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HHE Search Results
1058 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
(2001) Wire Rope Corporation of America, Sedalia, Missouri. (Click to open report) In March 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from a group of employees to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Wire Rope Corporation of America (WRCA) in Sedalia, Missouri. The HHE request stated that some employees experienced symptoms of nose bleeds, eye irritation, and unspecified respiratory symptoms that were believed to be related to exposures to metal dust and asphalt fume at work. Employees were also concerned... (Click to show more)In March 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from a group of employees to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Wire Rope Corporation of America (WRCA) in Sedalia, Missouri. The HHE request stated that some employees experienced symptoms of nose bleeds, eye irritation, and unspecified respiratory symptoms that were believed to be related to exposures to metal dust and asphalt fume at work. Employees were also concerned about hazardous noise levels, poor lighting, and lack of exhaust ventilation to control air contaminants. A site visit on June 14-16, 2000, included a walk-through inspection of the facility's processes and medical interviews. On June 28-29, 2001, personal breathing-zone (PBZ) and area air samples were collected for metal dust and asphalt fume. To measure asphalt fume, air samples were collected and analyzed for the total particulate, the benzene-soluble particulate fraction, and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). Noise exposures and lighting levels were also measured. Six full-shift PBZ air samples showed exposures to metal dust that were less than 1 percent of the most stringent occupational exposure limit available. Six short-term air samples collected for asphalt fume (measured as total particulate) showed that utility workers' exposures ranged up to 3.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), below the NIOSH 15-minute ceiling limit of 5 mg/m3. Air sampling for the benzene-soluble particulate fraction of asphalt showed a strander operator's time-weighed average (TWA) exposure as high as 0.8 mg/m3, a concentration which exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) time-adjusted Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 0.25 mg/m3 for a 12-hour TWA concentration. Two utility workers' exposures of 0.3 mg/m3 and 0.4 mg/m3 also exceeded the 12-hour adjusted ACGIH TLV for benzene-soluble particulate. Although no occupational exposure limits are currently available for PACs as a group, area air sampling showed the most abundant subclass of PACs were those believed to be associated with irritative effects. A total of 15 workers were interviewed, including all three of the utility workers present during our site visit. The workers had complaints of headache, upper respiratory irritation, increases of allergy symptoms, cough, and dry eyes. The symptoms generally improve when the employees leave the work site. Interviewed employees noted that the majority of symptoms and complaints have decreased in frequency and severity following elimination of the scrap cutting and some descaling processes. Workers reported that current symptoms are frequently related to exposure to asphalt fume from the large lube holding tanks. The vast majority of workers at the WRCA are exposed to excessive noise levels; some up to 9 ½ times the allowable dose for a 12-hour work shift. All employees surveyed have noise exposures that require them to be included in a hearing conservation program. Illumination levels range from 8 to 76 foot-candles, which are generally less than the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) recommended range of 50 to 100 foot-candles for machining processes at WRCA. Workers who handle liquid asphalt are overexposed to asphalt fume (measured as benzene-soluble particulate). The majority of WRCA workers are exposed to excessive noise levels, and most areas of the plant are poorly illuminated. Interviewed workers complained of headache, upper respiratory irritation, increases of allergy symptoms, cough, and dry eyes. However, these employees have noticed a decrease in the frequency and severity of these symptoms and complaints since scrap cutting and some descaling processes have stopped. Workers also reported that current symptoms are frequently related to exposure to asphalt fume from the large lube holding tanks. Recommendations are offered to reduce exposures to asphalt fume and hazardous noise levels, and to improve lighting at work stations.
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(2000) AFG Industries, Bridgeport, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In July 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation and technical assistance (HHE) from the United Steel Workers of America (USWA) to investigate possible respiratory problems at AFG Industries in Bridgeport, West Virginia. AFG Industries produces sheet glass from raw materials. The respiratory health concerns cited in the request included breathing problems and irritation including nose bleeds; and exposure concerns i... (Click to show more)In July 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation and technical assistance (HHE) from the United Steel Workers of America (USWA) to investigate possible respiratory problems at AFG Industries in Bridgeport, West Virginia. AFG Industries produces sheet glass from raw materials. The respiratory health concerns cited in the request included breathing problems and irritation including nose bleeds; and exposure concerns included adipic acid, crystalline silica, asbestos, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nuisance dusts. A walk-through survey was conducted on September 23, 1997. Two industrial hygiene surveys were conducted on May 18 and June 10, 1998. During these surveys, samples were collected for respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica, adipic acid, and SO2 Medical records were reviewed from 10 workers who complained of work-related respiratory illness. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all employees during August and September of 1998. Participants were asked about upper and lower respiratory symptoms, skin and eye symptoms, personal health history, work history, work activities, and tobacco use. Four personal and two area samples were collected for respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica; all samples were collected from the silo tower area (the hot end of the plant). The respirable dust samples ranged from 0.31 mg/m^3 to 4.86 mg/m^3. The personal crystalline silica concentrations ranged from 0.09 mg/m^3 to 0.35 mg/m^3. The workers assigned to the silo tower used respiratory protection by company policy. The disposable respirators used by workers had an assigned protection factor (APF) of 10 and, when used properly, would reduce exposures ten-fold. Thus, these crystalline silica exposures, if attenuated by proper respirator use, would be below the existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL), the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL), and The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), Threshold Limit Exposure Values (TLVs). However, the results from crystalline silica sampling demonstrate the potential for overexposure among workers in the silo tower area if respirators are not used or used improperly. Fifteen total dust samples were collected for adipic acid in air including 14 personal samples and 1 area sample. Adipic acid was used in the cold end of the plant. The total dust concentrations from this area ranged from 0.25 mg/m^3 to a high of 1.68 mg/m^3. The total adipic acid concentrations ranged from 0.01 mg/m^3 to a high of 0.89 mg/m^3; the mean adipic acid concentration from the total dust samples was 0.10 mg/m^3 with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.22 mg/m^3. The adipic acid content of the airborne total dust samples ranged from 3% to 53% by weight; the mean percent by weight adipic acid concentration in airborne total dust was 13.8% with a SD of 12%. These concentrations were below the existing ACGIH TLV. Sulfur dioxide was not detected in any of the seven short term area samples taken. Plant management reported that asbestos materials had been removed form the plant and no friable asbestos insulation was observed during this survey. Of the 312 questionnaires mailed, 144 (46%) were returned; 138 had complete information and were used for the analysis. Results of self-reported respiratory symptoms showed cough in the morning by 42%, phlegm in the morning by 47%, chest tightness by 53%, and wheeze by 52%. Symptoms were also stratified by smoking status and job category; results indicated that lower respiratory symptoms increased among former smokers from the hot end. Overall, work-related health problems were reported in 47% of the workers. These conditions included upper respiratory symptoms by 60%, mucosal irritation by 26%, musculoskeletal by 18%, and hearing loss by 14%. Overall nasal bleeding was reported by 25% (35 of 138) of the workers. Stratification by job category indicated that 30% of cold end workers reported nasal bleeding, as did 23% of the hot end workers, 22% of the warehouse workers, and 7% of maintenance workers. The frequency of nose bleeding was reported 1 to 4 times a year in 74% of the cases. Overall skin irritation was reported in 43% (59 of 138) of the workers. Symptoms by job category indicated that 47% of cold end workers reported skin irritation, as did 69% of the hot end workers, 17% of the warehouse workers, and 36% of maintenance workers. Overall eye irritation was reported by 71% (98 of 138) of the workers. Symptoms by job category indicated that 75% of worker in the cold end reported eye irritation, 69% of hot end workers, 57% of the warehouse workers, and from 79% of maintenance workers. These findings suggest a high prevalance of mucosal irritation symptoms among plant workers in both cold end and hot end areas. Thirteen cases of alleged pneumoconiosis were identified in the OSHA 200 logs; this prompted a review of the medical records. Ten medical records were obtained. Of these, the average age was 42 years. The tenure in the glass industry was 21 years. Radiographic evaluations conducted by certified B Readers from a medical group contracted by the company as well as NIOSH's B Reader physician did not document any finding related with occupational pneumoconiosis. A review of AFG's OSHA 200 log from 1996 included 63 cases of musculoskeletal injuries, seven cases of alleged pneumoconiosis, three cases of hearing loss, and two eye related injuries. During the first nine months of 1997, 41 cases of musculoskeletal injuries, one case of eye injury, and one case of SO2 inhalation were reported.
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(2000) Claremont Flock Corporation, Claremont, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) The Claremont Flock Corporation produces flock, from tow and cotton scrap fabric, and bags the products in four plants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plants. At the time of the request, an extensive HHE at another company's flocking facility in Rhode Island (NIOSH 1998) had uncovered a cluster of cases of a new occupational lung disease (flock workers' lung) [Kern et al.... (Click to show more)The Claremont Flock Corporation produces flock, from tow and cotton scrap fabric, and bags the products in four plants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plants. At the time of the request, an extensive HHE at another company's flocking facility in Rhode Island (NIOSH 1998) had uncovered a cluster of cases of a new occupational lung disease (flock workers' lung) [Kern et al. 1998]. In addition, one worker at Claremont Flock had a diagnosis of the same illness. In November 1998, NIOSH conducted an investigation at the Claremont Flock plants consisting of a symptom and work history questionnaire and personal and area sampling, primarily for respirable dust (dust small enough to reach the deepest areas of the lungs) and fiber counts. About 81% of the workers participated in the survey. The results and conclusions of the survey are as follows: The same types of particles identified at the Rhode Island plant were also present in air samples collected at Spectro Coating. Even though the dust concentrations were lower compared to those in the Rhode Island plant, blow-down exposures at Spectro Coating were associated with respiratory symptoms in workers. Blow-down cleaning with compressed air and flock-loading resulted in the highest dust concentrations measured in this workplace. Blow-down exposures were associated with an excess of fever/aches and cough/phlegm. Decreasing exposures should lead to decreased symptoms and complaints. Gravimetric respirable dust measurement appears to be a suitable method for characterizing concentrations in this setting. Smoking alone and in interaction with the exposures from compressed air cleaning was associated with symptoms. Respirator use was sporadic, and many workers had not been fit-tested. The following are specific recommendations for this workplace: Reduce dust exposures with engineering controls. Until engineering controls are in place, limit the use of blow-downs and use personal respiratory protection to control dust exposures. Expend the annual medical examination to include a means for identifying workers with frequent fever, aches, cough, phlegm, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms. Workers with any of these symptoms should receive a medical evaluation and an opportunity to reduce dust exposures by placement out of high exposure jobs. Periodically inform workers about work-related disease observed among flock workers and how to reduce or control their risk of disease. Implement a no-smoking policy at the plant (NIOSH 1991). If allowed at all, smoking at the plant should be restricted to designated, seperately-ventilated smoking areas. Workers should be encouraged to stop smoking altogether through an employer-sponsored smoking cessation program and education campaign.
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(2000) Delphi Automotive Systems Flint East Operations, Flint, Michigan. (Click to open report) On January 3, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from employees at Delphi Automotive Systems - Flint East Operations in Flint, Michigan. The HHE request expressed concerns about possible exposure to lead resulting from the use of wave solder machines during the production of circuit boards. In response to this request, a site visit was conducted on March 30 through April 1, 2000. During this site visit, ... (Click to show more)On January 3, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from employees at Delphi Automotive Systems - Flint East Operations in Flint, Michigan. The HHE request expressed concerns about possible exposure to lead resulting from the use of wave solder machines during the production of circuit boards. In response to this request, a site visit was conducted on March 30 through April 1, 2000. During this site visit, two NIOSH industrial hygienists and a visiting researcher conducted a walk-through inspection of the area of concern and discussed the exposure issue with management and employees working in the area. Full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) and area air sampling was performed to measure the levels of potential exposure to lead and tin dust originating from the 60% tin / 40% lead solder used in the wave solder machines. Surface sampling was also conducted for lead dust on equipment surfaces, lunch room tables, floors, and hands of employees. Discussions were held with management regarding their written lead compliance program, personal protective equipment program, and their environmental monitoring and medical surveillance plans. Results from the PBZ sampling ranged between nondetectable and 4.0 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3 ) for lead and between nondetectable and 7.0 microg/m3 for tin. The PBZ results were all well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limits (PEL) of 50 microg lead/m3 and 2000 microg tin/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work shift. None of the area air samples had detectable amounts of lead or tin. Wipe sampling did detect the presence of accumulated lead on a variety of work surfaces. These included the floor near wave solder machines, some equipment surfaces, and ceiling air supply ventilation registers. Results for the wipe sampling ranged from nondetectable to 1700 microg lead/wipe sample (each sample was collected over a 100 square centimeter [cm2] area.) Despite the fact that employee exposure to airborne lead does not appear to be excessive in the work areas evaluated, the presence of accumulated lead on work surfaces indicates a potential for occupational exposure to lead. Management needs to stress regular and thorough housekeeping procedures in these areas and employees need to recognize the importance of personal hygiene practices in the prevention of ingestion of this accumulated lead. Recommendations regarding the site's written lead compliance program, lead sampling, and housekeeping issues are provided in this report.
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(2000) Exempla St. Joseph Hospital, Denver Colorado - revised. (Click to open report) On January 23, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Exempla Health Care Facility/St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. The request stated that hospital employees experienced facial flushing, rhinitis, sneezing, itching and watery eyes, and fainting while at work. According to the request, the exposure thought to cause the employees' health problems was latex protein from powde... (Click to show more)On January 23, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Exempla Health Care Facility/St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. The request stated that hospital employees experienced facial flushing, rhinitis, sneezing, itching and watery eyes, and fainting while at work. According to the request, the exposure thought to cause the employees' health problems was latex protein from powdered natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves. The NIOSH investigation consisted of concurrent medical and industrial hygiene evaluations during the weeks of July 13-16, 1998, and August 3-6, 1998. Additional medical evaluations were completed November 9-13, 1998. The medical evaluation included a self-administered questionnaire and blood tests for total IgE and latex-specific IgE. The industrial hygiene evaluation consisted of air, surface, and bulk dust sampling to evaluate the presence of latex proteins within the hospital environment. The overall prevalence of latex sensitization (defined by the presence of latex-specific IgE) was 10.5% (56/531). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of latex sensitization between employees who wear latex gloves (10.6% or 28/264) and those who do not wear latex gloves (10.6% or 27/255) (p=1.0). There was also no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of latex sensitization between employees who reported current latex glove use or having worn at least one pair of latex gloves per day at another job or in training (i.e., ever having occupational latex glove use), with a prevalence of 11.0%, and those who reported never having occupational latex glove use, with a prevalence of 8.9% (p=0.5). Reporting of work-related hand dermatitis was more common among those who currently wore latex gloves (23.4%) than among those who did not (4.9%) (p < 0.01), as were rhinoconjunctivitis (16.3% and 7.9%, respectively, p < 0.01) and hand urticaria (9.9% and 2.1%, respectively, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference by latex glove use in the reporting of work-related asthma or general urticaria. There was no statistically significant association between any of these symptom complexes and latex sensitization, although hand urticaria and hand dermatitis were more prevalent in those who were sensitized. Atopy (history of allergic rhinitis, asthma, or atopic dermatitis) was significantly associated with latex sensitization; 83.6% of those with latex sensitization were atopic, compared to 58.2% of those who were not sensitized (p<0.05). Twenty-seven percent of those with latex sensitization reported no Type I allergic symptoms, i.e., urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis, or asthma, either at work or home, while sixty-three percent reported no work-related Type I symptoms. A total of 23 area air samples for NRL allergen were collected in clinical (16) and non-clinical (7) areas of the hospital. Five of the seven samples collected in the non-clinical areas had no detectable NRL protein. One sample, collected in inpatient admitting, had a concentration between the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ), that is, a trace concentration. One sample, collected in the medical records area, had a quantifiable concentration, 0.26 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m3). Sixteen air samples were collected in clinical areas of the hospital. Nine of sixteen samples (from a variety of clinical areas) had NRL protein concentrations ranging from 0.41 to 3.33 (ng/m3). Four samples contained trace concentrations, and three samples had no detectable NRL protein. v Nineteen surface dust samples were collected from ceiling tiles and air handling unit (AHU) plenums. Ten samples were collected from clinical areas and nine from non-clinical areas. In the non-clinical areas, no NRL was detected in seven of the samples, one had a trace amount, and one sample from an AHU serving the inpatient admitting had 368 nanograms of NRL per 100 square centimeters (ng/100 cm2). In the clinical areas, 7 of 10 surface dust samples had no detectable NRL protein. One sample collected from the back of a ceiling tile in the labor and delivery (L&D) suite 242 had 118 ng/100 cm2, and two surface samples collected inside AHUs contained 1,022 and 3,952 ng/100 cm2. Two filter dust samples were collected from AHUs serving non-clinical areas of the hospital; neither had detectable NRL protein. Five samples of filter dust collected from AHUs serving clinical areas of the hospital had NRL protein concentrations ranging from 4,433 ng/gram of dust (ng/gm), from an AHU which serves the emergency department (ED), to 83,682 ng/gm, from an AHU which serves the labor and delivery areas. We found that levels of airborne, surface, and filter dust latex proteins were higher in the work areas of the employees who were not sensitized to latex than those who were sensitized, although these differences were not statistically significant. We found that neither current nor past occupational use of latex gloves was associated with latex sensitization in this study population. Latex glove use, however, was associated with reporting of work related rhinoconjunctivitis, hand urticaria, and hand dermatitis. Airborne natural rubber latex protein levels were very low, but there was a significant amount of latex protein on filters in the ventilation system. Exposure to filter dust could present risks to individuals who change AHU filters (e.g., maintenance workers), or to other workers if NRL proteins were to be released into the hospital environment. Recommendations include the use of nonlatex gloves for those who do not encounter infectious materials, and the use of low-protein, powder-free latex gloves for those who do encounter infectious materials; education for employees about latex allergy; and re-assessment of prevention strategies if a worker is diagnosed with latex allergy.
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(2000) Exempla St. Joseph Hospital, Denver Colorado. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation (HHE) was requested by management at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Exempla St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. The request concerned possible exposures to natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins. Employees reported rhinitis, sneezing, rash, watery eyes, and aggravation of allergic symptoms. A reservoir of dust was found within the NICU; exhaust from the central vacuum cleaning system was leaking into the ceiling plenum of an area adjacent to the NICU. T... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation (HHE) was requested by management at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Exempla St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. The request concerned possible exposures to natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins. Employees reported rhinitis, sneezing, rash, watery eyes, and aggravation of allergic symptoms. A reservoir of dust was found within the NICU; exhaust from the central vacuum cleaning system was leaking into the ceiling plenum of an area adjacent to the NICU. The system exhausted vacuumed carpet dust into the ceiling plenum, rather than to the outside, as designed. The use of pressure measurements and carbon dioxide tracer gas demonstrated that a potential pathway existed for the movement of airborne dusts from the affected plenum to the adjacent plenum over the NICU. Two air samples, six surface samples, and two bulk dust samples were collected. Concentrations of NRL ranged from below the limit of detection [<1 allergy units (AU) per milliliter of extracted sample] to 4.2 AUs. Eight of the ten samples were in a range considered to be trace concentrations. The two NRL air samples were reported at less than the limit of detection and 1.8 AU. No mechanical or maintenance deficiencies and no visible microbiological contamination were identified in the air handling unit serving the NICU. A water leak in the NICU was identified, and remediated by hospital personnel.
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(2000) Haverhill High School, Haverhill, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) On January 27, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from staff at Haverhill High School in Haverhill, Massachusetts, for an evaluation of exposures to crystalline silica and other compounds in ceramics. The request indicated that employees were concerned about developing emphysema, silicosis, and/or asthma due to exposure to ceramics materials. In addition, the request indicated that staff were concerned about exposures to vari... (Click to show more)On January 27, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from staff at Haverhill High School in Haverhill, Massachusetts, for an evaluation of exposures to crystalline silica and other compounds in ceramics. The request indicated that employees were concerned about developing emphysema, silicosis, and/or asthma due to exposure to ceramics materials. In addition, the request indicated that staff were concerned about exposures to various materials used in five art rooms, and the woodworking shop. On April 27, 1999, an initial site visit was conducted which included an opening conference, informal discussions with teachers, and a walk-through inspection of the art rooms and woodworking shop. During the walk-through, activities were identified in ceramics and woodworking classrooms which could result in exposure to crystalline silica, metals, and wood dust. On May 4, 1999, a second site visit was conducted where environmental monitoring was conducted for airborne crystalline silica in the ceramics classroom, and wood dust in the woodworking shop. Surface wipe sampling for metals was conducted in ceramics. Measured concentrations of respirable crystalline silica were below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) during the monitoring period. Neither of the respirable area samples revealed detectable levels of crystalline silica. Total crystalline silica (quartz) concentrations of 0.070 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and 0.075 mg/m3 were quantified in bulk air samples collected at the wedging table and at the center of the classroom, respectively. A bulk sample of settled dust, collected from a shelf adjacent to the door leading to the corridor, contained 25% quartz. Cristobalite was not detected in any of the samples. Gravimetric analysis of air samples indicates that concentrations of all airborne particulates were below occupational exposure limits for particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR). Surface wipe sampling for metals found the highest concentrations of metals in the storage closet where glazes are prepared from powdered materials. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is not provided at the wedging table or in the glaze preparation area. The highest concentration of wood dust (3.4 mg/m3 during a 50-minute period) was measured in the personal breathing zone (PBZ) sample collected on the woodworking instructor. A similar concentration (3.2 mg/m3 during a 78-minute period) was measured in the vicinity of two students who were using hand-held orbit sanders at a "homemade" downdraft table. The presence of crystalline silica in a settled dust sample indicates a need for LEV and appropriate housekeeping practices in the ceramics classroom. Air samples collected in the woodworking shop indicate that current LEV is not providing effective control of wood dust. Recommendations include substituting premixed glazes, installation of effective LEV systems in ceramics and woodworking classrooms, improved housekeeping practices in ceramics, and implementation of an effective Chemical Hazard Communication Program.
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(2000) Horry County Assessor's Office, Conway, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In December 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from employees working in a Horry County Administrative Building, Conway, South Carolina. These workers described a prior incident in 1999, which involved carbon monoxide (CO) exposures, as well as ongoing concerns with mold in the building. The employees believed that their symptoms, which included headache, sinus problems, and upper respiratory problems, were wor... (Click to show more)In December 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received health hazard evaluation (HHE) requests from employees working in a Horry County Administrative Building, Conway, South Carolina. These workers described a prior incident in 1999, which involved carbon monoxide (CO) exposures, as well as ongoing concerns with mold in the building. The employees believed that their symptoms, which included headache, sinus problems, and upper respiratory problems, were work related. A walk-through of the entire building was conducted March 27, 2000. Measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2), CO, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) were made and the ventilation systems were visually examined, including the condition of the air filters, coils, drain pan, and other interior components of two randomly selected heat pump units. Five bulk dust samples were collected by micro-vacuuming sections of carpet. Ten "sticky" tape samples were collected of suspect fungal colonies by using the adhesive side of the tape to pull spore structures and hyphae from the growth surface. Areas suspected of water damage (both exterior walls and carpeted floors near these walls) were probed with a moisture meter to qualitatively assess water content. Twelve of the approximately 115 employees volunteered for informal interviews. The highest CO2 concentrations ranged from 1030 to 1190 parts per million (ppm), suggesting that parts of the two story building may be receiving insufficient amounts of outside air. Temperature and RH levels ranged from 69 to 75 degrees F, and 35 to 53%, respectively, which were within the thermal comfort parameters recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. CO concentrations were very low, ranging from none-detected to 2 ppm. A new exhaust ventilation system in the boiler room, along with repairing cracks in the walls of the boiler room, were made to prevent CO from re-entering the building. Of the 12 employees interviewed, most reported respiratory problems (sinus problems or allergies), congestion, fatigue, and headache while working in the building. Several of the interviewed employees were also concerned with hair loss, high blood pressure, digestive problems, and joint pain which they believed were work-related. Many of those interviewed had been experiencing these symptoms since they first began working in this building. NIOSH investigators conclude that various indoor environmental quality deficiencies exist in this building, including inadequate amounts of outside air (OA) to some offices, localized microbial reservoirs, and numerous ongoing moisture incursion or moist conditions. It is unclear, however, how these conditions relate to the health complaints described by the interviewed employees. Recommendations are provided to further improve ventilation and eliminate the wet conditions conducive to microbial growth.
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(2000) OmniSource Corporation, precious metal recycling facility, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. (Click to open report) On November 1, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request from OmniSource Corporation to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to evaluate occupational exposure to silver at their company's precious metal recycling (PMR) facility in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The request was prompted by concerns about one employee who had been diagnosed as having argyria, a blue-grey discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and/or eyes resulting from pro... (Click to show more)On November 1, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request from OmniSource Corporation to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to evaluate occupational exposure to silver at their company's precious metal recycling (PMR) facility in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The request was prompted by concerns about one employee who had been diagnosed as having argyria, a blue-grey discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and/or eyes resulting from prolonged silver exposure. Management also expressed concern about worker exposure to the fixer solution from which the silver is recovered. A site visit, conducted on January 10-11, 2000, consisted of an environmental and medical component. The environmental evaluation included a full-shift personal breathing-zone (PBZ) air sample to assess worker exposure to silver and 26 other metals and minerals and full-shift area air sampling to assess exposure to 26 different metals and minerals, glutaraldehyde, hydroquinone, and hydrogen cyanide. Qualitative ventilation measurements were also performed to determine airflow patterns. The medical evaluation consisted of a record review, employee interviews to assess a medical and occupational history, and focused physical examinations of each of the three PMR facility employees. The one full-shift PBZ sample taken on an operator revealed a time-weighted average (TWA) silver exposure of 0.14 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), 14 times greater than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and NIOSH exposure limit of 0.01 mg/m3 . Full-shift area air sampling revealed silver concentrations ranging from 0.009 to 0.19 mg/m3. All area samples, with the exception of one, had concentrations that exceeded the OSHA and NIOSH exposure limits. The PMR facility furnace operator wore a half-mask powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) in the furnace room and main PMR facility; however, respirators were not worn when employees were in the work station and office area, where silver concentrations ranged from 0.012 to 0.02 mg/m3. These levels exceed OSHA and NIOSH exposure limits. Full-shift area air sampling for glutaraldehyde, hydroquinone, and hydrogen cyanide revealed no detectable amounts of those substances. None of the 26 other metals or minerals analyzed for in the air samples exceeded any applicable exposure limit. The qualitative ventilation assessment indicated that the furnace room was under strong negative pressure, that should prevent silver dust and fume from escaping the room. However, silver was detected in area samples taken throughout the rest of the facility, suggesting that silver is migrating from the furnace room to other areas. Neither exhaust hood (one was in place over each of the two working furnaces) was operating during our visit. Fumes off-gassing from the furnaces could periodically be seen escaping the hoods. During the loading and unloading of the crucibles, the furnace room doors are left open and airborne silver may escape the room. Pressure tests indicated the work station and office area to be under neutral pressure. It is also possible that the furnace operators are unknowingly transferring silver from their clothes, gloves, and shoes to other areas of the facility. Of the three workers interviewed, none revealed health effects thought to be related to exposures at OmniSource other than the one worker with a diagnosis of argyria. However, based on the history provided by the worker with the skin lesion, it is unlikely that the lesion represents localized argyria. NIOSH investigators concluded that employees in the PMR facility are overexposed to silver when powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are not worn. Although the furnace room is under negative pressure, it appears that airborne silver may be escaping the furnace room and migrating to other areas of the PMR facility, including the work station and office area where respirators are not usually worn. Recommendations are offered in this report for improved exhaust ventilation, personal protective equipment, general safety, and housekeeping in the workplace to decrease worker exposures. Medical recommendations to assess the body burden of silver are also included.
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(2000) Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) At the request of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH), we evaluated worker lead exposures during U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-funded residential lead hazard reduction in Rhode Island. RI DOH was concerned that workers might be unnecessarily wearing respirators and protective clothing during various tasks. The predominant work tasks in lead hazard reduction work have changed as, over the past several years, HUD has shifted the emphasis of its national program.... (Click to show more)At the request of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH), we evaluated worker lead exposures during U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-funded residential lead hazard reduction in Rhode Island. RI DOH was concerned that workers might be unnecessarily wearing respirators and protective clothing during various tasks. The predominant work tasks in lead hazard reduction work have changed as, over the past several years, HUD has shifted the emphasis of its national program. Participating contractors are performing less on-site removal of lead-based paint (LBP) and more component replacement and lead hazard reduction, i.e., replacement and renovating structures with the existing LBP left in place. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated worker lead exposures during various tasks at 20 homes undergoing lead hazard reduction from 1996-1998. The study included task-based and full-shift air monitoring, measurement of the lead contamination in workers' vehicles, and a review of the medical monitoring data reported to RI DOH. Results for workers' full-shift airborne lead exposures (PbA) were highly variable, ranging from 1.5 to 1100 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3, 20 samples). The maximum exposure was for dry scraping. The geometric mean (GM) full-shift lead exposure was 74 ug/m3 among workers who performed any scraping during the work shift. One hundred fifty-two task-based samples were obtained for 11 task categories; most of the samples were for interior work (average time 139 minutes). Task-based PbA exposures were highly variable, ranging from 0.17 to 2000 ug/m3. The GM PbA exposures by task ranged from 1.3 ug/m3 (yard work) to 150 ug/m3 (dry scraping). Within-task variability was high; in spite of this variability, task category was highly associated with logged PbA exposure (one-way ANOVA p <0.0001). Dry scraping and wet scraping tasks, which did not differ significantly, had the highest GM exposures. The actual full-shift exposures, which were obtained for a few single tasks, were generally similar to the GM exposures for the corresponding task-based samples. Four of the 11 tasks evaluated had estimated full-shift exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit (PEL, 50 ug/m3): dry scraping, wet scraping, mixed surface prep, and caulking. It is likely that high levels during caulking represented collateral exposures from other dust-generating work in the houses. Estimated full-shift exposure for the other seven tasks, including painting, removal, replacement, cleaning, wet demolition, yard work, and set-up, were below the PEL. Relatively high lead dust accumulations were found on workers' hands. Lead contamination levels on the floors in workers' vehicles were high compared to a nonworker comparison group, suggesting that lead contamination may be carried into the vehicles from the work area. Among workers who had blood lead level (BLL) results reported, the results indicated that this group had higher BLLs than the general population, and 38% of workers and site supervisors had BLL results at or above 25 micrograms per deciliter. The results of this evaluation indicate that some changes in the contractors' respiratory protection programs should be made. While the respirators provided to workers (half-mask air-purifying respirators with a protection factor of 10) were appropriate for some of the tasks, a higher protection factor respirator is needed for wet or dry scraping tasks, as performed by participating contractors. Respirators should not be routinely required for the low hazard tasks, such as removal, replacement, cleaning, yard work, and set-up. Worker lead exposures during various lead hazard reduction tasks were highly variable. On average, lead exposures during dry scraping, wet scraping, mixed surface prep, removal, and caulking tasks were hazardous. Average lead exposures for removal, replacement, cleaning, wet demolition, yard work, and set-up tasks were below the PEL. Reported blood lead monitoring results indicated occupational exposure to lead, and that some licensed personnel, particularly site supervisors, had hazardous exposures. Hand surface levels indicated the potential for ingestion of lead, and lead contamination of workers' vehicles was measured. Recommendations are provided in this report to help prevent hazardous worker exposures to LBP.
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