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HHE Search Results
477 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
(1990) Sims Radiator Shop, Lawrenceville, Georgia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Sims Radiator Shop (SIC-3714), Lawrenceville, Georgia, an investigation was made regarding possible exposures to hazardous substances on the job. The shop cleaned and repaired automobile and truck radiators. Five people were employed at the site: three mechanics, a manager and a delivery person. The 8 hour time weighted average personal breathing zone lead concentrations for the three mechanics were 60, 50, and 20 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), two of which wer... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Sims Radiator Shop (SIC-3714), Lawrenceville, Georgia, an investigation was made regarding possible exposures to hazardous substances on the job. The shop cleaned and repaired automobile and truck radiators. Five people were employed at the site: three mechanics, a manager and a delivery person. The 8 hour time weighted average personal breathing zone lead concentrations for the three mechanics were 60, 50, and 20 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), two of which were at or above the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50microg/m3. The blood lead levels for the mechanics were 33, 26, and 13 micrograms per deciliter and the blood lead level of the delivery person was 11 micrograms/deciliter. None of these levels was above the level which OSHA has set for mandatory testing every 2 months. No employee had elevated free erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations. None had any signs or symptoms suggestive of lead poisoning. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to lead during routine cleaning and repair of radiators. The authors recommend specific measures to eliminate this hazard, including personal protective equipment, monitoring, housekeeping, hygiene practices, medical surveillance, and written compliance reports.
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(1990) TAMCO, Etiwanda, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation at TAMCO (SIC-3312), Etiwanda, California, an onsite visit was conducted with specific attention directed toward the continuous casting minimill which produced steel reinforcing bar and rod from scrap steel. Twenty workers had full shift air lead (7439921) levels ranging from less than 3 to 31 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). All were below the OSHA action level of 30microg/m3 except one worker who was relining ladels with refractory mat... (Click to show more)In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation at TAMCO (SIC-3312), Etiwanda, California, an onsite visit was conducted with specific attention directed toward the continuous casting minimill which produced steel reinforcing bar and rod from scrap steel. Twenty workers had full shift air lead (7439921) levels ranging from less than 3 to 31 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). All were below the OSHA action level of 30microg/m3 except one worker who was relining ladels with refractory material. Blood lead levels were below levels known to cause adverse health effects in adults. Levels for other metals were below allowable limits and no health hazard was found to exist. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist from exposure to lead. There was a potential cancer risk from exposure to components of welding fumes and melt shop dust. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures to nickel (7440020), arsenic (7440382), and cadmium (7440439). These included periodic monitoring of airborne lead and the use of respiratory protective equipment.
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(1990) Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., Circleville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Thomson Consumer Electronics (SIC- 3229), Circleville, Ohio and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, an investigation was made to determine if cancers among workers were occupationally related. The company manufactured glass panels and funnels used in the production of television picture tubes. The facility employed about 560 persons and operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on a four shift schedule. Airborne concentrations of coal-tar-pitch volati... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Thomson Consumer Electronics (SIC- 3229), Circleville, Ohio and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, an investigation was made to determine if cancers among workers were occupationally related. The company manufactured glass panels and funnels used in the production of television picture tubes. The facility employed about 560 persons and operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on a four shift schedule. Airborne concentrations of coal-tar-pitch volatiles (CTPV) ranged from nondetectable to 0.19mg/m3. Only one of the three general area air samples had a detectable concentration, recommended exposure limit of 0.1mg/m3 and one area sample exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.2mg/m3. Trace levels of four polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were detected. Lead (7439921) exposure was monitored for furnace operators, the ware handlers and the inspector/packers. The results ranged from nondetectable to 248 micrograms/cubic meter. Seven bulk settled dust samples were collected for asbestos (1332214) identification. The amounts of chrysotile (12001295) present ranged from 1 to 20%. The authors conclude that there was insufficient evidence to link the cancers and illnesses present in the work force with occupational exposures. Health hazards existed from exposure to coal-tar-pitch volatiles and lead among press operators and ware handlers, respectively. The chrysotile levels were high enough that abatement measures were warranted.
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(1990) U.S. Department of Justice, United States Marshals Service, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United States Marshals Service (SIC-9221) in Washington, D.C. for assistance in testing the effect of renovations to the ventilation system of their indoor firing range, lead (7439921) exposures were measured during handgun qualifying sessions. Each qualifying session of firing consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes. Personal breathing zone air samples were taken from three shooters and the range officer. Lead exposure concentrations measured were 2073... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United States Marshals Service (SIC-9221) in Washington, D.C. for assistance in testing the effect of renovations to the ventilation system of their indoor firing range, lead (7439921) exposures were measured during handgun qualifying sessions. Each qualifying session of firing consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes. Personal breathing zone air samples were taken from three shooters and the range officer. Lead exposure concentrations measured were 2073, 1786, 172, and 142 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air (microg/m3). Eight hour time weighted average concentrations were calculated to be 194, 167, 101, and 13microg/m3, respectively. The three shooters were therefore overexposed to lead. Bulk sampling of the sand from the bullet trap indicated it to be contaminated, containing 41% lead by weight. The authors concluded that a health hazard existed from exposure to lead. The authors recommended changes to improve the ventilation system. Following modification of the system, tests were again conducted and 11 of the 12 samples taken were below the limits of detection for the method used. The authors conclude that after modification, a hazard did not exist during qualifying sessions. The authors recommend specific measures to protect personnel from exposure to lead.
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(1989) Blue Range Engineering Co., Butte, Montana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Blue Range Engineering Company (SIC-1041), Butte, Montana, an evaluation was undertaken of employee exposure to lead (7439921) in the fire assay operations. One stage in fire assay involved separating noble metals in ore samples from lead in a process called cupelation. An 8 hour time weighted average lead concentration of 170 micrograms/cubic meter of air (microg/m3) was noted for the personal breathing zone sample for the assayist, which exceeded the limit of ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Blue Range Engineering Company (SIC-1041), Butte, Montana, an evaluation was undertaken of employee exposure to lead (7439921) in the fire assay operations. One stage in fire assay involved separating noble metals in ore samples from lead in a process called cupelation. An 8 hour time weighted average lead concentration of 170 micrograms/cubic meter of air (microg/m3) was noted for the personal breathing zone sample for the assayist, which exceeded the limit of 50microg/m3 recommended by OSHA. The actual exposure may have been less since the employee was wearing respiratory protection. The result of area air sample analysis indicated that no other metals were present in significant amounts when compared to their environmental criteria. A medical survey indicated that workers were experiencing increased frequencies and intensities of symptoms consistent with lead poisoning compared to nonassay laboratory workers. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in assay laboratory workers than in other workers; one of two assay laboratory workers had a blood lead level above 50 micrograms/deciliter. The authors conclude that a potential for lead exposure did exist at the time of the study and provide recommendations for lowering this exposure.
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(1989) Blue Range Mining Company, Lewistown, Montana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Blue Range Mining Company (SIC- 1041), Lewistown, Montana, an investigation was made of possible employee exposures to lead (7439921) in the fire assay process used to separate noble metals from their ores using dry reagents and heat. An 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) lead concentration of 850 micrograms/cubic meter of air (microg/m3) was noted in the personal breathing zone sample for the assayist, which was above the Mine Safety and Health Administration (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Blue Range Mining Company (SIC- 1041), Lewistown, Montana, an investigation was made of possible employee exposures to lead (7439921) in the fire assay process used to separate noble metals from their ores using dry reagents and heat. An 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) lead concentration of 850 micrograms/cubic meter of air (microg/m3) was noted in the personal breathing zone sample for the assayist, which was above the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standard of 150microg/m3 at an 8 hour TWA. The employees in the assay laboratory reported an increased frequency and intensity of symptoms consistent with lead poisoning compared with nonassay laboratory employees. One of the four laboratory employees had a blood lead level of 50 micrograms/deciliter, which was above the OSHA action level of 30microg/m3. The mean free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels were significantly higher among the assay laboratory employees compared to other employees. The authors conclude that a hazard did exist during the fire assay operations. Recommendations to management on measures to reduce this exposure are provided.
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(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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