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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
(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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(1991) Pilot Industrial Batteries, Kankakee, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Pilot Industrial Batteries (SIC-3691), Kankakee, Illinois. The company employed 41 workers, manufacturing custom lead/acid batteries. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected and analyzed for lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), and 29 other metals. General air samples for lead analysis were collected in the lunch room and in the changing room adjacen... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Pilot Industrial Batteries (SIC-3691), Kankakee, Illinois. The company employed 41 workers, manufacturing custom lead/acid batteries. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected and analyzed for lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), and 29 other metals. General air samples for lead analysis were collected in the lunch room and in the changing room adjacent to the pasting area. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of lead ranged from below 10 to 846 micrograms/cubic meter. One personal breathing zone sample had a time weighted average arsenic concentration of 3.8 micrograms/cubic meter. Blood lead levels ranged from 12 to 66 micrograms/deciliter. The authors conclude that employees were at risk for lead exposure at levels that constitute a health hazard. Half mask respirators did not provide adequate protection in some areas of the facility. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, including better use of existing local engineering controls, improved respiratory protection practices, and the establishment of a formal biological monitoring program.
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(1991) Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc., Seville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to lead (7439921) at Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc. (SIC-3366), Seville, Ohio. The company used about 25 different alloys, with lead contents ranging from 0.5 to 8%. At the time of the visit, there were eight production workers and one foreman at the foundry. The company required half mask respirators with high efficiency particulate air filters to be worn in the foundry production area as wel... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to lead (7439921) at Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc. (SIC-3366), Seville, Ohio. The company used about 25 different alloys, with lead contents ranging from 0.5 to 8%. At the time of the visit, there were eight production workers and one foreman at the foundry. The company required half mask respirators with high efficiency particulate air filters to be worn in the foundry production area as well as other safety equipment. Personal breathing zone air concentrations were below the safety limits for several trace elements. However, cadmium (7440439) levels exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of lowest feasible exposure. Lead concentrations ranged from 98 to 230 micrograms/cubic meter and all of the personal breathing zone samples for lead exceeded the recommended limits. The pouring area had no local ventilation controls. The authors conclude that the lead levels constituted a health hazard to the workers. The authors recommend increasing the ventilation capabilities of the system by providing additional local exhaust ventilation during pouring and removal of the slag, use of a vacuum cleaner with high efficiency particulate air filters for cleaning up dust, substitution of a less hazardous mold wash, and separating the eating area from the machining and grinding area.
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(1991) Silver Deer, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of Silver Deer, Ltd. (SIC-3231), Boulder, Colorado a study was undertaken of lead (7439921) exposure at the facility. The Silver Deer company employed 65 persons in cutting, grinding and polishing crystal into various art objects. The crystal contained about 32% lead. A NIOSH study conducted in 1984 at this site found a mean air lead exposure of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) and a mean blood lead level of 29 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of Silver Deer, Ltd. (SIC-3231), Boulder, Colorado a study was undertaken of lead (7439921) exposure at the facility. The Silver Deer company employed 65 persons in cutting, grinding and polishing crystal into various art objects. The crystal contained about 32% lead. A NIOSH study conducted in 1984 at this site found a mean air lead exposure of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) and a mean blood lead level of 29 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) among seven grinding room workers. Local exhaust ventilation was installed after the previous NIOSH study. This study (in 1991) found lead levels in the air from 6.6 to 35.0microg/m3 with a mean of 18microg/m3. The highest exposure was caused when lead crystal was ground on a section of a grinder that had inadequate exhaust ventilation. The mean blood lead level in grinding room workers was 12 microg/dl. These results show a statistically significant decrease in blood lead levels after the installation of local exhaust ventilation. The author concludes that a health hazard was not found at the time of the survey. The author recommends some further improvements in engineering controls and work practices.
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(1991) U.S. Customs Service, World Trade Center, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) and noise at the U.S. Customs Service (SIC-9221) firing range at the World Trade Center, New York, New York. The range was located in the basement of the Center and consisted of nine shooting booths. Each qualifying session consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes by each of nine shooters. The qualifying session was preceded by a 50 round practice session. During the survey the typical fire... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) and noise at the U.S. Customs Service (SIC-9221) firing range at the World Trade Center, New York, New York. The range was located in the basement of the Center and consisted of nine shooting booths. Each qualifying session consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes by each of nine shooters. The qualifying session was preceded by a 50 round practice session. During the survey the typical firearm used was a .357 Magnum with .38 ammunition. The ammunition was copper jacketed. Total exposure time was 70 minutes. Shooters in the center booths had lead exposures below the limit of detection of 7 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Shooters in booths 1 and 6 were exposed to lead at 21 and 23microg/m3. The range officer was exposed to 13microg/m3. All exposures were below the OSHA 8 hour Permissible Exposure Limit of 50microg/m3. Noise level measurements were inconclusive. All employees wore double hearing protection consisting of ear insert plugs and ear muffs. The author concludes that a potential health hazard did not exist from exposure to inorganic lead.
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(1990) A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp., Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machin... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machines with both wet and dry methods. There was potential employee exposure to lead (7439921) with the five general area air samples ranging from 32 to 120 micrograms per cubic meter. The results for Freon-113 (76131) and trichloroethylene (7631869) were all below allowable limits. Crystalline silica (14808607) was not detected. The authors conclude that although the results of blood lead levels and erythrocyte protoporphyrin studies did not demonstrate excessive lead exposure, the dry machining processes present a potential for lead exposure. The authors recommend measures to limit the potential lead exposure from the dry machine processes.
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