If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
HHE Search Results
1058 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
(1997) Unimin Specialty Minerals, Inc., Elco, Elco, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, a medical survey of current workers at the Unimin Specialty Minerals Elco (SIC-1446) operation in Illinois was conducted. The primary objective was to estimate and report the prevalence of silicosis among participating current and former employees at the grinding area and/or downstream of the grinding area at each operation by tenure and job. Of the 28 current and former workers who participated in the medical survey, six (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, a medical survey of current workers at the Unimin Specialty Minerals Elco (SIC-1446) operation in Illinois was conducted. The primary objective was to estimate and report the prevalence of silicosis among participating current and former employees at the grinding area and/or downstream of the grinding area at each operation by tenure and job. Of the 28 current and former workers who participated in the medical survey, six (21%) had a chest X-ray considered to be consistent with silicosis. The prevalence among current workers was 10%. The highest median International Labour Office (ILO) profusion category was 2/3. Three participants had a chest X-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis. Two had "A" size large opacities and one had "C" size large opacities. None who had been working less than 10 years had a positive chest X-ray. The prevalence of silicosis among the group who met the study criterion, yet chose not to participate in the medical survey was 8%. Pulmonary function testing revealed that eight of the 25 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns, and all eight exhibited an obstructive lung pattern. The author recommends that the frequency of medical monitoring examinations be increased.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Valley High School, West Des Moines, Iowa. (Click to open report) On September 16-17, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in response to a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked NIOSH to assess indoor air quality and measure exposures to crystalline silica in the art rooms at this school. The source of crystalline silica was clay and various glazes used during ceramics courses in art room 403. The request was initiated ... (Click to show more)On September 16-17, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in response to a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked NIOSH to assess indoor air quality and measure exposures to crystalline silica in the art rooms at this school. The source of crystalline silica was clay and various glazes used during ceramics courses in art room 403. The request was initiated folloing an employee complaint filed with the Iowa Department of Labor Services, Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Division, regarding potential exposure to dust and silica from clays. The IOSH administrator recommended that school officials request a NIOSH HHE. Adverse health effects reported in the IOSH complaint included respiratory difficulties, dizziness, nausea, and chronic sneezing.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Bruce Mansfield Power Station, Shippingport, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 47, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to arsenic (7440439) and other heavy metals during the rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Bruce Mansfield Power Station (SIC-4911), Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Metal concentrations were measured in 45 personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples; an additional 12 PBZ samples were monitored for exposure to respirable dust and silica (14808607). Eight bulk ash samples and 11 ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 47, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to arsenic (7440439) and other heavy metals during the rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Bruce Mansfield Power Station (SIC-4911), Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Metal concentrations were measured in 45 personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples; an additional 12 PBZ samples were monitored for exposure to respirable dust and silica (14808607). Eight bulk ash samples and 11 hand wipe samples were taken. The workers put in 60 hour work weeks, 10 hours a day for 6 days. Arsenic was detected in 18 samples and ranged from 0.30 to 31 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) with three of the samples exceeding the adjusted OSHA permissible exposure limit of 5.6microg/m3. In 11 samples, beryllium (7440417) was detected, and ranged from 0.02 to 0.04microg/m3. Cadmium (7440439) was detected in seven samples and ranged from 0.17 to 2.5microg/m3. Both the beryllium and cadmium concentrations were below the allowable limits. Lead (7439921) concentrations were measurable in 12 samples and ranged from 1.7 to 1,82microg/m3, with one sample exceeding the OSHA limit of 28microg/m3. Crystalline silica was below the detectable limit. Wipe samples collected from the hands of the employees indicated the potential for exposure through ingestion. The author concludes that there was a potential hazard from exposure to arsenic, beryllium, and lead. The author recommends that housekeeping procedures and work practices be improved to reduced exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) BTR Antivibration Systems, Inc., Logansport, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into a recent increase in the number of workers with skin conditions at BTR Antivibration Systems, Inc. (SIC-3061), Logansport, Indiana. The facility produced automotive vibration control products using rubber stock and metal parts. Nearly 5,000 individuals were employed in the facility on three shifts. Department 634 included the molding process, metal preparation processes, paint dip tanks, elastomer adhesive spray processes,... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into a recent increase in the number of workers with skin conditions at BTR Antivibration Systems, Inc. (SIC-3061), Logansport, Indiana. The facility produced automotive vibration control products using rubber stock and metal parts. Nearly 5,000 individuals were employed in the facility on three shifts. Department 634 included the molding process, metal preparation processes, paint dip tanks, elastomer adhesive spray processes, grinding and buffing operations, assembly and packaging of the products. Twenty one employees described dermatologic symptoms which they felt were work related. Seventeen of these 21 had sought help from a physician and the final diagnoses included nonspecific dermatitis in three, and one case each of irritant contact dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, lichen simplex chronicus, urticaria, blister, rosacea, alopecia areata, furuncles, urticarial vasculitis, nummular psoriasis, and psoriasis. Exposures that the workers subjectively associated with their symptoms included oils, sprayer, paint lacquer, cleanser, heat, soap, adhesive, dust and solvents. The authors conclude that no specific explanation was found for the increase in skin problems at the facility, although workers had potential exposure to multiple known skin irritants and allergens.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Dartmouth Police Department, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Dartmouth Chief of Police, an investigation was begun into possible lead (7439921) exposure to officers of the Dartmouth Police Department (SIC-9221), Dartmouth, Massachusetts during firearms training at the New Bedford Police Department indoor firing range. The indoor facility was located in an old office trailer. Sampling was conducted during the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition. Air sampling indicated that airborne lead concentrations wer... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Dartmouth Chief of Police, an investigation was begun into possible lead (7439921) exposure to officers of the Dartmouth Police Department (SIC-9221), Dartmouth, Massachusetts during firearms training at the New Bedford Police Department indoor firing range. The indoor facility was located in an old office trailer. Sampling was conducted during the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition. Air sampling indicated that airborne lead concentrations were below the minimum quantifiable concentration. Wipe samples from surfaces inside the trailer revealed lead concentrations ranging from 6.6 to 31.6 micrograms/100 square centimeters. The surface contamination likely resulted from the use of lead containing ammunition by other police forces. Ventilation was provided through two 14 inch axial fans located in the sidewalls of the trailer. The author concludes that the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition did not present a health hazard, but the continued use of lead primer ammunition by other departments may expose officers to lead from surface contamination.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Dirty Bird, Inc., Grady, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Dirty Bird, Inc. (SIC-0721), Grady, Arkansas, an investigation was begun into worker exposure to pesticides during aerial application on cotton or rice. The company was an owner operated aerial pesticide application service with seven workers. Single engine, single seat closed cockpit aircraft were used for applications. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected to assess ground crew and aerial applicator exposure to pesticides. Three mixe... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Dirty Bird, Inc. (SIC-0721), Grady, Arkansas, an investigation was begun into worker exposure to pesticides during aerial application on cotton or rice. The company was an owner operated aerial pesticide application service with seven workers. Single engine, single seat closed cockpit aircraft were used for applications. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected to assess ground crew and aerial applicator exposure to pesticides. Three mixer loaders were studied to determine the potential for hand exposure. They wore cotton glove monitors beneath protective gloves. Surface wipe samples were collected. Personal noise monitoring was conducted on two pilots and three mixer/loaders. The findings indicated that inhalation exposures were low or less than detectable during this survey. Skin exposure studies found measurable quantities of pesticides underneath the gloves of the mixer/loaders. Contaminated personal protective equipment was noted as being reused without proper decontamination, resulting in additional exposure and a false sense of protection. Noise exposures exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit of 85 decibels-A. One heat stress measurement inside the cockpit also exceeded guidelines. The authors recommend that measures be taken to improve the safety during the use of pesticides, and a medical surveillance plan should be implemented.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Fanelli Boys and Associates, Parkersburg, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at Fanelli Boys and Associates (SIC-3861), Parkersburg, West Virginia. Chest pain, eye irritation, skin rash, nasal problems, and deposits of black dust in the nose and mouth had been reported. The company reinked ribbons and cartridges for dot matrix and ink jet printers, and recycled toner cartridges for laser printers. Four individuals were employed at the company. Volatile organic com... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at Fanelli Boys and Associates (SIC-3861), Parkersburg, West Virginia. Chest pain, eye irritation, skin rash, nasal problems, and deposits of black dust in the nose and mouth had been reported. The company reinked ribbons and cartridges for dot matrix and ink jet printers, and recycled toner cartridges for laser printers. Four individuals were employed at the company. Volatile organic compounds measured at quantifiable concentrations in the air included isopropanol (67630), toluene (108883), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556). The levels were below any existing standards. Formaldehyde (50000) was found at approximately 0.5 parts per million (ppm). NIOSH has recommended that formaldehyde levels be reduced to the lowest feasible limit. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from exposure to thermal decomposition products related to melting holes in toner cartridges. The authors recommend that measures be instituted to reduce exposures to dusts and solvents from cartridge recycling and ribbon inking.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a management representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (SIC-9221), Quantico, Virginia, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) during firearms training and certification. Noise induced hearing loss was another concern. The 16 full time firearms instructors spent approximately 30 hours a week on the ranges. One range was indoors for training, another indoor range was for gun testing, and there were also seven outdoor rang... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a management representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (SIC-9221), Quantico, Virginia, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) during firearms training and certification. Noise induced hearing loss was another concern. The 16 full time firearms instructors spent approximately 30 hours a week on the ranges. One range was indoors for training, another indoor range was for gun testing, and there were also seven outdoor ranges used for training. A total of 61 personal breathing zone samples were collected, and 30 area samples for airborne lead. The airborne concentrations of lead ranged up to 51.7 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) for the instructors. The range technicians were exposed to up to 2.7microg/m3, and gunsmiths were exposed to up to 4.5microg/m3. Short term exposures while the custodians cleaned the range were as high as 220microg/m3. Medical interviews and blood studies were conducted. The mean blood lead level among instructors declined from 14.6 to 7.4 micrograms/deciliter from 1989 through 1991. Significant findings of lead in the dormitory rooms of FBI students suggest that they are tracking the lead back to their living quarters. The authors conclude that a potential hazard for short term overexposure to lead existed, and there was a potential for lead exposure of families of workers. Workers may have been at increased risk of noise induced hearing loss. The authors recommend that efforts be made to increase hearing protection, and reduce lead exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Division of Plant Industry (DPI) laboratories (SIC-9641) in Gainesville, Florida. The DPI laboratories and chemical storage areas, and the Sterile Fly Facility were inspected. All monitoring results were well below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits for the compounds monitored. An 11 minute sample from a worker di... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Division of Plant Industry (DPI) laboratories (SIC-9641) in Gainesville, Florida. The DPI laboratories and chemical storage areas, and the Sterile Fly Facility were inspected. All monitoring results were well below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits for the compounds monitored. An 11 minute sample from a worker disinfecting the Diet Preparation room in the Sterile Fly Facility showed an isopropyl-alcohol (67630) concentration of 258 parts per million (ppm), below the 500ppm short term exposure limit. A respirable dust concentration of 5.9mg/m3 was recorded for the 86 minute monitoring period. The full shift time weighted average respirable dust exposure was 1.1mg/m3. The author concludes that no immediate hazards were identified during this study. The author recommends that improvements be made to the respiratory protection programs, ventilation systems, and the storage, handing and labeling of chemicals used at the site.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1996) Jordan Hospital, Plymouth, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees at Jordan Hospital (SIC- 8062), Plymouth, Massachusetts an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions. The employees in the Bailey Building reported headache, skin rash, breathing difficulty, hypertension, and fatigue. Specific concern was expressed about exposure to electromagnetic fields produced by a cogenerating facility in the basement of the building. The Hospital was a 130 bed facility with about 400 employees. Walk through i... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees at Jordan Hospital (SIC- 8062), Plymouth, Massachusetts an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions. The employees in the Bailey Building reported headache, skin rash, breathing difficulty, hypertension, and fatigue. Specific concern was expressed about exposure to electromagnetic fields produced by a cogenerating facility in the basement of the building. The Hospital was a 130 bed facility with about 400 employees. Walk through inspections and employee interviews were conducted. The authors conclude that no specific single environmental factor was found which would likely be the source of all complaints at the Bailey Building. Some environmental factors which may have been related to some symptoms were found, including humidification using treated boiler steam, the location of building air intakes, and dust and odors from materials used in ongoing construction. The authors recommend that specific measures be taken to improve working conditions, including indoor environmental quality.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
