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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
(1981) ITT Grinnel Corporation, Columbia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling was conducted, medical questionnaires were administered, and reported cases of skin rashes and heart attacks were investigated at the ITT Grinnel Corporation (SIC-3325) in Columbia, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 1980 and during August, 1980. A representative of the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 376, requested the evaluation following the death of a battery maintenance worker from lung cancer, and on behalf of approximately 235 affected workers in the T... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling was conducted, medical questionnaires were administered, and reported cases of skin rashes and heart attacks were investigated at the ITT Grinnel Corporation (SIC-3325) in Columbia, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 1980 and during August, 1980. A representative of the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 376, requested the evaluation following the death of a battery maintenance worker from lung cancer, and on behalf of approximately 235 affected workers in the Tapping, Testing, and Core making departments. Oil mist concentrations in the tapping department ranged from nondetectable to 3.0 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), compared with the OSHA permissible limit of 5.0mg/cu m. Skin irritations reported by workers in the testing department may have been caused by a hydraulic testing fluid containing triethanolamine (102716), as well as a possible irritating bacteriocide. No pathogenic bacteria were found. No carcinogens that may have caused the lung cancer in the battery maintenance worker were detected. Almost 17 percent of the core workers had histories of heart disease compared with only four percent of the workers in the tapping and testing departments. The authors conclude that the excess of heart disease among workers in the core making department is not definitive, but suggests an elevated risk of heart disease in this group, possibly resulting from prior exposure to crystalline silica. They recommend control measures to minimize exposure to skin irritants, and testing of cutting fluid products for impurities.
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(1981) Lithium Corporation of America, Bessemer City, North Carolina. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to lithium (7439932) compounds, free silica (7631869), and n-hexane were surveyed on February 4 to 7 and August 25 to 27, 1980 at the Lithium Corporation of America (SIC-2819) in Bessemer City, North Carolina. The evaluation was requested by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, Local 3-802, on behalf on an unspecified number of workers. Personal and area air samples were collected, and workers completed health questionnaires and provided blood samples for lithium analysis... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to lithium (7439932) compounds, free silica (7631869), and n-hexane were surveyed on February 4 to 7 and August 25 to 27, 1980 at the Lithium Corporation of America (SIC-2819) in Bessemer City, North Carolina. The evaluation was requested by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, Local 3-802, on behalf on an unspecified number of workers. Personal and area air samples were collected, and workers completed health questionnaires and provided blood samples for lithium analysis. Two personal samples from the lithium grinding room and one from the packing room exceed the OSHA 15 milligram per cubic meter (mg/cu m) standard for total dust. Lithium exposure was greatest in the lithium-carbonate (554132) grinding room. Lithium-hydroxide (1310652) exposures ranged up to 171mg/cu m. All n-hexane and silica concentrations were below the respective OSHA standards of 500 parts per million and 10mg/cu m divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. All but two blood samples contained no detectable lithium; the two samples contained lithium concentrations below the therapeutic effect threshold of 2.8 to 8.3 milligrams per liter. Workers exposed to lithium-hydroxide and lithium-carbonate reported a significant prevalence of upper respiratory tract and skin irritations. The authors conclude that workers are exposed to excessive amounts of lithium-carbonate dusts as nuisance dust. Several engineering and personal protective control measures are recommended.
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(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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