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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
(1994) Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Click to open report) In response to a request from civilian employees of the U.S. Air Force Logistics Command (SIC-3721) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, an investigation was begun into possible health effects from exposure to cobalt (7440484), chromium (7440473), and nickel (7440020) in the Nozzle Shop area. The Base refurbished Air Force jet aircraft by inspecting the parts and repairing them as needed. Jet engine nozzles were refurbished in the Nozzle Shop. The damaged vanes were removed from th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from civilian employees of the U.S. Air Force Logistics Command (SIC-3721) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, an investigation was begun into possible health effects from exposure to cobalt (7440484), chromium (7440473), and nickel (7440020) in the Nozzle Shop area. The Base refurbished Air Force jet aircraft by inspecting the parts and repairing them as needed. Jet engine nozzles were refurbished in the Nozzle Shop. The damaged vanes were removed from the nozzle frame by grinding off the connecting weld using hand held portable grinders. The repair was completed by welding the new vanes in place using gas tungsten arc welding. A review was conducted of environmental monitoring data collected before and after the implementation of control measures including ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, and work practices. Medical interviews were conducted with 23 grinders and welders. The pulmonary function testing program was evaluated, and the medical screening program was reviewed. Environmental sampling data showed reductions of personal exposure levels to below the OSHA permissible exposure limits. With the exception of nickel, the recent measurements were also below the NIOSH recommended exposure levels (RELs). The authors recommend that exposure be reduced so that all exposure levels remain below the NIOSH RELs, and that measures be taken to assure continuing validity of the medical screening program.
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(1994) United Seal Company, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Columbus Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, an investigation was made into possible excessive lead (7439921) exposure at United Seal Company (SIC-3679), Columbus, Ohio. The referral came from a local hospital where a patient was found to have blood lead levels in excess of 40 micrograms/deciliter. The patient's children were being treated concurrently for lead poisoning at the same hospital. The worker was employed at the United Seal Company. In additi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Columbus Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, an investigation was made into possible excessive lead (7439921) exposure at United Seal Company (SIC-3679), Columbus, Ohio. The referral came from a local hospital where a patient was found to have blood lead levels in excess of 40 micrograms/deciliter. The patient's children were being treated concurrently for lead poisoning at the same hospital. The worker was employed at the United Seal Company. In addition to the index case, two of seven workers tested had blood lead levels greater than 25 micrograms/deciliter. None had other biochemical evidence of lead toxicity. Employees had not received the proper education about the hazards of lead exposure and its prevention. Appropriate personal hygiene measures were not taken at the site. Wipe sampling indicated that workers' hands were contaminated with lead, even after washing with soap and water prior to leaving the worksite at the end of the shift. Surface lead concentrations were quite high in workers' automobiles, particularly on the seat and floor area. The authors conclude that two of seven workers had elevated blood levels. Worker education, and personal hygiene practices were not adequate to control lead exposure. The authors recommend that specific measures be taken to reduce exposure in the work areas and to minimize the amount of lead taken home.
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(1994) University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an investigation was begun into symptoms reported by workers at the University of Iowa library (SIC-8231). Workers had complained of skin itching, tingling, skin blotching, sinusitis, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain on handling books which had been imported from India. Air samples were collected along with wipe samples for organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides and metals. Cellophane tape stripping of glitter like particles was carried out on the skin... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an investigation was begun into symptoms reported by workers at the University of Iowa library (SIC-8231). Workers had complained of skin itching, tingling, skin blotching, sinusitis, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain on handling books which had been imported from India. Air samples were collected along with wipe samples for organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides and metals. Cellophane tape stripping of glitter like particles was carried out on the skin of an employee and from a book. Polarized light microscopy of the glitter like particles were consistent with glue particles. Air sampling did not reveal any contaminants nor did the wipe samples. While no definitive source of the complaints could be found, the employees who reported frequent contact with the Indian books were more likely to express complaints than were others. The authors conclude that a source for the reported symptoms was not found, but the symptoms were consistent with irritative symptoms of the skin, and irritative or allergic symptoms of the eyes and upper airway. The authors recommend that the areas be kept clean and free of dusts. A mild soap should be used to wash the hands after handing these particular books. Gloves and other protective clothing should be worn at the option of the workers to help avoid skin contact.
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(1994) USS/USX Gary Works, No. 2 Q-BOP Shop, Gary, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the quick basic oxygen process (Q-BOP) shop at USS/USX Gary Works (SIC-3312), Gary, Indiana. The company was an integrated steel manufacturer where three major steel making processes were performed. Air contaminants, noise, heat stress, and ergonomic problems had been reported. Exposures to metals and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) were monitored. Confidential interviews were conduc... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential employee request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the quick basic oxygen process (Q-BOP) shop at USS/USX Gary Works (SIC-3312), Gary, Indiana. The company was an integrated steel manufacturer where three major steel making processes were performed. Air contaminants, noise, heat stress, and ergonomic problems had been reported. Exposures to metals and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) were monitored. Confidential interviews were conducted with workers. Some employees reported experiencing nasal discharge, sinus congestion, and chest congestion, which are all symptomatic of exposures to airborne irritants. Tinnitus related to work schedules and long term hearing problems suggested that the hearing conservation program was not effective. Heat related headache, sweating and thirst symptoms along with heart palpitations and lightheadedness or dizziness suggested over exposures to heat. A few employees reported intermittent numbness and tingling or pain in the hands related to hand held vibration sources. Others reported joint or muscle pain attributed to work in awkward postures. The authors conclude that Q-BOP shop workers were potentially exposed to airborne irritants, noise, heat, and ergonomic risk factors. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce exposures, and to improve the health and safety of the workers.
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(1993) Commercial Steel Treating Company, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request received from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk Program (SENSOR) from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was conducted on exposures to respirable silica (14808607) at a sandblasting operation being conducted at the Commercial Steel Treating Company (SIC-3471) in Cleveland, Ohio. SENSOR had been informed of the death of a sandblasting worker due to silico tuberculosis; the worker had been employed at the company for 10 years. The facility he... (Click to show more)In response to a request received from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk Program (SENSOR) from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was conducted on exposures to respirable silica (14808607) at a sandblasting operation being conducted at the Commercial Steel Treating Company (SIC-3471) in Cleveland, Ohio. SENSOR had been informed of the death of a sandblasting worker due to silico tuberculosis; the worker had been employed at the company for 10 years. The facility heat treated and sandblasted products such as weldments. Air samples obtained from the sandblasting area were evaluated for airborne respirable silica and medical evaluations, including chest X-rays, were conducted on 16 of the 17 employees. All but one of the air samples demonstrated levels of respirable quartz that were in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.1mg/m3. Abnormal pulmonary function test results were seen in five of the workers. Four had opacities in the lungs of 1/0 or greater, one had advanced silicosis, and four had radiological evidence of tuberculosis scarring. The author concludes that there is a serious problem related to respirable silica dust at this sandblasting operation. The author recommends that medical screenings and engineering controls be instituted.
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(1993) Crown, Cork, and Seal Company, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential employee request, a study was conducted on potential occupational exposures to several compounds as well as an evaluation of a possible excess of cancer deaths among employees at Crown, Cork, and Seal (SIC-3411) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Skin rashes, burning eyes and mucous membrane irritation had been reported by workers. The facility employed about 100 workers in the production of pop top cans. Air samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds, calcium (7440702)... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential employee request, a study was conducted on potential occupational exposures to several compounds as well as an evaluation of a possible excess of cancer deaths among employees at Crown, Cork, and Seal (SIC-3411) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Skin rashes, burning eyes and mucous membrane irritation had been reported by workers. The facility employed about 100 workers in the production of pop top cans. Air samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds, calcium (7440702), and other elements. Fourteen workers with potential exposures to lime dust, paints, oils, and solvents were given medical examinations. Personnel records and the OSHA 200 Injury and Illness logs were reviewed. No exposures in excess of recommended standards were recognized. Over the previous 3 years, there were three cases of lung cancer and one renal cell carcinoma reported in employees. No relevant past exposure to potential occupational causative agents was found, and the distribution of cancer types was not unusual. The authors recommend that hand protection and local exhaust ventilation be used to reduce exposure to skin irritants.
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(1993) General Castings - Power Street Facility, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, cleaning and sand handling areas of the General Castings Power Street Facility (SIC-3321), Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry which employed 32 workers. Three coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil bake, and no bake. Of the 15 environmental samples taken, four exceeded the OSHA 100 micrograms/cubic meter (microg... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, cleaning and sand handling areas of the General Castings Power Street Facility (SIC-3321), Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry which employed 32 workers. Three coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil bake, and no bake. Of the 15 environmental samples taken, four exceeded the OSHA 100 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) limit for respirable silica (14808607) as quartz. At the time of the survey, a local exhaust ventilation and bag house system was being installed. Personal breathing zone concentrations of lead (7439921) exceeded the 50microg/m3 permissible exposure level for the furnace operator and two pourers. Benzene (71432) exposures were in excess of the 0.1 part per million recommended exposure limit for two coremakers and a pourer. Carbon-monoxide (630080) levels ranged from 6 to 38 parts per million (ppm). Phenol (108952), toluene (108883), formaldehyde (50000), and other metals did not exceed recommended criteria levels. The authors conclude that workers without respiratory protection were overexposed to respirable silica, lead, carbon-monoxide, and benzene. The authors recommend that engineering controls and improved work practices be instituted to control exposures.
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(1993) General Castings - Toledo Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into worker exposures at the Toledo Street Facility of General Castings (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry with 55 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 31 to 284 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as time weighted averages (TWAs). Of the 16 nearly full shift samples taken, six exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposu... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into worker exposures at the Toledo Street Facility of General Castings (SIC-3321), Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry with 55 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 31 to 284 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as time weighted averages (TWAs). Of the 16 nearly full shift samples taken, six exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 100microg/m3. Benzene (71432S) was detected in one sample for a molder at 0.1 parts per million (ppm), equal to the NIOSH recommended limits. Formaldehyde (50000) concentrations in the area ranged from 0.012 to 0.026ppm. Carbon-monoxide (630080) concentrations ranged from 2 to 30ppm with five of the ten personal breathing zone samples exceeding the accepted levels. Phenol (108952) at 0.07 to 0.54ppm, isopropanol (67630) at 1 to 38ppm, toluene (108883) at less than 0.062 to 0.066ppm, and the metals aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), iron (7439896), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965), lead (7439921), and zinc (7440666), did not exceed the recommended limits. The authors conclude that there was a hazard from respirable silica, carbon-monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene exposures in the coremaking, molding, and shakeout areas. The authors recommend that engineering controls, an improved respiratory protection program, and improved work practices be implemented to reduce exposures.
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(1993) Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., Scranton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures associated with hot melt glue, shrinkwrap, and foil stamping operations at Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., (SIC-2789), Scranton, Pennsylvania. Worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080), noise and paper dust were also of concern. The company was a book bindery, a three story complex employing about 115 workers in the office and 235 in the production of the books. Printing was done off site. Six varieties of hot melt glues were... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an investigation was begun into possible exposures associated with hot melt glue, shrinkwrap, and foil stamping operations at Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., (SIC-2789), Scranton, Pennsylvania. Worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080), noise and paper dust were also of concern. The company was a book bindery, a three story complex employing about 115 workers in the office and 235 in the production of the books. Printing was done off site. Six varieties of hot melt glues were used in nine machines on three floors to produce 100,000 hard cover and 25,000 paperback books daily. None of the measurements taken for total airborne particulate, carbon-monoxide, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) and general aldehydes exceeded the recommended limits. Exposures were above recommended limits (lowest feasible level) for acetaldehyde (75070) and formaldehyde (50000). Workers were potentially exposed to noise levels in excess of the OSHA Action Level of 85 decibels-A. Symptoms of upper respiratory irritation were noted in some of the ten employee medical records reviewed. Numerous complaints of repetitive motion trauma were seen in OSHA logs. The authors conclude that there was a potential hazard from acetaldehyde and formaldehyde exposures. The authors recommend that exposures be controlled to the lowest feasible level. Work practices and engineering controls throughout the facility should be improved.
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(1993) Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company, Puunene, Hawaii; Hamakua Sugar Plantation, Honakaa, Hawaii. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Hawaii Department of Health, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company (SIC-0133), Puuene, and the Hamakua Sugar Plantation, Honakaa. Of particular concern was the possibility that chronic respiratory diseases were related to smoke containing biogenic silica fibers (BSF). BSF exposure was evaluated and a case/control study of mesothelioma and BSF exposure was pursued using records from the ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Hawaii Department of Health, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company (SIC-0133), Puuene, and the Hamakua Sugar Plantation, Honakaa. Of particular concern was the possibility that chronic respiratory diseases were related to smoke containing biogenic silica fibers (BSF). BSF exposure was evaluated and a case/control study of mesothelioma and BSF exposure was pursued using records from the Hawaii Tumor Registry to identify subjects. Exposure to BSF was recorded for equipment operators involved in moving sugarcane into the mill. The air concentrations of inorganic fibers ranged from 1,200 to 8,350 fibers/cubic meter (f/m3). Rake operators had the highest exposure of field workers, ranging from 1,250 to 56,280f/m3. Asbestos (1332214) was detected in air samples from machinists, mechanics and operators of planting machinery with the highest concentration being 0.77f/cubic centimeter. In the medical study of 355 sugarcane workers, neither respiratory symptoms or chest X-ray abnormalities were associated with BSF exposure. The authors conclude that no association was found between occupational exposure to BSF and respiratory symptoms, X-ray signs of chronic lung disease or mesothelioma. At the time of the survey, mill workers were exposed to asbestos. The authors recommend measures to decrease the exposure to asbestos at these sites.
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