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HHE Search Results
283 HHE reports were found based on your search terms. Reports are listed in order of year published with the most recently published reports listed first.
Year Published and Title
(1982) Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Health Department of Cincinnati, an evaluation was made of exposures to silica (7631869) dust and bird droppings at the Cincinnati Zoo (SIC-8421), Cincinnati, Ohio, occurring among workers involved in cleaning the bird cages. There were six workers assigned to the aviary area. Sand covered floors of the cages were swept with brooms to remove bird droppings and other debris. The materials from the sweepings were then scooped into a screened bottom shaker box and ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Health Department of Cincinnati, an evaluation was made of exposures to silica (7631869) dust and bird droppings at the Cincinnati Zoo (SIC-8421), Cincinnati, Ohio, occurring among workers involved in cleaning the bird cages. There were six workers assigned to the aviary area. Sand covered floors of the cages were swept with brooms to remove bird droppings and other debris. The materials from the sweepings were then scooped into a screened bottom shaker box and shaken to separate sand and debris. Treated or cleaned sand was returned to the cages while the waste was dumped into a waste container for removal. Positive tuberculin skin tests had occurred among some workers, causing concern. Air samples were taken and the respirable dust concentrations were found to range from 1.7 to 2.1 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and free silica concentrations from 0.32 to resulting 8 hour time weighted average free silica concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 0.1mg/m3 with three of four samples exceeding NIOSH recommended levels. However, these exposures were for periods of 45 minutes to an hour, once or twice a month, and for not more than a few years. No excess occurrence of respiratory disease was found at the zoo, but the rate of tuberculin reactivity was higher than expected. Two former employees with active tuberculosis acquired outside the zoo may have been a source for transmission. The authors conclude that it is unlikely that the silica exposures constitute a hazard. The authors recommend that the substitution of other materials for the sand might lower the exposure to crystalline silica. A ventilation system should be established in the individual bird cages, not only for dust control but also for temperature control. Testing for tuberculosis should be expanded to include all the employees.
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(1982) Climax Molybdenum Company, Climax, Colorado. (Click for full summary) Employee exposure to diesel emissions at the Climax Molybdenum Company Mine (SIC-1061) in Climax, Colorado, was investigated. The study was requested by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union and was performed on September 23 and 24, 1981. The mine employed about 1200 people in underground operations. Environmental air samples were taken for nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), polynuclear aromatic compounds, formaldehyde (50000), respirable particulates and free silica (14... (Click to show more)Employee exposure to diesel emissions at the Climax Molybdenum Company Mine (SIC-1061) in Climax, Colorado, was investigated. The study was requested by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union and was performed on September 23 and 24, 1981. The mine employed about 1200 people in underground operations. Environmental air samples were taken for nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), polynuclear aromatic compounds, formaldehyde (50000), respirable particulates and free silica (14808607), carbon-monoxide (630080), and carbon-dioxide (124389). Seventy four percent of the environmental samples collected for diesel particulates contained an average of 0.3 percent polynuclear aromatic compounds by weight as the cyclohexane soluble fraction. Thirty six percent of the free silica samples equaled or exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit of million of nitrogen-dioxide was present, although long term exposures may have exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit of 1 part per million. The remaining substances were either not detected or were well below the recommended criteria. The author concludes that the potential for a health hazard exists from exposure to free silica and polynuclear compounds.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report MHETA-81-108-9004.
(1982) Crane Company, Rogers, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7178, an evaluation was made at the Crane Company (SIC-3362), Rogers, Arkansas for possible hazardous working conditions due to employee exposures to lead (7439921), iron-oxide (1309371), zinc- oxide (1314132), silica (7631869) and other dusts. Since engineering changes were due to be made at the facility, this investigation was delayed until these changes were in place. A total of 69 personal breathing zone and general air ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7178, an evaluation was made at the Crane Company (SIC-3362), Rogers, Arkansas for possible hazardous working conditions due to employee exposures to lead (7439921), iron-oxide (1309371), zinc- oxide (1314132), silica (7631869) and other dusts. Since engineering changes were due to be made at the facility, this investigation was delayed until these changes were in place. A total of 69 personal breathing zone and general air samples were collected with the following results: iron/iron-oxide concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.24 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); zinc/zinc-oxide, 0.16 to 4.48mg/m3; particulate matter, 0.7 to 5.7mg/m3; respirable particulates, 0.4 to 3.0mg/m3; and silica, 2.1 to 5.0mg/m3. Of the 14 personal breathing zone samples taken, 12 exceeded the limits for lead. Problems with skin irritation, cough, tiredness and headache occurred more frequently among core/cleaning workers than other workers, and may have been due to formaldehyde (50000) exposure. A prevalence of dry, cracked hands occurred among mold workers as a result of their use of solvents. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard exists for production area workers from lead and silica exposures, for core/cleaning workers from formaldehyde, and for mold workers from skin contact with solvents. The authors recommend improvements in ventilation, housekeeping, and protective measures. Preplacement and periodic physical examinations, including chest x-rays and pulmonary function tests should be administered to workers exposed to silica.
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(1982) Edwin Cooper Company, Sauget, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee representative at the Edwin Cooper Company (SIC-2899), Sauget, Illinois, an evaluation was made of the working conditions during oil additive production. Concern had arisen due to a reported animal study of adverse effects caused by exposure to zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) oil additives. Isobutanol (78831) and isopropanol (67630) levels were well below evaluation criteria. No silica polymorphs were found in the zinc-oxide bulk sample tested. The d... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee representative at the Edwin Cooper Company (SIC-2899), Sauget, Illinois, an evaluation was made of the working conditions during oil additive production. Concern had arisen due to a reported animal study of adverse effects caused by exposure to zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) oil additives. Isobutanol (78831) and isopropanol (67630) levels were well below evaluation criteria. No silica polymorphs were found in the zinc-oxide bulk sample tested. The diatomaceous earth bulk sample contained mainly cristobalite (14464461). Personal breathing zone filter samples indicated zinc-oxide (1314132) levels to be very low when compared to criteria levels, the highest measured level being 0.3mg/m3. The maximum zinc (7440666) level measured was 0.167 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). No major findings were noted on the medical examinations. No effect was noted on spermatogenesis or fertility in workers exposed to ZDDP as compared to those not exposed. The authors conclude that workers at this facility were not overexposed to isobutanol, isopropanol or zinc-oxide. No effects on spermatogenesis or fertility were noted. The authors recommend that care be exercised in the handling of dialkyl zinc phosphate based oil additives until more information becomes available which better defines the occupational risks involved. Good housekeeping, good personal hygiene, and personal protection should all help in keeping current exposures to a minimum. A need to improve several of the local ventilation exhaust systems at this facility was noted.
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(1982) Ferro Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental air sampling was conducted, blood specimens collected, and medical surveys performed, to determined employee exposures to lead (7439921) and cadmium (7440439) at the Ferro Corporation (SIC- 2810) in Cleveland, Ohio on May 23 and 24, 1980 and March 16 to 20, 1981. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1170, requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of workers in the Coatings and Color Divisions of the Company. In the Coatings Division, perso... (Click to show more)Environmental air sampling was conducted, blood specimens collected, and medical surveys performed, to determined employee exposures to lead (7439921) and cadmium (7440439) at the Ferro Corporation (SIC- 2810) in Cleveland, Ohio on May 23 and 24, 1980 and March 16 to 20, 1981. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1170, requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of workers in the Coatings and Color Divisions of the Company. In the Coatings Division, personal exposure to airborne lead ranged from 0 to 359 micrograms per cubic meter, compared with the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. All cadmium samples taken in the Coatings Division were below the OSHA recommended standard of 200 micrograms per cubic meter. In the Color Division, cadmium exposures ranged from 0 to 384 micrograms per cubic meter. Twenty three of 109 workers tested had blood lead concentrations of 40 micrograms per deciliter or above. Smelter operators in the Coatings Division had the highest blood lead concentrations. Twenty one workers had blood cadmium concentrations of 0.7 micrograms per deciliter or above. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations were elevated in 18 of 109 workers, serum creatinine concentrations were elevated in 8 workers, and serum uric acid concentrations were elevated in 12 workers. Thirty five workers had one or more abnormal kidney function test results. Three workers with a history of exposure to silica dust had chest radiographs with evidence of mild pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that health hazards existed at this facility as a result of excessive exposures to airborne lead, cadmium, and silica dust. They recommend the establishment of an industrial health program, reduction of lead and cadmium exposures, several engineering control measures, medical follow up of affected workers, and medical screening.
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(1982) Forest Service, USDA, Spokane, Washington. (Click for full summary) In response to a request from the U.S. Forestry Service (SIC-0851), an investigation was conducted by NIOSH to evaluate the exposure of Forest Service personnel to volcanic ash after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Forest workers in southwestern Washington State were monitored in June and September, 1980 for exposure to airborne dust, total dust, and trace metals. Respirable crystalline silica (14808607) dust exposure was estimated by sieving bulk samples to particles less than 10... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Forestry Service (SIC-0851), an investigation was conducted by NIOSH to evaluate the exposure of Forest Service personnel to volcanic ash after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Forest workers in southwestern Washington State were monitored in June and September, 1980 for exposure to airborne dust, total dust, and trace metals. Respirable crystalline silica (14808607) dust exposure was estimated by sieving bulk samples to particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter. Nine of 40 measurements obtained from forestry workers exposed to respirable dust were greater than 1.00mg/m3 during the first survey. The NIOSH recommended exposure level to respirable dust containing 5.5% crystalline silica was 0.91mg/m3. No respirable dust measurements obtained in late summer were above the NIOSH recommended exposure level. The author concludes that forestry workers exposed to dust concentrations below the recommended levels have little risk in developing chronic respiratory impairment from this exposure; however, the recommended exposure levels may have certain limitations and future volcanic activity may increase risk. The author recommends that working conditions should be reassessed in future volcanic eruptions.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-000-105.
(1982) Fulflex Rubber Company, Bristol, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) The high prevalence of pulmonary disability, rashes, and nose bleeds at the Fulflex Rubber Company (SIC-3060), Bristol, Rhode Island was investigated. Local 474 of the United Rubber Workers Union requested the survey which took place in November, 1979 and March, 1980. Bulk, general, and personal breathing zone samples were analyzed. Medical examinations of 63 out of 89 employees were conducted. Bulk samples contained a high concentration of talc, very little silica, and no asbestos. General airb... (Click to show more)The high prevalence of pulmonary disability, rashes, and nose bleeds at the Fulflex Rubber Company (SIC-3060), Bristol, Rhode Island was investigated. Local 474 of the United Rubber Workers Union requested the survey which took place in November, 1979 and March, 1980. Bulk, general, and personal breathing zone samples were analyzed. Medical examinations of 63 out of 89 employees were conducted. Bulk samples contained a high concentration of talc, very little silica, and no asbestos. General airborne dust contained 0 to 1.2 milligrams per cubic meter of dust. Nitrosomorpholine (59892) and nitrosodiethylamine (55185) in heated rubber stock ranged from 0.92 to 5.9 micrograms per cubic meter, and nondetectable to 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. Twenty one percent of 108 workers had signs of pneumoconiosis and another 22 percent had obstructive lung disease. Skin rashes occurred more often in the rubber milling area than in the finishing area and nose bleeds were reported by 13 workers. The authors conclude that evidence of respiratory impairment and decreased pulmonary function are due to past excessive exposures to airborne talc. Improvements in ventilation and engineering controls account for the reduction in talc exposure. The authors suggest that protective clothing, controlled handling of rubber additives, and routine cleaning and repair of ventilation equipment should decrease dermatological irritation.
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(1982) Harbison-Walker Refractories, Fairfield, Alabama, Bessemer, Alabama. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Sub District Director of the Thirty Sixth District of the United Steelworkers of America, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at the Harbison- Walker Refractories (SIC-3255) facilities, located in Fairfield and Bessemer, Alabama. Refractory bricks for use by the steel industry were manufactured at these locations. Airborne dusts were examined for aluminum-oxide (1344281) and free silica (7631869) contents. Personal and general area air sample... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Sub District Director of the Thirty Sixth District of the United Steelworkers of America, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at the Harbison- Walker Refractories (SIC-3255) facilities, located in Fairfield and Bessemer, Alabama. Refractory bricks for use by the steel industry were manufactured at these locations. Airborne dusts were examined for aluminum-oxide (1344281) and free silica (7631869) contents. Personal and general area air samples were taken. The results at the Fairfield facility were as follows: total dust concentrations ranged from 0.22 to 2.92 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); aluminum-oxide concentrations, 0.1 to 0.7mg/m3; respirable dust levels, 0.04 to 0.87mg/m3; and respirable free silica, 4.2 to 91 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). At the Bessemer facility the following conditions existed: total dust concentrations ranged from 1.47 to 50.63mg/m3; aluminum-oxide, 0.1 to 7.9mg/m3; and respirable dust exposures, 0.1 to 9.04mg/m3. Respirable free silica may have exceeded recommended exposure limits for two workers: the worker stacking castables, about 77microg/m3, and the larry car operator, about 143microg/m3. The workers were suffering from many respiratory complaints caused by irritation of the respiratory membranes. No indication of silicosis or other definitely work related respiratory diseases were identified on x-ray or pulmonary function tests. The authors conclude that the larry car operator and workers packaging refractory castables at the Bessemer facility were overexposed to dust and aluminum-oxide. The authors recommend that dusty conditions at Bessemer be cleaned up, and that the dust control systems be repaired. The occurrence of oil acne due to exposure to the oil which coats the freshly formed bricks can be lessened through the use of barrier creams and conscientious personal hygiene. Better coordination is suggested for the medical screening program to insure adequate follow up of workers with abnormalities.
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(1982) Ideal Cement Company, Florence, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America Union, Local 14482, a general health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Ideal Cement Company (SIC-3241), Florence, Colorado. Worker exposure to personal respirable and total dust samples were determined, as well as exposure to crystalline silica (14808607), toxic metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and carbon-monoxide (630080). Employees working in raw materials or masonry cement areas were exposed to low levels of quartz. Six... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America Union, Local 14482, a general health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Ideal Cement Company (SIC-3241), Florence, Colorado. Worker exposure to personal respirable and total dust samples were determined, as well as exposure to crystalline silica (14808607), toxic metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and carbon-monoxide (630080). Employees working in raw materials or masonry cement areas were exposed to low levels of quartz. Six worker personal breathing zone samples exceeded the 10mg/m3 threshold limit value for nuisance dusts recommended by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The level of metals in dusts to which workers were exposed was below hazardous concentrations. No nephrotoxic substances were found either in the facility atmosphere or community drinking water. The author concludes that dust exposure may be irritating to the nose, throat, and upper airways, but no serious body tissue damage should occur to workers since exposure to crystalline silica and metals were below recommended concentrations. The author recommends that engineering controls should be implemented to minimize worker dust exposure.
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(1982) Inmos Corporation, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) The chemical and physical hazards present at a semiconductor facility, in Inmos Corporation (SIC-3674), Colorado Springs, Colorado, were investigated. The survey was performed in July, September, and October of 1981 at the request of the facility's management. Breathing zone and general room air samples were collected, radio frequency measurements performed, and noise levels assessed. All values for air samples of butyl-acetate (123864), cellosolve-acetate (111159), xylene (1330207), isopropanol... (Click to show more)The chemical and physical hazards present at a semiconductor facility, in Inmos Corporation (SIC-3674), Colorado Springs, Colorado, were investigated. The survey was performed in July, September, and October of 1981 at the request of the facility's management. Breathing zone and general room air samples were collected, radio frequency measurements performed, and noise levels assessed. All values for air samples of butyl-acetate (123864), cellosolve-acetate (111159), xylene (1330207), isopropanol (67630), hydrogen-fluoride (7664393), hydrochloric-acid (7647010), hydrogen- peroxide (7722841), arsenic (7440382), sulfuric-acid (7664939), crystalline silica (14808607), nitric-acid (7697372), phosphoric- acid (7664382), and total particulates were either below detection limits or well below evaluation criteria values. Radiofrequency measurements indicated that none of the workers was receiving any exposure. Noise exposures averaged less than 80 decibels. The evaluation criteria is 85 decibels. The author concludes that a health hazard due to chemical, radiofrequency, or noise exposure did not exist at the time of the survey.
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