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HHE Search Results
1062 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
(1999) Eagle-Picher Industries, Joplin, Missouri. (Click to open report) On October 20, 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc., in Joplin, Missouri. The request was submitted by a representative of the United Steelworkers of America Rubber/Plastic Industry Conference, in Akron, Ohio. The request concerned potential employee exposures to a number of chemical hazards, particularly lithium, mercury, and lead chromate, in various operations at the fac... (Click to show more)On October 20, 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc., in Joplin, Missouri. The request was submitted by a representative of the United Steelworkers of America Rubber/Plastic Industry Conference, in Akron, Ohio. The request concerned potential employee exposures to a number of chemical hazards, particularly lithium, mercury, and lead chromate, in various operations at the facility. Following a walkthrough survey at the plant on December 12-13, 1995, the NIOSH investigators focused on lithium exposures in the process room, pill room, and dry room 108; mercury exposures in the pit and pasting room; identifying an orange substance on the walls in the potting area; and investigating the cause of eye irritation in the solder room. NIOSH investigators returned to the plant on April 17, 1996, and conducted another walkthrough survey to plan for two full days of industrial hygiene and biological monitoring of employee exposures to lithium and mercury, which took place on April 18-19, 1996. For lithium, NIOSH investigators conducted an exposure assessment for all day-shift employees working in the process room, the pill room, and dry room 108. The exposure assessment was comprised of biological monitoring, full-shift personal breathing zone air monitoring, and hand-wipe sampling. In addition, a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess other factors that could affect serum lithium concentrations. Collection of serum specimens from 41 participants giving informed consent was conducted near the end of the day shift at the end of a work week, when serum lithium concentrations are expected to be at or near steady state. The geometric mean serum lithium concentration was 1.75 micrograms per liter (ug/l), with a range of "not detected" to 11.2 ug/l. These serum lithium concentrations were well below therapeutic and toxic concentrations established for patients taking lithium medication. Serum lithium concentrations, however, differed by work area, showing that occupational exposure was occurring. Workers in the process room (5.59 ug/l) and pill room (4.14 ug/l) had higher mean concentrations than workers in the dry room (1.09 ug/l). Over a 2-day period, NIOSH industrial hygienists collected full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples for lithium among 39 employees in the process room, the pill room, and dry room 108. The overall geometric mean concentration of lithium in air was 1.79 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), with a range of "not detected" to 121.8 ug/m3. As with the serum concentrations, the air sampling indicated higher mean exposures for process room (25.9 ug/m3) and pill room workers (15.3 ug/m3) compared with dry-room workers (0.45 ug/m3). On the second day of sampling, hand -wipe samples for lithium were collected from 10 employees in the pill room and 14 employees in dry room 108. Samples were collected as employees left their work to go to lunch. The geometric mean of lithium on the wipe samples was 61.7 g, with a range of 9 to 649 g. The mean result among pill room workers (174.9 g) was higher than those among dry -room workers (29.3 g). Additional environmental samples were collected to address other issues raised in the request. Analysis of a bulk sample of dust collected from a diffuser in the potting area showed that the majority of the sample was composed of a variety of phthalate esters. Bis-phenol A and some of its derivatives, which are consistent with the presence of epoxy resins, were also major components. The presence of the constituents of the potting compounds on the diffuser may indicate that these substances are being recirculated in the workroom air. A wipe sample was collected from the exterior of a duct near the diffuser. The sample was analyzed for metals. Results showed the presence of aluminum, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, lead, phosphorous, silver, titanium, vanadium, yttrium, zinc, zirconium. Two short-term PBZ air samples were collected to assess employee exposure to rosin solder flux decomposition products, specifically aldehydes and formaldehyde. The results indicated that none of these products were present in amounts greater than the limits of detection for the method. Mercury (Hg) exposure monitoring and urine Hg concentrations were determined among workers in the Hg treatment and negative pasting areas. The overall average Hg full-shift time weighted average (TWA) exposure concentration was 18.3 ug/m3, and the TWA exposure concentrations ranged from 3.5 to 48.3 ug/m3. Only 2 of 17 full-shift TWA Hg exposure measurements exceeded the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) TLV for Hg of 25 ug/m3, and both of these were from processors in the negative pasting area. In general, Hg exposures in the negative pasting area were slightly higher than those in the Hg treatment area. No Hg over-exposures were found during short-term, task-based air sampling. Only 1 of 17 workers had a urine Hg concentration above the ACGIH Biological Exposure Index, and the reasoning behind this high level could not be determined in this survey.
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(1999) Gwinnett Medical Center, Lawrenceville, Georgia. (Click to open report) On February 1, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems reportedly experienced by some GMC employees working in the In Patient Surgery (IPS) and Day Surgery (DS) departments at this hospital. Health problems described in the request included derma... (Click to show more)On February 1, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems reportedly experienced by some GMC employees working in the In Patient Surgery (IPS) and Day Surgery (DS) departments at this hospital. Health problems described in the request included dermatitis, burning and itching eyes, respiratory irritation, headache, and cough. Potential exposures included construction dust and debris, volatile contaminants from new carpet and paint, disinfectants, common cleaning chemicals, and waste anesthetic gases. On March 1, 1999, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial site visit at GMC. The purpose of this site visit was to review the current status of the health complaints with GMC personnel, inspect the IPS and DS departments and observe work practices, and assess the ventilation system supporting these two areas. A follow-up site visit was conducted on April 20-21, 1999. During this follow up site visit, eight area air samples for natural rubber latex (NRL) allergen were collected in the IPS and DS departments. Bulk and surface samples for NRL allergen analysis were obtained from ceiling plenums (ventilation return air pathways) in both departments. Because of concerns regarding latex allergy, GMC had previously implemented a powder-free latex glove policy and cleaned both the DS and IPS departments. In response to cases of clinically confirmed latex allergy in the DS department, the ventilation duct work was also cleaned. No workers in the IPS department were found to be latex-allergic and the ventilation duct work in this area was not cleaned. NRL monitoring was conducted to compare the two areas. At the time of the NIOSH site visits, the health concerns in the DS department were associated with poor indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and monitoring for standard IEQ parameters (temperature, relative humidity [%RH], and carbon dioxide [CO2]) was conducted in this area. No NRL allergen was detected on any of the air samples collected from the IPS or DS departments. However, NRL allergen was not detected on two quality control sample filters spiked with known concentrations of NRL. Therefore, a meaningful comparison of airborne NRL allergen between the DS and IPS cannot be made from these results. Regulatory standards for acceptable levels of NRL allergen in air have not been established. The bulk and surface dust samples indicated the presence, at various concentrations, of NRL allergen in the return air (RA) plenums from the IPS and DS departments. NRL allergen in bulk samples from the RA plenum in IPS ranged from 21,070 nanograms per gram sample (ng/gm) to 52,800 ng/gm. The two samples from the RA plenum in DS contained 21,067 ng/gm and 39,301 ng/gm of NRL allergen. Regulatory criteria for NRL allergen in surface or dust samples has not been established, although guidelines have been suggested (Mayo Clinic) for bulk dustsamples. The suggested recommendations for bulk dust are: Low, < 10,000 ng/gm; Low-Moderate, 10,000-100,000 ng/gm; High, >100,000 ng/gm. Although only limited samples were collected, there did not appear to be any appreciable difference in NRL concentrations in dust between the DS and IPS departments. The temperature, RH, and CO2 monitoring found all measured parameters to be within acceptable ranges. Inspection of the air handling units (AHUs) providing ventilation to the IPS and DS departments found the units to be clean and well maintained. The units are equipped with efficient filtration that should effectively prevent most dust particles from entering the supply side of the air handlers. As such, dispersion of latex containing particles from supply ducts into occupied areas is unlikely. However, because a reservoir of NRL was identified in the plenum spaces, episodic dispersion of latex-containing particles is a possibility, and actions should be implemented (e.g., proper work practices, particularly during maintenance activities) to control the potential release of NRL-containing dust into occupied areas. Humidification of supply air to the operating rooms is accomplished by direct injection of boiler steam, and there is the potential for introducing boiler water treatment chemicals into the system, and subsequently into the work environment.
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(1999) Handi-Shop, Inc., Mexico, Missouri. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Handi-Shop, Inc. in Mexico, Missouri. the HHE requester was concerned that health risks may have been associated with dust exposures of workers who packaged 'NVX, STPP, and forta fiber' and noted 'there may be other work areas that should be checked also.' Workers' health problems, reportedly included allergies, rashes, sinus problems, and sneezing. The reques... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Handi-Shop, Inc. in Mexico, Missouri. the HHE requester was concerned that health risks may have been associated with dust exposures of workers who packaged 'NVX, STPP, and forta fiber' and noted 'there may be other work areas that should be checked also.' Workers' health problems, reportedly included allergies, rashes, sinus problems, and sneezing. The requester also reported that 'several workers throughout the years have had doctors' orders to stop working in the dust.
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(1999) LDS Hospital/Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake City, Utah. (Click to open report) On November 18, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the Occupational Health Nurse at the Latter Day Saints/Intermountain Health Care hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. The HHE request stated that several nurses and nurses' aides working in the bone marrow transplant unit (BMT) had experienced allergic symptoms. These included two reports of anaphylaxis and several reports of less severe symptoms, such... (Click to show more)On November 18, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the Occupational Health Nurse at the Latter Day Saints/Intermountain Health Care hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. The HHE request stated that several nurses and nurses' aides working in the bone marrow transplant unit (BMT) had experienced allergic symptoms. These included two reports of anaphylaxis and several reports of less severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, rashes, and itching. The health effects reported by the health care workers were thought to be associated with an activity specific to the BMT: the infusing of patients with a solution containing stem cells and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The NIOSH investigation consisted of concurrent medical and industrial hygiene evaluations on December 7, 1998, and an additional medical evaluation on February 18-19, 1999. The medical evaluation included a questionnaire, private interviews with employees, and review of medical records. The industrial hygiene evaluation consisted of air, surface, and bulk dust sampling to evaluate the presence of DMSO and latex proteins in the BMT. None of the volatile chemicals known to be present in the stem cell infusion solutions, including DMSO, were detected in the air during the administration of stem cells into a patient. Natural rubber latex was not detected in air samples. A medical records review revealed rashes and respiratory symptoms to be the most commonly reported symptoms among affected employees. Since no direct dermal contact with DMSO occurs, and no chemicals could be measured in the breathing zone of the staff nurse or in the ambient environment of the room where the infusion occurred, it is unlikely that skin and respiratory symptoms are caused by exposures from the administration of stem cells. Medical questionnaires (from 64 workers) revealed that 22% of employees reported some type of chest symptom and 50% reported skin symptoms including rashes (47%) and hives (13%). Hay fever was reported by 59% of the employees and 22% reported a physician diagnosis of asthma. Pre-existing atopy and asthma in the employees who worked in the BMT could explain the upper respiratory symptoms reported by staff in the BMT. Skin symptoms (especially hand rash) are common in the nursing profession due to frequent washing and drying of the hands and the use of gloves as a part of universal precautions.
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(1999) Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, Sergio Cuevas Bustamante Filtration Plant, Frujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. (Click to open report) On May 6, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at the Sergio Cuevas Bustamante Filtration Plant of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. The requesters expressed concern regarding respiratory problems and dermatitis possibly associated with exposures to hydrated lime [calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2], chlorine gas [Cl2], and two coagulants [GC 850 (basic aluminum chloride solution)... (Click to show more)On May 6, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at the Sergio Cuevas Bustamante Filtration Plant of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. The requesters expressed concern regarding respiratory problems and dermatitis possibly associated with exposures to hydrated lime [calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2], chlorine gas [Cl2], and two coagulants [GC 850 (basic aluminum chloride solution) and PRP 4440 (polydimethydiallylammonium chloride)]. A site visit was conducted at this potable water filtration plant on June 29-30, 1998. Of the 25 people employed at the filtration plant, 19 (76%) worked the morning shift (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.), when most of the activities at the filtration plant were performed. On the day of the site visit, 17 employees were present and all were interviewed. Two of the interviewed workers reported that they were diagnosed by physicians as having asthma, which had developed since working at this plant. Both workers reported noticeable improvements of this health condition during vacations, sick leave, or lay-offs. Five of the workers (including the two asthmatics) reported at least two respiratory symptoms in the ten days preceding the interview. These symptoms included difficulty breathing, phlegm production, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. All symptomatic workers reported that they believed their symptoms were related to long-term exposure to hydrated lime and chlorine gas. Other reported health problems included sinusitis, itchy eyes, skin rash, and dermatitis. Area air sampling for hydrated lime, chlorine, and particulates was conducted at locations and times of anticipated elevated exposures. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) air sampling for hydrated lime also was performed; however, the method used to analyze the hydrated lime failed. A count of particles in air during hydrated lime loading operations, a procedure reported by workers to often result in elevated dust levels, revealed only moderate losses of hydrated lime during loading when compared to the period after loading. No detectable levels of chlorine were measured in the area where chlorine cylinders were stored or in the room where chlorine was added to the water supply. The two coagulants of concern were confined to an area where little human exposure should occur, so monitoring was not conducted. Management and employees reported that there had been problems associated with the handling of hydrated lime in the past. A crack, still visible but repaired by the time of the NIOSH site visit, had developed in the side of a silo which contained about 130,000 pounds of hydrated lime, allowing hydrated lime to be released into the workplace. The conveyor feeding hydrated lime into the water supply was designed to have barriers around it but they had been removed and hydrated lime was observed on surfaces throughout the room. Workers reported that hydrated lime periodically escaped into the environment from the top of the silo during loading, despite a filtration system to prevent its escape. The connection between the supply truck and the pipes carrying the hydrated lime to the top of the silo was difficult to seal properly and reportedly hydrated lime was spilled. On the day preceding the NIOSH site visit, a worker received a dose of hydrated lime in the face during a maintenance task at the silo. Several other safety concerns were identified at the plant, including absence of appropriate guarding of roof openings and lack of a complete confined space entry program, which indicate that more rigorous administrative controls should be implemented. Este informe también está disponible en español: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1998-0217-2772.pdf"target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1998-0217-2772.pdf</a>.
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(1999) R.H. Sheppard Company, Inc., Hanover, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on May 29, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc., facility in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to determine if reported worker health problems were associated with exposure to contaminants in plant No. 1 and Department No. 109, at this automotive power steering unit manufacturer. The reported health problems include... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on May 29, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc., facility in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The request asked NIOSH to determine if reported worker health problems were associated with exposure to contaminants in plant No. 1 and Department No. 109, at this automotive power steering unit manufacturer. The reported health problems included allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and skin and eye irritation. Potential exposures identified in the request included metalworking fluids (MWFs), naptha, and metal dust from grinding. Inadequate ventilation was also noted as a concern.
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(1999) San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco, CA. (Click to open report) In August 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco, California to evaluate the Parks Department's composting operation. Their request indicated that one of the three employees assigned to the composting site had experienced respiratory problems, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle soreness. In addition, NIOSH was also asked to... (Click to show more)In August 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco, California to evaluate the Parks Department's composting operation. Their request indicated that one of the three employees assigned to the composting site had experienced respiratory problems, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle soreness. In addition, NIOSH was also asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the enclosed cabs on the heavy equipment used at the compost site. On September 4, 1996, two NIOSH Industrial Hygienists conducted a site visit to the composting site and conducted limited air samples during simulated turning operations. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department operates a small composting operation which is located adjacent to the San Francisco Zoo. The material which is composted at this site consists of leaf, and green waste which is mixed with manure from the zoo. The green waste is collected at the city's parks and is trucked to the composting site. The zoo manure (zoo-doo) from herbivores is collected and also trucked to the site for mixing with green waste. During the surveys conducted at these composting sites, work area air samples were collected for total dusts and bioaerosols. Samples were collected during simulated operations at the compost site. Total sampling times for the samples collected were approximately two hours, and therefore, do not reflect an eight-hour time weighted concentration. Air samples were collected at locations upwind and downwind of the site, and inside and outside of the cabs of the chipper and front-end loader. Total bacteria concentrations measured inside and outside the chipper cab were 9250 and 6.06 x106 colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3), respectively. Fungi concentrations were 9.7 x 103 CFU/m3 inside the cab and 6.8x 105 CFU/m3 outside the cab. The total dust concentration inside the cab of the loader was 0.68 milligram per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) compared to 6.69 mg/m3 outside the cab. Bacteria concentrations inside and outside the loader cab were 2.6 x 104 and 3.5 x 106 CFU/m3, respectively. Fungi concentration were lower inside the loader cab as compared to outside the cab, but not as pronounced as that seen for total dust and bacteria. Fungal concentrations inside and outside were 3.2 x 104 CFU/m3 and 4.6 x 104 CFU/m3, respectively. The results from this health hazard evaluation have shown that the enclosed machinery cabs can reduce exposures. However, these controls will be ineffective if the cab windows or doors are opened during operation. Acceptable levels of airborne microorganisms have not been established. Lack of standardized exposure assessment techniques, inability to quantitate non-viable organisms, and inter-individual variability in response have confounded efforts to set such standards. To reduce this potential hazard it is important to reduce worker exposures using either engineering controls or a combination of engineering controls and respiratory protection. The results from this health hazard evaluation indicate that enclosed machinery cabs on the equipment at the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department sites reduce exposures to airborne fungi and bacteria. Microorganisms play such an important role in composting. 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. To reduce this potential hazard it is important to minimize worker exposures using either engineering controls or a combination of engineering controls and respiratory protection.
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(1999) Shaw Industries, Stevenson, Alabama. (Click to open report) On December 5, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees of Shaw Industries (Shaw), located in Stevenson, Alabama, to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) of exposures occurring in the Twisting department. Employees in the Twisting department reported skin and respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal effects, sinus infection, and nervous system effects which they believed to be work-related. The request was accompan... (Click to show more)On December 5, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from employees of Shaw Industries (Shaw), located in Stevenson, Alabama, to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) of exposures occurring in the Twisting department. Employees in the Twisting department reported skin and respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal effects, sinus infection, and nervous system effects which they believed to be work-related. The request was accompanied by a letter indicating that employees were specifically concerned about exposure to Stantex (trademark) 418 (a lubricating oil), dust, and fibers generated when Wellman (a polyester polymer (PET)) fiber is twisted.
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(1999) U.S. Silica Company, Mill Creek Plant, Mill Creek, Oklahoma. (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 Mill Creek plant, in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. 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 pro... (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 Mill Creek plant, in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. 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 August 10-12, 1993, a medical evaluation of current workers was conducted. Former workers were tested on August 13-14, 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. Twenty-nine (57%) of 51 current workers and 20 (33%) of 61 former workers who met the study criterion participated in the NIOSH medical evaluation. Of these 49, five (10%) had a chest x-ray consistent with silicosis. The highest median ILO profusion category was 22. One of the five had a chest x-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), with "B" size large opacities as classified by all three readers. Four (9%) of the 46 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns; three exhibited an obstructive lung pattern and one exhibited a combined restrictive and obstructive pattern. An abnormal spirometry pattern was present in one of the five participants with a positive chest x-ray. U.S. Silica's medical monitoring includes all of the screening tests recommended by the National Industrial Sand Association (VISA) 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 I/0 or greater and 5-10% of those chest x-rays classified as 0/1 based on a single reading. 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. Since 1990, the company reportedly sent chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater by a single reader for additional classifications. Five (10%) of the 49 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 workers with 10 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 will 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 regardless of examinations (TB) and modification of the baseline and routine examinations to include skin testing for tuberculosis (TB).
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(1999) United States Postal Service Mail Processing and Distribution Center, Tampa, Florida. (Click to open report) In August 1998 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO (APWU) to conduct a health hazard evaluation at the Tampa Mail Processing and Distribution Center (TMPDC), Tampa, Florida. The request listed exposures to paper dust, bathroom cleaning chemicals, and rust / dust in the ventilation system as potential health hazards by inhalation, skin exposure, and ingestio... (Click to show more)In August 1998 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO (APWU) to conduct a health hazard evaluation at the Tampa Mail Processing and Distribution Center (TMPDC), Tampa, Florida. The request listed exposures to paper dust, bathroom cleaning chemicals, and rust / dust in the ventilation system as potential health hazards by inhalation, skin exposure, and ingestion. Health effects resulting from these exposures were listed as chronic respiratory conditions and skin conditions including rashes and hives. On October 6 - 7, 1998, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey of the worksite and met with APWU and US Postal Service representatives to discuss worker exposure to dusts including paper dust and dusts associated with the operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. NIOSH investigators monitored real-time aerosol concentrations before and after "blowout" of paper dust from a mail sorting machine (delivery point bar code sorter) and collected 10 particle size selective area air samples. The investigators inspected 27 HVAC systems. Workers were notified by public address that NIOSH investigators were available to discuss respiratory symptoms. On November 11 - 13, 1998, NIOSH investigators returned to obtain three personal respirable dust samples from maintenance workers performing "blowout" of paper dust. A total of 12 airborne spore samples were collected and analyzed for fungal structure counts and fungal identification among plant (10), office (1) and outdoor (1) areas. Four area air samples were collected in the center of both the first (2) and third (2) floors for mite and roach antigen. Three bulk floor dust samples were collected for roach antigen in the first (2) and third (1) floors. Bulk dust samples were collected from each of 12 HVAC systems which service the first (7) and third (3) floors and the office area (2). The bulk samples were analyzed for viable fungi and mite antigen. Bulk drain pan water was collected from the same 12 HVAC systems for endotoxin analysis. A total of 12 airborne dust samples were collected and analyzed for endotoxin among plant (10), office (1) and outdoor areas (1). Of the 56 workers who discussed respiratory symptoms with NIOSH investigators during the walkthrough in October, 38 workers were contacted by telephone for follow-up interviews with a questionnaire in December 1998. Respiratory symptoms and worker job descriptions were obtained during the interviews. Nearly all interviewed workers reported that they experienced nasal symptoms: irritated, stuffy, or runny nose (97%); and sinus fullness or post nasal drip (89%). Seventy-nine percent (79%) reported eye problems; 74% reported irritated throat; 66% had headaches, and about 60% reported cough. Sixty-eight percent (68%) reported flu-like symptoms [fevers, aches, tiredness]; 34% reported wheezing, 39% were bothered by tightness in the chest, and 35% reported that they were short of breath more than once a week while at work. Of the 27 HVAC systems inspected, 21 had internal components that were in need of cleaning or adjustment to address problems ranging from dusty coils, slime within drain pans and coils, poor drain pan drainage, filter blow-by, dusty surfaces, and accumulation of dust in drain pans. Bulk dust was collected from each of 12 HVAC units for mite antigen analysis. Ten units were free from dust mite antigen, two which service the first floor were positive for antigen at a concentration associated with mite sensitization. Bulk floor dust collected in the areas adjacent to the cafeteria and lunch rooms on the first and third floors were negative for roach antigen. Mite antigen was not detected in airborne dust from the first floor, but was detected in airborne dust from the third floor. The concentration of mite antigen in the airborne dust exceeded the level associated with an allergic response in mite-sensitized individuals. No roach antigen was detected in the airborne dust samples. The average concentration of viable fungi per gram of bulk dust collected from 3 air handlers servicing the 3 rd floor was 15 times greater than average concentrations of fungi in bulk dust collected from air handlers that service the office and 1 st floor areas. Bulk dust samples from three air handlers that service the third floor were dominated by Tritirachium (80 - 86%) and Acremonium (69 - 93%). Of the bulk dust samples collected from seven air handlers that service the first floor, one was dominated by Exophalia (92 - 93%), five by Cladosporium (30 - 99%) and Penicillium (10 - 43%), and one by Aspergillus niger (21 - 29%) and Penicillium (49 - 53%). Counts of fungal spores in third floor and office samples ranged from 386 to 1157 spores per cubic meter of air (spores/m3 ); first floor counts ranged from 771 to 3470 spores/m3 . These indoor spore counts were below the outdoor concentration of 6169 spores/m3 . Respirable paper dust concentrations measured during five hours of blowout activity by maintenance workers ranged from 0.052 to 0.056 milligrams of dust per cubic meter of air (mg/m3 ). No exposure limits as enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or recommended by NIOSH or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) were exceeded for paper dust concentrations in air. Endotoxin in bulk fluid samples from 12 air handler drain pans ranged from 0.3 to 2312 endotoxin units per milliliter of water (EU/ml). The drain pan fluid in air handler 37 (which services the third floor) was 2312 EU/ml, about 5.6 times the next highest concentration. Endotoxin concentrations in airborne dust samples in third floor, first floor, and office areas averaged 4.4, 6.5, and 5.6 endotoxin units per cubic meter of air (EU/m3 ) respectively. These endotoxin concentrations were below the outdoor concentration of 8.8 EU/m3. On the basis of environmental data and information gathered from employee interviews, NIOSH investigators did not find clear evidence that employee symptoms were caused by exposure to microbial contaminants or paper dust. Recommendations are made to control the accumulation of paper dust, improve the operation and cleaning of HVAC systems, and provide respiratory protection from paper and non-specific dusts if exposures initiate or aggravate respiratory conditions. Recommendations for respirator selection are presented in this report. In addition, the presence of airborne mite antigen indicates that dust containing this antigen was aerosolized. The concentration of the mite antigen in the airborne dust was high enough that it should be considered as a potential factor for triggering symptoms in employees with dust mite sensitivity.
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