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HHE Search Results
1057 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
(2000) Southwest Airlines Dallas Reservations Center, Grand Prairie, Texas Grand Prairie, Texas. (Click to open report) On December 7, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for assistance in the evaluation of potential microbial contamination in the Southwest Airlines Dallas Reservations Center, Grand Prairie, Texas. A similar request had been previously received by NIOSH from employees of the reservations center. Health concerns included upper respiratory infections, fatigue, asthma, headaches, dry ... (Click to show more)On December 7, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for assistance in the evaluation of potential microbial contamination in the Southwest Airlines Dallas Reservations Center, Grand Prairie, Texas. A similar request had been previously received by NIOSH from employees of the reservations center. Health concerns included upper respiratory infections, fatigue, asthma, headaches, dry cough, and ear/nose bleeds. On December 27-29, 1999, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit at the reservations center. A walkthrough inspection was made of the building interior and exterior. Bulk material and sticky tape samples of surfaces were collected from the interior of the air handling units (AHUs) to assess these areas for microbial contamination. Measurements to detect moisture incursion and general indoor air quality comfort parameters were also collected. Confidential medical interviews were conducted to assess health concerns. Fungal concentrations from bulk material samples of interior insulation in the AHU units ranged from nondetectable (ND) to 1.8x107 colony forming units per gram of material (CFU/g). Exophiala, Rhodotorula glutinis, Acremonium, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Cladosporium herbarum were the predominant fungi identified. Four of the six bulk samples revealed high fungal concentrations and/or were identified with significant genera known to have irritant effects. Bacterial concentrations from the bulk insulation samples ranged from ND to 1.9x107 CFU/g. Gram negative bacteria were the most prevalent bacterial type detected and were found in the highest concentrations. Gram negative bacteria are commonly found in association with moisture. A tape sample taken from the laminated covering on the interior insulation within one of the AHUs revealed mostly dust, skin flakes, and glass fibers. No fungal growth was observed. Although temperatures measured in the reservations center were within the range recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), different temperature zones and fluctuating temperature patterns were observed on the first and second floors. Relative humidity measurements were generally lower than the range recommended by ASHRAE. Several carbon dioxide measurements exceeded 800 parts per million (ppm), a level indicating an inadequate amount of supplied outdoor air. Based on medical interviews most of the cases of asthma began during childhood or were non-allergic in origin. Many workers reported symptoms suggestive of allergic upper respiratory diseases, however the characteristics of the symptoms suggest that a large proportion of the symptoms were non-allergic. Few workers had lower respiratory symptoms (cough, wheezing, shortness of breath) and did not have asthma. The diseases and symptoms reported are common in the population. There were no unique factors in this workplace that may cause worsening of allergic symptoms only in the workplace. Several workers reported increased number of infections (primarily viral infections) since they began work at Southwest Airlines (SWA). This may be due to exposure to infectious agents in the workplace. Few workers complained of headache and fatigue. Among the nonsmokers (never smokers and former smokers), 82% stated that smoke in the workplace caused annoying irritant symptoms. Based on the information and measurements obtained during this health hazard evaluation, NIOSH investigators conclude there is limited evidence of microbial contamination in the Dallas Reservations Center. Most of the health symptoms reported appear to be non-allergic in origin. There does not appear to be allergic diseases (including asthma) that can be attributed only to workplace exposures. There is evidence, however, that the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may not be able to adequately service the building. Recommendations addressing the HVAC system, general ventilation concerns, cleaning procedures, and future water incursion incidents are included in the report.
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(2000) Spectro Coating Corporation, Leominster, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) The Spectro Coating Corporation applies flock to backing materials in one plant in Leominster, Massachusetts. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plant. 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 Spectro Coa... (Click to show more)The Spectro Coating Corporation applies flock to backing materials in one plant in Leominster, Massachusetts. The management requested a health hazard evaluation (HHE) to get a better understanding of the respiratory hazards in the plant. 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 Spectro Coating had a diagnosis of the same illness. In November 1998, NIOSH conducted an investigation at the Spectro Coating plant consisting of a symptom and work history questionnaire and personal and area sampling, primarily for respirable dust (small enough to reach the deepest areas of the lungs) and fiber counts. Approximately 87% 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. NIOSH investigators determined that a health hazard exists from occupational exposure to flock-associated dust This risk is characterized by the occurrence of physician-diagnosed interstitial lung disease in at least one worker, and by the results of a respiratory symptom survey that suggest an association of respiratory and systemic symptoms with conducting compressed air cleaning (blow-downs). The hazard is related to dust exposure and is found to be the greatest in the flocking room. Reduction of worker exposure to airborne dust is recommended to protect the health of the workers at this plant.
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(2000) Thyssen-Dover Elevator, Middleton, Tennessee. (Click to open report) On March 14, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a joint management/union request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Thyssen-Dover Elevator facility in Middleton, Tennessee. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems that some employees have experienced. Specific areas of concern identified in the request included both traditional welding and laser metal cutting processes. Reported symptoms were... (Click to show more)On March 14, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a joint management/union request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Thyssen-Dover Elevator facility in Middleton, Tennessee. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems that some employees have experienced. Specific areas of concern identified in the request included both traditional welding and laser metal cutting processes. Reported symptoms were muscle weakness, tingling fingers, weight loss, and diverticulitis. On May 1-3, 2000, NIOSH researchers conducted a site visit at the Thyssen-Dover Elevator facility. During the site visit, integrated personal air sampling was conducted to evaluate employee exposure to welding fume during the first and second work shifts in Departments 544, 543, 591, 597, and at the Bystronic laser. Instantaneous air samples were collected for carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and ozone (O3) at various locations in the manufacturing area. Bulk samples for asbestos analysis were obtained from ceiling insulation and the Department 544 oven. Company accident and illness records were reviewed. Confidential interviews were conducted with 24 first and second shift employees. The laser cutting operation was reviewed. The personal air sampling results showed that employees in Department 544 were exposed to total welding fume, above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m 3 ). Full shift time-weighted average (TWA) exposures for the two employees in this department were 5.44 mg/m3 and 6.10 mg/m3 . NIOSH recommends controlling welding fume to the lowest feasible concentration and meeting the exposure limit for each welding fume constituent. Element-specific analyses of the welding fume components showed that manganese exposure for the two Department 544 workers exceeded the ACGIH TLV of 0.2 mg/m3 on the day of the monitoring. TWA concentrations measured were 0.23 mg/m3 and 0.31 mg/m3 . The NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for manganese fume is 1.0 mg/m3 . One sample from a Department 544 welder found exposure to lead in excess of the 30 micrograms per cubic meter Action Level established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. No other samples indicated the presence of lead above the limit of quantification. The source of the lead was not determined. In general, air contaminant concentrations were lower during the second (evening) work shift. General dilution ventilation is the primary ventilation control at this facility. Carbon monoxide concentrations of 8-12 parts per million (ppm) were measured at various locations of the manufacturing area during the first shift. The NIOSH REL for CO is 35 ppm and the ACGIH TLV for CO is 25 ppm. The primary source of the CO is likely the propane-powered lift trucks. Low concentrations of NOx were measured at some welding stations and ozone was not detected in any of the samples. No asbestos was found in any of the bulk samples. A limited review of the laser cutting operation indicated that protective shielding to prevent eye exposure to beam radiation may not be adequate. Worker complaints were grouped into three general categories; gastro-intestinal symptoms, neurological symptoms, and chronic sinusitis. Symptoms that were reported appeared to be associated with the work (i.e., symptoms appeared after reporting for work and improved or resolved after the employee left work). However, no work exposures could be found that would be the primary cause of chronic sinusitis or gastrointestinal symptoms. Welders complained of neurologic symptoms that were suggestive of manganese poisoning. Manganese exposure levels measured during this site visit would not be expected to result in manganese poisoning, but higher past exposure levels, or chronic exposure to elevated manganese levels, may account for the symptoms described by welders at this plant. Industrial hygiene monitoring found Department 544 worker exposure to total welding fume and manganese in excess of established criteria. One sample from this department showed lead exposure in excess of regulatory criteria. Because the facility is an open manufacturing environment, incorporates numerous processes, and relies on general dilution ventilation as the primary control, the worker exposure profile in the manufacturing area is complex. Contaminant concentrations were generally lower on the second shift. Shielding to prevent eye exposure to beam radiation on a high power laser cutter may have been altered. Workers reported gastro-intestinal symptoms, neurological symptoms, and chronic sinusitis. The temporal pattern for the gastrointestinal and chronic sinusitis was consistent with a workplace exposure, however, no workplace exposures were found that would explain these symptoms. Manganese levels measured at this site would not be expected to result in the neurologic symptoms observed and/or reported, however, higher past exposures or chronic exposures over time may account for these symptoms. Recommendations to provide respiratory protection as an interim measure, improve ventilation, conduct additional monitoring, utilize welding shields, review and modify the laser cutter, and reduce carbon monoxide emissions are in the Recommendations section of this report.
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(2000) U.S. Airways/Charlotte Aircraft Support Center, Charlotte, North Carolina. (Click to open report) On September 15, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the U.S. Airways/Charlotte Aircraft Support Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The request indicated some employees at this location have experienced health problems possibly associated with their workplace. Health problems identified in the request included headaches, chest pain, sore throat, and eye irritation. The Composite... (Click to show more)On September 15, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the U.S. Airways/Charlotte Aircraft Support Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The request indicated some employees at this location have experienced health problems possibly associated with their workplace. Health problems identified in the request included headaches, chest pain, sore throat, and eye irritation. The Composite Shop, Engine Shop, and Wheel and Brake Shop were identified as the primary areas of concern. Potential exposures identified included emissions from cleaning solvents during cleaning, repairing, and reassembling aircraft parts. A nearby landfill and emissions from contaminated groundwater were also identified as potential sources of exposures. On January 6-7, 2000, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial site visit at the Aircraft Support Center to review the current status of the health problems with plant workers and inspect the facility, observe work practices, and review chemical handling activities. During a follow up site visit on June 20-21, 2000, personal breathing zone (PBZ) air sampling was conducted to assess worker exposure to respirable and inhalable particulates and various metals. Bulk samples from the ventilation system in the sanding room and the brake teardown area were collected to determine the metals that were present. An area air sample for total fibers was obtained in the sanding room. All measured concentrations of air contaminants were below applicable NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limits (PELs). Previous in-plant air monitoring of volatile organic compounds, as an indicator of contamination from the landfill, revealed no hazardous exposures. The medical records of two workers who reported the most severe health problems were reviewed. The medical records indicated that the workers had lung problems that were possibly work-related. However, neither the medical records nor the NIOSH HHE identified a likely cause of the health problems. Employee exposures to metals and particulates in the Composite and Brake shops were below established standards. The nearby landfill does not present an exposure hazard to workers. Although at least two workers may have had work-related lung problems, neither their medical records nor the NIOSH HHE identified a specific likely cause. Recommendations were made to improve personal protection programs, proper labeling of solvent tanks, conduct additional industrial hygiene monitoring, and the development of an appropriate spill prevention strategy in the Phosphoric Acid Non-Tank Anodizing (PANTA) area.
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(2000) U.S. Silica - Columbia, Cayce - W. Columbia, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at U.S. Silica Company's Columbia plant, in Cayce-W. Columbia, South Carolina. Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the g... (Click to show more)In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at U.S. Silica Company's Columbia plant, in Cayce-W. Columbia, South Carolina. Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the grinding process represented the population of primary interest. On February 24-25, 1994, a medical evaluation of current workers was conducted. Former workers were tested on February 26-27, 1994. The medical evaluation included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a single view posterior-anterior(P A) chest x-ray. Chest x-rays were independently classified according to the 1980 International Labour Office (ILO) system by three NIOSH-certified B readers who were unaware of the participant's age, occupation, occupational exposure, smoking history, or any identifying information. For the purposes of this evaluation, silicosis was defined on the basis of a chest x-ray with median small opacity profusion classification of category 1/0 or greater. Thirty-five (90%) of 39 current workers and 11 (65%) of 17 former workers who met the study criterion participated in the NIOSH medical evaluation. Of these 46, four (9%) had a chest x-ray consistent with silicosis. The highest median ILO profusion category was 2/2. Two of the four had a chest x-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Twelve (27%) of the 45 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns; all 12 exhibited an obstructive lung pattern. Abnormal spirometry patterns were present in all four of the participants with a positive chest x-ray. U.S. Silica's medical monitoring included all of the screening tests recommended by the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA) as well as those recommended by NIOSH for workers exposed to ground silica. NISA's current guidelines also, recommend multiple readings of all, chest x-rays with a small opacity profusion, classification of 1/0 or greater and 5-10% of those chest x-rays classified as 0//l, based on a single reading. Since 1990, the company reportedly sent chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater by a single reader for additional classifications. Of the company records we reviewed, chest x-rays initially classified as negative (0/0 and 0/1) were not routinely sent for additional readings, and the practice of sending chest x-rays classified 1/0 or greater for additional readings was not consistent. Four (9%) of the 46 survey participants who met the study criterion were found to have chest x-ray findings consistent with silicosis. These results are consistent with patterns of crystalline silica dust exposure at this facility. There were no cases of silicosis among current or former workers with 15 or less years of employment; however, because of the long latency usually associated with chronic silicosis, this finding is not sufficient to conclude that current crystalline silica dust exposure levels are without adverse effect. The company medical monitoring practice of obtaining additional B reader classifications of those chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater may produce an estimated prevalence no higher than and possibly lower than that obtained with a single reading, and those workers with a positive chest x-ray whose chest x-rays are initially read as 0/0 or 0/1 will not be identified. Recommendations are presented in this report and include obtaining at least two readings of all chest x-rays regardless of the initial small opacity profusion classification, increasing the frequency of medical monitoring examinations and modification of the baseline and routine examinations to include skin testing for tuberculosis (TB).
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(2000) U.S. Silica Company, Berkeley Springs, Berkeley Springs, West Virgina. (Click to open report) In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at US. Silica Company's Berkeley Springs plant, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area or the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of th... (Click to show more)In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at US. Silica Company's Berkeley Springs plant, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area or the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the grinding process represented the population of primary interest. On June 14-17,1993, a medical evaluation of current workers was conducted. Former workers were tested on June 18,1993. The medical evaluation included a questionnaire, spirometry and a single view posterior/anterior (PA) chest x-ray. Chest x-rays were independently classified according to the 1980 International Labour Office (ILO) system by three NIOSH-certified B readers who were unaware of the participant's age, occupation, occupational exposure, smoking history, or any identifying information. For the purposes of this evaluation, silicosis was defined on the basis of a chest x-ray with median small opacity profusion classification of category 1/0 or greater. Fifty-four (89%) of 61current workers and 13 (41%) of 32 former workers who met the study criterion participated in the NIOSH medical evaluation. Of these 67, seven (10%)) had a chest x-ray consistent with silicosis. The highest median ILO profusion category was 2/2. Two of the seven had a chest x-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), with "B" size large opacities (based on the median of the three readings). Nineteen (28'%) of the 67 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns; 13 (68'%) of the 19 exhibited an obstructive pattern, four (21%) exhibited a restrictive pattern, and two exhibited a combined restrictive and obstructive pattern. An abnormal spirometry pattern was present in four of the seven participants with a positive chest x-ray. US. Silica's medical monitoring includes all of the screening tests recommended by the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA) as well as those recommended by NIOSH for workers exposed to ground silica. NISA's current guidelines also recommend multiple readings of all chest x-rays with a small opacity profusion classification of 1/0 or greater and 5-10% of those chest x-rays classified as 0/1 based on a single reading. Since 1990, due company reportedly seat chest x-rays initially classified 110 or greater by a single reader for additional classifications of the company records we reviewed, company chest x-rays initially classified as negative (0/0 and 0/1) were not routinely sent for additional readings. Seven (10'%) of the 67 survey participants who met the study criterion were found to have chest x-ray findings consistent with silicosis. These results are consistent with patterns of crystalline silica dust exposure at this facility. There were no cases of silicosis among current or former workers with 15 or less years of tenure; however, because of the long latency usually associated with chronic silicosis, this finding is not sufficient to conclude that current crystalline silica dust exposure levels are without adverse effect. The company medical monitoring practice of obtaining additional B reader classifications of those chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater may produce an estimated prevalence no higher than and possibly lower than that obtained with a single reading, and those workers with a positive chest x-ray whose chest x-rays are initially read as 0/0 or 0/1 will not be identified. Recommendations are presented in this report and include obtaining at least two readings of all chest x-rays regardless of the initial small opacity profusion classification, increasing the frequency of medical monitoring examinations, and modification if the baseline and routine examinations to include skin testing for tuberculosis (TB).
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(2000) United States Postal Service, Mail Processing and Distribution Center, Orlando, Florida. (Click to open report) In January 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from employees of the United States Postal Service, Orlando to conduct an HHE at the Orlando Mail Processing and Distribution Center (OMPDC), Orlando, Florida. Employees requested an evaluation of worker exposure to paper dust, exhaust from trucks, and low oxygen levels, and an evaluation of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The primary... (Click to show more)In January 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from employees of the United States Postal Service, Orlando to conduct an HHE at the Orlando Mail Processing and Distribution Center (OMPDC), Orlando, Florida. Employees requested an evaluation of worker exposure to paper dust, exhaust from trucks, and low oxygen levels, and an evaluation of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The primary process/task associated with paper dust exposures is machine mail sorting and the cleaning of machines by blowing paper dust from the machines (termed "blowout"). In the request, the employees listed concerns regarding inhalation exposures and the indoor environment resulting in dry throat/eyes/nose, migraines, sinus headaches, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. On March 16-18, 1999, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey of the worksite and met with an employee representative to discuss health issues related to worker exposure to paper dust, exhaust, and other concerns. Mail sorting machinery and HVAC systems were inspected, and records from the occupational safety and health program and from human resources were reviewed. Investigators performed quantitative area air sampling to determine inhalable dust concentrations, particle size distributions, and mite antigen concentrations. Of approximately 1093 manual clerks, small parcel and bundle sorters, flat sorting machine (FSM) clerks, optical character reader/bar code sorter (OCR/BCS) clerks, and mailhandlers, eight workers chose to participate in worker interviews with a NIOSH nurse and complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to elicit information about work history, and current upper and lower respiratory symptoms, systemic symptoms, work-relatedness of symptoms, smoking history, and past illnesses. A total of 21 area airborne particle size-selective samples and 30 area airborne inhalable particulate samples were collected and analyzed to characterize dust concentrations and particle size distributions. Six area airborne particulate samples were collected and analyzed for mite antigen. The exposure limit recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for inhalable particulates not otherwise classified (PNOC) was not exceeded. Engineering controls observed at the loading dock were considered effective in addressing the issue of exposure to vehicle exhaust. No oxygen-depleting conditions were observed at the plant, and symptoms of oxygen depletion were not evident. Overall, the HVAC systems were in good mechanical condition. In terms of assessing ventilation, there are no minimum outdoor air flow guidelines specifically for the light industrial environment.
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(2000) Whitepath Fab Tech, Ellijay, Georgia. (Click to open report) On April 5, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request to investigate potential hazards at the Whitepath Fab Tech Old Boardtown and New Assembly facilities in Ellijay, Georgia. Health concerns identified in the request included stagnated pneumatic air, dust, ergonomic issues, and oil spills. NIOSH investigators conducted an initial walk-through on May 17, 2000, and identified noise, lead, and tin as potential hazards. Sampling for thes... (Click to show more)On April 5, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request to investigate potential hazards at the Whitepath Fab Tech Old Boardtown and New Assembly facilities in Ellijay, Georgia. Health concerns identified in the request included stagnated pneumatic air, dust, ergonomic issues, and oil spills. NIOSH investigators conducted an initial walk-through on May 17, 2000, and identified noise, lead, and tin as potential hazards. Sampling for these potential hazards was done on August 3, 2000. All of the personal breathing zone (PBZ) and general area (GA) samples collected for lead and tin were well below the relevant evaluation criteria for occupational exposures. Lead wipe sample results suggest that lead from the soldering area is contaminating other non-lead areas of the facility. Only one noise exposure approached the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) action level (AL) while two noise exposures were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL). The industrial hygiene sampling data indicate that employees were not overexposed to lead or tin at the Whitepath Fab Tech soldering stations. Noise exposures for one employee approached the OSHA AL. Recommendations for continued monitoring are given in the recommendations section of this report.
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(1999) A trial of additional composite standard radiographs for use with the ILO international classification of radiographs of pneumoconioses, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) The International Labor Office (ILO) convened a meeting in November 1989 to consider a possible revision of the ILO's International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses. Among the various suggestions considered was a proposal that sections of some of the standard radiographs that accompany the Classification should be reproduced as quadrants of new standard films. Those new 'QUAD' standards could then replace the full -sized standards involved, thus reducing the total number of full-s... (Click to show more)The International Labor Office (ILO) convened a meeting in November 1989 to consider a possible revision of the ILO's International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses. Among the various suggestions considered was a proposal that sections of some of the standard radiographs that accompany the Classification should be reproduced as quadrants of new standard films. Those new 'QUAD' standards could then replace the full -sized standards involved, thus reducing the total number of full-size (35 x 35 cm) films in the set. It was agreed that the feasibility and possible effects of the proposed change should be studied by means of an appropriately designed film-reading trial. The aim of the trial was to determine whether, and to what extent, the proposed modification to the set of standard radiographs would affect film readers' classifications of chest radiographs of persons with histories of occupational dust exposure.
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(1999) Allgrind Plastics, Inc., West Portal, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In January 1998, the State of New Jersey, Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), requested technical assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in investigating a possible health hazard at the Allgrind Plastics, Inc., milling facility in West Portal, New Jersey. Allgrind Plastics is primarily engaged in size reduction of various plastics using attrition mills, knife mills, and hammer mills. In general, the company does many small jobs and thus o... (Click to show more)In January 1998, the State of New Jersey, Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), requested technical assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in investigating a possible health hazard at the Allgrind Plastics, Inc., milling facility in West Portal, New Jersey. Allgrind Plastics is primarily engaged in size reduction of various plastics using attrition mills, knife mills, and hammer mills. In general, the company does many small jobs and thus over time has processed many types of plastics. Within the last few years, the company has also been processing organic materials, primarily shark cartilage, into fine powders for use as natural remedies for various diseases. The request was prompted by the death of a 38-year-old employee of an acute asthma attack while at work on April 19, 1997. Prior to his death, the employee had attributed acute asthmatic symptoms to shark cartilage dust on a number of occasions. On May 26-28, 1998, an industrial hygienist and two medical officers from NIOSH, and an industrial hygienist from the NJDHSS, visited Allgrind Plastics. They conducted a walk-through evaluation of the plant, met with all current workers, and reviewed pertinent company records. Subsequent to the visit, former employees were contacted by telephone and questioned regarding work-related symptoms. Also, bulk samples collected at the worksite underwent laboratory analysis. In addition to the site visit noted above, personnel from the NJDHSS conducted a prior site visit on November 14, 1997, and conducted industrial hygiene evaluations, with air sampling of selected processes, on March 12 and April 22, 1998. Personal samples in the shark grinding areas measured 44.7 and 26.4 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m 3 ) total dust and 5.14 and 0.92 mg/m 3 respirable dust on March 12, 1998. During the sampling on April 22, 1998, the personal samples measured 12.3 mg/m 3 total dust and 1.97 mg/m 3 respirable dust, and concentrations of 2.94 mg/m 3 total dust and 0.34 mg/m 3 respirable dust were measured on samplers worn by an operator milling plastic. Area samples for total dust did not exceed 0.43 mg/m 3 , and area respirable dust samples remained below 0.24 mg/m 3 during both days of sampling by NJDHSS. Endotoxin concentrations of bulk samples of shark cartilage did not exceed 1.6 endotoxin units per milligram (EU/mg). It was found that unique exposures exist at Allgrind Plastics due to the production of dusts from materials not normally inhaled. Air monitoring showed that certain processes generated significant airborne concentrations of these dusts. Limited medical experience exists to predict the health effects of many of these dusts after inhalation. However, medical findings noted during the May 1998 site visit were consistent with a significant burden of work-associated respiratory symptoms in current and former workers, many of them irritative in nature. In addition, three workers were identified as being likely to have developed true occupational asthma after working at Allgrind Plastics for a period of months to years. An additional worker was identified with urticaria and angioedema induced by a material in the workplace (ethylene diamine acid phosphate). These findings strongly suggest that a sensitizing substance or substances are present in the workplace and capable of inducing disease. Two materials were identified as particular problems by workers. Shark cartilage dust was the material most frequently identified as troublesome by current and former workers. Ethylene diamine acid phosphate was the second most frequently cited material. Dusts of both appear to be irritating. Ethylene diamine is a well documented sensitizer and has been reported to cause asthma. Shark cartilage has not previously been reported to cause immunologic sensitization but in theory it could. Although dusts generated from both of these materials are regulated under a "particulates, not otherwise classified or regulated (PNOC/R)" standard, this standard is likely not fully protective against the effects of poorly studied but potentially more injurious dusts such as those encountered here. Various industrial hygiene measures are recommended to control dust exposures, not only to the respiratory tract but also to face, eyes, and skin. In addition, worker education, environmental monitoring, and medical surveillance measures are recommended for prevention of disease, as well as for early identification and prevention of disease progression. NIOSH investigators conclude that dusts produced by industrial processes at Allgrind Plastics are a significant health hazard. Many workers have symptoms when exposed to these dusts. Several workers have developed asthma while working at the plant. Two materials, shark cartilage dust and ethylene diamine acid phosphate dust, appear to pose a significant health hazard. The "Recommendations" section of this report provides suggestions for ways to decrease problems caused by these dusts. These include ways to decrease exposure, worker education, ways to detect early illness, and what to do if a worker gets sick.
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