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HHE Search Results
1060 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
(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1996) Ladish Malting Co., Jefferson, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, worker exposures to mycotoxins during barley storage and malting operations at Ladish Malting Company (SIC-2083), Jefferson, Wisconsin were investigated. Medical and industrial hygiene surveys were conducted, and viable fungi were identified from all collected barley, malt, and dust samples. The most abundant genus cultured from the barley and dust samples was Fusarium. Barley samples also contained the trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (51481108) (DO... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, worker exposures to mycotoxins during barley storage and malting operations at Ladish Malting Company (SIC-2083), Jefferson, Wisconsin were investigated. Medical and industrial hygiene surveys were conducted, and viable fungi were identified from all collected barley, malt, and dust samples. The most abundant genus cultured from the barley and dust samples was Fusarium. Barley samples also contained the trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (51481108) (DON) and 15- acetyl-deoxynivalenol (88337966). Settled dust samples also contained DON mycotoxin. Operations involved the blowing and sweeping of dust and caused the aerosolization of mycotoxin containing dust. Some personal breathing zone and area levels of airborne grain dust were high compared with the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 10mg/m3 and the NIOSH recommended exposure level of 4mg/m3. Respiratory protection was used by all workers; however, the type of protection used was inadequate for protection against some of the higher levels of dust and mycotoxin. Employee medical evaluations identified symptoms of eye irritation, tiredness, and throat irritation that appeared after the start of the work shift. The onset of at least one symptom within 24 hours of beginning work was reported by 62% of those surveyed. No significant increases in body temperature were identified in the workers. The authors conclude that the potential for the development of hypersensitivity or toxic syndrome exists in this facility. The authors recommend control measures to prevent such occurrences.
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(1996) Martin County Courthouse and Constitutional Office Building, Stuart, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to toxicogenic fungi during the renovation of microbiological contaminated areas of the Martin County Courthouse Complex (SIC- 9211) in Stuart, Florida. Severe contamination was present, consisting predominantly of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. Due to occupant health complaints the Courthouse complex was not occupied. Prior to beginning remediation effort... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to toxicogenic fungi during the renovation of microbiological contaminated areas of the Martin County Courthouse Complex (SIC- 9211) in Stuart, Florida. Severe contamination was present, consisting predominantly of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. Due to occupant health complaints the Courthouse complex was not occupied. Prior to beginning remediation efforts, an initial environmental assessment had been made in September of 1993, by NIOSH investigators. Follow up site visits were conducted in October and November. After completion, a final visit was made in June of 1994. Containment areas with dedicated supply and exhaust ventilation systems were used in the remediation activities. While containment areas reduced the dissemination of spores, potentially toxicogenic fungal spores were identified on 56% of the filter samples collected outside the containment areas. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to a potential health hazard during removal of the microbiologically contaminated building materials. The authors note that workers performing renovations in buildings contaminated with fungi may unknowingly put themselves and other occupants of the buildings at risk for exposure.
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(1996) Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from a group of workers, a health hazard investigation was conducted at Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc. (SIC-3462), Fort Worth, Texas. Concern was expressed over symptoms of chest pain, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation suffered by machine operators in two departments, believed to be related to exposure to metalworking fluids. The company employed about 175 workers. Machine operators perform heavy duty milling, grinding, and machin... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from a group of workers, a health hazard investigation was conducted at Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc. (SIC-3462), Fort Worth, Texas. Concern was expressed over symptoms of chest pain, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation suffered by machine operators in two departments, believed to be related to exposure to metalworking fluids. The company employed about 175 workers. Machine operators perform heavy duty milling, grinding, and machining of cast iron and alloy steel parts. Exposure to total particulates approached the OSHA limit of 15mg/m3 for total dust as an 8 hour time weighted average. Metal working fluids were not detectable in air samples. Endotoxin air sampling measured concentrations up to 4.9 units/cubic meter, well below acceptable standards. Only tract levels of nitrosamines were found in bulk metal working fluids. Only 15% of the workers responded to questionnaires concerning health difficulties. Those who did respond reported skin, eye, and respiratory difficulties. The author concludes that, with the exception of one metal grinding operation, no elevated airborne exposures to fluids, total or respirable dust or endotoxins were found. The author recommends that potential safety and fire hazards be improved.
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(1996) Martin's Carstar, Inc., Lakewood, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the President of Martin's Carstar (SIC- 7531) located in Lakewood, Colorado, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the site. Martin's is in the autobody repair business. The work done at the shop includes frame straightening, panel repair and replacement, body filing, and final painting and detailing. There was concern about possible worker exposures to noise, solvents, dusts, carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), and metals. Personal bre... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the President of Martin's Carstar (SIC- 7531) located in Lakewood, Colorado, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the site. Martin's is in the autobody repair business. The work done at the shop includes frame straightening, panel repair and replacement, body filing, and final painting and detailing. There was concern about possible worker exposures to noise, solvents, dusts, carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), and metals. Personal breathing zone and area airborne levels were measured and noise levels were determined. Levels of isocyanates, solvents, total dust, and noise were below NIOSH/OSHA evaluation criteria. During the cold weather months, a potential hazard from CO exposure existed as CO concentrations rose to levels in excess of the NIOSH/OSHA limits. The peak CO level measured was 450 parts per million (ppm) and the highest 15 minute average was 105ppm. Recommendations were made for air supplied respirators when there is the potential for exposure to isocyanates; a good general ventilation for the entire shop in winter months to control CO levels; implementation of a complete respiratory protection program, proper management of paint spraying operations; good housekeeping regulations; wearing of gloves when mixing paint or cleaning paint guns or when any bulk paint or solvents may come into skin contact; monitoring noise levels; and monitoring exposure to metals during grinding and welding operations.
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(1996) Matrix Auto Body, Englewood, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Matrix Auto Body (SIC-7531), Englewood, Colorado, an assessment of worker exposures to isocyanates during automobile spray painting was conducted. Specific concerns were expressed involving solvent exposure, total dusts, noise, carbon-monoxide (630080) and metals. The autobody repair shop performed frame straightening, panel repair and replacement, body filling, painting, and detailing. Repairs were conducted in an open shop with painting performed in a separate par... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Matrix Auto Body (SIC-7531), Englewood, Colorado, an assessment of worker exposures to isocyanates during automobile spray painting was conducted. Specific concerns were expressed involving solvent exposure, total dusts, noise, carbon-monoxide (630080) and metals. The autobody repair shop performed frame straightening, panel repair and replacement, body filling, painting, and detailing. Repairs were conducted in an open shop with painting performed in a separate part of the building. None of the air samples for solvents exceeded acceptable levels. The mixture summations of all organics for all samples during both sampling periods were not in excess of any evaluation criteria. Area total dust samples ranged from 3.5 to 26mg/m3 of air. Most of these samples were collected in the paint booth. Personal breathing zone total dust samples ranged from 4.1 to 35mg/m3 for short periods. For carbon-monoxide, the peak concentration was 247 parts per million, and concentrations averaged 54 parts per million. The average noise exposure level was 94.4 decibels-A, resulting in a 185% dose of the maximum allowable noise exposure. Exposures to all metals were well below the respective evaluation criteria. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to peak levels of carbon-monoxides during cold weather.
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(1996) National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City and County of Denver's Occupational Health/Indoor Air Specialist, an investigation was begun into working conditions at the National Western Stock Show (SIC-7999), Denver, Colorado. Workers frequently complained of allergic and flu or cold like symptoms such as runny nose, congestion of the nose, throat and lungs, fever, and eye irritation by the end of the show. Measured levels of respirable and total dust, silica (14808607), and carbon-monoxide (630080) w... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City and County of Denver's Occupational Health/Indoor Air Specialist, an investigation was begun into working conditions at the National Western Stock Show (SIC-7999), Denver, Colorado. Workers frequently complained of allergic and flu or cold like symptoms such as runny nose, congestion of the nose, throat and lungs, fever, and eye irritation by the end of the show. Measured levels of respirable and total dust, silica (14808607), and carbon-monoxide (630080) were below the recommended criteria levels. Biological activity such as ergosterol, spore count, and endotoxin levels were higher on the first floor of the Hall of Education and in the Stadium Hall, both areas where high numbers of animals were housed. Spore counts and ergosterol levels were consistent with the levels found in other studies where adverse health effects had occurred. Throughout the Hall of Education, the carbon-dioxide (124389) levels were well above the 1,000 parts per million (ppm) level. These levels averaged 2,000ppm and ranged up to 4,300ppm. The need for outside air ventilation throughout the complex was noted. Consistently high readings for carbon-dioxide were also observed in the promenade area around the Coliseum. The authors suggest that the ventilation system in the Event Center be adjusted to introduce outside air for dilution prior to a certain preset time.
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(1996) New Hampshire Ball Bearing, Astro Division, Laconia, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the New Hampshire Ball Bearing, Astro Division (SIC-3562) located in Laconia, New Hampshire, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at that site. Approximately 450 people worked at the facility, eight of whom worked in the Composites Department, which was the area being evaluated. Five bulk dust samples were obtained from locations in the Composites Department. Sampling indicated that the employees in the Composites Depar... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the New Hampshire Ball Bearing, Astro Division (SIC-3562) located in Laconia, New Hampshire, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at that site. Approximately 450 people worked at the facility, eight of whom worked in the Composites Department, which was the area being evaluated. Five bulk dust samples were obtained from locations in the Composites Department. Sampling indicated that the employees in the Composites Department were exposed to very low concentrations of total airborne fibers. Fiber dimensions exceeded the limit of respirability, and did not present an inhalation hazard. Transient skin itch reported by some workers was associated with the handling of carbon fiber reinforcement material prior to impregnation. The investigators suggest that composite dust generated by mechanical processes such as cutting and sanding, may contribute to itching as a result of dust coming in contact with exposed skin. It was recommended that gloves and protective clothing be used and selected based on the permeation and degradation resistance to materials used by the workers, that once resin gets on the skin the workers should immediately remove it using soap and water, that protective coveralls and sleeve protectors be used, that local exhaust ventilation systems be reevaluated, that good housekeeping practices be emphasized, and that all machinery be guarded effectively.
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