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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
(1994) Rubbermaid, Inc., Reynolds, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a management representative of Rubbermaid, Inc. (SIC-3089), a study was begun of possible exposures to airborne formaldehyde (50000), and total and respirable dust at the Reynolds, Indiana facility. The facility employed about 150 persons in the manufacture of thermoset plastic cookware products. In the Compounding Department, melamine/formaldehyde powder was compressed into small pellets which were transported to the Press Department and molded into the desired sha... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a management representative of Rubbermaid, Inc. (SIC-3089), a study was begun of possible exposures to airborne formaldehyde (50000), and total and respirable dust at the Reynolds, Indiana facility. The facility employed about 150 persons in the manufacture of thermoset plastic cookware products. In the Compounding Department, melamine/formaldehyde powder was compressed into small pellets which were transported to the Press Department and molded into the desired shape. Pieces were then sent to the Product Process Department where parts were trimmed and packaged. There was no local exhaust system for the presses. Personal breathing zone airborne formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 0.52 to 1.75 parts per million (ppm) for nine press operators. Seven exceeded the Permissible Exposure Level of 0.75ppm. Area samples for formaldehyde ranged from 0.23 to 1.98ppm. Total dust concentrations in the Bipel booth were 2.25 and 2.47mg/m3 and respirable dust concentrations were 0.69 and 0.56mg/m3. The booth effectively contained the dust generated during that operation. Very low quantities of toluene (108883), styrene (100425), isopropanol (67630), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) were detected. The author concludes that a health hazard for press operators existed from formaldehyde exposures. The author recommends that engineering controls be used to reduce formaldehyde exposure.
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(1994) Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Saint Leon, Indiana. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a health hazard evaluation at Saint Joseph''s Catholic Church in Saint Leon, Indiana, at the request of the Secretary of the church''s parish council. The request concerned evaluation of the health risks associated with worker exposures to a large accumulation of bat droppings during renovation activities in the church''s 6700 square foot attic. NIOSH researchers collected twenty samples of bat droppings from the church'... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a health hazard evaluation at Saint Joseph''s Catholic Church in Saint Leon, Indiana, at the request of the Secretary of the church''s parish council. The request concerned evaluation of the health risks associated with worker exposures to a large accumulation of bat droppings during renovation activities in the church''s 6700 square foot attic. NIOSH researchers collected twenty samples of bat droppings from the church''s attic, one sample of moldy wood from its rafters, and four soil samples around its foundation to be analyzed for the fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. H. capsulatum is the etiologic agent of histoplasmosis, the most common pulmonary mycosis of humans and animals. Acute, severe pulmonary histoplasmosis usually occurs in small epidemics involving exposure to an aerosol containing numerous spores resulting from the disturbance of highly infected material. A primary source of H. capsulatum is soil, especially in regions of bird or bat habitats. While wind is probably the most important means of disseminating H. capsulatum, the fungus can survive and be transmitted from one location to another on the feet of both birds and bats. Unlike birds, bats can become infected with H. capsulatum and consequently may excrete the organism in their feces. The twenty-five samples collected at Saint Joseph''s Catholic Church will be analyzed qualitatively by a new method using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) probe detection system. The time period required to develop such an analytical method was uncertain when this report was written; however, sampling results were not expected for several months. An amended report will be prepared and distributed when results are available. As explained in this report, it is prudent to assume that the bat droppings in the attic of Saint Joseph''s Catholic Church are contaminated with H. capsulatum and that disturbing this material represents a potential health hazard. Recommendations were made to reduce exposures to aerosolized dust by spraying the bat droppings with water prior to and during renovation activities. Further, each worker was recommended to wear a NIOSH/MSHA-approved fullfacepiece powered air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters, disposable protective clothing with a hood, disposable latex gloves under cotton work gloves, and disposable shoe coverings. Because the recommended ensemble of disposable personal protective equipment is more insulating than normal work clothing, precautions should be taken during renovation activities to reduce the risk of heat stress-related illnesses. Keywords: SIC 8661 (religious organizations), bats, Histoplasma capsulatum, histoplasmosis, and respiratory protection.
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(1994) State of Rhode Island, Department of Employment and Training, Providence, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training (DET) (SIC-9441), Providence, Rhode Island, an investigation was started into possible excessive exposures to lead (7439921) following abrasive blasting to remove lead based paint from the interior surfaces of the facility prior to occupancy of the building. Environmental monitoring studies were conducted approximately 18 months after the lead abatement activity had been completed. No lead was detected in any of the twelve general area samples taken for airborne lead. Two bulk samples of residue abrasive blasting and paint chips material contained 3,300 and 120,000 micrograms of lead/gram of material. Forty wipe samples obtained from surfaces in the office ranged from 9 to 200,000 micrograms of lead/square foot. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed due to the presence of lead contaminated dust. The authors recommend that manual cleaning and vacuuming of these areas using a high efficiency particulate air filtering system be conducted.
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(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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