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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) Standard Industries, San Antonio, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Standard Industries (SIC-3691), San Antonio, Texas, an investigation was conducted to determine if improved engineering controls reduced employee lead (7439921) exposures. Standard Industries manufactured lead acid batteries in a 300,000 square foot facility. Approximately 150 persons were employed on site. The process was typical of such industries but the facility was not highly automated as the batteries produced were often of unique sizes. Personal breathing zon... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Standard Industries (SIC-3691), San Antonio, Texas, an investigation was conducted to determine if improved engineering controls reduced employee lead (7439921) exposures. Standard Industries manufactured lead acid batteries in a 300,000 square foot facility. Approximately 150 persons were employed on site. The process was typical of such industries but the facility was not highly automated as the batteries produced were often of unique sizes. Personal breathing zone samples collected in various locations throughout the facility exceeded the OSHA 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) criterion. The highest personal breathing zone exposures were found in the plate pasting operations, ranging from 68 to 495microg/m3. In the first assembly and pouching areas, exposures ranged from 15 to 418microg/m3 and from 31 to 77microg/m3, respectively. Lead was consistently found in wipe samples from cafeteria table tops. Hand wipe samples showed significantly increased amounts of lead from employees finishing lunch compared to wipes prior to entering the lunchroom. A consistent daily increase in saliva lead was monitored. The authors conclude that lead exposures exceeded the OSHA limit, even though engineering controls were appropriate. Work practices and housekeeping issues were identified which may have contributed to overexposures. Modifications to some engineering controls were suggested.
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(1996) Standard Steel, Burnham, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from current employees of Standard Steel (SIC-3296) located in Burnham, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at that site. Workers were concerned about exposures to alumino-silicate fiber insulation which lined the interior of the industrial furnaces. A total of 16 time weighted average personal breathing zone and work area samples were collected and analyzed for total and respirable particulates. Respirable quartz (14808607... (Click to show more)In response to a request from current employees of Standard Steel (SIC-3296) located in Burnham, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at that site. Workers were concerned about exposures to alumino-silicate fiber insulation which lined the interior of the industrial furnaces. A total of 16 time weighted average personal breathing zone and work area samples were collected and analyzed for total and respirable particulates. Respirable quartz (14808607) was detected in one refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) removal sample, below the minimum quantifiable concentration. No cristobalite was detected in any of the samples. The ten time weighted average area total particulate samples from Heat Treatment Plant Number One and RCF removal operations ranged from 0.10 to 0.52mg/m3. No quartz or cristobalite was detected in any of these samples. It was recommended that workers handling RCF should wear specific levels of respiratory protection and that company officials should monitor RCF concentrations regularly to characterize the task specific exposures to RCF. Such information will assist the company in determining the appropriate level of respiratory protection for specific tasks.
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(1996) Trus Joist MacMillan, Deerwood, Minnesota. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, the development of occupational asthma secondary to exposure to isocyanates was investigated at Trus Joist MacMillan (SIC-2493), Deerwood, Minnesota. The facility employed about 70 workers in the production of parallel strand lumber. Environmental and medical surveys were conducted before and after the institution of major changes in facility ventilation. Monomeric 4,4'-methylenediphenyl-diisocyanate (101688) concentrations in excess of the NIOSH Recommended E... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, the development of occupational asthma secondary to exposure to isocyanates was investigated at Trus Joist MacMillan (SIC-2493), Deerwood, Minnesota. The facility employed about 70 workers in the production of parallel strand lumber. Environmental and medical surveys were conducted before and after the institution of major changes in facility ventilation. Monomeric 4,4'-methylenediphenyl-diisocyanate (101688) concentrations in excess of the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level (REL) of 50 micrograms/cubic meter were identified in two area air samples. Wood dust concentrations exceeded the REL of 1mg/m3 in three areas as well. Respiratory illness meeting the NIOSH case definition of occupational asthma was identified in 18 employees. Half of these cases developed after the institution of the ventilation changes. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from exposure to isocyanates. The authors recommend that industrial hygiene practices be used to eliminate the hazards, and that a medical monitoring program be instituted.
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(1996) University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. (Click to open report) In response to a request for technical assistance from the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska, farm worker exposures during the handling of grain sorghum were investigated at four farms (SIC-0119) in southeastern Nebraska. Levels of respirable dust, total dust, endotoxins, histamine, and viable microorganisms were determined. Personal air samples and bulk samples were analyzed for fungi, endotoxins, and histamine. Total grain dust exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Lim... (Click to show more)In response to a request for technical assistance from the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska, farm worker exposures during the handling of grain sorghum were investigated at four farms (SIC-0119) in southeastern Nebraska. Levels of respirable dust, total dust, endotoxins, histamine, and viable microorganisms were determined. Personal air samples and bulk samples were analyzed for fungi, endotoxins, and histamine. Total grain dust exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 4mg/m3 in six areas during harvest. High air levels of endotoxin were identified as well. Although worker overexposure to grain dust was not identified in the grain storage areas of the farms, the potential for overexposure existed and one worker had an exposure level which exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit. The authors conclude that a potential for worker overexposure to grain dusts existed. The authors recommend that efforts be made to control workplace exposure and respiratory health problems during the production of grain sorghum.
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(1996) Unocal Corporation, Kenai, Alaska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards associated with the use of a formaldehyde based additive at Unocal Corporation (SIC-2873), Kenai, Alaska. The company manufactured urea fertilizers at this site, producing about 1 million tons of urea and 1 million tons of ammonia per year. Environmental samples were collected to analyze for ammonia, total and respirable dust, formaldehyde (50000) vapor... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards associated with the use of a formaldehyde based additive at Unocal Corporation (SIC-2873), Kenai, Alaska. The company manufactured urea fertilizers at this site, producing about 1 million tons of urea and 1 million tons of ammonia per year. Environmental samples were collected to analyze for ammonia, total and respirable dust, formaldehyde (50000) vapors and formaldehyde on inhalable particulates during manufacturing operations. Formaldehyde concentrations in the air ranged from less than 0.006 to 2.2 parts per million (ppm). The highest concentrations were noted in the process of unloading a tanker which contained a formaldehyde based additive. At times, the formaldehyde levels as well as inhalable and total dust concentrations exceeded relevant limits. At times ammonia (7664417) concentrations also exceeded regulatory limits. Throat irritation was reported by 47% of the 21 employees interviewed. Nose irritation was noted by 43%, runny nose by 43%, and eye irritation by 33%. The authors conclude that workers were potentially exposed to formaldehyde and ammonia. The authors recommend that the exposures be reduced to more acceptable levels.
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(1995) A K Steel Coke Works, Ashland, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at A K Steel Coke Works (SIC- 3312), Ashland, Kentucky. Employees were concerned about exposure to contaminants during collection and blending of coal-tar sludge with coal. The facility employed 400 workers and produced about 1,000,000 tons of coke annually at full capacity. A questionnaire was administered and measurements were taken of 1-hydroxypyrene (5315797) (1-HP), as an indicator of p... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at A K Steel Coke Works (SIC- 3312), Ashland, Kentucky. Employees were concerned about exposure to contaminants during collection and blending of coal-tar sludge with coal. The facility employed 400 workers and produced about 1,000,000 tons of coke annually at full capacity. A questionnaire was administered and measurements were taken of 1-hydroxypyrene (5315797) (1-HP), as an indicator of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure. Samples were taken from 18 of 22 workers in the coal handling area. Testing revealed exposures to coal-tar-pitch volatiles, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and potentially benzene (71432), which exceeded the recommended exposure levels during the processing of coal-tar sludge. Improper use of personal protective equipment was also noted. Urine 1-HP levels indicated excessive exposures to pyrene (129000). The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to exposure to contaminants. There was a potential for skin contact with coal-tar sludge. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the hazardous exposures to the workers at this site.
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(1995) Arkansas Aluminum Alloys, Inc., Hot Springs, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential employee request, an evaluation was begun into exposure to contaminants during scrap aluminum recycling operations at the Arkansas Aluminum Alloy, Inc. (SIC-3341), Hot Springs, Arkansas. The health problems noted included nausea, dizziness, and tingling in the fingers at the furnace and product stacking stations. The facility was a secondary aluminum smelter which employed about 165 workers. Full shift and activity specific personal breathing zone air sampling was c... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential employee request, an evaluation was begun into exposure to contaminants during scrap aluminum recycling operations at the Arkansas Aluminum Alloy, Inc. (SIC-3341), Hot Springs, Arkansas. The health problems noted included nausea, dizziness, and tingling in the fingers at the furnace and product stacking stations. The facility was a secondary aluminum smelter which employed about 165 workers. Full shift and activity specific personal breathing zone air sampling was conducted. Personal air monitoring did not show an inhalation exposure hazard for the workers during the period studied. Improved work practices over the past including engineering enhancements through the use of additional ventilation had also served to reduce metal dust and fume concentrations. There were heat overloads at the furnaces, but these were based on continuous work at these monitoring stations. It was deemed unlikely that workers remained at these stations for 60 continuous minutes. There was a high level of attention given to safety and health by management and employees. The authors conclude that exposures to contaminants were below the relevant criteria at the time of this study; however, excessive heat loads were measured at some locations. The authors recommend specific measures to improve the heat stress management at the site and to provide respiratory protection for the workers.
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(1995) Brown Produce Company, Farina, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request for technical assistance from OSHA, an investigation was begun into potential occupational asthma in workers at Brown Produce Company (SIC-2017), Farina, Illinois. The company processed two million eggs a day into pasteurized liquid or frozen egg white, egg yolk, and whole egg. Complaints centered around asthma like symptoms, difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing, and excessive running of the nose. Sampling of the environment revealed ammonia (7664417), carbon-mono... (Click to show more)In response to a request for technical assistance from OSHA, an investigation was begun into potential occupational asthma in workers at Brown Produce Company (SIC-2017), Farina, Illinois. The company processed two million eggs a day into pasteurized liquid or frozen egg white, egg yolk, and whole egg. Complaints centered around asthma like symptoms, difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing, and excessive running of the nose. Sampling of the environment revealed ammonia (7664417), carbon-monoxide (630080), and halogen levels all well below occupational exposure criteria. Egg protein concentrations were above those previously reported in the egg processing industry. High prevalences of respiratory symptoms and airway reactivity among employees of the egg transfer and egg breaking rooms were noted. Among breaking room workers, 58% had chronic cough, 67% had chronic phlegm and 50% had wheezing or whistling noises in the chest. The authors conclude that there was an ongoing respiratory hazard at the company. The authors recommend that the following measures be taken: medical evaluation of symptomatic workers, reassigning workers with asthma related to workplace exposure to egg proteins, and avoidance of egg derived vaccines by those with immunoglobulin-E mediated hypersensitivity to eggs.
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(1995) Cackle Corners, Valliant, Oklahoma. (Click to open report) A request was made for a health hazard evaluation at Cackle Corners (SIC-0251), a chicken farm located in Valliant, Oklahoma. The concern was raised due to the recent addition of 3-Nitro to poultry feed. The active ingredient in the compound was roxarsone (121197). Area air sampling was conducted at three to five different locations in each of the four chicken houses at the site during chicken catching operations. Fourteen bulk samples were also collected and analyzed for arsenic (7440382) and 2... (Click to show more)A request was made for a health hazard evaluation at Cackle Corners (SIC-0251), a chicken farm located in Valliant, Oklahoma. The concern was raised due to the recent addition of 3-Nitro to poultry feed. The active ingredient in the compound was roxarsone (121197). Area air sampling was conducted at three to five different locations in each of the four chicken houses at the site during chicken catching operations. Fourteen bulk samples were also collected and analyzed for arsenic (7440382) and 27 other elements. The bulk samples included litter samples, rafter dust samples, compost samples, and feed samples. The chickens were fed roxarsone free feed for at least 5 days prior to being caught and transported for processing. None of the area air samples revealed any arsenic. The amount of duct collected on the 17 particulate filters ranged from 300 to 530 micrograms. Each of the four litter samples and the rafter sample from house number one contained a trace concentration of arsenic. The author concludes that there was essentially no risk to the health of the chicken handlers due to the addition of organic arsenic as roxarsone to poultry feed. The author recommends that respirators be used to protect poultry workers from other known exposures in chicken houses.
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(1995) George Campbell Painting Company, Groton, Connecticut. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades of America, an investigation was begun into a possible hazard from carry home lead (7439921) containing dust during the removal of paint by George Campbell Painting Company, (SIC-1622), Groton, Connecticut. The company was renovating a two span highway bridge. Work had begun 4 months earlier and was to be finished in 36 months. Blood lead levels of the employees ranged from 2.2 to 16.5 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) wi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades of America, an investigation was begun into a possible hazard from carry home lead (7439921) containing dust during the removal of paint by George Campbell Painting Company, (SIC-1622), Groton, Connecticut. The company was renovating a two span highway bridge. Work had begun 4 months earlier and was to be finished in 36 months. Blood lead levels of the employees ranged from 2.2 to 16.5 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) with a mean of 7.2microg/dl. The 13 workers whose jobs took them near the containment structure had blood lead levels much higher than the nine workers whose jobs were less exposed. Those in job categories of blaster/painter, apprentice, and recycling equipment operator had much higher time weighted average exposures than the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 40 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). In three samples taken for the blaster/painters, the personal breathing zone lead concentration exceeded 1,000microg/m3. Surface lead levels on skin, clothing and personal cars were determined. In each of the 27 cars tested, lead was detected, with the greatest concentrations being on the floor at the driver's feet, suggesting lead was carried on the shoes. The authors conclude that workers who entered areas where abrasive blasting took place were potentially exposed to lead. Workers may carry lead on their skin and clothes into their cars. The authors recommend that personal hygiene practices be used to reduce these exposures.
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