Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs)

(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). (Click to show less)
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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. (Click to show less)
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(1999) Allgrind Plastics, Inc., West Portal, NJ. (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. (Click to show less)
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(1999) Central Maui Composting Facility, Maui, Hawaii. (Click to open report)
On March 28, 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation from the Maui County Council, Maui, Hawaii. The Council asked NIOSH to evaluate their composting operation since they recently began receiving complaints of poor working conditions from former employees, as well as complaints from neighboring business (Kahului Airport) about odors emitting from the composting site. There was no indication that any curr... (Click to show more) On March 28, 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation from the Maui County Council, Maui, Hawaii. The Council asked NIOSH to evaluate their composting operation since they recently began receiving complaints of poor working conditions from former employees, as well as complaints from neighboring business (Kahului Airport) about odors emitting from the composting site. There was no indication that any current employees have or had any health problems associated with the compost operation. This request was also prompted by the NIOSH Alert pertaining to Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS). On May 11, 1995, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial site visit to the composting facility. During that site visit, the composting operation was toured, and area air samples were collected for total dusts, bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin. Bulk samples were collected of the various compost products for microbiological analysis. The purpose for collecting theses samples was to determine the microbial activity of the compost. The contractor operating the site was in the process of ending his contract with the County, so very little work was being accomplished at that time. On September 11-13, 1995, a return visit was made to the composting facility to conduct a comprehensive industrial hygiene survey. During that survey, the old contractor was still in the process of leaving and the new contractor preparing to take over operations. During that transition, the old contractor was loading and removing product, while the new contractor was focusing on reducing the stock-pile of accumulated green waste and sewage sludge by mixing one static windrow of compost. A final survey was conducted during June 24-26, 1996. During that survey, the composting site was fully operational under the new management. Many positive changes to the site were obvious, including the reduced stock pile of sewage sludge and green waste, a new office trailer, and most importantly, new front-end loaders equipped with air conditioned enclosed cabs. Other equipment used consisted of a compost mixing truck, a screener, and a new chipper/grinder. Water was also now available from the nearby quarry to spray on the compost and the roads to keep dust down. Total dust concentrations from the samples collected upwind ranged from 0.2 to 21.5 mg/m3, with the highest level measured on the outside of the loader working the greens. Other samples of note were the total and respirable samples collected inside and outside of the cab of a front end loader loading in the greens area. Total dust concentrations inside the cab were 0.69 mg/m3, while concentrations measured outside were 21.5 mg/m3. Respirable dust concentrations inside and outside the cab were 0.3 ands 0.72 mg/m3, respectively with the highest level measured on the access road to the landfill. Bacteria concentrations ranged from none detected (ND) to 8.0 x 107 colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3), with the highest levels also measured on the loader at the greens. The primary bacteria identified was Bacillus. Thermophilic bacteria was only detected on the sample collected near the workshop. Fungi concentrations ranged from ND to 2.8 x 106 CFU/m3, with the highest levels measured near chipper/grinder. The primary fungi identified from the samples were Aspergillus and Penicillium. Endotoxin concentrations ranged from none detected (ND) to 3.0 x 105 endotoxin units per cubic meter of air (EU/m3), with the highest concentration measured near the greens chipper/grinder. To reduce this potential hazard it is important to reduce worker exposures by means of either engineering controls (e.g., enclosed cabs), respiratory protection, or a combination of engineering controls and respiratory protection. Samples collected showed that the enclosed cabs, when used properly such as keeping the windows closed, can reduce worker exposures. However, these controls are relatively ineffective if the cab windows are opened during compost handling operations. Also, these results show that individuals in the general area of the composting pads or those not operating enclosed equipment, should either wear respiratory protection or stay upwind during turning operations. The results from this health hazard evaluation has shown that the enclosed machinery cabs on the equipment can reduce exposures. Also, these results show that individuals in the general area of the chipper/grinder should wear respiratory protection during operation. Acceptable levels of airborne microorganisms have not been established. Lack of standardized exposure assessment techniques, inability to measure non-viable organisms, and inter-individual variability in response have confounded efforts to set such standards. Just as individuals vary in their resistance to disease, a few individuals may be particularly sensitive to some of the organisms in compost. (Click to show less)
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(1999) Delphi Chassis Systems, Dayton, Ohio. (Click to open report)
On June 6, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employee and management representatives of Delphi Chassis Systems in Dayton, Ohio. The request stated that employees in departments 2, 12, 37, and 40 of this automotive brake parts manufacturing facility were experiencing a high frequency of upper respiratory irritation and colds. A prior HHE request (HETA 96-0199) involving the same concerns had been rec... (Click to show more) On June 6, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from employee and management representatives of Delphi Chassis Systems in Dayton, Ohio. The request stated that employees in departments 2, 12, 37, and 40 of this automotive brake parts manufacturing facility were experiencing a high frequency of upper respiratory irritation and colds. A prior HHE request (HETA 96-0199) involving the same concerns had been received on June 10, 1996. In response to that first request, an initial walk-through survey was conducted on August 30, 1996, at which time several brake pads were collected for analysis. That HHE was postponed by management and union representatives due to ongoing contract negotiations. (Click to show less)
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