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HHE Search Results
477 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
(1985) St. Louis Police auto body shop, St. Louis, Missouri. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for toluene (108883), lead (7439921), and total dust at the Saint Louis Police Auto Body Shop (SIC-7351), Saint Louis, Missouri in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the Health Commissioner of the City of Saint Louis to investigate working conditions in the body shop. A prior health department investigation had indicated that there might be health hazards in the shop area. Environmental toluene concentrations ranged ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for toluene (108883), lead (7439921), and total dust at the Saint Louis Police Auto Body Shop (SIC-7351), Saint Louis, Missouri in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the Health Commissioner of the City of Saint Louis to investigate working conditions in the body shop. A prior health department investigation had indicated that there might be health hazards in the shop area. Environmental toluene concentrations ranged from non detectable to 4.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for toluene is 750mg/m3. No lead was detected. Environmental and breathing zone total dust exposures ranged from non detectable to 2.9mg/m3 and from 0.44 to 13mg/m3, respectively. The OSHA standard for total dust is 15mg/m3. The author notes that one dust sample exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' threshold limit value of 10mg/m3. The author concludes that a potential health hazard exists due to overexposure to total dust while performing certain repairs at the facility. Recommendations include installing a supply air ventilation system for the exhaust fans, orienting vehicles in the shop so that technicians are always working upstream of the airflow, and providing respiratory protection when it is not possible to control dust emissions.
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(1985) TRW Electronics, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for organic solvents, lead (7439921), zinc (7440666), and toluene-2,4- diisocyanate (584849) at TRW Electronics, Incorporated (SIC-3674), Colorado Springs, Colorado in April, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the company management to determine if there were health hazards that had been overlooked by the company medical and industrial hygiene staff. Work practices were observed. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. 2-Etho... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for organic solvents, lead (7439921), zinc (7440666), and toluene-2,4- diisocyanate (584849) at TRW Electronics, Incorporated (SIC-3674), Colorado Springs, Colorado in April, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the company management to determine if there were health hazards that had been overlooked by the company medical and industrial hygiene staff. Work practices were observed. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. 2-Ethoxyethanol (110805) was detected in breathing zone samples, average concentration 6.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for 2-ethoxyethanol is 740mg/m3, while NIOSH recommends reducing exposure to the lowest feasible limit. All other exposures were either below the limit of detection or their relevant standards. Solvents and paints were stored in unacceptable places and posed fire and health hazards. The only consistent employee health complaints were narcosis, burning eyes and dermatitis, typical complaints observed when working with solvents. The author concludes that a health hazard due to overexposure to 2- ethoxyethanol exists at the facility. He recommends conducting an industrial hygiene survey every 6 months, storing flammable solvents and paints in appropriate storage cabinets, and educating the workers about the hazards of the chemicals.
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(1985) Wyoming High School, Wyoming, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000), metals, organic solvents, inorganic fluorides crystalline silica (7631869) at Wyoming High School (SIC-8210), Wyoming, Ohio in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the principal to investigate chemical exposures in the art and biology departments. Lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), and hexane (110543) concentrations were below their relevant standards. Formaldehyde concentrations in the biolog... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000), metals, organic solvents, inorganic fluorides crystalline silica (7631869) at Wyoming High School (SIC-8210), Wyoming, Ohio in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the principal to investigate chemical exposures in the art and biology departments. Lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), and hexane (110543) concentrations were below their relevant standards. Formaldehyde concentrations in the biology department averaged less than 1.5 parts per million (ppm) when collected with sorbent tubes, but ranged from 0.3 to 7ppm on direct reading, colorimetric indicator tubes. The OSHA standard for formaldehyde is 3.0ppm. Area air samples contained 14.2 to 61 micrograms per cubic meter inorganic fluorides. One settled room dust sample contained 16.7 percent quartz. Bulk samples and some art supplies contained 20 and 42.5 percent lead, 0.03 and 0.05 percent arsenic (7440382), and 0.03 percent cobalt (7440484). The author concludes that a hazard exists from formaldehyde exposure and potential hazards from lead, arsenic, and silica exposure. Recommendations include reducing formaldehyde exposures during animal dissections and keeping the art department clean to reduce the potential hazards from chemicals in settled dust.
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(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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