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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
(1993) The General Castings Co. - Domestic Division, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the General Castings Company (SIC-3321), located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, an investigation was made into worker exposures in the coremaking, molding, pouring, melting, shakeout, sand handling, and cleaning areas of the facility. The facility was a gray and ductile iron foundry. An electric induction and two holding furnaces were used to produce molten iron. No local exhaust hoods or air pollution control devices for the induction furnaces were in place. Four coremaking processes were used: hot shell, oil baked, cold box, and no bake. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted and included personal breathing zone and area air sampling, work practice evaluation, engineering control measures, and noise exposure assessment. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica (14808607), lead (7439921) and noise. Carbon- monoxide (630080), chrysotile (12001295) and benzene (71432) exposures constituted a potential health hazard to employees in the coremaking, molding, pouring, cleaning and shakeout areas. The author recommended measures for reducing exposures and improving the use of respiratory protective devices.
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(1993) The General Castings Company, Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Expo... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, worker exposures were evaluated at the General Casting Company (SIC-3321) Curtis Street Facility, Delaware, Ohio. The facility was a casting cleaning facility for gray and ductile iron foundries. Two shifts operated at the facility with a total of 52 employees. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of respirable silica (14808607) ranged from 163 to 19,870 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). All the 24 samples taken exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 50microg/m3. Twenty one samples contained cristobalite (14464461). Of the 16 iron exposures measured for the chipper/grinders, 12 exceeded the REL of 5,000microg/m3. Several nickel (7440020) concentrations exceeded the REL of 15microg/m3. Grinders were overexposed to noise. A paint dip tank area sample exceeded the 100 parts per million OSHA standard for xylene (1330207). Exposures to benzene (71432), ethyl-benzene (100414), toluene (108883) aluminum (7429905), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), magnesium (7439954), manganese (7439965) and zinc (7440666) did not exceed recommended limits. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to respirable silica, cristobalite, iron, nickel, and noise; there was a potential health hazard from xylene. The authors recommend that engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and work practices be improved.
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(1993) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center, Austin, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center (SIC-9451), Austin, Texas, an investigation was made concerning complaints of poor indoor air quality. Complaints included breathing problems, itching, headaches, coughing, congestion, fiberglass from ceiling panels, and paper dust. The site was formerly a warehouse which was converted to office space. Five general area, full shift air samples were collected for total dust concentration... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Austin Finance Center (SIC-9451), Austin, Texas, an investigation was made concerning complaints of poor indoor air quality. Complaints included breathing problems, itching, headaches, coughing, congestion, fiberglass from ceiling panels, and paper dust. The site was formerly a warehouse which was converted to office space. Five general area, full shift air samples were collected for total dust concentrations. The eight hour time weighted average results ranged from not detectable to 0.21mg/m3. Ozone (10028156) concentrations were equal to or greater than the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) at microfiche reader printer exhaust ports. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels in the building ranged from 425ppm to 875ppm. Temperature ranged from 72.0 to 80.0 degrees-F. Relative humidity indoors ranged from 48.4 to 64.4%. The most common symptoms reported by the workers were mucous membrane irritation, fatigue or sleepiness, and headache. The authors conclude that clear evidence was not found to explain all of the symptoms reported. Respiratory symptoms may be explained by ozone levels near the microfilm reader printers. Psychosocial conditions may have been contributory. The authors recommend that maintenance of the air handling system be improved.
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(1993) United States Forest Service, Red River, New Mexico. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United States Forest Service, an investigation was begun of possible hazards to workers at the Red River Ski Area (SIC-7999) in New Mexico resulting from the use of Snomax, an ice nucleation product used in snowmaking operations. The product was a freeze dried preparation of an endotoxin producing Gram negative bacteria, Pseudomonas-syringae. Snowmaking was done at the Red River Ski Area only during the night, and never when skiers were present. Samples were col... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United States Forest Service, an investigation was begun of possible hazards to workers at the Red River Ski Area (SIC-7999) in New Mexico resulting from the use of Snomax, an ice nucleation product used in snowmaking operations. The product was a freeze dried preparation of an endotoxin producing Gram negative bacteria, Pseudomonas-syringae. Snowmaking was done at the Red River Ski Area only during the night, and never when skiers were present. Samples were collected over 3 days to assess occupational exposures to airborne dusts, viable Gram negative bacteria, and endotoxins. Viable P-syringae were not identified in any air, snow or water samples. Endotoxins were detected in snow samples, samples of snowmaking water, and in airborne dust samples. Personal exposures to endotoxins among workers directly involved in snowmaking ranged from 1 endotoxin unit (EU) per cubic meter (m3) to 92EU/m3. There were no occupational standards for endotoxin exposure. The author concludes that workers were exposed to endotoxins during snowmaking. The mean exposures in the high exposure category were below estimated human threshold levels. No significant respiratory problems were reported by the workers filling out a questionnaire.
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(1993) West Helena - Helena Sportswear, Inc., West Helena, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible health effects resulting from formaldehyde (50000) exposure at West Helena-Helena Sportswear (SIC-2337), West Helena, Arkansas. The company manufactured ladies' sportswear. Precured permanent press fabrics were spread on large tables and cut to patterns. Pieces were fused, bundled and tagged. The cut pieces were then assembled into garments which were pressed, inspected, bagged and shipped. About 1,000 finished garments... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible health effects resulting from formaldehyde (50000) exposure at West Helena-Helena Sportswear (SIC-2337), West Helena, Arkansas. The company manufactured ladies' sportswear. Precured permanent press fabrics were spread on large tables and cut to patterns. Pieces were fused, bundled and tagged. The cut pieces were then assembled into garments which were pressed, inspected, bagged and shipped. About 1,000 finished garments were produced each day. Personal breathing zone formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 0.17 parts per million (ppm) as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA). General area sample formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 0.16 to 0.25ppm as an 8 hour TWA, and particulate concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.15mg/m3. The dust was found to contain formaldehyde. The formaldehyde levels in personal breathing zone and general air samples exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of lowest feasible concentration. The author concludes that the formaldehyde concentrations exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit. Nuisance dust evaluation criteria may not be sufficient since the dust contained formaldehyde. The author recommends that efforts be made to reduce formaldehyde exposures at this facility.
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(1992) ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation, Butler, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at ARMCO Advanced Materials Corporation (SIC-3312), Butler, Pennsylvania. ARMCO produced primarily specialty steel products. An indirect method of electric heating was used at the facility to make steel. Concern was expressed about employee exposures to infrasound, electromagnetic radiation, and various dusts throughout the melt shop. The investigation was then expanded to include radiofrequency exposures at the Ultra-Rapid Annealing (URA) furnace located in the Strip Coating and Silicon Anneal Building (SCSAB). Air samples analyzed indicated that the recommended levels were being exceeded for chromium (7440473), manganese (7439965) and lead (7439921). Radiofrequency radiation measurements at the URA furnace and the visible radiation levels near the electric arc furnaces in the melt shops exceeded the appropriate evaluation criteria. The authors conclude that health hazards existed during the survey from excessive airborne levels of hexavalent chromium, manganese, and lead, high levels of optical radiation near the electric arc furnaces, and radiofrequency radiation at the URA furnace. The authors recommended measures to lower these exposures and suggested the institution of medical and environmental surveillance programs.
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(1992) ASARCO - Troy Unit Mine, Troy, Montana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible exposures to diesel exhaust, silica (14808607) and noise at the ASARCO Troy Unit Mine (SIC-1044), Troy, Montana. This silver mine was also a significant copper producer. Approximately 314 persons were employed in two basic operations of mining and ore concentration. The ore was mined by the room and pillar method. Extraction calls for drilling, blasting, scaling and roof bolting, mucking and h... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, an investigation was made of possible exposures to diesel exhaust, silica (14808607) and noise at the ASARCO Troy Unit Mine (SIC-1044), Troy, Montana. This silver mine was also a significant copper producer. Approximately 314 persons were employed in two basic operations of mining and ore concentration. The ore was mined by the room and pillar method. Extraction calls for drilling, blasting, scaling and roof bolting, mucking and hauling. Exposures to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) ranged from 0.16 to 4.61 parts per million (ppm) some of which were in excess of the recommended NIOSH limit of 1ppm. Coal-tar-pitch volatiles ranged in concentration from to 3.99mg/m3 with a mean concentration of 1.60mg/m3. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 16.74mg/m3 with a mean of 2.24mg/m3. The mean quartz content of surface dust samples was 24% and of underground samples was 7%. Noise exposures ranged from 65.5 to 103.8 decibels-A for the 8 hour time weighted average samples. Of the 22 personal dosimeter readings obtained underground, 21 exceeded the limits as did six of the 19 readings taken on the surface. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to exposures to respirable silica, noise and diesel combustion products. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the potential hazardous exposures and enhance the company's medical surveillance program.
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(1992) AVX Corporation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a joint request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, Local 1591 and the AVX Corporation, an evaluation was undertaken concerning dermatitis and hoarseness in workers in the screener stacker area at the AVX Corporation (SIC- 3674), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. AVX Corporation manufactured multilayer ceramic capacitors for electronic applications. Qualitative analysis of air samples identified xylene isomers, 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), me... (Click to show more)In response to a joint request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, Local 1591 and the AVX Corporation, an evaluation was undertaken concerning dermatitis and hoarseness in workers in the screener stacker area at the AVX Corporation (SIC- 3674), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. AVX Corporation manufactured multilayer ceramic capacitors for electronic applications. Qualitative analysis of air samples identified xylene isomers, 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), methoxy-ethanol (109864), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), limonene (138863), formaldehyde (50000), acetaldehyde (75070), unidentified aliphatic amines and C9 to C12 aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Wipe samples revealed contamination of work surfaces with aluminum (7429905), barium (7440393), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), silver (7440224), titanium (7440326), zinc (7440666), chromium (7440473), and palladium (7440053). Of the 36 employees who were interviewed, 20 had histories consistent with work related contact dermatitis. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed among workers in the screener stacker and dicer areas due to contact with multiple skin irritants including barium, titanium, palladium, and mineral spirits. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the potential for skin irritation and dermatitis from chemical contact.
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(1992) Caisson Platoon, Ft. Myer, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an industrial hygiene technician with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Caisson Platoon (SIC- in ceremonies. Specific concern was expressed about exposure of soldiers to air contaminants while cleaning the stables, levelling the grain bin, and working in the tack room. Exposures experienced by blacksmiths in the execution of their duties were also monitored. The author concludes that soldie... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an industrial hygiene technician with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Caisson Platoon (SIC- in ceremonies. Specific concern was expressed about exposure of soldiers to air contaminants while cleaning the stables, levelling the grain bin, and working in the tack room. Exposures experienced by blacksmiths in the execution of their duties were also monitored. The author concludes that soldiers dyeing leather in the tack room were exposed to methylene-chloride (75092) and 2-ethoxyethanol (110805) above the NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Soldiers cleaning the stables were not overexposed to nuisance dust or endotoxin. Soldiers involved in levelling grain in the grain bin were exposed to grain dust for a brief period of nearly 7 times the 8 hour recommended exposure limit of 4mg/m3. The exposures in the tack room could be reduced through the substitution of less hazardous ingredients in leather dyes, lacquers, and spray paints or through the use of local exhaust ventilation. The grain dust exposure can be controlled through the use of engineering controls, such as a vibratory shaker applied to the outside of the bin thus eliminating the need to enter the grain bin to level the grain. Local exhaust ventilation should be provided for welding operations in the blacksmith shop.
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(1992) Denver Police Department, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Denver Police Department (SIC- 9221) in Denver, Colorado, an investigation was made into lead (7439921) exposures during the use of different ammunition on the firing range. Ventilation rates were measured and personal breathing zone air samples were collected for ten officers during the firing of .45 caliber pistols. Nonlead primers were not yet available for .45 caliber ammunition. Air lead exposure ranged from 1.0 to 16 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). A s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Denver Police Department (SIC- 9221) in Denver, Colorado, an investigation was made into lead (7439921) exposures during the use of different ammunition on the firing range. Ventilation rates were measured and personal breathing zone air samples were collected for ten officers during the firing of .45 caliber pistols. Nonlead primers were not yet available for .45 caliber ammunition. Air lead exposure ranged from 1.0 to 16 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). A slight improvement was noted in ventilation since an earlier NIOSH study had been performed at this site. The improvement resulted from the removal of a 3 foot high partition along the floor on the firing line. Three was still, however, turbulent air flow across the entire firing line and backflow in some of the shooting booths. The author concludes that there was no health hazard from lead overexposure at this site at this time, but recommends use of jacketed bullets, nonlead primers, and administrative controls to minimize lead exposures.
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