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
1056 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
(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In October 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility with 94 employees. The request stated concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In April 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment of the production and office areas, industrial hygiene survey, and medical survey at ... (Click to show more)In October 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility with 94 employees. The request stated concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In April 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment of the production and office areas, industrial hygiene survey, and medical survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also measured levels of carbon monoxide in employees' exhaled breath. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Sixty-nine of the 88 full-shift personal samples collected exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 25.6 parts per billion. We identified jobs where some work tasks resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, rework of packaged coffee, moving roasted beans or ground coffee, grinding coffee beans, and packaging coffee were associated with higher diacetyl levels. Overall, the most commonly reported symptoms were nose and eye symptoms. Some production employees reported their nose and sinus symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee dust or chaff, roasted coffee dust, or ground coffee dust. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom, and was nearly two times higher than that expected compared with the U.S. population of the same age, race/ethnicity, sex, and cigarette smoking distribution. No participants had abnormal spirometry tests. We recommend installing local exhaust ventilation at the point sources with the highest concentrations of alpha-diketones. In addition to local exhaust ventilation, we recommend isolating or re-locating the main grinder. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who might be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In February 2017, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In August 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of th... (Click to show more)In February 2017, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting, flavoring, and packaging facility regarding concerns about potential health effects from exposure to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and flavoring. In August 2017, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also conducted a medical evaluation of employees that consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Forty-nine of the 51 full-shift personal samples collected during the industrial hygiene survey exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 47.3 parts per billion. Thirty-six of the 51 fullshift samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione of 9.3 parts per billion, with a maximum of 177.9 parts per billion. We identified work tasks that resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione than other tasks. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans, flavoring roasted beans, cleaning the flavoring mixer, cleaning the grinder, and packaging coffee were associated with higher diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione levels. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding of coffee, weighing of flavorings, flavoring coffee, and packaging ground coffee. Air levels of carbon monoxide collected on employees with duties that included grinding unflavored and flavored roasted beans exceeded the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 parts per million. Carbon monoxide levels in the area near the packaging grinders also exceeded 200 parts per million. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. Overall, the most commonly reported symptoms were associated with mucous membranes, specifically the eyes and nose. Some production employees reported their symptoms were caused or aggravated by green bean coffee burlap bags, dust, flavorings, grinding coffee, or packaging coffee. Wheezing or whistling in the chest, breathing trouble, and shortness of breath were the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptoms. Participants reporting a current asthma diagnosis or ever having a diagnosis of asthma were 4.1 and 3.1 times higher, respectively, compared with the U.S. population of the same age, race/ethnicity, sex, and cigarette smoking distribution. Participants also reported phlegm for three consecutive months 2.5 times more than expected compared with the U.S. population. Four (13%) of 30 participants had abnormal spirometry; two (6%) of 31 participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. We recommend implementing local exhaust and other ventilation changes, modification of work practices, training employees about workplace hazards, and respirator use. We also recommend instituting a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at two coffee roasting and packaging facilities. (Click to open report) In October 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at two coffee processing facilities regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In May 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment, an industrial hygiene survey, and a medical survey at each coffee facility. The industrial hygiene surveys consisted of the collection of air sampl... (Click to show more)In October 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a management request for a health hazard evaluation at two coffee processing facilities regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In May 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment, an industrial hygiene survey, and a medical survey at each coffee facility. The industrial hygiene surveys consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide in specific areas and during specific work tasks. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Facility A: Four of 12 full-shift personal air samples taken on six employees over two days showed air levels of diacetyl above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommended exposure limit of 5.0 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 17.6 parts per billion. Two of 12 full-shift personal air samples showed air levels of 2,3-pentanedione above the recommended exposure limit of 9.3 ppb with a maximum concentration of 11.8 ppb. Facility B: Six of nine full-shift personal air samples taken on five employees over two days show air levels of diacetyl above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommended exposure limit of 5.0 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 9.4 parts per billion. None of the full-shift personal air samples exceeded the recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione. We identified jobs where some work tasks resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans, blending roasted coffee beans by hand, and weighing and packaging roasted coffee were associated with higher diacetyl levels. Nose and eye symptoms were the most commonly reported symptoms at both facilities. Some employees reported their nose and eye symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee beans, burlap bags, grinding coffee, or dust. Breathing trouble or shortness of breath were among the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom at both facilities. One (9%) of eleven participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. Another participant had an abnormal spirometry test (one of 10 spirometry tests). We recommend training employees about work-place hazards and the use of respiratory protection. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2018) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of lead and isocyanate exposure in a maintenance facility with small arms repair and vehicle painting shops. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a small arms repair and vehicle maintenance facility. A manager was concerned about airborne lead and take-home lead exposures in the small arms repair shop as well as employees' exposures to hazardous painting products, including isocyanates in the military vehicle painting shop. To evaluate employee exposures to lead we collected personal air, hand, and surface wipe samples and we evaluated blood lead levels. For isocyanates, we coll... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a small arms repair and vehicle maintenance facility. A manager was concerned about airborne lead and take-home lead exposures in the small arms repair shop as well as employees' exposures to hazardous painting products, including isocyanates in the military vehicle painting shop. To evaluate employee exposures to lead we collected personal air, hand, and surface wipe samples and we evaluated blood lead levels. For isocyanates, we collected personal air samples for hexamethylene diisocyanate and tested the employees' blood to look for isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We evaluated the ventilations systems in both areas. Although we detected no lead in the personal air samples, we did find lead on employees' hands after they had washed them, and one elevated blood lead level. We found hexamethylene diisocyanate in the air in the spray paint shop, and one employee had a blood test, which showed antibodies to a specific isocyanate (isophorone diisocyanate) in the paint, confirming recent exposure. We observed multiple opportunities for dermal exposure to paints that contained isocyanates. The firing line of the range had turbulent airflow, creating irregular mixing of air. The spray paint booth had missing and damaged filters and did not adequately remove paint overspray from the breathing zone of employees. We recommended the employer start an isocyanate medical surveillance program, use a lead removal product for hand washing and cleaning work surfaces, and have employees wear nitrile gloves while repairing firearms. We also recommended the employer provide eye and face protection and appropriately-sized protective suits for spray painting vehicles. Ventilation recommendations included reducing firing line turbulence and replacing the spray paint booth with a downdraft ventilation paint booth.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2018) Indoor environmental quality concerns among hospital employees working in a radiology department. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative at a hospital. The request concerned indoor environmental quality (IEQ), comfort issues including heat, and foreign particles coming out of the supply air vents in the Radiology Department and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Suites. Employees reported symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation and were concerned that breathing the particles would cause long-term health effects. We interviewed employees ab... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative at a hospital. The request concerned indoor environmental quality (IEQ), comfort issues including heat, and foreign particles coming out of the supply air vents in the Radiology Department and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Suites. Employees reported symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation and were concerned that breathing the particles would cause long-term health effects. We interviewed employees about their health concerns; reviewed illness and injury logs, ventilation system diagrams, a consultant's IEQ assessment report, and medical records; took real-time air samples for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, temperature, and relative humidity, and bulk samples from different areas of the ventilation systems; and evaluated the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Temperature, carbon dioxide, and relative humidity were within the recommended levels for indoor work environments. Carbon monoxide levels were well below occupational exposure limits. We found that air was bypassing the filtration systems and that the outdoor air intakes were at or below ground level. The black particulates in the workplace contained soot, which indicated that exhaust particles were entering the workspace. Gray material in the ventilation systems was mostly cellulose. Over half of the employees reported being concerned about work exposures. The perception of the lack of management action in addressing these concerns may be linked to why some employees expressed distrust in the employer's willingness to look out for the well-being of employees. We recommended improving preventative maintenance on the ventilation systems and working with a mechanical engineer so that air supplied to the workspace meets current indoor environmental quality guidelines for health care facilities.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2018) Lead exposures at a bullet manufacturer. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner at a lead bullet manufacturer who was concerned about employees' lead exposure. We observed work processes, work practices, and ventilation; measured employees' blood lead levels and exposures to lead, antimony, and tin in air and on surfaces; and interviewed employees about their work and their health. We found nine of 10 employees, including those working in the packaging and shipping bay, had blood lead levels that were eq... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the owner at a lead bullet manufacturer who was concerned about employees' lead exposure. We observed work processes, work practices, and ventilation; measured employees' blood lead levels and exposures to lead, antimony, and tin in air and on surfaces; and interviewed employees about their work and their health. We found nine of 10 employees, including those working in the packaging and shipping bay, had blood lead levels that were equal to or above 5 micrograms per deciliter, a level that NIOSH considers high. The employees with the highest blood lead levels worked in the casting bay and coating room. We found lead on employees' hands after they washed up at lunch and before they went home. We found lead on surfaces in non-production areas such as the employee break room, the office, and an outdoor picnic table employees used. Airborne metal exposures were below current occupational exposure limits; full-shift personal air exposures to lead ranged from 2.3 to 20 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The company did not have a written lead monitoring or lead control program. Our recommendations included improving ventilation in the bullet casting bay; starting a lead program; using wet cleaning methods for potentially contaminated surfaces; providing an on-site laundry, dedicated work clothes, and separate lockers for street and work clothes, and not allowing employees to consume or store food or drink in bullet production areas.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2018) Nonproduction area air and surface lead levels, employee blood lead levels, and psychosocial factors at a battery manufacturing plant. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a management request from a lead-acid battery manufacturing company who wanted assistance in lowering employees' blood lead levels. We focused our environmental sampling on nonproduction plant areas and determining if employees were unknowingly carrying lead dust into areas generally regarded as clean. We evaluated air and surface lead concentrations in nonproduction areas that were generally regarded as "clean," such as the cafeteria, locker rooms, ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a management request from a lead-acid battery manufacturing company who wanted assistance in lowering employees' blood lead levels. We focused our environmental sampling on nonproduction plant areas and determining if employees were unknowingly carrying lead dust into areas generally regarded as clean. We evaluated air and surface lead concentrations in nonproduction areas that were generally regarded as "clean," such as the cafeteria, locker rooms, and front office. We reviewed employee blood lead testing results, lead in air sample results, and related company written health and safety programs. We asked employees about their medical and work history, their health concerns about work, and about the lead hazard control program. Surface and hand wipe results and area air sample results showed continued exposure potential in all the nonproduction areas we tested. However, we found only one hand wipe (out of 29) that was positive for lead before the employee exited the plant after the shift; all these employees reported showering and using lead removal soap immediately before exiting. The average blood lead levels of employees' means were >/= 10 micrograms per deciliter, though the overall blood lead level averages declined over the years for which we reviewed data. Some airborne lead exposures in the past exceeded occupational exposure limits in all production departments. The company had longstanding medical surveillance and exposure assessment programs, employee health and safety training, and was aware of primary exposure control challenges in their production areas. Opportunities to minimize lead dust exposure include improving local exhaust and general ventilation, maintaining positive air pressurization in clean nonproduction areas, redesigning the locker rooms to have distinct clean and dirty sides, and potentially requiring respirator use for all employees at a job site where an exposure is above the OSHA action limit (the level at which the company requires respiratory protection). We recommended the employees take the manufacturer's recommended amount of time to walk through the air shower when exiting the production area, and not giving himself or herself any type of synthetic or natural chelation therapy.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of dust exposures in a spice shop. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a spice shop. The employer was concerned about employee exposures to dust during spice grinding operations. We measured the amount of dust in the air. We observed work activities, production processes, and personal protective equipment use. We interviewed employees and asked about their work, medical history, and work-related health concerns. Exposures were highest for employees grinding, blending, and mixing spices. The highest inhala... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a spice shop. The employer was concerned about employee exposures to dust during spice grinding operations. We measured the amount of dust in the air. We observed work activities, production processes, and personal protective equipment use. We interviewed employees and asked about their work, medical history, and work-related health concerns. Exposures were highest for employees grinding, blending, and mixing spices. The highest inhalable dust concentrations were in the grinding room where employees ground spices using a mechanical grinder and mixed and blended bulk spices by hand and with a commercial blender. Employees reported occasional brief upper respiratory irritation from work exposures but no persistent symptoms. Although respiratory protection was worn by employees when grinding spices, its use was voluntary and employees did not always use it correctly. As some spice dusts have been reported to be allergens, and the dusts are capable of causing occupational asthma and dermatitis, we encouraged the employer to take the approach that is most protective of employees' health in controlling exposures to spice dust. Installing LEV and improving work practices and material handling techniques to limit dust and aerosol exposures to the lowest feasible limits are needed to reduce employee exposures. Until LEV is installed, employees grinding, mixing, and blending spices should be required to wear respiratory protection. We also recommended the company enhance employee training on the proper use of personal protective equipment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of employee exposures at a plastic bag sealing plant. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer who was concerned about employee exposures to the smoke created when heat-sealing polyethylene plastic bags. Two types of bag-making machines were used, wicketers and flatbed baggers. This plant did not produce the polyethylene film used to manufacture the bags. We collected personal air samples for acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, and respirable dust. We collected area air samples for carbon monoxide. We used ventilat... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer who was concerned about employee exposures to the smoke created when heat-sealing polyethylene plastic bags. Two types of bag-making machines were used, wicketers and flatbed baggers. This plant did not produce the polyethylene film used to manufacture the bags. We collected personal air samples for acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, and respirable dust. We collected area air samples for carbon monoxide. We used ventilation smoke tubes to observe airflow patterns near the bag sealing machines and to evaluate the effectiveness of the recently installed local exhaust ventilation systems. Full-shift personal exposures to respirable dust were low, and short-term samples for acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were below occupational exposure limits. There was a slight visible smoke in the wicketer area. We measured carbon monoxide concentrations up to 19 ppm near the operator stations for the two wicketers that were running, and up to 47 ppm at the operator station near the flatbed bagger. We found that although employees reported that smoke in the wicketer area had decreased since the installation of local exhaust ventilation systems, these systems could be improved. We recommended moving the slot hood closer to the wicketer, tightening loose connections between the hood and the exhaust duct, and eliminating the sagging and sharp turns in the flexible duct. We also recommend forming a health and safety committee consisting of employees and managers.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposure and respiratory health at a coffee processing facility. (Click to open report) In April 2014, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility with 26 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In July 2015, we conducted the initial industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting... (Click to show more)In April 2014, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility with 26 employees regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In July 2015, we conducted the initial industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (i.e., diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione) and dust. Bulk samples of whole bean and ground roasted coffee were collected to evaluate the potential for emission of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also conducted a ventilation assessment in the production and office areas and held brief individual interviews with employees. Two interim reports with recommendations were sent to the company following our first visit. In March 2016, we conducted a second industrial hygiene survey, a second ventilation assessment, and a medical evaluation of employees. The industrial hygiene survey included the collection of air and bulk samples for diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide in specific areas and during specific work tasks. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Overall, time-weighted average air concentrations of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were consistently higher during our second industrial hygiene survey in March 2016. During our second visit, the production area exhaust fan was off, the bay doors were closed, and more coffee was processed, which likely contributed to the higher concentrations. Ten of the 49 full-shift samples collected during the two surveys exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 8.4 parts per billion. We identified jobs where some work tasks resulted in relatively higher air concentrations of diacetyl than other tasks. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans, blending roasted coffee beans by hand, and weighing and packaging roasted coffee were associated with higher diacetyl levels. Overall, the most commonly reported symptoms were associated with mucous membranes, specifically the eyes, nose, and sinuses. Some production employees reported their mucous membrane symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee dust or chaff, roasted coffee, or ground coffee dust. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom, and was four times higher than that expected when compared to the U.S. population of the same age, race/ethnicity, sex, and cigarette smoking distribution. One participant had abnormal spirometry not thought to represent flavoring-related lung disease and one participant had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. We recommend operating the exhaust fan and make-up air system in the production space during occupancy, installing local exhaust ventilation, and training employees about workplace hazards. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
