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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) State of Washington and Region X Office of the Department of Health and Human Services. (Click for full summary) Bulk and personal air samples from the Sunnyside, Washington, area (SIC-9431) were analyzed for hazardous concentrations of respirable dust, total dust, and respirable free silica (7631869) due to volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens on June 19 to 26, 1980. The evaluation was requested by state and federal government officials on behalf of an unspecified number of outdoor agricultural workers. All personal exposures were well below the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) for re... (Click to show more)Bulk and personal air samples from the Sunnyside, Washington, area (SIC-9431) were analyzed for hazardous concentrations of respirable dust, total dust, and respirable free silica (7631869) due to volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens on June 19 to 26, 1980. The evaluation was requested by state and federal government officials on behalf of an unspecified number of outdoor agricultural workers. All personal exposures were well below the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) for respirable dust containing quartz, and the NIOSH criteria of 0.05mg/CuM for respirable free silica. Average exposures were low, except for total dust exposure in onion fields near Moses Lake. The higher Moses Lake exposures were attributed to the small sample size or sample contamination. Bulk and personal samples did not contain significant concentrations of toxic metals. The investigators concluded that workers in the Sunnyside area were not overexposed to respirable dust, total dust, or respirable free silica at the time of the survey. Recommendations are given for monitoring and respiratory protection in the event of future volcanic eruptions or excessively dusty conditions.
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(1980) Teltronic Systems, Inc., New York, NY. (Click to open report) Air sampling was performed at Teltronic Systems, Inc. (SIC-3679), New York, in January of 1980 to determine if hazardous compounds were being released during the operation of a copying machine. The survey was requested by company management after workers had complained of headaches and sore throats following installation and use of the copier. Air samples were collected with activated charcoal and silica gel sampling tubes. Detectable amounts of methyl-alcohol (67561) and toluene (108883) were f... (Click to show more)Air sampling was performed at Teltronic Systems, Inc. (SIC-3679), New York, in January of 1980 to determine if hazardous compounds were being released during the operation of a copying machine. The survey was requested by company management after workers had complained of headaches and sore throats following installation and use of the copier. Air samples were collected with activated charcoal and silica gel sampling tubes. Detectable amounts of methyl-alcohol (67561) and toluene (108883) were found; but they were well below the current OSHA standards of 200 parts per million for an 8 hour time weighted average for both compounds. The authors conclude that even though the exposures were below current standards, the workers' complaints were consistent with exposure to toluene; which was generated by even limited use of the copier. Recommendations were made to place the copier in a storage room when it is not in use, to use the unit only when necessary, and to limit use as much as possible to the end of the work day.
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(1980) U.S. Precision Lens, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken and affected employees were interviewed to determine whether exposures to polymethyl-methacrylate (9011147) methyl-methacrylate-vapor (80626) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), magnesium- fluoride (7783406) isopropyl-alcohol (67630), iron-oxide (1345251), and oil mist were posing a health hazard to massive optics (M.O.) and tool grinding room (T.G.) employees of U.S. Precision Lense Incorporated (SIC-307) in Cincinnati, Oh... (Click to show more)Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken and affected employees were interviewed to determine whether exposures to polymethyl-methacrylate (9011147) methyl-methacrylate-vapor (80626) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), magnesium- fluoride (7783406) isopropyl-alcohol (67630), iron-oxide (1345251), and oil mist were posing a health hazard to massive optics (M.O.) and tool grinding room (T.G.) employees of U.S. Precision Lense Incorporated (SIC-307) in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 17 and 18, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the company. The facility employs 250 workers with an unspecified number working in the M.O. and T.G. rooms. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken and analyzed of each for the contaminants. Bulk samples were analyzed for silica content. Sample results for the contaminants ranged up to 20 percent of the recommended exposure limits. Bulk samples did not contain silica. The authors conclude that the exposures to the sampled substances were not hazardous to the employees at the time of the investigations.
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(1979) A.M.F. Head Division, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) Breathing zone air samples were collected and medical interviews were conducted on January 8, 30, and 31, 1979, at A.M.F. Head Division (SIC-2851), Boulder, Colorado. The evaluation was prompted by a request from the company management to determine potential toxic exposures of approximately 300 employees from a variety of solvents, paints, particulates, metal electroplating solutions, and isocyanates. Breathing zone samples were analyzed for methyl-ethyl- ketone (78933), toluene (108883), xylene... (Click to show more)Breathing zone air samples were collected and medical interviews were conducted on January 8, 30, and 31, 1979, at A.M.F. Head Division (SIC-2851), Boulder, Colorado. The evaluation was prompted by a request from the company management to determine potential toxic exposures of approximately 300 employees from a variety of solvents, paints, particulates, metal electroplating solutions, and isocyanates. Breathing zone samples were analyzed for methyl-ethyl- ketone (78933), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), methylene chloride (75092), crystalline-silica (14808607), total particulates, methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688), chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), asbestos (1332214), trichloroethane (71556) and naphtha (8030306). All samples were well within current OSHA standards. The medical interviews revealed no significant complaints. It is concluded that no hazard existed at the time of this evaluation, but several safety violations were cited including blocked passageways, underground storage of chemicals, and improper disposal of solvent soaked rags. Recommendations are made to store all chemical containers at ground level, enforce workplace hygiene practices, and brief workers periodically on the chemicals they use and their associated hazards.
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(1979) American Concrete Division, Union Metal Company, Waukegan, Illinois. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of toluene (108883), mineral-spirits (8030306), naptha (8030306), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), total particulates, respirable particulates, respirable free silica (7631869), iron- oxide-fume, chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), copper (7440508), and aluminum (7429905), at the American Concrete Division of the Union Metal Company (SIC-2819) in Waukegan, Illinois on March 30, July 5, and October 20, 1978. An evaluation req... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of toluene (108883), mineral-spirits (8030306), naptha (8030306), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), total particulates, respirable particulates, respirable free silica (7631869), iron- oxide-fume, chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), copper (7440508), and aluminum (7429905), at the American Concrete Division of the Union Metal Company (SIC-2819) in Waukegan, Illinois on March 30, July 5, and October 20, 1978. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the approximately 60 affected workers. The airborne concentrations of respirable free silica in three personal samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), and ranged from 0.013 to evaluation criteria. The author recommends reducing crystalline silica by using engineering controls, institution of a respiratory protection program, enclosure of the mold spinning machines, and the control of peak exposures to air contaminants by the installation of local ventilation systems on respiratory protection equipment.
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(1979) Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples of airborne dusts, metals, gases, vapors, and fumes were collected, and a medical evaluation was conducted on November 29, 30, and December 1, 1978 and February 12 to 14, 1979 at the Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc. (SIC-3361), in Englewood, Colorado. The evaluation request to identify any potentially toxic workplace exposures for approximately 50 employees came from an employer representative. Concentration of inorganic lead (7439921) ranged from 0.03 to 3.2 m... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples of airborne dusts, metals, gases, vapors, and fumes were collected, and a medical evaluation was conducted on November 29, 30, and December 1, 1978 and February 12 to 14, 1979 at the Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc. (SIC-3361), in Englewood, Colorado. The evaluation request to identify any potentially toxic workplace exposures for approximately 50 employees came from an employer representative. Concentration of inorganic lead (7439921) ranged from 0.03 to 3.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum) and exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.05mg/cum in 44 percent of the samples. Crystalline silica (14808607) concentrations exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.29mg/cum in 77 percent of the samples. All other sample concentrations were below criteria. Blood lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA standard of 40 micrograms per 100 grams of whole blood in 81 percent of the workers, and 72 percent had free erythrocyte protoporphyrin determinations above the normal range of 356 to 662 micrograms per liter of red blood cells. The investigator concludes that workers were exposed to hazardous concentrations of inorganic lead and crystalline silica, and other toxic exposures could occur if production conditions change without corresponding ventilation improvements. The use of respirators, protective hearing devices and clothing; improvements of workplace hygiene and ventilation systems; and periodic medical surveillance until all exposures are below criteria are recommended.
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(1979) Commercial Lovelace Freight Terminal, Dayton, Ohio. (Click to open report) A bulk sample of Zorb-All, a drying agent used to remove moisture and liquids from the dock floor of the Commercial Lovelace Company (SIC-4463) freight terminal in Dayton, Ohio was collected on March 7, 1979. The sampling was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the Teamsters Union to determine the potential toxic effects of the agent. X-ray analysis of the approximately 6 percent amount of free crystalline-silica (quartz) (14808607) contained in the sample shows that silic... (Click to show more)A bulk sample of Zorb-All, a drying agent used to remove moisture and liquids from the dock floor of the Commercial Lovelace Company (SIC-4463) freight terminal in Dayton, Ohio was collected on March 7, 1979. The sampling was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the Teamsters Union to determine the potential toxic effects of the agent. X-ray analysis of the approximately 6 percent amount of free crystalline-silica (quartz) (14808607) contained in the sample shows that silica (7631869), potassium (7440097), calcium (7440702), titanium (7440326), iron (7439896), and aluminum (7429905) were the major constituents of this substance. It is concluded that Zorb-All is not hazardous to dock workers at the terminal because of its low content of toxic material and large particle size. It is recommended that the agent be cleaned up after its use before a dry powder residue is formed, which might become airborne and cause irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat.
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(1979) Du Co Ceramics Company, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Interviews, preliminary and follow up medical examinations of 150 persons, and area air sampling were conducted on September 8 and 9, 1977 and March 14 to 17, 1978 to determine ceramic worker exposures to free crystalline-silica (14808607), asbestos (1332214), and total respirable dust at the Du Co Ceramics Company (SIC-3292) in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. The request came from an authorized representative of Local 8042, United Steelworkers of America to evaluate potential health problems. Several ... (Click to show more)Interviews, preliminary and follow up medical examinations of 150 persons, and area air sampling were conducted on September 8 and 9, 1977 and March 14 to 17, 1978 to determine ceramic worker exposures to free crystalline-silica (14808607), asbestos (1332214), and total respirable dust at the Du Co Ceramics Company (SIC-3292) in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. The request came from an authorized representative of Local 8042, United Steelworkers of America to evaluate potential health problems. Several samples in each area of the facility exceeded OSHA standards for acceptable exposures to respirable crystalline-silica (10 milligrams per cubic meter divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2) and respirable dust (5 milligrams per cubic meter). Four out of five asbestos samples exceeded the recommended OSHA limit of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter. Chest x-rays revealed few cases of radiologic abnormalities, a low incidence of chronic bronchitis and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction, and some obstructive ventilatory dysfunction. Bronchitis occurred primarily in women, and smokers were vulnerable to ventilatory dysfunction. A potential health hazard was confirmed for workers in granule mixer, batch scale, lancaster mill, rouse mill, and blow off operations. The authors' recommendations include annual medical examinations that include x-rays and pulmonary function tests; reassignment of workers with suspected abnormalities; ventilation and other engineering improvements in the mixing ball mill, spray dry cutting, sagger filling, and machining departments; use of respiratory and personal protective clothing and goggles; and provision of shower facilities.
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(1979) Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Co., Atlanta, Illinois. (Click to open report) Breathing zone and general area samples for Counter-15-G (13071799) insecticide, respirable particulates, total particulates, and respirable free silica were collected, and 21 employees were interviewed at the Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Company (SIC-287) in Atlanta, Illinois on January 9 to 11, 1979. An authorized employee representative requested the evaluation to assess toxic exposures of 10 to 20 employees. Gas chromatographic sample analysis revealed that all contaminants were below OSHA ... (Click to show more)Breathing zone and general area samples for Counter-15-G (13071799) insecticide, respirable particulates, total particulates, and respirable free silica were collected, and 21 employees were interviewed at the Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Company (SIC-287) in Atlanta, Illinois on January 9 to 11, 1979. An authorized employee representative requested the evaluation to assess toxic exposures of 10 to 20 employees. Gas chromatographic sample analysis revealed that all contaminants were below OSHA criteria for crystalline-silica, and respirable and total particulates (10 milligrams per cubic meter divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2, 5 milligrams per cubic meter, and 15 milligrams per cubic meter, respectively). No standard exists for exposure to the insecticide, but measured concentrations were low (0.002 to 0.011 milligrams per cubic meter). The authors conclude that no health hazard to workers existed at the time of the evaluation and recommend enclosure of local exhaust ventilation hoods, use of personal protective equipment to prevent oral and eye exposures, and continuation of a program of cholinesterase monitoring.
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(1979) Illinois Minerals Company, Elco, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to investigate the health of employees exposed to silica (7631869) containing dust at Illinois Minerals Company located in Elco, Illinois, a hazard evaluation was conducted. The silica dust on site was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Median particle size from air sampled in the facility ranged from 2.3 to 4.9 microns which is well within the respirable range. Of the 57 samples taken, 49 were above the NIOSH recom... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to investigate the health of employees exposed to silica (7631869) containing dust at Illinois Minerals Company located in Elco, Illinois, a hazard evaluation was conducted. The silica dust on site was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Median particle size from air sampled in the facility ranged from 2.3 to 4.9 microns which is well within the respirable range. Of the 57 samples taken, 49 were above the NIOSH recommended limit of workers with less than one year exposure. Three of the fifteen current workers with one or more years of exposure and 14 of the 24 exworkers studied had radiographic changes indicative of silicosis. In workers and exworkers with one or more years of exposure, 17 of 39 had x-ray evidence of silicosis. This very high prevalence of silicosis is due to the respirable size of the particles. It was recommended that engineering controls be implemented to reduce and maintain free silica dust levels to current acceptable exposure limits. The conclusion of the study was that there is a significant health hazard present at this location and continued worker exposure will cause irreversible harm to such a degree as to shorten life.
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