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HHE Search Results
1057 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
(1995) Kraft General Foods, Inc., Maxwell House Coffee, Co., Houston, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request received from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, Local Union 408, an investigation was begun into worker exposure to coffee dust, methylene-chloride (75092), asbestos (1332214) dust, phosphine (7803512), and vitamin dust at the Kraft General Foods Inc., Maxwell House Coffee Company (SIC-2095) in Houston, Texas. There were about 550 workers employed at the facility in coffee processing and rice processing. A walk through survey was conduc... (Click to show more)In response to a request received from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, Local Union 408, an investigation was begun into worker exposure to coffee dust, methylene-chloride (75092), asbestos (1332214) dust, phosphine (7803512), and vitamin dust at the Kraft General Foods Inc., Maxwell House Coffee Company (SIC-2095) in Houston, Texas. There were about 550 workers employed at the facility in coffee processing and rice processing. A walk through survey was conducted of the instant coffee and rice production areas and industrial hygiene sampling was also conducted. Asbestos had been removed from the building by 1991, and the use of methylene-chloride had been discontinued before 1988. None of the personal breathing zone or area air concentrations of respirable dust collected in the production areas exceeded the allowable limits for nuisance dust. Based on medical department logs, 4.9% of the workers reported respiratory symptoms suggestive of asthma. Two bronchial asthma deaths were reported in the early 1980s. A statistically significant excess of all malignant neoplasms for white males but not for the other three race/sex groups was noted. Lung cancer was the predominant malignant neoplasm reported. Due to a lack of exposure data it was not possible to link a specific causal agent to the excess cancer deaths for white males in the time period studied. The authors recommend specific measures to improve the work environment.
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(1995) LTV Steel Company, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1157, an investigation was begun into the potential relationship between skin rashes in workers in the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) area and exposure to a slag conditioning agent at the LTV Steel Company (SIC-3312), Cleveland, Ohio. The company produced flat rolled steel. About 300 workers worked in the BOF area. Seven personal breathing samples and 12 bulk samples of area dust were collected for analysis. Exposures to element... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1157, an investigation was begun into the potential relationship between skin rashes in workers in the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) area and exposure to a slag conditioning agent at the LTV Steel Company (SIC-3312), Cleveland, Ohio. The company produced flat rolled steel. About 300 workers worked in the BOF area. Seven personal breathing samples and 12 bulk samples of area dust were collected for analysis. Exposures to elemental metals in airborne dust were below the occupationally allowed levels in all personal breathing zone samples. Bulk samples contained a variety of metals with skin irritant potential. Recent occurrences of work related irritant contact dermatitis or an exacerbation of an underlying skin condition brought on by workplace exposure to dust were identified in seven workers. The authors conclude that the dust levels in the BOF area were sufficiently high to be potential skin irritants. The authors recommend that attempts be made to reduce the handling of slag in the BOF area, to remove dust from surfaces where workers may come into contact with it, to use disposable one piece coveralls as dust barriers, and to encourage workers to periodically wash with a mild soap to remove dusts.
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(1995) Malvern Minerals Company, Hot Springs, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to determine the prevalence of silicosis in specific ground silica operations, a medical survey was conducted at Malvern Minerals Company (SIC-1446), Hot Springs, Arkansas. Workers with 1 year or more of work in grinding areas or areas downstream from grinding participated in the medical survey which included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a chest X-ray. There were 12 current workers and 11 former workers who participated ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to determine the prevalence of silicosis in specific ground silica operations, a medical survey was conducted at Malvern Minerals Company (SIC-1446), Hot Springs, Arkansas. Workers with 1 year or more of work in grinding areas or areas downstream from grinding participated in the medical survey which included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a chest X-ray. There were 12 current workers and 11 former workers who participated in the medical survey. Of the 23 workers surveyed, 39% had chest radiographs consistent with silicosis. Two workers had radiographs consistent with progressive massive fibrosis. Abnormal lung function was identified in 26% of the participants. The author concludes that there was a substantial prevalence of silicosis among current and former ground silica workers at this facility. The author recommends that a medical monitoring program be instituted at this site.
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(1995) Medite of New Mexico, Las Vegas, New Mexico. (Click to open report) In response to a company request, an investigation was begun into worker exposure to formaldehyde (50000) at Medite of New Mexico (SIC- 2493), Las Vegas, New Mexico. The facility employed about 135 hourly employees in the production of fiberboard. Occupational exposures to formaldehyde, formaldehyde on dust, and total wood dust and inhalable wood dust were measured before and after process and engineering control changes were implemented by the company. The range for three personal breathing zon... (Click to show more)In response to a company request, an investigation was begun into worker exposure to formaldehyde (50000) at Medite of New Mexico (SIC- 2493), Las Vegas, New Mexico. The facility employed about 135 hourly employees in the production of fiberboard. Occupational exposures to formaldehyde, formaldehyde on dust, and total wood dust and inhalable wood dust were measured before and after process and engineering control changes were implemented by the company. The range for three personal breathing zone exposures for formaldehyde was 0.029 to 0.48mg/m3. Wood dust exposures ranged from none detected to 21.03mg/m3. The results indicated that formaldehyde and wood dust exposures at this fiberboard manufacturing facility were a health hazard. The company made a number of changes designed to reduce formaldehyde exposures during the study period, which were effective in significantly reducing, but not eliminating, hazardous formaldehyde exposures. Wood dust exposures were not significantly reduced overall by the changes. The author concludes that formaldehyde and wood dust exposures were a health hazard at this facility. The author recommends that specific measures be instituted to control formaldehyde and wood dust exposures through the use of engineering controls and respiratory protection.
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(1995) New York City Department of Sanitation, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a joint request from the New York City Department of Sanitation and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at three waste incineration sites of the New York City Department of Sanitation (SIC-4953), New York City, New York. Six area air samples and five bulk fly ash samples were collected. Greater amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs ... (Click to show more)In response to a joint request from the New York City Department of Sanitation and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at three waste incineration sites of the New York City Department of Sanitation (SIC-4953), New York City, New York. Six area air samples and five bulk fly ash samples were collected. Greater amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs were present on the fly ash particulates collected from the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). A total of eight personal breathing zone and nine area samples were collected for metals during cleanout operations. Levels approached or exceeded the established criteria for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), and nickel (7440020). For respirable dust/silica (14808607), the highest sample concentration occurred during ESP cleanout. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit for respirable quartz of 0.05mg/m3 was exceeded in one sample. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed during cleanout operations. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce exposures, including providing more effective respiratory protection, instruction on confined space entry, medical surveillance programs, and the prohibition of tobacco smoking in exposure locations.
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(1995) RCA Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the RCA Rubber Company (SIC-3069), Akron, Ohio. Concern was expressed regarding the exposure of press operators and millmen to N-nitroso compounds and dusts which were generated while rubber flooring was being manufactured. Of the approximately 200 workers employed by RCA, about 60 were in jobs with the potential for exposure to nitrosamines and dusts. The production workers were te... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the RCA Rubber Company (SIC-3069), Akron, Ohio. Concern was expressed regarding the exposure of press operators and millmen to N-nitroso compounds and dusts which were generated while rubber flooring was being manufactured. Of the approximately 200 workers employed by RCA, about 60 were in jobs with the potential for exposure to nitrosamines and dusts. The production workers were tested for personal breathing zone contamination, and area workplace samples were also collected for nitrosamines, respirable dusts, elemental metals, formaldehyde (50000), carbon-monoxide (630080) and sulfur- dioxide (7446095). Only N-nitrosopiperidine (100754) was detected in the samples collected, and the concentrations were low in the samples where it appeared. Respirable dust levels ranged from 0.03 to 3.17mg/m3. In an analysis of 12 work area samples, only trace quantities of metals were detected. The authors conclude that, due to the findings of this study, the mandatory use of respiratory protection by mixing and press personnel should be reviewed by company officials. The continued use of dust respirators was recommended for three areas of the facility until engineering controls could be implemented.
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(1995) South Dade Disposal Site, Goulds, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible workplace exposures related to waste shredding operations at the South Dade Disposal Site (SIC-4953), Goulds, Florida. Employees had reported rashes, eye problems, and respiratory difficulty. Eight months after the initial request and visit, an additional request for a study was initiated. During this second investigation at the site, Hurricane Andrew destroye... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible workplace exposures related to waste shredding operations at the South Dade Disposal Site (SIC-4953), Goulds, Florida. Employees had reported rashes, eye problems, and respiratory difficulty. Eight months after the initial request and visit, an additional request for a study was initiated. During this second investigation at the site, Hurricane Andrew destroyed much of the facility and the surrounding community, thus limiting the study. Personal breathing zone samples ranged from 0.33 to 22.1mg/m3 for total welding fume. Personal chromium (7440473) exposures ranged from 1 to 81microg/m3. In ten of 15 samples, nickel (7440020) was detected on both welders and support personnel. Personal exposure to nickel ranged up to 16microg/m3. One carbon-monoxide (630080) sample taken exceeded the suggested limits. In 11 of 18 samples, sulfur-dioxide (7446095) was detected on both welders and support personnel; in 17 of 18 samples, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) was detected. The authors conclude that welders had the greatest potential to be overexposed to total welding fume, chromium, and nickel. They noted also that the lack of engineering controls contributed greatly to these over exposures.
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(1995) University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. (Click to open report) A study was conducted at the University of Maryland (SIC-8221), College Park, Maryland regarding the exposure of custodial workers to lead (7439921) during the performance of their duties. Personal breathing zone air samples collected for 16 workers were analyzed for lead, and blood lead levels were determined in 13 of the workers. During custodial and janitorial activities, time weighted average airborne lead concentrations ranged up to 36 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3); 44% of the samples ... (Click to show more)A study was conducted at the University of Maryland (SIC-8221), College Park, Maryland regarding the exposure of custodial workers to lead (7439921) during the performance of their duties. Personal breathing zone air samples collected for 16 workers were analyzed for lead, and blood lead levels were determined in 13 of the workers. During custodial and janitorial activities, time weighted average airborne lead concentrations ranged up to 36 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3); 44% of the samples contained no detectable lead. The highest short term exposures were recorded during the power belt sanding of a painted wooden door and during the heating of lead in a ladle during a plumbing repair. These levels were 36 and 26microg/m3, respectively. There were no detectable lead exposures occurring during the emptying of trash, sweeping floors, and vacuuming carpets. Lead content of paint chips ranged up to 19% by weight. Blood lead levels ranged from 2.8 to 10 micrograms/deciliter. These blood levels were normal for adults in this country. Of the 16 participants, nine occasionally wore a respirator on the job. The authors conclude that none of the tasks studied resulted in lead exposures in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50microg/m3. The tasks producing the highest exposure levels were identified. Since those tasks which did produce the highest levels can be easily identified, the author recommends that these tasks be restructured.
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(1994) 3M Company, Little Rock, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' Union, an investigation of reported heart problems, lung disease and hearing loss in workers at 3M Company (SIC-3295), Little Rock, Arkansas. The company employed about 235 workers in the production of roofing granules from nepheline-syenite. The air concentration of crystalline silica (14808607) was above the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Air concentrations of trace metals were below the relevant ex... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' Union, an investigation of reported heart problems, lung disease and hearing loss in workers at 3M Company (SIC-3295), Little Rock, Arkansas. The company employed about 235 workers in the production of roofing granules from nepheline-syenite. The air concentration of crystalline silica (14808607) was above the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Air concentrations of trace metals were below the relevant exposure limits. Noise exposures in excess of the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 85 decibels-A as an 8 hour time weighted average were recorded. Heart disease was reported by ten and lung problems were reported by four of the 35 employees. The substances used at the site were not associated with heart disease. Lung disease could not be conclusively related to occupational exposure. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from noise exposure. The authors recommend that exposures to dust, silica, and noise be reduced.
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(1994) Alumax of South Carolina, Inc., Goose Creek, South Carolina. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation was conducted in response to a request from employees at Alumax of South Carolina (SIC-3334) Mt. Holly aluminum reduction facility, Goose Creek, South Carolina concerning exposure to welding fumes, airborne dust and other hazards associated with pot change out, cruse cleaning and pure bath activities. The facility was a two potline primary aluminum company which employed about 650 workers. The highest exposures to gaseous and particulate fluorides were limited mostly t... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation was conducted in response to a request from employees at Alumax of South Carolina (SIC-3334) Mt. Holly aluminum reduction facility, Goose Creek, South Carolina concerning exposure to welding fumes, airborne dust and other hazards associated with pot change out, cruse cleaning and pure bath activities. The facility was a two potline primary aluminum company which employed about 650 workers. The highest exposures to gaseous and particulate fluorides were limited mostly to workers involved in pot change out and sweeping operations. Potential overexposures could also exist during the knock out of cruse and cruse lid refractory. Airborne metal concentrations were only significant during the cathode repair welding operation. Arsenic (7440382) was not detected in any samples. Static magnetic field levels were as high as 673 gauss (G) at worker's locations but the time weighted average ranged from 150 to 160G. The authors conclude that overexposures to fluorides were possible during pot change out, replacing anodes and sweeping activities. Respirable crystalline silica (14808607) overexposures may occur during removal of the spent refractory liner. The authors recommend specific measures, including air monitoring for gaseous and particulate fluorides and total welding fumes, and monitoring electric and magnetic fields produced at various points in the facility.
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