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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
(1979) Stauffer Chemical Company, Silver Bow, Montana. (Click to open report) Environmental evaluations were conducted on December 19 to 21, 1978, at the Stauffer Chemical Company (SIC-5161) in Silver Bow, Montana in response to a request from Teamsters Local Number 2 in Butte, Montana, to determine potential toxic exposures associated with the processing of ore and the production of elemental-phosphorus (7723140) (P4) among 75 to 80 workers. Breathing zone and general room air samples were analyzed for phosphorus-pentoxide (1314563) (P2O5), elemental-phosphorus, crystall... (Click to show more)Environmental evaluations were conducted on December 19 to 21, 1978, at the Stauffer Chemical Company (SIC-5161) in Silver Bow, Montana in response to a request from Teamsters Local Number 2 in Butte, Montana, to determine potential toxic exposures associated with the processing of ore and the production of elemental-phosphorus (7723140) (P4) among 75 to 80 workers. Breathing zone and general room air samples were analyzed for phosphorus-pentoxide (1314563) (P2O5), elemental-phosphorus, crystalline-silica (7631869), total particulate, fluoride, and vanadium-pentoxide (1314621). Concentrations of P2O5 ranged from 1.7 to 9.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m). No OSHA criteria currently exists for this compound. In 3 out of 4 respirable crystalline-silica samples, concentrations ranging from 0.09 to 0.183mg/cu m exceeded the OSHA standard of 10mg/cu m divided by the percent of respirable quartz (14808607) plus 2. All other samples were within the most recent evaluation criteria. The author concludes that a potential health hazard from excessive airborne concentrations of P2O5 and respirable crystalline-silica existed and recommends maintaining the current respirator program, insuring proper fit of respirators, briefing workers on potential hazards, and improving local and general ventilation.
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(1979) Tammsco, Incorporated, Tamms, Illinois. (Click to open report) A study was conducted of current and ex-workers at a silica (7631869) mining facility (SIC-1446), Tammsco, Incorporated, located in Tamms, Illinois in order to determine whether workers were being exposed to hazardous levels of silica dust and what the prevalence of silicosis was among current and former employees. The silica dust in question was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Mean particle size from air samples in the facility was 5.2 micrometers. Of 34 samples taken, 28 exceeded t... (Click to show more)A study was conducted of current and ex-workers at a silica (7631869) mining facility (SIC-1446), Tammsco, Incorporated, located in Tamms, Illinois in order to determine whether workers were being exposed to hazardous levels of silica dust and what the prevalence of silicosis was among current and former employees. The silica dust in question was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Mean particle size from air samples in the facility was 5.2 micrometers. Of 34 samples taken, 28 exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05mg/m3. One individual sample was several hundred times this level. Of the 30 current workers, 25 participated in the study along with 11 of 31 eligible former workers. No evidence of silicosis on radiographic exam was found in workers with less than one year of exposure. Three of 15 current workers with one or more years of exposure and 4 of 11 exworkers had radiographic changes indicative of silicosis. NIOSH concluded that a hazardous situation existed at this site and that continued exposure at these levels would result in shortened life times for the exposed workers. Recommendations called for the immediate implementation of workplace improvements including the following: installation of a high efficiency vacuum system to vacuum work clothes prior to removal; intensification of general housekeeping to prevent dust accumulation; elimination of dry sweeping or blowing with compressed air; and institution of engineering controls to protect the bagger. Other recommendations include periodic environmental monitoring, personal respiratory protection, comprehensive medical examinations for exposed workers, and job transfers for workers with evidence of silicosis.
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(1979) The Timken Company, Canton, Ohio. (Click to open report) Air samples were analyzed for the presence of crystalline-silica (7631869) (free silica), mineral wool fibers, and coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) at The Timken Company (SIC-2865), in Canton, Ohio on February 12 and 13, 1979 and May 21, 1979. An evaluation request came from the United Steelworkers of America, Local Number 1123, on behalf of the pithand workers engaged in mold cleanout and preparation activities at the stripper building. The quartz (14808607) concentrations of free silica in the ... (Click to show more)Air samples were analyzed for the presence of crystalline-silica (7631869) (free silica), mineral wool fibers, and coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) at The Timken Company (SIC-2865), in Canton, Ohio on February 12 and 13, 1979 and May 21, 1979. An evaluation request came from the United Steelworkers of America, Local Number 1123, on behalf of the pithand workers engaged in mold cleanout and preparation activities at the stripper building. The quartz (14808607) concentrations of free silica in the air ranged from 123 to 286 micrograms per cubic meter which exceeded the OSHA respirable dust permissible exposure limit of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) of air divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. The bulk refractory material used in the operation did not contain asbestos (1332214) or fibrous glass, but did contain a mineral wool fiber of monocalcium-silicate (37323903), which was identified as the probable cause of skin irritation reported in 12 confidential employee interviews. Analysis of the powdered CTPV indicated concentrations of benzene extractables of 0.03 to 0.118mg/m3, which were below the OSHA standard of 0.2mg/m3. The author concludes that at the survey time, pithand employees were exposed to hazardous concentrations of free silica, an inadequate respiratory protection program was in effect, and the CTPV mixture contained known and suspected carcinogens. They recommend implementation of engineering and administrative controls to reduce employee exposures to hazardous materials, particularly the installation of a negative pressure vacuum system for mold cleanout.
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(1979) University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut. (Click for full summary) Environmental samples were analyzed and smoke bomb tests were performed at the University of Connecticut Health Center (SIC-8011) Farmington, Connecticut on June 19 to 21, 1978, to determine the source of an odor problem and employee exposure to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants. The evaluation was requested by the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Atmospheric samples for metals were collected on membrane filters, and nickel-carbonyl (13463393) samples were ... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed and smoke bomb tests were performed at the University of Connecticut Health Center (SIC-8011) Farmington, Connecticut on June 19 to 21, 1978, to determine the source of an odor problem and employee exposure to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants. The evaluation was requested by the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Atmospheric samples for metals were collected on membrane filters, and nickel-carbonyl (13463393) samples were collected through activated charcoal. Atmospheric samples for amines, mercury (7439976) and organics were collected through silica gel tubes, iodine impregnated charcoal and activated charcoal, respectively. Airborne contaminant concentrations all were well below OSHA standards of 1.0 milligram per cubic meter (mg/Cu m) for copper (7440508) dust and 0.1mg/Cu m for copper fumes, 0.01mg/Cu m for mercury, 0.007mg/Cu m for nickel-carbonyl, 750mg/Cu m for toluene (108883), and 435mg/Cu m for xylene (1330207). Fourteen different metals were found on used air conditioning filters. One of two brands of paint used to paint walls shortly before the survey contained mercury. Smoke bomb tests showed that contaminated air from roof exhaust outlets could reenter the facility. The investigators conclude that employees are not exposed to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants and the odor problems probably are caused by contaminant reentry into the center. They recommend a comprehensive ventilation study, and monitoring and use of ventilation when toxic materials are handled.
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(1978) Amstar Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation of possible exposure to crystalline silica (7631869) and activated carbon (7440440) particulate at the Amstar Corporation (SIC-2062), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was made. Amstar refines raw sugar into granulated sugar for eventual wholesale and retail sales. In the course of the operation some employees are required to open and dump 50 pound bags of diatomaceous silica and activated carbon into 2,000 gallon tanks. Environmental samples were collected to determine airbo... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation of possible exposure to crystalline silica (7631869) and activated carbon (7440440) particulate at the Amstar Corporation (SIC-2062), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was made. Amstar refines raw sugar into granulated sugar for eventual wholesale and retail sales. In the course of the operation some employees are required to open and dump 50 pound bags of diatomaceous silica and activated carbon into 2,000 gallon tanks. Environmental samples were collected to determine airborne levels of total and respirable crystalline silica and activated carbon particulate. Bulk samples were collected of Diatomite (diatomaceous silica and Darco (activated carbon). Employee interviews and observation of work practices were conducted. It was concluded that a health hazard due to employee exposures to free silica and total particulate did not exist.
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(1978) C F & I Steel, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Exposures to iron ore dust, lead (7439921), crystalline- silica (14808607), and total particulates were evaluated on June 6 to 8, 1978 in the ore handling department at the C. F. and I. Steel Company (SIC-3312) in Pueblo, Colorado. An evaluation request came from the United Steel Workers of America on behalf of approximately 200 affected workers. Concentration of iron ore dust and total particulates in the work environment exceeded the OSHA standards of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for ... (Click to show more)Exposures to iron ore dust, lead (7439921), crystalline- silica (14808607), and total particulates were evaluated on June 6 to 8, 1978 in the ore handling department at the C. F. and I. Steel Company (SIC-3312) in Pueblo, Colorado. An evaluation request came from the United Steel Workers of America on behalf of approximately 200 affected workers. Concentration of iron ore dust and total particulates in the work environment exceeded the OSHA standards of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for each contaminant. Only one of five samples for crystalline silica exceeded the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per meter divided by the percentage of respirable quartz plus 2. The results of the lead determinations were not included. Workers reported symptoms compatible with excessive exposure to iron ore dust. The author concludes that a health hazard does exist at this company. Recommendations are included for respirator use, workplace hygiene, and improved ventilation.
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(1978) Colorado-Ute Electric Association, Hayden, NUCLA, and Montrose, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted from March 21 to 23, 1978, to evaluate potential exposures to coal dust during the operation and maintenance of power facilities of the Colorado Ute Electric Association (SIC-4911) in Hayden, Nucla, and Montrose, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 111, on behalf of approximately 80 affected employees. At the Hayden facility, excessive concentrations of crystallin... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted from March 21 to 23, 1978, to evaluate potential exposures to coal dust during the operation and maintenance of power facilities of the Colorado Ute Electric Association (SIC-4911) in Hayden, Nucla, and Montrose, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 111, on behalf of approximately 80 affected employees. At the Hayden facility, excessive concentrations of crystalline silica (14808607), ranging from 0.0 to 0.06 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) exceeded the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per meter divided by the percentage of respirable quartz plus 2. Total coal dust concentrations also exceeded the 2.0mg/m3 OSHA standard at the Hayden facility. Concentrations of crystalline silica total coal dust, and fly ash, at the Nucla facility exceeded OSHA standards (fly ash standard was 15mg/m3). At the Montrose facility, concentrations of crystalline silica and respirable and total coal dust exceeded OSHA standards. The author concludes that a health hazard did exist at the three facilities, although the workers at the Hayden facility were adequately protected by respirators. The author recommends that respirators and a respirator program be initiated at the Nucla and Montrose facilities, that periodic coal dust monitoring be performed at all facilities, and that workers receiving dust exposures be periodically examined and X-rayed.
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(1978) Fountain Foundry, Inc., Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) An investigation to evaluate the potential exposures to lead (7439921), free silica (7631869) and total particulate during the operation of a grey iron (7439896) foundry (SIC-3321) has been performed. The foundry takes scrap metal (usually a mixture of cast iron and various other metal parts) and produces a molten metal from a furnace charged with coke and limestone. The molten metal is then poured into various types of sand molds, where products such as manhole covers are formed. Breathing zone... (Click to show more)An investigation to evaluate the potential exposures to lead (7439921), free silica (7631869) and total particulate during the operation of a grey iron (7439896) foundry (SIC-3321) has been performed. The foundry takes scrap metal (usually a mixture of cast iron and various other metal parts) and produces a molten metal from a furnace charged with coke and limestone. The molten metal is then poured into various types of sand molds, where products such as manhole covers are formed. Breathing zone air samples were taken for lead, free silica, and total particulate. A medical evaluation of 19 workers was also conducted. This evaluation included a medical history and physical examination with blood and urine biological tests. Two of 19 workers met the case definition for lead toxicity based on blood chemical analysis. Breathing zone air samples for lead exceeded recommended exposure criteria. Considerable exposure to total particulate containing free silica was also detected. It has been determined on the basis of medical and environmental evidence that a potential health hazard existed to workers exposed to lead and possible free silica at the foundry during this evaluation.
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(1978) Heppenstall Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) An investigation in the manufacturing of steel forgings (SIC-3325) has been made at the Heppenstall Company concerning worker exposure to Fiberfrax, a ceramic fiber insulation. Bricklayers and helpers, and occasionally laborers, during the installation of Fiberfrax in heat treat furnaces complained of coughing spasms, sore throats, and skin irritation. Because Fiberfrax was being used as a thermal barrier during welding repair of die blocks, the evaluation was expanded to include this operation.... (Click to show more)An investigation in the manufacturing of steel forgings (SIC-3325) has been made at the Heppenstall Company concerning worker exposure to Fiberfrax, a ceramic fiber insulation. Bricklayers and helpers, and occasionally laborers, during the installation of Fiberfrax in heat treat furnaces complained of coughing spasms, sore throats, and skin irritation. Because Fiberfrax was being used as a thermal barrier during welding repair of die blocks, the evaluation was expanded to include this operation. The potential exposures to silica (7631869) and total and respirable particulate by bricklayers were evaluated. Additionally, exposure to iron-oxide (1317619) fume by welders during repair of a cracked die block was evaluated. Personal breathing zone samples were collected to evaluate the bricklayers' and helpers' exposures to quartz (1317799) and cristobalite and respirable and total dust. Health questionnaires were completed on six workers (four bricklayers and two welders). This constituted 100 percent of the total workers (six males) exposed. The bricklayers and workers are experiencing short term toxicity characterized by irritation of exposed skin areas, and less frequent symptoms of mucous membrane irritation. Health effects data concerning long term exposure to airborne Fiberfrax was not available. Bricklayers were exposed to airborne quartz levels exceeding the federal standard and to excessive levels of total particulate during replacement of two gas burners in the heat treat furnace. The welders were not exposed to toxic concentrations of metallic oxide fume during repair of a cracked die block.
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(1978) Herbert Malarky Roofing Co., Portland, Oregon. (Click to open report) A study was conducted at the Herbert Malarkey Roofing Co. (SIC-2952) to determine whether materials present in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles and rolled roofing materials are toxic as used or found. Materials involved in fabrication of these products are felt, asphalt (petroleum), colored granules, limestone (1317653), talc (8030840), and mica (12001262). Medical evaluation was conducted by use of a medical questionnaire at the beginning and end of a day's shift. Questions concerne... (Click to show more)A study was conducted at the Herbert Malarkey Roofing Co. (SIC-2952) to determine whether materials present in the production of asphalt (8052424) shingles and rolled roofing materials are toxic as used or found. Materials involved in fabrication of these products are felt, asphalt (petroleum), colored granules, limestone (1317653), talc (8030840), and mica (12001262). Medical evaluation was conducted by use of a medical questionnaire at the beginning and end of a day's shift. Questions concerned the employees' perception of irritated eyes, nose and throat or skin itching. Environmental sampling was designed to include all job descriptions in either breathing zone or general area samples. The data reveal that in certain work areas there were concentrations of total dust and free silica (7631869) in excess of evaluation criteria based on breathing zone concentrations. The saturator man's exposure to asphalt fumes at most times is not considered to be toxic. Excessive concentrations of total dust and asphalt fumes were present in the area above the coater. Employees' exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (50328), other polynuclear-aromatic-hydrocarbons, beta-naphthylamine (91598), aliphatic and aromatic-hydrocarbons were not toxic at concentrations found. There were no indications of eye, nose, throat or skin irritations.
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