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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
(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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(1994) Asbury Graphite Mills, Inc., Asbury, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the New Jersey Department of Health, environmental and medical surveys were conducted at Asbury Graphite Mill (SIC-1499), Asbury, New Jersey to investigate exposure to pneumoconiotic dusts. A case of pneumoconiosis had been reported in a former employee of the facility. One of 35 personal samples and 19 area samples taken and analyzed for respirable graphite (7782425) had a concentration that exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 2mg/m3. The potential for over... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the New Jersey Department of Health, environmental and medical surveys were conducted at Asbury Graphite Mill (SIC-1499), Asbury, New Jersey to investigate exposure to pneumoconiotic dusts. A case of pneumoconiosis had been reported in a former employee of the facility. One of 35 personal samples and 19 area samples taken and analyzed for respirable graphite (7782425) had a concentration that exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 2mg/m3. The potential for overexposure to respirable crystalline silica (14808607) was demonstrated for several samples. Of the 34 personal breathing zone and 230 area samples collected for total dust, one personal and two area samples had levels which exceeded the TLV of 10mg/m3 for total particulate, not otherwise classified. The inadequacy of the local exhaust ventilation system was noted. Of the 54 current employees, 47 participated in medical studies. Chest X-rays consistent with pneumoconiosis were detected in three of the workers. Symptoms of chronic cough and chronic phlegm were reported more frequently among workers whose jobs included a higher potential for exposure to dust. Pulmonary function was inversely related to exposure. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from exposure to silica containing dusts. The authors recommend that local exhaust ventilation systems be improved, formal respiratory protection programs be developed, and a medical surveillance program be instituted.
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(1994) Blaw Knox Rolls, Inc., Wheeling, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3096, an investigation was begun into workplace exposures at the Blaw Knox facility (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The foundry produced rolls for both ferrous and nonferrous rolling mills. One of the major hazards found at the site was exposure to free crystalline silica (14808607). Of all personal and area samples taken, 42% exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level for respirable quartz and 23% exceeded the OSHA ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3096, an investigation was begun into workplace exposures at the Blaw Knox facility (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The foundry produced rolls for both ferrous and nonferrous rolling mills. One of the major hazards found at the site was exposure to free crystalline silica (14808607). Of all personal and area samples taken, 42% exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level for respirable quartz and 23% exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit. Overexposures were also noted to nickel (7440020), lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), sulfur-dioxide (7446095) and isopropyl-alcohol (67630). The respiratory health of 70% of the workers was examined, and pneumoconiotic changes with a median profusion reading of 1/0 or greater on the 12 point International Labor Organization scale were considered to be present on the chest x-rays of two of the workers. Obstructive lung function abnormalities were noted in 23% of the participants. No restrictive lung function abnormalities were noted. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to elevated levels of nickel, lead, chromium, sulfur-dioxide, isopropyl-alcohol and respirable free silica dust. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce these exposures. Medical surveillance should be provided for the workforce.
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(1994) Boise Cascade, Timber and Wood Products Division, Kettle Falls, Washington. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from employees at Boise Cascade, Timber and Wood Products Division (SIC-2436), Kettle Falls, Washington, an evaluation was conducted of exposure to fly ash and smoke emissions from veneer dryers at the facility and around two fluidized bed combustors located adjacent to the site. A case of manganese (7439965) poisoning had been reported in a worker. Bulk samples of residue collected on the inside and outside surfaces of veneer dryers indicated manganese was ... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from employees at Boise Cascade, Timber and Wood Products Division (SIC-2436), Kettle Falls, Washington, an evaluation was conducted of exposure to fly ash and smoke emissions from veneer dryers at the facility and around two fluidized bed combustors located adjacent to the site. A case of manganese (7439965) poisoning had been reported in a worker. Bulk samples of residue collected on the inside and outside surfaces of veneer dryers indicated manganese was present in concentrations ranging from 1,900 to 6,600 micrograms per gram (microg/g). Fly ash collected near the fluidized bed combustors ranged in manganese concentration from 3,300 to 5,200microg/g. One sample of a kaolin clay based refractory sand used in a fluidized bed combustor contained 30,000microg/g manganese. Twelve personal breathing zone exposures to respirable dust ranged from 0.09 to 6.7mg/m3. Respirable silica (14808607) concentrations exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.05mg/m3. The source of manganese was from manganese containing wood ash generated by the combustion of hogging fuel. Bulk samples of sawdust and hogging fuel ranged from 46 parts per million (ppm) for sawdust from peeled timber to 310ppm for predominantly bark sample. The authors conclude that a potential occupational health hazard existed for workers exposed to manganese and silica. The authors recommend specific measures to improve working conditions and health and safety practices at this facility.
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(1994) Chemetals, Inc., New Johnsonville, Tennessee. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Union of Operating Engineers, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at Chemetals, Inc. (SIC-2819), New Johnsonville, Tennessee. Some employees had experienced nose bleeds, eye irritation, chest congestion, headaches, and dizziness associated with excessive exposures to sulfuric-acid (7664939) mist and manganese (7439965) dust. The company produced high purity manganese-dioxide. Exposures to manganese exceeded the NIO... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Union of Operating Engineers, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at Chemetals, Inc. (SIC-2819), New Johnsonville, Tennessee. Some employees had experienced nose bleeds, eye irritation, chest congestion, headaches, and dizziness associated with excessive exposures to sulfuric-acid (7664939) mist and manganese (7439965) dust. The company produced high purity manganese-dioxide. Exposures to manganese exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 1mg/m3 for workers in the briquette bagging operation where time weighted average (TWA) 10 hour exposures were 7.62mg/m3. Excessive exposures were also noted at the briquette batch mixing and manganese powder 4,000 pound bagging operation where TWAs were 1.27 and 1.90mg/m3, respectively. A later visit revealed manganese exposures exceeding the short term exposure limit (STEL) of 3mg/m3 as well for workers in the briquette batch mixing area with TWAs of 1.24 and STEL measurement of 3.2mg/m3. Approximately 18% of the exposed particulate was in the respirable range. Exposures to sulfuric-acid were consistently below the REL of 1mg/m3. Notable eye and throat irritation were observed in the cell rooms, suggesting the need to implement engineering controls. The author concludes that a potential health hazard from exposure to manganese dust was found. The author recommends that exposures to manganese dust and sulfuric-acid mist be reduced.
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(1994) Dee Zee Manufacturing, Des Moines, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees at Dee Zee Manufacturing (SIC-3429), Des Moines, Iowa, concerning exposures to hazardous materials in and around the buffing shack area, an environmental and medical survey was conducted. The company manufactured after market truck accessories such as running boards, brush guards, and roll bars. Overexposures were found to total dust, welding fumes, aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), carbon-monoxide (630080), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and sulfur-di... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees at Dee Zee Manufacturing (SIC-3429), Des Moines, Iowa, concerning exposures to hazardous materials in and around the buffing shack area, an environmental and medical survey was conducted. The company manufactured after market truck accessories such as running boards, brush guards, and roll bars. Overexposures were found to total dust, welding fumes, aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), carbon-monoxide (630080), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) for buffing and welding employees. All employees were overexposed to carbon-monoxide. Buffers and welders reported similar prevalences of shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing, but the buffers had higher prevalences of skin rashes, nosebleeds, ear pain, eye irritation and sneezing. Foreign objects in the eyes occurred more frequently among the welders. Eight of the current employees had pulmonary function results below normal limits. All eight exhibited obstructive respiratory disease patterns. Two of the eight were buffers; six were welders. All were either former or current smokers. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from exposure to dust, welding fume, aluminum, chromium, carbon- monoxide, nitrogen-dioxide, and sulfur-dioxide. The authors recommend that medical surveillance and exposure reduction measures be taken.
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(1994) Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility, Chester, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns inc... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns included ear, nose and throat problems, eye irritation, and skin rash. During the initial visit, lead and other metals were found in settled dust throughout the facility. Lead, chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were present on lunch tables and on workers' hands. During a follow up visit, full shift personal air monitoring was conducted. The greatest concentrations of lead were found in bulk, wipe and air samples. Personal breathing samples taken showed that lead concentrations were well below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter. A potential for excessive heat exposure was found on the fifth and sixth floor of the facility. Safety hazards cited during this visit included improper practices regarding personal protective equipment and inadequate personal hygiene practices such as handwashing. The authors conclude that a possible occupational health hazard existed due to heat exposure in some areas of the facility. The presence of metal in dust on workers' hands and surfaces presented a risk of ingestion.
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