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HHE Search Results
471 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
(1989) Lakewood Radiator Shop, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owners of three radiator repair shops (SIC-3714) located in Lakewood, Arvada, and Aurora, Colorado, an investigation was made of lead (7439921) exposures and worker blood lead levels. All types of radiators were repaired and cleaned, most being from automobiles. Lead exposure occurred when an oxygen acetylene torch was used to melt the lead based solder used to attach the top and bottom to the core. Other contact with lead resulted from the brushing, producing s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owners of three radiator repair shops (SIC-3714) located in Lakewood, Arvada, and Aurora, Colorado, an investigation was made of lead (7439921) exposures and worker blood lead levels. All types of radiators were repaired and cleaned, most being from automobiles. Lead exposure occurred when an oxygen acetylene torch was used to melt the lead based solder used to attach the top and bottom to the core. Other contact with lead resulted from the brushing, producing skin contact with the oxidized lead. Environmental samples for inorganic lead indicated concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.29mg/m3 with the average for all ten samples being 0.16mg/m3. Of the eight breathing zone samples taken, six exceeded the recommended criterion of 0.05mg/m3. Of ten workers tested for blood lead levels, three had levels exceeding 40 micrograms/deciliter and four had elevated zinc- protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels. No significant statistical association was noted between breathing zone levels of lead and blood levels of lead. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from overexposure to lead during cleaning and repair of radiators. The author recommends that the following measures be taken: install local exhaust ventilation at the source of lead fume generation; blood lead analysis every 6 months for all workers; no eating or smoking in the repair area; workers removed for health reasons from lead exposure areas should be covered with protection for wage, benefits, and seniority; and workers should shower and change from work to street clothes after their shift.
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(1989) Meyersdale Manufacturing Co., Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to requests from the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, Local 393, investigations were made of formaldehyde (50000) exposures, lead (7439921) exposures from drinking water, and occupational exposures during winter operating conditions at Meyersdale Manufacturing Company (SIC-2321), Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The facility received precured, finished fabric from a textile finishing company where the fabric was treated with a formaldehyde based resin; the fabric was cut and ... (Click to show more)In response to requests from the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, Local 393, investigations were made of formaldehyde (50000) exposures, lead (7439921) exposures from drinking water, and occupational exposures during winter operating conditions at Meyersdale Manufacturing Company (SIC-2321), Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The facility received precured, finished fabric from a textile finishing company where the fabric was treated with a formaldehyde based resin; the fabric was cut and sewn into shirts. Time weighted average formaldehyde concentrations from area impinger samples of facility air ranged from 0.03 to 0.23 parts per million (ppm). None of these was over the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 1ppm. The levels of formaldehyde measured were in the range associated with eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. Other organic compounds detected in the atmosphere at the site included dioxane (123911), methylene-chloride (75092), perchloroethylene (127184), and trichloroethane (71556) which were attributed to dry cleaning compounds from the shirt cleaning area. The concentrations of these compounds did exceed NIOSH recommended exposure levels based on potential carcinogenic effects. An unidentified source of lead contamination in the sampling materials invalidated the water samples collected for lead analysis. The author concludes that formaldehyde concentration did not exceed the OSHA limits. Dry cleaning solvent exposures in the shirt cleaning area exceeded NIOSH lowest feasible limits for potential carcinogens. Recommendations are made for reducing worker exposure to formaldehyde and other chemicals.
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(1989) Orrville Bronze and Aluminum Company, Orrville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Orrville Bronze and Aluminum Company (SIC- 3362), Orrville, Ohio. Medical screening at the site had recently discovered a worker with a blood lead (7439921) level in excess of 100 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) and seven workers with blood lead levels in excess of 40microg/dl. The facility was a nonferrous foundry specializing in small to m... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Orrville Bronze and Aluminum Company (SIC- 3362), Orrville, Ohio. Medical screening at the site had recently discovered a worker with a blood lead (7439921) level in excess of 100 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) and seven workers with blood lead levels in excess of 40microg/dl. The facility was a nonferrous foundry specializing in small to medium sized bronze, brass and copper castings. Lead concentrations in six personal breathing zone samples ranged from 38 to 520 micrograms/cubic meter (mg/m3). Airborne copper (7440508) levels ranged from 26 to 2601microg/m3. Airborne zinc (7440666) concentrations ranged from 291 to 3165microg/m3. Three of 18 workers had blood lead levels in excess of 60microg/m3, the OSHA level which requires immediate medical removal protection. The authors conclude that lead and copper exposures represented a serious health hazard to workers. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, including engineering controls, work practices, and housekeeping.
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(1989) Seagull Industries, West Palm Beach, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Seagull Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (SIC-8331), West Palm Beach, Florida an evaluation was made of exposure to silica (14808607) dust and lead (7439921) paints in the ceramics area and to solvents in the assembly building. Seagull Industries was a private, nonprofit corporation providing job training and employment, primarily for the mentally retarded. Airborne lead concentrations at the facility were extremely low, ranging from 0.9 to 1.8 mi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Seagull Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (SIC-8331), West Palm Beach, Florida an evaluation was made of exposure to silica (14808607) dust and lead (7439921) paints in the ceramics area and to solvents in the assembly building. Seagull Industries was a private, nonprofit corporation providing job training and employment, primarily for the mentally retarded. Airborne lead concentrations at the facility were extremely low, ranging from 0.9 to 1.8 micrograms per cubic meter of air (microg/m3). However, the settled dust on the painters' table tops was 10 percent lead, which posed some concern for accidental ingestion. Silica exposures in the ceramics polishing area were more significant with measurements of 48 and 64microg/m3 for the 6 hour work period. If these exposures were adjusted for an 8 hour time weighted average, the levels would be equivalent to 36 and 48microg/m3 which was slightly less than the NIOSH recommended limits. Solvent vapor concentrations were minimal during the cleaning of the printing press, due to the fact that there was sufficient natural ventilation. The author concludes that silica dust levels were significant, and lead dust on table tops may present an ingestion hazard. The author recommends measures to control silica and lead exposures and to reduce fire hazards associated with the use of flammable solvents.
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(1989) Technical Assistance to the Jamaican Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Principal Medical Officer of the Epidemiology Unit in the Jamaican Ministry of Health, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions existing in numerous backyard battery repair shops (BBRS) located in Kingston. Nineteen of 22 children in Kingston hospitalized due to lead (7439921) poisoning lived at or near a BBRS. The geometric mean of the air lead concentrations in the BBRSs sampled was 21 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). The highest w... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Principal Medical Officer of the Epidemiology Unit in the Jamaican Ministry of Health, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions existing in numerous backyard battery repair shops (BBRS) located in Kingston. Nineteen of 22 children in Kingston hospitalized due to lead (7439921) poisoning lived at or near a BBRS. The geometric mean of the air lead concentrations in the BBRSs sampled was 21 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). The highest workplace concentration was 66microg/m3 which exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50microg/m3. Soil lead levels were significantly higher at households located at BBRS premises, compared with comparison households. The geometric mean soil lead levels were very high, being 58,884 parts per million, with a range of 16,000 to 400,000ppm. Dust lead levels were higher at exposed households than at comparison households, with 73 percent exceeding 1500 micrograms of lead/square meter of floor (microg/m2), ranging from 190 to 53140microg/m2. In many cases the dust lead content was associated with the number of batteries repaired at the site. Lead was not present in the drinking water samples collected. Blood lead levels were strongly associated with the soil and dust lead levels. The authors conclude that BBRS create a high lead poisoning risk for workers and nearby residents. The authors recommend that establishment of such shops at residential premises should be discouraged. Specific measures for reducing lead exposures are provided.
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(1989) Technical Assistance to the Jamaican Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Principal Medical Officer of the Epidemiology Unit in the Jamaican Ministry of Health, a study was made of lead exposure at three battery manufacturing facilities (SIC- 3691) in Kingston, Jamaica: Tropical Battery with approximately 30 production workers, Apex Battery with 12 workers, and Unistate Battery with five production workers. Each of the three companies was in the process of conducting limited medical screening of their production workers. Full shift pe... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Principal Medical Officer of the Epidemiology Unit in the Jamaican Ministry of Health, a study was made of lead exposure at three battery manufacturing facilities (SIC- 3691) in Kingston, Jamaica: Tropical Battery with approximately 30 production workers, Apex Battery with 12 workers, and Unistate Battery with five production workers. Each of the three companies was in the process of conducting limited medical screening of their production workers. Full shift personal breathing zone air samples for lead ranged from 40 to 5300 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), from 50 to 3400microg/m3, and from 30 to 190microg/m3 at the three locations, respectively. Operations with the highest lead exposures included the plate separator and battery assembly and they exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50microg/m3. Blood samples indicated blood lead levels in seven of 29 employees at Tropical were over the recommended medical removal level of 50 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) and that 17 of 29 had levels of 40microg/dl or greater. For the Apex facility the blood lead levels in nine of 12 workers were 60microg/dl or greater. Blood samples from three of four production employees tested at Unistate exceeded 60microg/dl. The authors conclude that a high risk of lead toxicity existed among workers at the battery manufacturers surveyed. The authors recommend that general and local exhaust ventilation should be provided, work practices altered to reduce lead exposure, and respiratory protection programs should be implemented.
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(1989) Technical Assistance to the Jamaican Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Jamaican Ministry of Health, a study was made of possible health hazards existing due to the operation of a secondary lead smelter (SIC-3341) in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica. Emission controls at the site were upgraded in 1974. A cottage industry of clandestine backyard smelters was also in operation in the area. The survey investigated the health of residents in 58 households in the Red Pond Road community and 21 households in Ebony Vale. Soil (7439921) lead... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Jamaican Ministry of Health, a study was made of possible health hazards existing due to the operation of a secondary lead smelter (SIC-3341) in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica. Emission controls at the site were upgraded in 1974. A cottage industry of clandestine backyard smelters was also in operation in the area. The survey investigated the health of residents in 58 households in the Red Pond Road community and 21 households in Ebony Vale. Soil (7439921) lead levels in Red Pond exceeded 500 parts per million at 24% of the households tested. Ten paint samples taken from Red Pond homes exceeded 1% lead by weight. The geometric mean blood lead level of those tested in Red Pond was more than twice the level found in those tested in Ebony Vale. Forty four percent of the children under 6 years of age in Red Pond had blood lead levels above 25 micrograms/deciliter. Soil lead contamination was the strongest predictor of blood lead levels among the Red Pond subjects under 12 years of age. Lead smelter work was an important predictor in the older subjects. The authors conclude that the backyard smelters in combination with the secondary smelter caused a high lead poisoning risk for area residents. The authors recommend that residents stop the backyard smelting operations, and that efforts be made to reduce exposure through hazard abatement, education, and establishment of clean play areas for children.
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(1988) C F and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystal... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystalline silica (quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461)). Seven general area sample measurements ranged from 0.2 to 1.7mg/m3 for sulfur-dioxide. One breathing zone sample registered 0.78mg/m3. Arsenic was found in one sample at a level of 0.02mg/m3. Cadmium was found in one of 11 samples at 0.006mg/m3. Lead was present in all 11 samples ranging from 0.004 to 0.3mg/m3. Total dust measurements were 14 and 12mg/m3. Respirable dust samples contained 1.5 and 1.4mg/m3 respirable dust; free silica samples were 0.5 and 0.2mg/m3 (quartz). The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and crystalline silica. The author recommends that specific improvements be made in respiratory protection, and that workers be notified when sulfur compounds are being added to the steel.
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(1988) Camp Bird Ventures, Ouray, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Camp Bird Ventures (SIC-1041), Ouray, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions with particular attention given to lead (7439921) exposures. Camp Bird Ventures was engaged in underground mining for gold and silver; fire assays were performed on ore samples. Two employees had been found to have excessive blood lead levels. Personal protective equipment worn by employees engaged in fire assay work in the furnace and storage rooms includ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Camp Bird Ventures (SIC-1041), Ouray, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions with particular attention given to lead (7439921) exposures. Camp Bird Ventures was engaged in underground mining for gold and silver; fire assays were performed on ore samples. Two employees had been found to have excessive blood lead levels. Personal protective equipment worn by employees engaged in fire assay work in the furnace and storage rooms included disposable full body suits, boot covers, and half face respirators. One worker had a full beard, which would interfere with the respirator seal and another had a torn protective suit, which would allow entry of lead dust. Time weighted average (8 hour) lead concentrations in personal air samples were 113 and 40 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) for the assayer and scale operator, respectively. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for lead was 50microg/m3 as an 8 hour time weighted average. Area air concentrations of lead were 100microg/m3 in the furnace room, 58microg/m3 in the storage room, and 46microg/m3 in the office. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from employee exposure to lead in the fire assay operations. The author makes recommendations concerning air monitoring, mechanical ventilation, respiratory protection, personal protective clothing hygiene facilities and practices, housekeeping, and medical monitoring.
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(1988) Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Transportation, Manchester, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the employees in the traffic division, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Transportation (SIC- 1721), Manchester, Kentucky. Specific attention was addressed to toluene (108883) and lead (7439921) exposures during the painting of lines on roads. Because the paint used must be diluted with toluene before use, a high potential for exposure to lead and toluene exists during the mixing process. Ai... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the employees in the traffic division, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Transportation (SIC- 1721), Manchester, Kentucky. Specific attention was addressed to toluene (108883) and lead (7439921) exposures during the painting of lines on roads. Because the paint used must be diluted with toluene before use, a high potential for exposure to lead and toluene exists during the mixing process. Air quality measurements were taken at work sites during October and again during August of 1986 and 1987. Blood and urine tests were also conducted. In October the airborne levels of toluene ranged from 12 to 114mg/m3 and lead levels ranged from nondetectable to 30 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). An increase was noted in urinary output of hippuric-acid but none of the postshift levels were indicative of overexposure to toluene during the working period. In August one worker showed a toluene air sample which exceeded recommended limits, but none of the other samples were excessive for toluene, and the lead readings were all nondetectable. All urine and blood samples showed no overexposures of any kind. The authors conclude that excessive exposures to toluene or lead were not found among road painting operations workers; however, a potential for exposure existed. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures to toluene and lead, including changing to paint with a higher toluene content, instituting an employee education program, labeling chemicals properly, improving personal hygiene and work practices, and using protective clothing.
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