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HHE Search Results
1063 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) 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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(1998) Active Industries, Inc., Clifton Park, New York. (Click to open report) In May 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from an employee of Active Industries, Clifton Park, New York. The HHE request stated that employees in the Specialized Machine Operations (SMO) area were experiencing sore throats, rashes, eye irritation, and upper respiratory congestion. The request indicated that the source of the health problems was mica, fiberglass, and Kevlar (trademark) dust, released during the... (Click to show more)In May 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from an employee of Active Industries, Clifton Park, New York. The HHE request stated that employees in the Specialized Machine Operations (SMO) area were experiencing sore throats, rashes, eye irritation, and upper respiratory congestion. The request indicated that the source of the health problems was mica, fiberglass, and Kevlar (trademark) dust, released during the manufacture of electrical insulation products. On November 11 - 12 1997, a NIOSH investigator conducted a site visit which included an opening conference, records review, walk-through inspection, informal discussions with employees, and air sampling.
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(1998) ADI Systems, Inc., Salina, Kansas. (Click to open report) In March, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from toner cartridge recycling workers for a safety and health hazard evaluation at ADI Systems, Inc. ADI Systems, Inc., in Salina, Kansas, recycles laser printer toner cartridges and printer ribbons. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey on April 25 and 26 1997. Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) of products used by cartridge recycling work... (Click to show more)In March, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request from toner cartridge recycling workers for a safety and health hazard evaluation at ADI Systems, Inc. ADI Systems, Inc., in Salina, Kansas, recycles laser printer toner cartridges and printer ribbons. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators performed a walkthrough survey on April 25 and 26 1997. Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) of products used by cartridge recycling workers were reviewed, toner dust filtration units were inspected, occupational safety and health program records were reviewed, and personal interviews of current and former employees were conducted.
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(1998) Avondale Shipyards, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on July 9, 1997, from the Machinist Union, New Orleans Metal Trades Council, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an initial site visit on August 27, 1997, and a follow-up survey on October 21-23, 1997, at the Avondale Shipyards in Avondale, Louisiana. Dust from sandblasting, welding fumes, contaminants from burning paint, and various solvents associated with fiberglass work were potenti... (Click to show more)In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on July 9, 1997, from the Machinist Union, New Orleans Metal Trades Council, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an initial site visit on August 27, 1997, and a follow-up survey on October 21-23, 1997, at the Avondale Shipyards in Avondale, Louisiana. Dust from sandblasting, welding fumes, contaminants from burning paint, and various solvents associated with fiberglass work were potential exposures listed on the request. Health problems reported in the request included breathing problems and nose bleeds. An interim report describing the actions taken by NIOSH during the initial site visit, and providng preliminary findings and recommendations, was issued on September 23, 1997.
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(1998) Bananas! Gifts, Incorporated, Clarkdale, Arizona. (Click to open report) On April 4, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Bananas! Gifts, Inc. facility in Clarkdale, Arizona. The confident request expressed concern over possible exposure to lacquer solvents, abrasive-blasting materials, and a patina solution (brown or green layer on copper as a result of oxidation). Concern was also expressed over "homemade" heavy machinery, ventilation, and protective clothing. The empl... (Click to show more)On April 4, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Bananas! Gifts, Inc. facility in Clarkdale, Arizona. The confident request expressed concern over possible exposure to lacquer solvents, abrasive-blasting materials, and a patina solution (brown or green layer on copper as a result of oxidation). Concern was also expressed over "homemade" heavy machinery, ventilation, and protective clothing. The employees reported symptoms of rashes, nose sores, and hyperventilation. On November 5 and 6, 1997, NIOSH conducted a site visit at the Bananas! Gifts, Inc. facility. Area and short-term personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples were collected on November 6, 1997. NIOSH investigators collected 6 PBZ and 6 area air samples for metals, 4 PBZ and 3 area air samples for 2-butoxyethanol, 2 PBZ and 2 area air samples for inorganic acids, 3 area air samples for respirable dust, and 2 area air samples for methylene chloride. During the sampling period, employees switched from operation to operation with a working duration ranging from a few minutes to 2-3 hours. The length of time at a specific operation with a working duration ranging from a few minutes to 2-3 hours. The length of time at a specific operation depends mainly upon the customer orders received for a particular item. Therefore, full-shift PBZ air samples were not collected.
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(1998) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In April 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), in Falls Church, Virginia, regarding respiratory hazards associated with fire investigations. ATF trains a select number of special agents as fire investigators as part of the ATF arson enforcement program. These special agents work with counterparts in state and local fire departments to investigate the ... (Click to show more)In April 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), in Falls Church, Virginia, regarding respiratory hazards associated with fire investigations. ATF trains a select number of special agents as fire investigators as part of the ATF arson enforcement program. These special agents work with counterparts in state and local fire departments to investigate the origin and cause of fires. ATF special agents and local fire investigators in the northern Virginia jurisdictions were concerned about the potential respiratory health effects from conducting fire scene examinations and the adequacy of their respiratory protection. In response to this request, environmental monitoring was performed during the investigation of two house fires on February 12 and 13, 1997, in metropolitan Washington, D.C., and Prince George's County, Maryland, and three staged fires on June 3, 1997, at the Fort Belvoir military base in Alexandria, Virginia. During these fire scene examinations, environmental samples were collected for total and respirable dust, metals, hydrogen cyanide, inorganic acids, aldehydes including formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), elemental carbon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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(1998) Especially for You, Limited, Coloma, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) was conducted on April 14-16, 1997, by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at Especially for You, Limited, located in Coloma, Wisconsin. This HHE was conducted following a confidential employee request regarding styrene vapor and sanding dust exposure in the Resin and Finishing department. The company manufactures a variety of home decorative items including plastic articles by curing polyester resin in preformed molds.
A Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) was conducted on April 14-16, 1997, by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at Especially for You, Limited, located in Coloma, Wisconsin. This HHE was conducted following a confidential employee request regarding styrene vapor and sanding dust exposure in the Resin and Finishing department. The company manufactures a variety of home decorative items including plastic articles by curing polyester resin in preformed molds.
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(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.
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(1998) Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Hagerman, Idaho. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a letter from the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (HAFO), requesting technical assistance in the evaluation of gamma radiation and radon gas exposures to HAFO staff. Subsequent communications from HAFO revealed that the general public, including children, could view and handle fossils in the Visitor Center. Furthermore, during the summer dig season, HAFO staff was comprised primarily of seasonal employees, students... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a letter from the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (HAFO), requesting technical assistance in the evaluation of gamma radiation and radon gas exposures to HAFO staff. Subsequent communications from HAFO revealed that the general public, including children, could view and handle fossils in the Visitor Center. Furthermore, during the summer dig season, HAFO staff was comprised primarily of seasonal employees, students, and volunteers, with relatively few permanent NPS employees. In communicating with HAFO personnel prior to the initial site visit, NIOSH investigators recognized other potential occupational hazards such as heat stress and airborne silica. Two site visits (May 14-15 and July 23-24, 1997) were conducted, and an interim letter containing recommended changes in practices and hazard abatements was sent after each visit.
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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.
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