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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
(1996) Ladish Malting Company, 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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(1996) Philadelphia School District, Franklin Learning Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) at the Franklin Learning Center (SIC-8211), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building was about 85 years old. There were about 90 employees; blood lead tests and hand wipe sampling were performed on 45. Water sampling showed lead concentrations less than the 3 parts per billion (ppb). Surface wipe samples were collected from floors, desks, and window sills. Wi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to lead (7439921) at the Franklin Learning Center (SIC-8211), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building was about 85 years old. There were about 90 employees; blood lead tests and hand wipe sampling were performed on 45. Water sampling showed lead concentrations less than the 3 parts per billion (ppb). Surface wipe samples were collected from floors, desks, and window sills. Window sills in nonabated and abated areas were sampled. Dust lead loadings exceeded HUD guidelines on 26% of all window sills sampled. Floors in nonabated and abated areas were also sampled with HUD guidelines for lead on floors being exceeded in 17 of the nonabated and three of the abated areas. Dust lead loading on desktops ranged up to 230 micrograms/square foot. Wipe samples from hands of employees contained from 2 to 160 micrograms lead. All blood lead levels were low, ranging from 0.6 to 5.6 micrograms per deciliter. While severe peeling of lead based paint was found and significant dust lead loadings were present, the authors conclude that a hazard from lead exposure was not found at the school for the staff.
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(1996) Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of Pathology Lab employees at the Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center (SIC-8071), Indianapolis, Indiana an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions. Workers reported symptoms of eye and upper respiratory irritation. The staff in the Pathology Laboratory included medical technologists and technicians working 8 hours a day performing routine tests. Even though the airborne respirable particulate concentrations were low, s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of Pathology Lab employees at the Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center (SIC-8071), Indianapolis, Indiana an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions. Workers reported symptoms of eye and upper respiratory irritation. The staff in the Pathology Laboratory included medical technologists and technicians working 8 hours a day performing routine tests. Even though the airborne respirable particulate concentrations were low, settled particulates were noted throughout the laboratory which could contribute to worker health complaints of eye and upper respiratory irritation. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations were below the 800 parts per million guideline for indoor air. Temperature and relative humidity levels were not within the comfort guidelines for optical and acceptable ranges for occupants of buildings. Air velocities were nearly five times hood face velocity, which may cause a pressure difference, allowing contaminants to escape. The author concludes that settled particulates could contribute to eye and respiratory irritation, and that ventilation deficiencies caused thermal comfort problems. The author recommends that excess particulates be reduced by improving housekeeping practices, and thermal comfort problems be resolved by modifying supply air diffusers and adjusting the relative humidity.
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(1996) Spence's Carstar, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Spence's Carstar (SIC-7531), Denver, Colorado, an investigation was begun into exposure of workers to solvents, total dusts, noise, carbon-monoxide (630080) and metals. The automobile repair work at this facility included frame straightening, axle repair/replacement, body filling, painting and detailing. Paint spraying was conducted in a paint spray booth. Paints were mixed and stored on site. Personal breathing zone and area airborne concentrations of isocyanate mo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Spence's Carstar (SIC-7531), Denver, Colorado, an investigation was begun into exposure of workers to solvents, total dusts, noise, carbon-monoxide (630080) and metals. The automobile repair work at this facility included frame straightening, axle repair/replacement, body filling, painting and detailing. Paint spraying was conducted in a paint spray booth. Paints were mixed and stored on site. Personal breathing zone and area airborne concentrations of isocyanate monomer and oligomer, various solvents, total dust, carbon-monoxide and noise levels were monitored. All but one of the monomer samples were below the limit of detection of 2 micrograms/sample. Air samples for solvents did not exceed the limits, nor did the mixture summation exceed any criteria. Area total dust samples ranged from 1.3 to 3mg/m3. All were below acceptable limits. The peak carbon-monoxide concentration was 173 parts per million (ppm), and the highest 15 minute average was 80ppm. The time weighted average noise level in the body repair area was 86 decibels-A (dBA). The maximum peak level was 132dBA. The author concludes that there was a potential health hazard from noise exposure and from exposure to peak carbon- monoxide concentrations during the cold weather months. Recommendations were made to reduce these exposures.
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