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HHE Search Results
474 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
(1984) Aluminum Company of America, Alcoa, Tennessee (revised April 1984). (Click to open report) On May 2, 1980, NIOSH received a request for the United Steelworkers of America, Local 309, for a Health Hazard Evaluation at the Aluminum Company of America, Alcoa, Tennessee. The request sought evaluation of possible exposures to asbestos at the ingot preheating furnaces, to possible exposures to asbestos at the ingot preheating furnaces, to chlorine gas at the ingot remelt and casting areas, and to rolling oil at the hot mill area. A second request, received on August 25, 1980, sought evaluat... (Click to show more)On May 2, 1980, NIOSH received a request for the United Steelworkers of America, Local 309, for a Health Hazard Evaluation at the Aluminum Company of America, Alcoa, Tennessee. The request sought evaluation of possible exposures to asbestos at the ingot preheating furnaces, to possible exposures to asbestos at the ingot preheating furnaces, to chlorine gas at the ingot remelt and casting areas, and to rolling oil at the hot mill area. A second request, received on August 25, 1980, sought evaluation of possible exposures to rolling oil at the cold mill area, to solvent vapors at the coil finish and paint lines to caustic mist at the caustic etch line, and to lead in the battery repair area. On May 20-21 and September 8-9 1980 NIOSH investigators conducted investigations. On the days of the sampling, the following level of worker exposure were measured: chlorine gas, rolling oil mist, ethylene glycol, kerosene, sodium hydroxide, and xylene. None of these values exceeded the appropriate OSHA and ACGIH standards. The medical evaluation showed cigarette smoking to be associated with increased reporting of shortness of breath with exertion, cough, phlegm production, wheezing, and obstructive pulmonary function changes. Cold miss workers showed evidence of restrictive lung changes relative to hot ingot workers. This would be consistent with evidence that exposure to mineral oil mist can cause lung changes, but further investigation would be required to verify this finding. Hot ingot workers intermittently exposed to chlorine did not show evidence of chronic obstructive lung changes. However, because less than half of the group participated in the study, possible hypotheses relating to long-term effects of chlorine exposure could not be thoroughly evaluated. No evidence of neurological problems due to rolling oil exposure was found.
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(1984) American Transportation Corporation, Conway, Arkansas. (Click to open report) Exposures to lead, hexavalent-chromium (18540299), total particulates, and organic solvents were investigated in February 1982 at American Transportation Corporation (SIC-3711), Conway, Arkansas. Evaluation was requested by the United Auto Workers, Local 1762, on behalf of workers complaining of dermatitis and eye, nose, throat, and respiratory irritations. Area and personal air samples were collected. Medical questionnaires, blood lead tests, and liver and kidney function tests were completed b... (Click to show more)Exposures to lead, hexavalent-chromium (18540299), total particulates, and organic solvents were investigated in February 1982 at American Transportation Corporation (SIC-3711), Conway, Arkansas. Evaluation was requested by the United Auto Workers, Local 1762, on behalf of workers complaining of dermatitis and eye, nose, throat, and respiratory irritations. Area and personal air samples were collected. Medical questionnaires, blood lead tests, and liver and kidney function tests were completed by 57 exposed workers. Four of five samples for hexavalent-chromium exceeded the OSHA limit of 0.1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3); four of eight lead samples exceeded the 0.05mg/m3 OSHA standard. For total particulates, two of eight samples exceeded the OSHA limit of 15mg/m3. Exposures to organic solvents were all within acceptable limits. Deficiencies were noted in the respiratory and hearing protection programs, and in the paint booth ventilation system. Numerous safety hazards were also found: smoking around solvents, open solvent containers, and poor housekeeping. Dermatitis incidence was greater among the exposed workers, and there was evidence of toluene (108883) absorption. Blood lead values were normal. The authors conclude that potential hazards exist from lead and hexavalent-chromium; general health and safety hazards are also present. They recommend improved work and hygiene practices.
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(1984) C.F. And I. Steel, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for arsenic (7440382), lead (7439921), copper (7440508), chromium (7440473), and iron (7439896) fumes, and total particulates, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen oxides, carbon-monoxide (630080), and ammonia (7664417), at CF and I Steel (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado in June, 1984. The survey was requested by a company representative to evaluate exposure to carbon- monoxide, and iron and lead fume at the facility. The respirator program at the facility was revi... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for arsenic (7440382), lead (7439921), copper (7440508), chromium (7440473), and iron (7439896) fumes, and total particulates, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen oxides, carbon-monoxide (630080), and ammonia (7664417), at CF and I Steel (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado in June, 1984. The survey was requested by a company representative to evaluate exposure to carbon- monoxide, and iron and lead fume at the facility. The respirator program at the facility was reviewed. Air lead concentrations ranged from 5 to 60 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3), averaging 30microg/m3. The OSHA standard for lead is 50microg/m3. Concentrations of total particulates ranged from 2 to 40 milligrams (mg)/m3, averaging 10.7mg/m3. The OSHA standard for total particulates is 15.0mg/m3. The concentrations of the other substances were below the OSHA standards. The respiratory protection program was deficient in several areas. Many of the workers had excessive facial hair. Respirators were dirty and not properly maintained. Many workers were careless about wearing respirators. The author concludes that a health hazard from excessive exposure to lead and total particulates exists at the facility. Recommendations include initiating and enforcing a respirator program that complies with OSHA regulations, and performing annual industrial hygiene surveys.
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(1984) C.F. And I. Steel, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921) and zinc (7440666) at CF and I Steel (SIC-3312), Pueblo, Colorado in March, 1984. The survey was requested by a local of the United Steel Workers to evaluate lead exposures in the galvanizing department. Twenty six workers in the galvanizing department were interviewed. Blood samples were analyzed for lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP). Nine of 27 lead samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m3), ... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921) and zinc (7440666) at CF and I Steel (SIC-3312), Pueblo, Colorado in March, 1984. The survey was requested by a local of the United Steel Workers to evaluate lead exposures in the galvanizing department. Twenty six workers in the galvanizing department were interviewed. Blood samples were analyzed for lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP). Nine of 27 lead samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m3), the concentrations ranging from less than 3 to 190mg/m3. All zinc concentrations were below the OSHA standard, 5000mg/m3. Seventeen workers had normal blood lead and FEP concentrations. Four had elevated lead and FEP concentrations and two had elevated lead but normal FEP concentrations. Four had normal lead but elevated FEP concentrations. Smokers had statistically significantly higher blood lead concentrations than nonsmokers. Nine workers had a history of high blood pressure. This was considered to be age related. The authors conclude that a health hazard from lead exposure exists at the facility. Recommendations include not eating, drinking, or smoking on the job, washing hands before eating and smoking, and showering after each workshift.
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(1984) Chemetco, Incorporated, Alton, Illinois. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921) (Pb), arsenic (7440382) (As), beryllium (7440417) (Be), cadmium (7440439) (Cd), nickel (7440020) (Ni), and sulfuric-acid (7664939) at Chemetco Incorporated (SIC-3340), Alton, Illinois, in February and November of 1982, and April 1983. The evaluation was requested by the United States Steel Workers because of concern of metal exposures and the occurrence of a diagnosed case of sarcoidosis. Seven tank house employees were gi... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921) (Pb), arsenic (7440382) (As), beryllium (7440417) (Be), cadmium (7440439) (Cd), nickel (7440020) (Ni), and sulfuric-acid (7664939) at Chemetco Incorporated (SIC-3340), Alton, Illinois, in February and November of 1982, and April 1983. The evaluation was requested by the United States Steel Workers because of concern of metal exposures and the occurrence of a diagnosed case of sarcoidosis. Seven tank house employees were given medical evaluations and 16 others were screened for Be exposure. Some of the Pb, As, and Be concentrations exceeded the OSHA standards of 50, 10, and 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. Cd, Ni, and sulfuric-acid concentrations were below the relevant standards. Pb deposits were found on eating surfaces in the lunch rooms. The worker diagnosed as having sarcoidosis actually had been sensitized to Be. The tank house workers had a high incidence of nasal and skin problems. There was no evidence of Be disease. The authors conclude that a definite health hazard from Be and potential health hazards from Pb and As exist. Recommendations include implementation of an effective respiratory protection program and thorough cleaning of eating surfaces in the lunch rooms.
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(1984) Dale Electronics, Incorporated, Yankton, South Dakota. (Click to open report) Worker exposures during the manufacture of electronic resistors were surveyed on December 20 and 21, 1983 at Dale Electronics Corporation (SIC-3676) in Yankton, South Dakota. The evaluation was requested by company management on behalf of about 300 workers. Personal and area air samples were collected for various work process chemicals, including toluene-diisocyanate (26471625) (TDI), several organic solvents, mercury (7439976), lead (7439921), and fluorides. Exposures to TDI, lead, and mercury ... (Click to show more)Worker exposures during the manufacture of electronic resistors were surveyed on December 20 and 21, 1983 at Dale Electronics Corporation (SIC-3676) in Yankton, South Dakota. The evaluation was requested by company management on behalf of about 300 workers. Personal and area air samples were collected for various work process chemicals, including toluene-diisocyanate (26471625) (TDI), several organic solvents, mercury (7439976), lead (7439921), and fluorides. Exposures to TDI, lead, and mercury were well below the respective OSHA limits of 140, 50, and 100 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. No significant exposures were found for solvents, either individually or combined. The author concludes that workers are not exposed to any significant chemical hazards at this factory, and recommends the use of good work practices and protective gloves to prevent skin contact with chemicals used in the epoxy resin systems and polyurethane mixes. To further reduce TDI exposures and the risk of sensitization, a laboratory type hood with an exhaust volume of 150 cubic feet per minute for each square foot of door area should be installed in the polyurethane resin mixing area.
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(1984) General Motors Corporation, Framingham, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) Worker complaints of numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers were investigated on August 18, 1981 at the General Motors factory (SIC-3535) in Framingham, Massachusetts. The evaluation was requested by the Millwright and Machinery Erectors of Massachusetts Local Union 1121, on behalf of 19 symptomatic workers. Air samples were collected to assay respirable dust, lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), and manganese (7439965). Thirteen workers completed symptom questionnaires... (Click to show more)Worker complaints of numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers were investigated on August 18, 1981 at the General Motors factory (SIC-3535) in Framingham, Massachusetts. The evaluation was requested by the Millwright and Machinery Erectors of Massachusetts Local Union 1121, on behalf of 19 symptomatic workers. Air samples were collected to assay respirable dust, lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), and manganese (7439965). Thirteen workers completed symptom questionnaires and were given neurological evaluations. Only one dust sample, immediately adjacent to a torch cutting operation, exceeded the OSHA limit of 5 milligrams per cubic meter. One sample of lead exceeded the OSHA limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, but none of the workers showed any evidence of lead absorption. Medical questionnaires and examinations confirmed the reported symptoms but found no work related associations. The types of tools and work postures used caused vibration and nerve compression. The authors conclude that no toxic exposures exist at this factory that would cause the reported neurologic symptoms. Symptoms are probably due to ergonomic factors such as heavy cutting and grinding tools, and overhead work postures. The authors recommend the use of antivibration gloves, better work place design, and further ergonomic evaluations.
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(1984) Henry R. Hinckley and Company, Southwest Harbor, Maine. (Click to open report) Area and personal air samples were analyzed for styrene (100425), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve (110805), cellosolve-acetate (111159), and wood dust at Hinckley and Company (SIC-3732), Southwest Harbor, Maine in May, 1983. The survey was requested to evaluate possible health hazards from exposure to materials used in constructing fiberglass reinforced plastic boats. Noise level measurements were also made. The measured concentrations of styrene, acetone, toluene... (Click to show more)Area and personal air samples were analyzed for styrene (100425), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve (110805), cellosolve-acetate (111159), and wood dust at Hinckley and Company (SIC-3732), Southwest Harbor, Maine in May, 1983. The survey was requested to evaluate possible health hazards from exposure to materials used in constructing fiberglass reinforced plastic boats. Noise level measurements were also made. The measured concentrations of styrene, acetone, toluene, xylene, cellosolve, and cellosolve-acetate were 18 to 258, 6 to 147, 590 to 692, 192 to 200, 1.2 to 5.7, and 1.9 to 14.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. These concentrations were below their respective OSHA standards. Three styrene and the cellosolve and cellosolve-acetate samples exceed the NIOSH criteria. Wood dust concentrations were 0.7 to 16.2mg/m3. The OSHA standard for wood dusts is 15mg/m3. Noise exposures ranged from 76.1 to 89.1 A- weighted decibels (dBA). The OSHA noise standard is 90dBA. The authors conclude that there is a health hazard due to overexposure from wood dusts, styrene, and combined solvents, styrene plus acetone and toluene plus xylene. There is a potential hazard due to cellosolve, cellosolve-acetate, and noise exposure. Recommendations include installing local exhaust ventilation and using respiratory and hearing protective equipment.
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(1984) Huntington Alloys, Inc., Huntington, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Worker health complaints at Huntington Alloys Incorporated (SIC- 8321), Huntington, West Virginia were investigated in April 1982 and January 1983. The evaluation was requested by three workers on behalf of office employees who complained of headache, nausea, dizziness, glandular swelling, fever, facial lesions, and numbness of the hands. In April, environmental air and wipe samples were collected, and radiation levels were measured. In January, the ventilation system was evaluated, and workers ... (Click to show more)Worker health complaints at Huntington Alloys Incorporated (SIC- 8321), Huntington, West Virginia were investigated in April 1982 and January 1983. The evaluation was requested by three workers on behalf of office employees who complained of headache, nausea, dizziness, glandular swelling, fever, facial lesions, and numbness of the hands. In April, environmental air and wipe samples were collected, and radiation levels were measured. In January, the ventilation system was evaluated, and workers completed medical questionnaires. Cadmium (7440439), magnesium (7439954), sodium (7440235), zinc (7440666), xylene (1330207), limonene (138863), toluene (108883), terpinene (8013001), dimethyloctane (63335886), and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (104767) were detected; however, concentrations were all less than 1 percent of the respective environmental standards. Several metals, including nickel (7440020) and lead (7439921), were found in wipe samples; concentrations were greatest in samples taken from the basement heating and air conditioning room. Radiation levels were not significant. Only 5 of 75 employees reported any work related health symptoms, but an earlier company survey reported symptoms in 25 workers. The authors conclude that no health hazard presently exists; however, it is possible that a hazard existed in the past. Maintenance and improvements to the ventilation system are recommended.
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(1984) Intex Plastics, Corinth, Mississippi. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the president of the United Rubber Workers, Local 759, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hatco Plastics Division, currently known as Intex Plastics (SIC-3079), Corinth, Mississippi. The request indicated that several production and maintenance employees at that site had been disabled due to chemical poisoning and related illnesses. A medical survey was begun at the facility in March of 1979. Fifty employees participated by ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the president of the United Rubber Workers, Local 759, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hatco Plastics Division, currently known as Intex Plastics (SIC-3079), Corinth, Mississippi. The request indicated that several production and maintenance employees at that site had been disabled due to chemical poisoning and related illnesses. A medical survey was begun at the facility in March of 1979. Fifty employees participated by completing a questionnaire. A high prevalence of eye, nose, and throat irritation was found along with shortness of breath, cough, and skin rash among workers assigned to the Calender, Color, and Laminating Departments. Air sampling was performed in several departments. Except for methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933) (MEK), the levels of substances detected were quite low. The department with the highest exposure to airborne contaminants included the Print Service with 36 to 299 parts per million (ppm) MEK, laminating at 74 to 105ppm MEK, printing at 15 to 113ppm MEK, color at 15 to 24ppm MEK, premix at 0.3 to 6.8mg/m3 total dust, and calender at 0.1 to 0.6mg/m3 total dust. Workers in certain departments reported higher levels of some respiratory symptoms, but impaired pulmonary function was not seen in pulmonary function tests. The author concludes that only two departments had high solvent vapor exposures, and plastic fumes and vapors were controlled by existing ventilation. Many of the recommendations made for reducing solvent vapor exposures were implemented.
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