worker protection program in place at the time of the study appeared to adequately protect the workers from the lead. The protection program was a comprehensive one which was in compliance with Maryland requirements.
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(1992) The Mueller Company, Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an authorized employee representative at the Mueller Company (SIC-3362), Decatur, Illinois, an evaluation was undertaken of formaldehyde (50000) exposures to employees in the core making room and pour deck areas. The Mueller Company is a grey iron and brass foundry producing valves for water and gas distribution service. Formaldehyde levels of 0.32 to 0.65 parts per million were recorded. Three of seven readings exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 1 part... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an authorized employee representative at the Mueller Company (SIC-3362), Decatur, Illinois, an evaluation was undertaken of formaldehyde (50000) exposures to employees in the core making room and pour deck areas. The Mueller Company is a grey iron and brass foundry producing valves for water and gas distribution service. Formaldehyde levels of 0.32 to 0.65 parts per million were recorded. Three of seven readings exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 1 part per million. Respirable dust sampling measured 4.34mg/m3 in the breathing zone of the muller operator and 1.46mg/m3 at a location 10 feet from the front of the muller at breathing zone height. Silica (14808607) content in these samples was 60.2% and 50.0%, respectively. Exposure to cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), and zinc (7440666) on the pour deck exceeded one or more of the evaluation criteria; appropriate respiratory protection was used by workers in this area. Symptoms reported by the workers included headache, sinus pain, nausea, and eye irritation. Silicosis was verified in one worker. Formaldehyde related dermatitis was diagnosed in another. The authors conclude that there was a hazard from exposures to formaldehyde and silica. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce these hazardous exposures.
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(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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