Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs)

(1998) Golden Valley Electric Association, Healy, Alaska. (Click to open report)
In November 1990, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the plant manager, Golden Valley Electric Association, Healy Power Plant, Healy, Alaska. The request stated that the employees had complained about irritating odors in the plant, smoke from the coal pulverizers, and exposure to morpholine and amine, and that two employees were recently diagnosed with asthma. As a first step in this investigation, all em... (Click to show more) In November 1990, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the plant manager, Golden Valley Electric Association, Healy Power Plant, Healy, Alaska. The request stated that the employees had complained about irritating odors in the plant, smoke from the coal pulverizers, and exposure to morpholine and amine, and that two employees were recently diagnosed with asthma. As a first step in this investigation, all employees were asked to complete a screening questionnaire which was mailed to them. After reviewing the questionnaire responses, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial environmental and medical evaluation at the plant May 30 - June 9, 1991. An interim report containing the results of the first industrial hygiene survey was issued by NIOSH in December 1991. Concern was subsequently expressed by several employees that the evaluation was conducted during a time period when the plant's doors and windows were open and therefore would not reflect the worst-case conditions of the winter months, when the plant is closed off to the outside environment. (Click to show less)
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(1998) Microfibres, Inc. Pawtucket, RI. (Click to open report)
On February 28, 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of Microfibres, Inc. to investigate the occurrence of two cases of what was initially thought to be hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)-a type of interstitial lung disease (ILD)-among employees as its plant in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. This request was made at the urging of a local occupational medicine physician, who had clinically evaluated the patients and suggested a co... (Click to show more) On February 28, 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of Microfibres, Inc. to investigate the occurrence of two cases of what was initially thought to be hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)-a type of interstitial lung disease (ILD)-among employees as its plant in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. This request was made at the urging of a local occupational medicine physician, who had clinically evaluated the patients and suggested a connection between this lung disease and exposure to air contaminants at the plant. This plant dyes, finishes, and cuts nylon (and some polyester) continuous fiber to produce flock and also applies the nylon flock to a backing fabric to produce flock-coating upholstery fabric, some of which is screen printed, embossed, or otherwise finished. The plant employs approximately 170 individuals, many of whom work substantial overtime. Following a walk-through inspection, NIOSH industrial hygienists conducted initial qualitative air sampling in the plant, followed by more comprehensive work area air sampling throughout the plant to characterize potential exposures to dust, bioaerosols, and gases. Bulk samples were also collected for microbial analysis. (Click to show less)
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(1998) Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc., Distribution Products Division, Urbana, Ohio. (Click to open report)
In March 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) Local 1740. The request identified mouth sores, nose bleeds, blisters in the eyes, rashes, and throat irritation as potentially being associated with the manufacturing of circuit breaker cases in the plastic department at Siemens Energy and Automation plant in Urbana, Ohio. The material of concern wa... (Click to show more) In March 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) Local 1740. The request identified mouth sores, nose bleeds, blisters in the eyes, rashes, and throat irritation as potentially being associated with the manufacturing of circuit breaker cases in the plastic department at Siemens Energy and Automation plant in Urbana, Ohio. The material of concern was identified as a bulk molding compound containing styrene and vinyl toluene-based plastic resin. This request was followed by a similar management request in May 1997. NIOSH investigators performed an initial site visit at the Siemens facility on August 20-22, 1997. During the initial site visit, employee interviews were conducted, a questionnaire was administered to plastics department employees, the manufacturing process and work practices were observed, company records were reviewed, and air samples were collected for vinyl toluene, styrene, metals, particle characterization, and volatile organic compounds. Subsequent head space analysis of heated raw process materials revealed the presence of formaldehyde. A follow-up site visit was performed on January 15-16, 1998, to collect air samples for formaldehyde vapor, formaldehyde on dust, and inhalable dust. (Click to show less)
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(1998) Victoria Vogue, Inc., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report)
In February 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from a group of employees at Victoria Vogue, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The HHE request concerned employee health complaints that include skin rash, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing that were believed to be caused by occupational exposure to cotton dust during the production of velour materials and cosmetic powder puffs. Employees ... (Click to show more) In February 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from a group of employees at Victoria Vogue, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The HHE request concerned employee health complaints that include skin rash, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing that were believed to be caused by occupational exposure to cotton dust during the production of velour materials and cosmetic powder puffs. Employees were also concerned about poor lighting while operating machinery in the Automatics department. On August 4-5, 1997, a site visit was made by NIOSH investigators to conduct an industrial hygiene survey that included exposure monitoring on workers for cotton dust, a lighting survey to determine adequate illumination at workstations, and a general safety inspection of the weaving operation. A symptoms questionnaire was distributed to each employee to obtain baseline information and the prevalence of their health complaints. (Click to show less)
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(1997) American Tripoli, Inc., Seneca, Missouri. (Click to open report)
In response to a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was made into the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at American Tripoli, Inc. (SIC-1446), Seneca, Missouri. A medical evaluation of current workers and former workers was conducted. American Tripoli began operating in 1971. At the time of the study 17 workers were employed at the facility, ten of whom worked in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstre... (Click to show more) In response to a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was made into the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at American Tripoli, Inc. (SIC-1446), Seneca, Missouri. A medical evaluation of current workers and former workers was conducted. American Tripoli began operating in 1971. At the time of the study 17 workers were employed at the facility, ten of whom worked in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream of the grinding process. Nine of 11 eligible current workers and nine of 28 former workers participated in the study. There was one current worker with a chest X-ray consistent with silicosis, and one case of silicosis in a former worker. Both cases were employed at American Tripoli for over 15 years, and both reported employment at other dusty jobs. Pulmonary function testing revealed that two of 16 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns, both being obstructive. The author concludes that the cases of silicosis can be, at least in part, attributed to exposure at this facility. The author recommends modifications in the preplacement examination and annual medical monitoring offered by the company. (Click to show less)
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