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HHE Search Results
477 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
(1980) Globe Metallurgical, a division of Interlake, Inc., Beverly Ohio. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted between June and November, 1979 at the Globe Metallurgical Division of Interlake, Incorporated (SIC-2819) in Beverly, Ohio. An authorized representative from the United Steel Workers of America, Local 6856, requested the investigation to evaluate health problems experienced by employees during the production of rare earth silicide. The evaluation consisted of a telephone survey of employees followed by a medical and environmental study of the fac... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted between June and November, 1979 at the Globe Metallurgical Division of Interlake, Incorporated (SIC-2819) in Beverly, Ohio. An authorized representative from the United Steel Workers of America, Local 6856, requested the investigation to evaluate health problems experienced by employees during the production of rare earth silicide. The evaluation consisted of a telephone survey of employees followed by a medical and environmental study of the factory. The telephone survey of 98 workers indicated that the workers at Furnace Number 1 producing rare earth silicide were more likely to report one or more symptoms of various irritative, respiratory, gastrointestinal and constitutional disorders than other workers. Mucous membrane irritation was the most commonly reported symptom. The follow-up medical questionnaire showed no statistically significant difference in reported symptoms between workers exposed to rare earth and those not exposed. Blood tests of exposed workers did not reveal any evidence of hemolytic anemia which is an effect of arsine (7784421) exposure. The authors conclude that although Furnace Number 1 workers had greater exposures to fluoride, iron-oxide (1309371), and lead (7439921) than a comparison group from a furnace not using rare earths, none of the concentrations measured would be expected to produce adverse health effects. They also note that Furnace Number 1 employees are exposed to greater concentrations of rare earths but the health effects of these exposures are not known. Based on reported symptoms, they suggest the possibility that excessive phosphine (7803512) exposures have occurred. The authors recommend that management expand its rare earth training to all personnel, that employees report any symptoms experienced while working with rare earths, and that ventilation be improved for rare earth silicide storage and for ladlemen and helpers at their specific work sites.
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(1980) Globe Union Battery Plant, Bennington, Vermont. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted from January 29 to February 2, 1979 at the Globe Union Battery Company in Bennington, Vermont, to determine employee exposures to lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), antimony (7440360), sulfuric-acid (7664939), arsine (7784421), stibine (7803523), and benzene soluble polynuclear- aromatic-hydrocarbons (PNAH). A representative of the United Automotive, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers Union requested the evaluation on behalf of approxi... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted from January 29 to February 2, 1979 at the Globe Union Battery Company in Bennington, Vermont, to determine employee exposures to lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), antimony (7440360), sulfuric-acid (7664939), arsine (7784421), stibine (7803523), and benzene soluble polynuclear- aromatic-hydrocarbons (PNAH). A representative of the United Automotive, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers Union requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 230 production workers. Lead concentrations in 172 of 342 personal air samples equaled or exceeded the proposed OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Arsenic concentrations in 5 of 344 samples equaled or exceeded the OSHA standard of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. PNAHs were excessive. No excessive exposures were found for any other substances. Numerous flaws in the ventilation system were detected. Blood lead concentrations of 60 micrograms per deciliter or above were found in 19 of 143 workers and 63 workers had concentrations of 40 to 59 micrograms per deciliter. Urine arsenic concentrations of 50 micrograms per liter or above were found in 53 of 122 workers; 11 had concentrations of 100 micrograms per liter or above. Elevated blood urea nitrogen concentrations were found in 21 of 143 workers, possibly suggesting lead induced kidney disease. The author concludes that hazards from lead and arsenic exposure exist at this facility. Efforts to control lead exposure should focus initially on specific job categories where mean airborne lead concentrations exceed 100 micrograms per cubic meter. Numerous specific industrial hygiene and ventilation improvements also are suggested.
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(1980) GTE Sylvania Plant, Standish, Maine. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted at the General Telephone and Electronics Sylvania Company (SIC-3670) in Standish, Maine. The employees requested the evaluation to investigate possible health hazards from copper (7440508) exposures resulting from the manufacture of small electrical components. The initial investigation on July 31 and August 1, 1979 revealed that copper, isopropanol (67630), and inorganic vapors measured in area air samples were well below OSHA standards. However... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted at the General Telephone and Electronics Sylvania Company (SIC-3670) in Standish, Maine. The employees requested the evaluation to investigate possible health hazards from copper (7440508) exposures resulting from the manufacture of small electrical components. The initial investigation on July 31 and August 1, 1979 revealed that copper, isopropanol (67630), and inorganic vapors measured in area air samples were well below OSHA standards. However, elevated concentrations of airborne lead (7439921) were detected throughout the facility with 80 percent in excess of the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Employees with previously documented high copper excretion were interviewed and had blood and 24 hour urine samples taken for lead and copper analysis. Their symptoms were not compatible with the reported effects of lead or copper intoxication, and increased urinary copper excretion could not be confirmed. A follow up study to evaluate lead exposure on November 14 and 15, 1979 found blood lead concentrations in 88 workers ranging from 12 to 68 micrograms per deciliter (dl). Airborne concentrations in personal breathing zone and area samples ranged from undetectable to 306, and undetectable to 113 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. The authors conclude that no significant exposure to copper exists but that unacceptably high concentrations of lead were detected and resulted in elevated blood lead in workers. They recommended that the health hazard from lead be reduced through engineering controls, improved ventilation, substitution of the leaded glass used, and initiation of a program to monitor blood lead concentrations in workers.
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(1980) Hi-G Incorporated, Windsor Locks, Connecticut. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling and medical evaluations were conducted at HI- G Company, Inc. (SIC-3724), Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on October 2 and 3, 1978, and March 26 and 27, 1979 to determine the cause of numerous outbreaks of illness. A company representative requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Personal and area samples for airborne organotin , lead (7439921), trichlorotrifluoroethane (26523648) (Freon TF), and 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556) were collected. E... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling and medical evaluations were conducted at HI- G Company, Inc. (SIC-3724), Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on October 2 and 3, 1978, and March 26 and 27, 1979 to determine the cause of numerous outbreaks of illness. A company representative requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Personal and area samples for airborne organotin , lead (7439921), trichlorotrifluoroethane (26523648) (Freon TF), and 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556) were collected. Exposures to phosgene (75445), hydrogen-cyanide (74908), hydrogen-chloride (7647010), carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon-dioxide (124389), and formaldehyde (50000) were also evaluated. Bulk samples of solders, fluxes, and cleaning agents were analyzed for thermal by-products. The medical evaluation included medical record reviews and personal interviews. None of the substances in the air samples exceeded recommended standards. NIOSH investigators concluded that an environmental health hazard did not exist from any of the chemicals evaluated. They note that after the initial outbreak of illness in 1976, employees might have been more aware of various environmental conditions, and that subsequent minor environmental changes may have precipitated outbreaks of illness. Recommendations include: the continuance of high quality medical recordkeeping; maintenance and relocation of exhaust ventilation systems; and capping of floor drains when they are not in use.
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(1980) Hyde Park Landfill, Niagara Steel Finishing Co., Greif Brothers Corporation, NL Industries, Inc., Niagara County, New York. (Click to open report) Hazards associated with the Hyde Park Landfill in Niagara County, New York, and with occupational exposures at three nearby industries were surveyed between June and August, 1979. Breathing zone, dust, and sediment samples were collected in and around NL Industries, Incorporated, Niagara Steel Finishing Company, and Greif Brothers Corporation. Current and former employees of the three companies, as well as local residents, were given medical examinations. Lindane (58899), mirex (2385855), and di... (Click to show more)Hazards associated with the Hyde Park Landfill in Niagara County, New York, and with occupational exposures at three nearby industries were surveyed between June and August, 1979. Breathing zone, dust, and sediment samples were collected in and around NL Industries, Incorporated, Niagara Steel Finishing Company, and Greif Brothers Corporation. Current and former employees of the three companies, as well as local residents, were given medical examinations. Lindane (58899), mirex (2385855), and dioxins were found in parts per billion concentrations in settled dust samples collected from rafters at all three industries, and substantial concentrations were found in sediment from an abandoned elevator shaft at NL Industries and in sediment from Bloody Creek Run as it flowed through a conduit under Greif Brothers Corporation. Several hazardous occupational exposures were identified at NL Industries, and hazardous occupational exposures to copper fume were found at Niagara Steel Finishing Company. No occupational health hazards were found at Greif Brothers Corporation. The subjects reported a significant prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, gastrointestinal surgery, skin problems, and respiratory symptoms. Three subjects had blood lindane concentrations greater than 0.5 part per billion. The authors conclude that the landfill does not present an immediate health hazard.
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(1980) James G. Biddle Company, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for the presence of nuisance dust and lead (7439921) (Pb) on January 23, 1980 and a medical evaluation of employees for blood Pb was conducted on January 28, 1980 at the James G. Biddle Company (SIC-3599) in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. An evaluation was requested by the company on behalf of 16 employees. Analysis of air samples showed that the nuisance dust concentration was 0.4 milligram per cubic meter and Pb fume and dust concentrations ranged from ... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for the presence of nuisance dust and lead (7439921) (Pb) on January 23, 1980 and a medical evaluation of employees for blood Pb was conducted on January 28, 1980 at the James G. Biddle Company (SIC-3599) in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. An evaluation was requested by the company on behalf of 16 employees. Analysis of air samples showed that the nuisance dust concentration was 0.4 milligram per cubic meter and Pb fume and dust concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection to 14 micrograms per cubic meter. The range of blood Pb was from 6 to 18 micrograms per 100 milliliters. Atmospheric and blood Pb concentrations were below OSHA limits of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and 40 micrograms per 100 milliliters, respectively. The authors conclude that there was no health hazard from exposure to inert dust or Pb at the time of the survey. They recommend that areas where Pb is used be cleaned by wet vacuum methods.
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(1980) Jan Clopton Composition, Atlanta, Georgia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owner/manager of Jan Clopton Composition, located in Atlanta, Georgia, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions as a source of employees' symptoms of headache, nausea, and dizziness. This firm provided camera ready art for advertising displays. Video display terminals were used for typesetting and the text was then transferred from the screen to photographic film by an optical/electronic system in the typesetting equipment. Exposed film fe... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owner/manager of Jan Clopton Composition, located in Atlanta, Georgia, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions as a source of employees' symptoms of headache, nausea, and dizziness. This firm provided camera ready art for advertising displays. Video display terminals were used for typesetting and the text was then transferred from the screen to photographic film by an optical/electronic system in the typesetting equipment. Exposed film fed through a developing machine with developer, fixer, and rinsing solutions. The film was then cut and pasted to a mat using spray adhesives. Fifteen workers were employed, six of whom were given confidential interviews covering health status, smoking history, and work history. Air analyses were performed for carbon-monoxide (630080), ozone (10028156), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), and low molecular weight alkanes. The analyses revealed no overexposures occurring at this facility based on NIOSH or OSHA criteria. The author concludes that the low levels of airborne contaminants detected do not pose a health hazard for exposed workers. Recommendations for further improvements in air quality include the following: close off supply and return air ducts leading to an unused storeroom, open the air intake damper in the duct from the roof to provide additional fresh air, and set the blower fan to run continuously when the building is occupied.
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(1980) Lance Corporation, Hudson, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) Personal breathing and general area air samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), methyl-ethyl-ketone-peroxide (1338234) (MEKP), styrene (108883), xylene (1330207) and nuisance particulates at the Lance Corporation, (SIC-3269 and SIC-3914), Hudson, Massachusetts, sometime between August 20, 1979 and January 11, 1980. An authorized employer's representative of the corporation requested the evaluation for an unspecified number of employees. Twelve of the 40 samples exceeded the OSHA recommended cr... (Click to show more)Personal breathing and general area air samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), methyl-ethyl-ketone-peroxide (1338234) (MEKP), styrene (108883), xylene (1330207) and nuisance particulates at the Lance Corporation, (SIC-3269 and SIC-3914), Hudson, Massachusetts, sometime between August 20, 1979 and January 11, 1980. An authorized employer's representative of the corporation requested the evaluation for an unspecified number of employees. Twelve of the 40 samples exceeded the OSHA recommended criteria of 0.05 milligrams of lead per cubic meter of air (mg/m3). The other airborne contaminants were well below their respective OSHA recommended criteria. NIOSH concluded that a lead exposure hazard existed in the finishing and buffing areas, and a potential hazard existed in the toolroom. Recommendations included improvement of local exhaust ventilation and personal hygiene.
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(1980) Lead, South Dakota. (Click for full summary) An analysis was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Homestake Mining Company, located in Lead, South Dakota. The company mined and refined ore bearing gold and other metals. Personal, breathing zone, and area air samples were collected at the 2,150 foot level and analyzed for diesel emission particulates. Five of the up to 20 employees who worked at the 2,150 foot level were working in the area of the survey; two drove front end loaders. Results of air samples collected at the r... (Click to show more)An analysis was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Homestake Mining Company, located in Lead, South Dakota. The company mined and refined ore bearing gold and other metals. Personal, breathing zone, and area air samples were collected at the 2,150 foot level and analyzed for diesel emission particulates. Five of the up to 20 employees who worked at the 2,150 foot level were working in the area of the survey; two drove front end loaders. Results of air samples collected at the rock pick area, maintenance barn, and 49 raise and haulage ways of the 2,150 foot level showed ambient airborne concentrations of the contaminants measured to be below current federal and consensus standards as well as NIOSH recommended criteria. There was felt to be insufficient information available to evaluate the long term health effects of diesel emissions to the underground miners. The authors recommend that the manufacturer's maintenance schedule be adhered to as closely as possible and that catalytic converters be changed as needed.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-79-102-106.
(1980) Lexington Herald- Leader, Lexington, Kentucky. (Click for full summary) Exposure to radiation was investigated at the Lexington Herald Leader newspaper company (SIC-2711) in Lexington, Kentucky, on August 12 and 13, 1980. The evaluation was requested by company management. Thirty five of 60 to 80 video display terminals (VDT) used by the newspaper were randomly selected and the ionizing and nonionizing radiation emissions were measured. All VDT radiation measurements were below OSHA standards and, often, below detectable levels. The OSHA ionizing and nonionizing sta... (Click to show more)Exposure to radiation was investigated at the Lexington Herald Leader newspaper company (SIC-2711) in Lexington, Kentucky, on August 12 and 13, 1980. The evaluation was requested by company management. Thirty five of 60 to 80 video display terminals (VDT) used by the newspaper were randomly selected and the ionizing and nonionizing radiation emissions were measured. All VDT radiation measurements were below OSHA standards and, often, below detectable levels. The OSHA ionizing and nonionizing standards are 2.5 millirems per hour averaged on a daily basis and 1.0 milliwatt per square centimeter averaged over 6 months, respectively. The authors conclude that no radiation hazard exists at the Lexington Herald Leader.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-105-757.
