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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
(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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(1984) Kennecott Smelter, Hurley, New Mexico. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), sulfuric-acid (7664939), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and crystalline silica (7631869) at Kennecott Smelter (SIC-3331), Hurley, New Mexico in January, 1984. The survey was requested by the Steelworkers Union due to the death of a worker from lung cancer. Company medical records of 66 employees were reviewed. Nineteen samples for blood lead and 48 for urine arsenic were ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), sulfuric-acid (7664939), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and crystalline silica (7631869) at Kennecott Smelter (SIC-3331), Hurley, New Mexico in January, 1984. The survey was requested by the Steelworkers Union due to the death of a worker from lung cancer. Company medical records of 66 employees were reviewed. Nineteen samples for blood lead and 48 for urine arsenic were collected and analyzed. All arsenic, cadmium, copper, sulfuric-acid, and silica concentrations were below their relevant standards. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.006 to 0.06 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for lead is 0.05mg/m3. None of seven sulfur-dioxide samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 13mg/m3, but six exceeded the NIOSH standard of 1.3mg/m3. No symptoms of acid gas exposure were reported. All blood lead and urinary arsenic concentrations were within normal limits. The authors note that proper respiratory protection was worn in all areas of the smelter. They conclude that there is a potential health hazard due to sulfur-dioxide and lead exposure at the facility. They recommend establishing a stop smoking program and improving the respiratory protection program.
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(1984) Perry Nuclear Power Plant, Perry, Ohio. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for iron (7439896), zinc (7440666), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), and chromium (7440473) fumes, quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and respirable particulates during construction of the Perry Nuclear Power facility, Perry, Ohio in August, 1984. The survey was requested by Local 210 of the Pipefitters Union to evaluate exposure of airborne contaminants to construction workers (SIC-1541) at the facility. Quartz exposures ranged from below 24 to 67 ... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for iron (7439896), zinc (7440666), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), and chromium (7440473) fumes, quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and respirable particulates during construction of the Perry Nuclear Power facility, Perry, Ohio in August, 1984. The survey was requested by Local 210 of the Pipefitters Union to evaluate exposure of airborne contaminants to construction workers (SIC-1541) at the facility. Quartz exposures ranged from below 24 to 67 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). The NIOSH recommended standard for quartz is 50microg/m3. Cristobalite concentrations were below the analytical limit of detection. All metal fume and respirable particulates were well below the relevant standards. The author notes that NIOSH conducted two previous surveys at the site and the concentrations of all contaminants have decreased since work has progressed at the facility. The quartz overexposure is due to residual construction dust. Each contractor should assume responsibility for the health and safety of his employees. Break areas should be vacuumed daily. Good housekeeping practices should be maintained in all areas to prevent exposure to quartz dust.
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(1984) Rhinehart Tire Farm, Winchester, Virginia. (Click to open report) An evaluation of site safety and exposure to potentially hazardous substances at a fire at Rhinehart Tire Farm (SIC-9999) in Winchester, Virginia, was conducted in November 1983. The evaluation request was made by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Area and personal samples were collected in the smoke plume and tire residues and analyzed for carbon-monoxide (630080), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, aromatic organic solvents, and nitrosamines. Carbon-monoxide concentrations... (Click to show more)An evaluation of site safety and exposure to potentially hazardous substances at a fire at Rhinehart Tire Farm (SIC-9999) in Winchester, Virginia, was conducted in November 1983. The evaluation request was made by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Area and personal samples were collected in the smoke plume and tire residues and analyzed for carbon-monoxide (630080), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, aromatic organic solvents, and nitrosamines. Carbon-monoxide concentrations were 50 to 100 parts per million (ppm). The OSHA standard for carbon- monoxide is 50ppm. Total PAH exposures were 58 to 6802 nanograms per cubic meter. The OSHA standard for PAHs is 200 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All metal concentrations were below 2microg/m3 except lead (7439921), zinc (7440666), and iron (7439896) which were 11, 122, and 14microg/m3, respectively. Lead, iron, zinc, and other metal concentrations were below the relevant Federal standards. No nitrosamines were found in smoke or residue samples. Organic compounds found in the residues included benzene (71432), concentrations ranging up to 0.6microg/m3, and PAHs. The NIOSH standard for benzene is considered the lowest feasible concentration. The authors conclude that there is no acute health hazard from airborne contaminants during containment and clean up operations at the tire farm. Recommendations include prevention of dermal contact with the residue and continued air monitoring of the site.
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(1984) Rubbermaid Incorporated, Wooster, Ohio. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total chromium (7440473), and respirable dust at Rubbermaid, Incorporated (SIC-3079), Wooster, Ohio in June, 1984. The survey was requested by the company management to evaluate cadmium exposures for workers handling pigments in the injection molding department. The study was a followup to an earlier NIOSH survey, at which time the company had started reformulating pigments to reduce their cadmium content. Lead and total... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total chromium (7440473), and respirable dust at Rubbermaid, Incorporated (SIC-3079), Wooster, Ohio in June, 1984. The survey was requested by the company management to evaluate cadmium exposures for workers handling pigments in the injection molding department. The study was a followup to an earlier NIOSH survey, at which time the company had started reformulating pigments to reduce their cadmium content. Lead and total chromium concentrations were below the limits of detection. Cadmium concentrations ranged from below the detection limit to 0.02 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3). The NIOSH recommended standard for cadmium is 0.04mg/m3. Respirable dust concentrations were less than 0.11mg/m3. The OSHA standard for respirable dust is 5mg/m3. The author concludes that a health hazard due to cadmium exposure in the injection department does not exist. He recommends keeping cadmium containing pigments in closed containers and prohibiting storage, handling, and consumption of food in cadmium work areas.
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(1984) Stanley Aviation Corporation, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), and grinding dust at Stanley Aviation Corporation (SIC-3471), Denver, Colorado, in May, 1984. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) sound level measurements were also made. The evaluation was requested by the company management to evaluate occupational exposures to noise, grinding dust, and lead. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. All air samples taken for lead, chromium, and dust an... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), and grinding dust at Stanley Aviation Corporation (SIC-3471), Denver, Colorado, in May, 1984. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) sound level measurements were also made. The evaluation was requested by the company management to evaluate occupational exposures to noise, grinding dust, and lead. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. All air samples taken for lead, chromium, and dust analysis were below the relevant standards. TWA noise level values were 85 to 93.6 A-weighted decibels (dBA). The OSHA standard for 8 hour TWA noise exposure is 90dBA. The employees did not indicate any health problems. All employees were wearing adequate hearing protective devices and were given annual audiometric examinations. The author concludes that a health hazard due to excessive noise exists at the facility. He recommends that workers remove themselves from the vicinity of the milling and grinding machines when they are not operating them. A variety of hearing protective devices, including ear muffs and plugs, should be provided so that the workers will be more inclined to wear them.
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(1984) Stuart Manufacturing, Denver, Colorado. (Click for full summary) Worker exposures to lead (7439921) and copper (7440508) were surveyed on November 7, 1983 at Stuart Manufacturing Company (SIC- 3714) in Denver, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by the United Auto Workers Local 186 on behalf of 14 employees involved in heavy duty radiator production. Personal and area air samples were collected for lead and copper. Employees were questioned about work and medical histories, and blood samples were taken for lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin determina... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to lead (7439921) and copper (7440508) were surveyed on November 7, 1983 at Stuart Manufacturing Company (SIC- 3714) in Denver, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by the United Auto Workers Local 186 on behalf of 14 employees involved in heavy duty radiator production. Personal and area air samples were collected for lead and copper. Employees were questioned about work and medical histories, and blood samples were taken for lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin determinations. Local exhaust ventilation was measured on the dip tank hood. Three of seven personal air samples exceeded the 50 microgram per cubic meter (microg/m3) limit for lead, but all samples were below the 100microg/m3 limit for copper. The average capture velocity of the ventilation system was 250 to 300 linear feet per minute, which was considered adequate. Blood lead values averaged 37.2microg per deciliter for exposed workers compared to 18.6microg for unexposed subjects. Protoporphyrin values over 50microg per deciliter occurred in two of nine lead exposed workers, and these two workers also had elevated blood lead values. The worker with the highest blood lead value (52microg) and one other worker complained of symptoms such as headache, fatigue, irritability, metallic taste, and respiratory irritation. The authors conclude that a lead exposure hazard exists at this facility. They recommend improved housekeeping and personal monitoring for lead exposure.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-83-459-1465.
(1984) U.S. Steel, Lorain-Cuyahoga Works, Lorain, Ohio. (Click to open report) Workplace exposures and worker pulmonary function were investigated in May, 1980, November, 1980, July, 1981, and May, 1982 at US Steel (SIC-3310), Lorain, Ohio. Evaluation was requested by the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1044. Personal breathing zone samples were collected for silica (14808607), lead (7439921), manganese (7439965), trivalent chromium (16065831), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide (1309371), coal-tar-pitch volatiles, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Medic... (Click to show more)Workplace exposures and worker pulmonary function were investigated in May, 1980, November, 1980, July, 1981, and May, 1982 at US Steel (SIC-3310), Lorain, Ohio. Evaluation was requested by the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1044. Personal breathing zone samples were collected for silica (14808607), lead (7439921), manganese (7439965), trivalent chromium (16065831), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide (1309371), coal-tar-pitch volatiles, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Medical records were reviewed, and blood lead values, chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests were examined. Questionnaires were distributed and spirometric testing was conducted. Several breathing zone samples exceeded respective OSHA limits of 280, 50, 5000, and 200 micrograms per cubic meter for silica, lead, calcium-oxide, and coal-tar-pitch volatiles. PAH compounds identified included benzo(a)pyrene (50328), chrysene (218019), pyrene (129000), benz(a)anthracene (56553), and fluoranthrene (206440). Blood lead concentrations were not significantly increased; one chest X-ray indicated pneumoconiosis, and another indicated asbestos (1332214) exposure. Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and reduced forced expiratory volume/FVC ratios were found in 14 and 20 percent, respectively, of 119 workers tested. These measures were not correlated with exposure to silica. The authors conclude that a respiratory hazard from silica dust exists. Recommendations are provided for additional environmental monitoring.
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