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HHE Search Results
282 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
(1981) Lockland Post Office, Lockland, Ohio. (Click to open report) Area airborne and bulk dust and water samples were analyzed for fiber and particulate content at the Lockland Post Office (SIC-4311) in Lockland, Ohio, on July 24, 1981. A representative of the American Postal Workers Union, Branch 43, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 43 affected workers. Cellulose wood and paper fibers along with aluminum silicates, calcium (7440702) and iron (7439896) dust particles were found in most samples, and were considered common constituents of norma... (Click to show more)Area airborne and bulk dust and water samples were analyzed for fiber and particulate content at the Lockland Post Office (SIC-4311) in Lockland, Ohio, on July 24, 1981. A representative of the American Postal Workers Union, Branch 43, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 43 affected workers. Cellulose wood and paper fibers along with aluminum silicates, calcium (7440702) and iron (7439896) dust particles were found in most samples, and were considered common constituents of normal soil and atmospheric dusts. No asbestos or fibrous glass was found in any of the air, bulk, or water samples. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at this facility. They recommend regular maintenance of the ventilation system, limiting the use of floor fans, the use of vacuums for dust removal, and frequent cleaning of the coffee pots and use of a cover over the coffee pots.
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(1981) Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky. (Click for full summary) Environmental samples were analyzed and noise levels were measured at the Department of Art, Murray State University (SIC-8221) in Murray, Kentucky. The survey was conducted at the request of the Physical facility department of the University to assess potential hazards to art students and faculty in the art studios. Surveys were conducted on August 3 and 4, 1979, and from April 20 to April 25, 1980. Respirable free silica (7631869) concentrations from sandblasting equipment in an unventilated p... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed and noise levels were measured at the Department of Art, Murray State University (SIC-8221) in Murray, Kentucky. The survey was conducted at the request of the Physical facility department of the University to assess potential hazards to art students and faculty in the art studios. Surveys were conducted on August 3 and 4, 1979, and from April 20 to April 25, 1980. Respirable free silica (7631869) concentrations from sandblasting equipment in an unventilated painting room were 30 to 50 times greater than the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) divided by percentage of silicon-dioxide. Wood dust concentrations in the design materials studio were 29mg/cu m above the OSHA standard of 15mg/cu m due to lack of ventilation. Noise levels in the design materials studio and the ceramics studio varied from 87 to 120 decibels, which exceeded the OSHA permissible limit of 90 decibels. Toluene (108883) and methyl-cellusolve-acetate (51065953) concentrations in the sculpture studio and foundry were high due to lack of ventilation. The author concludes that a hazard exists due to exposure to noise, silica, wood dusts, and solvents in the art department. Recommendations include use of ear and clothing protection, improvement of ventilation and exhaust systems, discontinuance of sand blasting procedures, and installation of an eye wash fountain.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-79-047-825.
(1981) New England Telephone Company, Manchester, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples and wipe samples were analyzed for contaminants responsible for reported adverse health reactions among 16 employees at the New England Telephone Company (SIC-4811) in Manchester, New Hampshire, on July 25, 1980. A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 2320, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 300 workers. Workers had complained of skin rash, itching, eye irritation, and dry throat. Environmental analysis usi... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples and wipe samples were analyzed for contaminants responsible for reported adverse health reactions among 16 employees at the New England Telephone Company (SIC-4811) in Manchester, New Hampshire, on July 25, 1980. A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 2320, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 300 workers. Workers had complained of skin rash, itching, eye irritation, and dry throat. Environmental analysis using colorimetric detector tubes revealed no unusual chemical exposure. Wipe samples of dust revealed particles of sodium (7440235), silica (7631869), chlorine (7782505), calcium (7440702), sulfur (7704349), iron (7439896), mineral wool, fibrous glass, cotton fibers, wood cellulose fibers, and chrysotile-asbestos (12001295). Direct reading total dust concentrations in air indicated low concentrations on the order of 0.15 milligram per cubic meter. The authors concludes that no causative agent responsible for reported health complaints could be identified, although the onset of symptoms may have been related to the construction of a computer room. He recommends that the ventilation system be balanced after any modification of the building, isolation of the construction process, and thorough clean up of materials and residues after construction is completed.
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(1981) Palmer Industrial Coatings Incorp. Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental and bulk samples were analyzed for acetone (67641), isopropanol (67630), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve-acetate (111159), trichloroethylene (79016), epichlorohydrin (106898), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), butanol (71363), abrasive blasting materials, and petroleum distillate at Palmer Industrial Coatings, Incorporated (SIC-1799) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania during April and September, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the company... (Click to show more)Environmental and bulk samples were analyzed for acetone (67641), isopropanol (67630), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve-acetate (111159), trichloroethylene (79016), epichlorohydrin (106898), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), butanol (71363), abrasive blasting materials, and petroleum distillate at Palmer Industrial Coatings, Incorporated (SIC-1799) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania during April and September, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the company's president on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Of the organic solvents sampled, only epichlorohydrin exceeded the OSHA standard of 19 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), although a potential hazard to paint sprayers from overexposure from organic solvents was noted. Crystalline silica concentrations in personnel breathing zone air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.11mg/cu m. Health complaints were primarily related to acute reversible central nervous system symptoms, and to eye and skin irritation. The authors conclude that a hazard from organic solvents and silica containing dust exposures existed at this facility. They recommend methods to control exposure to the organic solvents and silica containing dusts, implementation of a medical monitoring program and an environmental air monitoring program.
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(1981) Pennex Pharmaceuticals, Verona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental, personal and bulk samples were analyzed for talc dust, asbestos (1332214) and free silica (7631869) at Pennex Pharmaceuticals (SIC-2834), in Verona, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 1980 and February 23, 1981. An employee requested the evaluation on behalf of about three affected employees. Sixty percent of the respirable personal and environmental air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum) for nuisance particulates. Samples for respirable talc dus... (Click to show more)Environmental, personal and bulk samples were analyzed for talc dust, asbestos (1332214) and free silica (7631869) at Pennex Pharmaceuticals (SIC-2834), in Verona, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 1980 and February 23, 1981. An employee requested the evaluation on behalf of about three affected employees. Sixty percent of the respirable personal and environmental air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum) for nuisance particulates. Samples for respirable talc dust containing no fibers ranged from 0.14 to 1845mg/cum, compared with the OSHA standard of 5mg/cum. Talc analysis of the raw and finished products revealed that it was nonasbestiform, contained no cristobalite or tridymite, and contained less than 1 percent quartz. Two of seven workers interviewed reported mild pruritis in the neck and face or a dry cough. The author recommends several engineering modifications to increase the ventilation capacities and to reduce dust exposures.
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(1981) Rubbermaid, Inc., Wooster, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), titanium (7440326), zinc (7440666), cadmium (7440439), silica (7631869), nuisance particulates and nitrosamines, and noise and illumination surveys were conducted at Rubbermaid, Incorporated (SIC-2820) in Wooster, Ohio, on July 29 to August 1 and December 8 to 12, 1980, and March 30 to 31, 1981. A representative of Rubbermaid requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 1820 workers at this facility. Sound pre... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), titanium (7440326), zinc (7440666), cadmium (7440439), silica (7631869), nuisance particulates and nitrosamines, and noise and illumination surveys were conducted at Rubbermaid, Incorporated (SIC-2820) in Wooster, Ohio, on July 29 to August 1 and December 8 to 12, 1980, and March 30 to 31, 1981. A representative of Rubbermaid requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 1820 workers at this facility. Sound pressure levels throughout the facility were below the NIOSH recommended standard of 85 decibels on the A-weighted scale. Workplace illumination was satisfactory when compared with the intensities recommended by the Illumination Engineering Society. Area sample concentrations for lead, chromium, and titanium were below detectable limits. Zinc concentrations averaged 17 micrograms per cubic meter, compared with the NIOSH standard of 5000 micrograms per cubic meter. Cadmium concentrations averaged 28 micrograms per cubic meter, compared with the NIOSH standard of 40 micrograms per cubic meter. Free silica was not found in any of the area samples, and dust concentrations were all below 1 milligram per cubic meter. N-Dimethylnitrosamine (62759) concentrations ranged from 29 to 212 parts per trillion (ppt), and N- nitrosomorpholine (59892) concentrations ranged from 95 to 1124 ppt. The authors conclude that no health hazards associated with any of the materials or processes in use at this facility. They recommend the use of hearing protectors, and respiratory protective equipment in certain areas, good housekeeping procedures, proper disposal of solvents, improved ventilation, and other control measures.
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(1981) S.W.S. Silicones Corporation, Adrian, Michigan. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to iron-oxide (1309371) and treated amorphous silica (7631869) dust were surveyed at S.W.S. Silicones Corporation (SIC-2869) in Adrian, Michigan on August 22 and 23, 1979. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7237, on behalf on an unspecified number of employees. Environmental samples were collected and 29 workers were questioned about work related health problems. Exposures to amorphous silica ranged from 0.15 to 10 milligrams per cubic mete... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to iron-oxide (1309371) and treated amorphous silica (7631869) dust were surveyed at S.W.S. Silicones Corporation (SIC-2869) in Adrian, Michigan on August 22 and 23, 1979. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7237, on behalf on an unspecified number of employees. Environmental samples were collected and 29 workers were questioned about work related health problems. Exposures to amorphous silica ranged from 0.15 to 10 milligrams per cubic meter; the OSHA standard is 20 million particles per cubic foot. All samples for iron-oxide were below the OSHA limit of 10 milligrams per cubic meter. Cyclohexylamine (108918) also was detected in concentrations up to 1.8 parts per million; no OSHA standard exists for this compound, however the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists is 10 parts per million. Workers commonly reported eye, nose and throat irritations, and a few also complained of headaches and respiratory difficulties. The authors conclude that a potential hazard exists from silica exposure. Recommendations include installation of an enclosed catalyst delivery system, use of local exhaust ventilation, worker education concerning good work practices and personal hygiene, and periodic environmental monitoring.
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(1981) Stauffer Chemical Company, Chicago Heights, Illinois. (Click to open report) Personal and bulk samples were analyzed for crystalline silica (7631869), respirable diatomaceous earth, and phosphoric-acid (7664382) at the Stauffer Chemical Company (SIC-2819), in Chicago Heights, Illinois, on October 3 and 9, 1980, and on May 7, 1981. A representative of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, Local 7765, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 21 affected workers. Laboratory analysis of a rafter sample revealed that the workroom dust contained 3.7 percent qu... (Click to show more)Personal and bulk samples were analyzed for crystalline silica (7631869), respirable diatomaceous earth, and phosphoric-acid (7664382) at the Stauffer Chemical Company (SIC-2819), in Chicago Heights, Illinois, on October 3 and 9, 1980, and on May 7, 1981. A representative of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, Local 7765, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 21 affected workers. Laboratory analysis of a rafter sample revealed that the workroom dust contained 3.7 percent quartz. Air concentrations of crystalline silica were below the NIOSH lower limit of quantitation, indicating no measurable worker exposure. The OSHA standard for crystalline silica is 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Diatomaceous earth concentrations ranged from 0.29 to 0.91mg/CuM, compared with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommended threshold limit value of 1.5mg/CuM. Exposures to phosphoric-acid were below the OSHA standard of 1mg/CuM on an 8 hour time weighted average basis. Employee interviews revealed no significant symptomatology related to environmental exposures. The authors conclude that no health hazards from exposure to crystalline silica, diatomaceous earth, or phosphoric-acid existed at this facility. They recommend that the local exhaust ventilation systems be inspected routinely.
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(1980) Airco Welding Products, Chester, West Virginia. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted on November 6, 1979 at the Airco Welding Products (SIC-3480) in Chester, West Virginia. An authorized representative of the employees requested the evaluation to investigate worker exposure to air contaminants while manufacturing welding wire. Environmental samples were taken during normal operating conditions for methylene-chloride (75092), carbon-monoxide (630080), iron-oxide (1309371), copper (7440508), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), ma... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted on November 6, 1979 at the Airco Welding Products (SIC-3480) in Chester, West Virginia. An authorized representative of the employees requested the evaluation to investigate worker exposure to air contaminants while manufacturing welding wire. Environmental samples were taken during normal operating conditions for methylene-chloride (75092), carbon-monoxide (630080), iron-oxide (1309371), copper (7440508), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965), zirconium (7440677), molybdenum (7439987), silica (7631869), fluorides, hydrochloric-acid (7647010), and sulfuric-acid (7664939). Methylene- chloride concentrations ranged from 33 to 630 parts per million (ppm), with two samples exceeding the OSHA standard of 500ppm. Iron- oxide contractions were 7.4, 6.7, and 1.4 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) which were below the OSHA standard of 10mg/m3. Airborne measurements for manganese, fluorides, copper, hydrochloric-acid and sulfuric-acid were all below applicable standards. Personal breathing zone samples taken for free crystalline silica, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and zirconium were below the limits of detection. Interviews with 11 day shift employees revealed complaints associated with methylene-chloride exposure. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from exposures to methylene- chloride, carbon-monoxide, and iron-oxide. They recommend implementation of improved work practices, engineering controls, and the use of personal protective equipment.
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(1980) CF and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Employee exposures to lead (7439921), solvents, and crystalline- silica (7631869) in the galvanizing department, fence post shop, and the casting foundry at CF and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado, were evaluated on January 25 and 26, 1979. The evaluation request came from United Steelworkers of America Local No. 2102 (SIC-3312). Breathing zone air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) crystalline-silicas, total respirable dust, lead, zinc (7440666), iron (... (Click to show more)Employee exposures to lead (7439921), solvents, and crystalline- silica (7631869) in the galvanizing department, fence post shop, and the casting foundry at CF and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado, were evaluated on January 25 and 26, 1979. The evaluation request came from United Steelworkers of America Local No. 2102 (SIC-3312). Breathing zone air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) crystalline-silicas, total respirable dust, lead, zinc (7440666), iron (7439896), chromium (7440473), total hydrocarbons, and m-xylene (108383). Medical tests included blood lead levels, free erythrocyte-protoporphyrin (FEP), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), hemoglobin, and a chemistry profile. Casting foundry workers received chest radiographs for the evaluation of pneumoconiosis. Thirty nine percent of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Twenty six percent of breathing zone air samples for total respirable dust exceeded the 1979 Threshold Limit Value of 5mg/m3. Twenty seven percent of the lead samples taken in the galvanizing department exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.05mg/m3. Blood lead levels greater than 40 micrograms per 100 milliliters (micrograms/100 ml), were found in 14 workers; 4 workers had blood lead levels greater than 60 micrograms/100ml. FEP's greater than 870, were noted in 10 workers. The mean blood lead levels of workers in the galvanizing department was twice that observed in the casting foundry workers. Nineteen percent of the casting foundry workers had radiographic abnormalities, including simple pneumoconiosis, pleural changes, cardiac enlargement, and granuloma. NIOSH concluded that a health hazard existed from overexposure to lead and crystalline-silica. Recommendations from the survey included the introduction of improved ventilation, work practices and medical surveillance procedures.
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