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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
(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&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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(1980) CF&I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Occupational exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), total respirable particulates, lead (7439921), iron (7439896), benzo(a)pyrene (50328) (BaP), and coal-tar-pitch (65996932) volatiles were determined at the CF and I Steel Corporation (SIC-3310) in Pueblo, Colorado, on February 13 and April 9 and 10, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local Union 2102. None of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica ... (Click to show more)Occupational exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), total respirable particulates, lead (7439921), iron (7439896), benzo(a)pyrene (50328) (BaP), and coal-tar-pitch (65996932) volatiles were determined at the CF and I Steel Corporation (SIC-3310) in Pueblo, Colorado, on February 13 and April 9 and 10, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local Union 2102. None of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Seventeen percent of the breathing zone air samples for total particulates exceeded the 1979 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit value of 5.0mg/CuM. None of the lead and iron breathing zone air samples exceeded the OSHA standards of 0.05mg/CuM and 5.0mg/CuM, respectively. Low concentrations of BaP and coal-tar-pitch volatiles were noted. Preshift and post shift carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) indicated an increase in COHb as employees worked around the furnaces. Complaints of fatigue, headaches, dizziness and sensations of flushing and heat were reported by several workers. The authors conclude that a health hazard from carbon-monoxide and total particulate exposure exists at this facility. They recommend that workers be informed of the additive effects of cigarette smoke and carbon-monoxide, that an alarm system in all blast furnaces be installed, that improvements be implemented in the ventilation system at one furnace, and that eating, drinking and tobacco use in work areas be prohibited.
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(1980) Crouse-Hinds Company, Syracuse, New York. (Click to open report) Area and personal breathing zone air samples were taken for crystalline silica (7631869) and a medical study of employees with 15 or more years of service was conducted on May 9, 1979 to determine if there was silicosis among the 624 workers at the iron and nonferrous foundries (SIC-3320) of Crouse-Hinds Company at Syracuse, New York. The evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2084. The medical study included a respiratory questionnaire, chest x-ray... (Click to show more)Area and personal breathing zone air samples were taken for crystalline silica (7631869) and a medical study of employees with 15 or more years of service was conducted on May 9, 1979 to determine if there was silicosis among the 624 workers at the iron and nonferrous foundries (SIC-3320) of Crouse-Hinds Company at Syracuse, New York. The evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2084. The medical study included a respiratory questionnaire, chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests. Breathing zone monitoring with selected workers from different job classifications was conducted and samples were collected on filter paper using personal sampling vacuum pumps drawing air at 1.7 liters per minute. Twenty-eight environmental samples were taken for respirable crystalline silica and 7 for total particulates. The authors conclude that there is no health hazard and that there is little risk of developing silicosis for most of the foundry workers, however, there is a higher risk associated with grinding and knock out jobs. The authors recommend medical surveillance procedures and environmental improvements.
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(1980) Gales Creek Diabetic Camp, Glenwood, Oregon. (Click for full summary) Volcanic ash exposure was monitored for camp counselors and camp participants of the Gales Creek Diabetic Camp, (SIC-1499) in Glenwood, Oregon, from June 30 through July 25, 1980. A representative of the Health Division of the Oregon Department of Human Resources requested the evaluation subsequent to the eruption of Mount Saint Helens. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from undetectable to 1.25 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/Cum), compared with the American Conference of Governmental Indust... (Click to show more)Volcanic ash exposure was monitored for camp counselors and camp participants of the Gales Creek Diabetic Camp, (SIC-1499) in Glenwood, Oregon, from June 30 through July 25, 1980. A representative of the Health Division of the Oregon Department of Human Resources requested the evaluation subsequent to the eruption of Mount Saint Helens. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from undetectable to 1.25 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/Cum), compared with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value of 5mg/Cum. Total dust concentrations ranged from undetectable to 4.87mg/Cum, less than the ACGIH criteria of 10mg/Cum. Estimated respirable concentrations ranged from undetectable to 0.04mg/Cum, compared with the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05mg/Cum. Bulk sample analysis of volcanic ash indicated its crystalline silica content to be 2.9 percent by weight of the less than 10 microgram fraction. The author concludes that there were no excessive exposures to volcanic ash at this facility. He recommends that in the event of increased volcanic ash fallout outside activities should be curtailed, and respiratory protective equipment be used outside when environmental conditions warrant their use.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-116-34.
(1980) Jeannette Glass Company, Jeannette, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Personal and area environmental samples were analyzed for arsenic- trioxide (1327533), selenium (7782492), silica (7631869), total and respirable dust, exposed and nonexposed workers were examined by a dermatologist and samples of blood, urine and pubic hair were collected at the Jeannette Glass Company (SIC-3229), in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, on April 8 and 9, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the American Flint Glassworkers of North America, Local 535, on behalf of 35 workers in the mix and... (Click to show more)Personal and area environmental samples were analyzed for arsenic- trioxide (1327533), selenium (7782492), silica (7631869), total and respirable dust, exposed and nonexposed workers were examined by a dermatologist and samples of blood, urine and pubic hair were collected at the Jeannette Glass Company (SIC-3229), in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, on April 8 and 9, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the American Flint Glassworkers of North America, Local 535, on behalf of 35 workers in the mix and melt areas and the batchhouse. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 2 to 11 micrograms per cubic meter (CuM). One of eight samples had an arsenic concentration of 10.77 micrograms/CuM, which exceeded the OSHA criteria of 10 micrograms/CuM. Concentrations of selenium were below the federal standard of 200 micrograms/CuM. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 0.99 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) and the quartz content of bulk dust was 10 percent. Some of the examined workers were afflicted with various presumably non-occupational skin disorders. Blood samples had arsenic concentrations below the detection limit of 1 microgram per 100 grams of blood. The authors conclude a health hazard due to arsenic-trioxide existed in the area surveyed. Since June 1980, arsenic-trioxide is no longer used at the factory. The authors recommend measures to avoid spillage, periodical monitoring of respirable silica, and informing arsenic exposed workers of an increased risk of developing skin and lung cancer.
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(1980) L.R.I. Industries, Chelsea, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Auto Workers, Local 437, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to dusts containing silica (7631869) and other toxic compounds at L.R.I. Industries, Chelsea, Michigan. This facility manufactures ceramic tumbling media for mass finishing of metal parts. General area and personal breathing samples were taken in all areas where dust could settle or be generated. The batchware operator, special refractory operator, and the pug mill operator we... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Auto Workers, Local 437, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to dusts containing silica (7631869) and other toxic compounds at L.R.I. Industries, Chelsea, Michigan. This facility manufactures ceramic tumbling media for mass finishing of metal parts. General area and personal breathing samples were taken in all areas where dust could settle or be generated. The batchware operator, special refractory operator, and the pug mill operator were slightly overexposed to respirable free silica. All noise measurements taken exceeded the NIOSH recommended levels of 85 decibels-A (dBA) for an 8 hour workday and the OSHA standard of 90dBA. The author concludes that hazards existed from exposure to noise, free silica and unsanitary eating conditions at this facility. The author recommends that the exhaust ventilation system for the batchware operator be redesigned so as to reduce dust exposure. Housekeeping throughout the facility should be improved, and worn gaskets around duct work should be repaired or replaced. Engineering controls should be utilized to reduce noise in inspection and pug mill areas. The pug mill machine should have rubber gaskets and mufflers installed. The salvage machine has already been isolated from the workers. Medical surveillance should be upgraded. NIOSH approved respirators should be used. An eating facility should be established which is separate from the factory area.
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(1980) Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, Conroe, Texas. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on November 8, 1978, and July 19 and 20, 1979, to evaluate employee exposure to methylene-chloride (75092), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), styrene (100425), fibrous glass, silica (7631869) and nuisance particulate matter at the Owens Corning Fiberglas Corporation in Conroe, Texas. (SIC-2221) The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the United Paperworkers International Union on behalf of the approximately 157 affected workers.... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on November 8, 1978, and July 19 and 20, 1979, to evaluate employee exposure to methylene-chloride (75092), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), styrene (100425), fibrous glass, silica (7631869) and nuisance particulate matter at the Owens Corning Fiberglas Corporation in Conroe, Texas. (SIC-2221) The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the United Paperworkers International Union on behalf of the approximately 157 affected workers. All of the environmental air samples were well below current OSHA standards. Methylene-chloride concentrations ranged from 18 to 85 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), below the OSHA standard of 1750mg/m3; methyl-ethyl-ketone ranged from 4 to 20mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 590mg/m3; styrene ranged from 65 to 200mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 420mg/m3; fibrous glass concentrations were less than 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter, below the NIOSH standard of 3.0 fibers per cubic centimeter; silica (quartz/cristobalite) ranged from undetectable to 0.33mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 30mg/m3; and nuisance particulate matter ranged from 0.3 to 4.7mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 15mg/m3. The author concludes that no hazardous exposures existed at the time of the evaluation. He recommends that fibrous glass and styrene workers have preplacement medical examinations.
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(1980) Philbrick, Booth and Spencer, Hartford, Connecticut. (Click to open report) Personal air samples were analyzed for total and respirable particulates, silica (7631869), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron-oxide (1345251), copper (7440508), manganese (7439965), lead (7439921), methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI), phenol (108952), ammonia (7664417), acrolein (107028), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the Philbrick, Booth, and Spencer Company (SIC-3325) in Hartford, Connecticut, on July 2 and 3, 1979. The evaluation was requested by the management on behalf ... (Click to show more)Personal air samples were analyzed for total and respirable particulates, silica (7631869), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron-oxide (1345251), copper (7440508), manganese (7439965), lead (7439921), methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI), phenol (108952), ammonia (7664417), acrolein (107028), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the Philbrick, Booth, and Spencer Company (SIC-3325) in Hartford, Connecticut, on July 2 and 3, 1979. The evaluation was requested by the management on behalf of approximately 125 workers. Chest X-rays of the employees were also reviewed. The OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) for free silica was equaled in several work areas. Iron- oxide concentrations were at or below the OSHA standard of 10mg/CuM. Nickel concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.17mg/CuM, compared with the OSHA standard of 1mg/CuM. Chromium concentrations varied from Copper concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 0.32mg/CuM, compared to the OSHA standard of 0.1mg/CuM. Concentrations of manganese, lead, carbon-monoxide, acrolein, MDI, ammonia, and phenol were all below permissible exposure concentrations. X-rays revealed four cases of possible pneumoconiosis. The author recommends improvements in the existing medical surveillance program, at implementation of a respirator program, and improvements in housekeeping and ventilation.
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(1980) Protective Coatings Corporation, Fort Wayne, Indiana. (Click to open report) Personal breathing zone and general area air samples for toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933) (MEK), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101) (MIBK), trichloroethylene (79016), tetrachloroethylene (127184), crystalline-silica (7631869) and particulates were collected, and medical interviews were conducted at Protection Coating Corporation (SIC-3060) in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 8, July 31, and August 1, 1979. An evaluation request came from a representative of the Allied Indu... (Click to show more)Personal breathing zone and general area air samples for toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933) (MEK), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101) (MIBK), trichloroethylene (79016), tetrachloroethylene (127184), crystalline-silica (7631869) and particulates were collected, and medical interviews were conducted at Protection Coating Corporation (SIC-3060) in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 8, July 31, and August 1, 1979. An evaluation request came from a representative of the Allied Industrial Workers Union on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Some employees were exposed to concentrations of xylene, toluene, and crystalline-silica organic compounds that exceeded the recommended limits of 100 parts per million (ppm) for xylene, 100 ppm for toluene, and 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter of silica. Exposures to MEK, MIBK, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene were well below the recommended criteria. Workers commonly reported shortness of breath, cough, headache, mucous membrane and eye irritation, and light headedness. The author concludes that a health hazard existed due to overexposure to xylene, toluene and respirable crystalline silica. He recommends numerous measures to reduce personal exposures and improve operating conditions.
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