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HHE Search Results
474 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) U.S. Steel Tubing Specialists Center, Gary Indiana. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for the presence of chromium (7440473), hexavalent chromium, iron-oxide (1332372), particulate fluoride manganese (7439965), lead (7439921) welding fumes, gaseous fluorides, nickel (7440020), molybdenum (7439987), and carbon- dioxide (124389) at the U.S. Steel Tubing Specialities Center (SIC- 3312) in Gary, Indiana, on May 23 and 24, and September, 1979, and on January 30 and February 1, 1980. The evaluation request was by the United Steelworkers of America, L... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for the presence of chromium (7440473), hexavalent chromium, iron-oxide (1332372), particulate fluoride manganese (7439965), lead (7439921) welding fumes, gaseous fluorides, nickel (7440020), molybdenum (7439987), and carbon- dioxide (124389) at the U.S. Steel Tubing Specialities Center (SIC- 3312) in Gary, Indiana, on May 23 and 24, and September, 1979, and on January 30 and February 1, 1980. The evaluation request was by the United Steelworkers of America, Local 2697 on behalf of 34 welders to evaluate a high rate of cardiovascular disease among workers. Concentrations of total chromium, hexavalent chromium and particulate fluoride were 0.02, 0.006, and 0.003 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), respectively; and their corresponding OSHA permissible exposure concentrations were 1.0, 1.0 and 2.5mg/CuM. Concentrations of iron-oxide, manganese, lead, and welding fumes ranged from 0.1 to 2.9, 0.004 to 0.19, 0.01 to 0.57 and 0.59 to 9.6mg/CuM, respectively, and their corresponding OSHA permissible exposure concentrations were 10.0, 5.0, 0.05, and 5.0mg/CuM. Gaseous fluorides, nickel, molybdenum and vanadium were not detected. Concentrations of carbon-monoxide ranged from less than 2 to 73.8 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the OSHA standard of 50ppm. The medical survey indicated an excess incidence of cardiovascular disease and increased respiratory symptoms. Blood lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin results were normal. The authors conclude that a health hazard due to overexposure to lead, carbon-monoxide and welding fumes and an excess of cardiovascular disease and respiratory symptoms exists. They recommend measures for the protection of workers and the reduction of hazards.
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(1979) Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples of airborne dusts, metals, gases, vapors, and fumes were collected, and a medical evaluation was conducted on November 29, 30, and December 1, 1978 and February 12 to 14, 1979 at the Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc. (SIC-3361), in Englewood, Colorado. The evaluation request to identify any potentially toxic workplace exposures for approximately 50 employees came from an employer representative. Concentration of inorganic lead (7439921) ranged from 0.03 to 3.2 m... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples of airborne dusts, metals, gases, vapors, and fumes were collected, and a medical evaluation was conducted on November 29, 30, and December 1, 1978 and February 12 to 14, 1979 at the Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc. (SIC-3361), in Englewood, Colorado. The evaluation request to identify any potentially toxic workplace exposures for approximately 50 employees came from an employer representative. Concentration of inorganic lead (7439921) ranged from 0.03 to 3.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum) and exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.05mg/cum in 44 percent of the samples. Crystalline silica (14808607) concentrations exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.29mg/cum in 77 percent of the samples. All other sample concentrations were below criteria. Blood lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA standard of 40 micrograms per 100 grams of whole blood in 81 percent of the workers, and 72 percent had free erythrocyte protoporphyrin determinations above the normal range of 356 to 662 micrograms per liter of red blood cells. The investigator concludes that workers were exposed to hazardous concentrations of inorganic lead and crystalline silica, and other toxic exposures could occur if production conditions change without corresponding ventilation improvements. The use of respirators, protective hearing devices and clothing; improvements of workplace hygiene and ventilation systems; and periodic medical surveillance until all exposures are below criteria are recommended.
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(1979) Ashland Petroleum Company, 2nd Avenue, Freedom, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental air sampling was performed and nondirect medical questionnaires were administered on March 6 and 7, 1979 at Ashland Petroleum Company, (SIC-1311) Freedom, Pennsylvania to determine if employees were exposed to bauxite (1318167) dust and unknown toxic substances. The evaluation was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union Local 8-621, for the 15 potentially exposed employees. The benzene (71432) soluble fraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAH... (Click to show more)Environmental air sampling was performed and nondirect medical questionnaires were administered on March 6 and 7, 1979 at Ashland Petroleum Company, (SIC-1311) Freedom, Pennsylvania to determine if employees were exposed to bauxite (1318167) dust and unknown toxic substances. The evaluation was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union Local 8-621, for the 15 potentially exposed employees. The benzene (71432) soluble fraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAH) measured 0.43 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m) and exceeded the OSHA recommended exposure limit of 0.20mg/cu m in one of four sampling periods. Total dust particulates ranged from 1.1 to 8.5mg/cu m, lead (7439921) was undetectable, and sulfur dioxide (7446095) gas measured 3.1 micrograms/cu m. All were below their respective recommended limits of 15mg/cu m, 50 mg/cu m, and 13mg/cu m. Medical reports of acute, intermittent irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, dry skin, occasional headache, sinus congestion, and wheezing with exertion were associated with increased heat and with the burning of certain products that probably contained sulfur dioxide. The authors recommend periodic vacuum cleaning of the burner house, periodic maintenance of the burner and ducts to seal leaks; a program of environmental sampling, preplacement and periodic medical examinations for exposed workers, maintaining medical records on all employees exposed for 1 or more years to sulfur dioxide, and a review of the value of the current preemployment practice of routinely recording lower back radiographs.
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(1979) Department of Transportation Vehicle Inspection Stations, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) Atmospheric air samples were analyzed, and pre and post-shift carboxyhemoglobin levels were measured to determine employee exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), lead (7439921), asbestos (1332214), hydrogen-sulfide (7783064) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) at the Northeast and Southwest Vehicle Inspection Stations (SIC- 7549) in Washington, D.C., on November 7 and 8, 1978. The survey was requested by the Office of Administration, Department of Transportation, Government of the District of Columbia,... (Click to show more)Atmospheric air samples were analyzed, and pre and post-shift carboxyhemoglobin levels were measured to determine employee exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), lead (7439921), asbestos (1332214), hydrogen-sulfide (7783064) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) at the Northeast and Southwest Vehicle Inspection Stations (SIC- 7549) in Washington, D.C., on November 7 and 8, 1978. The survey was requested by the Office of Administration, Department of Transportation, Government of the District of Columbia, to evaluate exposures of approximately 18 inspectors during routine vehicle inspections. All asbestos, hydrogen-sulfide, and sulfur-dioxide concentrations were below detectable limits. Carbon-monoxide and lead concentrations were below the OSHA standards of 50 parts per million and 20 milligrams per cubic meter, respectively, for an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) at both facilities. Exposures were affected by weather conditions and the number of vehicles tested daily. The investigator concludes that fluctuating concentrations hampered the evaluation of long term health effects. There was a potential for high exposures to lead and carbon monoxide, especially at the busier Southwest station. Local and increased ventilation at the first and last inspection stops, preemployment cardiovascular medical examinations, personnel rotation, air conditioned squad rooms, vehicle number limitations, daily vacuuming, use of gloves, hand washing, scheduled inspections, and education concerning the hazards of smoking are recommended by the author.
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(1979) Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Michigan. (Click to open report) Breathing zone and general area samples were collected at the Detroit Free Press (SIC-2711), Detroit, Michigan on March 30 and 31, 1979. An authorized representative of approximately 80 employees from Local Number 13, International Printing and Graphic Communication Union and Newspaper Printing and Graphic Communication requested the evaluation to determine worker exposures to paper dust, oil mist, and inorganic lead (7439921) in the press and reelroom. Forty three employees completed medical qu... (Click to show more)Breathing zone and general area samples were collected at the Detroit Free Press (SIC-2711), Detroit, Michigan on March 30 and 31, 1979. An authorized representative of approximately 80 employees from Local Number 13, International Printing and Graphic Communication Union and Newspaper Printing and Graphic Communication requested the evaluation to determine worker exposures to paper dust, oil mist, and inorganic lead (7439921) in the press and reelroom. Forty three employees completed medical questionnaires and 18 received blood lead tests. All blood samples for lead were in the normal range (40 micrograms of lead per 100 grams of blood). All environmental samples were at or below the OSHA standard for lead of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum), oil mist (5mg/cum), and total particulates (15mg/cum). Noise levels were between 100 and 105 decibels throughout the pressroom. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the survey, but there is evidence of a potential noise hazard. Recommendations resulting from the survey include institution of a lead monitoring program, installation of sound absorbing and baffling devices in the pressroom, provision of audiometric testing and preemployment physical examinations, and development of health and safety programs. Ventilation systems should be serviced regularly, and worker and workplace hygiene practices should be improved.
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(1979) Dover Molded Products, Inc., Dover, Ohio. (Click to open report) Personal and environmental sampling was conducted, visual observations were made, and employees were interviewed to investigate possible toxic exposures at Dover Molded Products, Incorporated, (SIC-3079), Dover, Ohio on March 21 and 22, 1979. An authorized representative of the approximately 80 affected employees requested the evaluation. Samples analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), Freon-11 (75694), and Freon-12 (75718) were within O... (Click to show more)Personal and environmental sampling was conducted, visual observations were made, and employees were interviewed to investigate possible toxic exposures at Dover Molded Products, Incorporated, (SIC-3079), Dover, Ohio on March 21 and 22, 1979. An authorized representative of the approximately 80 affected employees requested the evaluation. Samples analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), Freon-11 (75694), and Freon-12 (75718) were within OSHA criteria of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), 0.5mg/cu m, respectively. The authors conclude that 2 employees, the color blender and the hopper filler, were exposed to concentrations of heavy metals above the recommended maximum levels. Other employees periodically were exposed to irritant substances. NIOSH recommends that the use of colorants containing chromium and cadmium be phased out; respirators be supplied and worn by the color blender and the hopper filler as long as these metals are used; job rotation be arranged so that an individual is not working on vinyl plastic and silicone molds continuously; smoking, eating and drinking be prohibited in the manufacturing portion of the facility; and press hoppers be refilled only when the operator is not in attendance.
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(1979) Empire Radiator, Inc., Littleton, Colorado. (Click to open report) Breathing zone air samples were taken, and biological monitoring of workers was conducted to determine the content of lead (7439921) in air and blood at Empire Radiator, Inc., (SIC-7692) Littleton, Colorado, on March 9 and 15, 1979. An evaluation request came from the company owner on behalf of four affected workers. Environmental sampling indicated lead concentrations that exceeded the current OSHA standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter of air. Blood lead results for the four employees wer... (Click to show more)Breathing zone air samples were taken, and biological monitoring of workers was conducted to determine the content of lead (7439921) in air and blood at Empire Radiator, Inc., (SIC-7692) Littleton, Colorado, on March 9 and 15, 1979. An evaluation request came from the company owner on behalf of four affected workers. Environmental sampling indicated lead concentrations that exceeded the current OSHA standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter of air. Blood lead results for the four employees were 40, 40, 51, and 32 micrograms per 100 grams whole blood (micrograms/100g). Only one of these samples was in excess of the 1982 projected OSHA standard of 50 micrograms/100g, and none exceeded the current 1980 standard of 80 micrograms/100g. The author concludes that a potential health hazard did exist at this work place, based on excessive lead exposures and slightly elevated whole blood lead concentrations. Recommendations resulting from the evaluation include improved ventilation; prohibition of eating, drinking, and smoking in the repair shop; and employee education regarding the hazards and toxicology of lead.
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(1979) Equitable Bag Company, Inc., Florence, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling, analyses of wet stock paper, confidential employee interviews, observation of work practices, and a review of the workplace and materials used were conducted to evaluate the possible exposure of 20 employees to formaldehyde (50000) at the Equitable Bag Company, Incorporated (SIC-7399) in Florence Kentucky. The request was made by an authorized employee representative and the evaluation was performed on January 12, August 10 and 16, and September 20, 1978. Personal and are... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling, analyses of wet stock paper, confidential employee interviews, observation of work practices, and a review of the workplace and materials used were conducted to evaluate the possible exposure of 20 employees to formaldehyde (50000) at the Equitable Bag Company, Incorporated (SIC-7399) in Florence Kentucky. The request was made by an authorized employee representative and the evaluation was performed on January 12, August 10 and 16, and September 20, 1978. Personal and area samples were analyzed for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde (75070) and valeraldehyde (110623). Propionaldehyde (123386) and butyraldehyde (123728) content also was measured. Personal and area samples for formaldehyde ranged from time weighted average exposure limit of 3ppm. Environmental samples for total aldehydes were below the analytical limits of detection. During medical interviews, workers complained of respiratory and eye irritations, chest discomfort, and dermatitis. The reports of symptoms were more common during the summer months. The author concludes that a potential for excessive formaldehyde exposure did exist especially during warm weather and recommends that a maximum number of exhaust fans be used during periods of elevated temperatures, additional ventilation be installed at locations where wet stock paper is processed or stored, periodic sampling be conducted to prevent overexposures to formaldehyde, and precautions be taken to avoid needless environmental contamination from bags of lead chromate pigment stored in the facility.
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(1979) Ethyl Corporation, Houston Plant, Pasadena, Texas. (Click to open report) Interviews with management and labor, consultations with the Medical Department, a review of personnel and medical records, and a questionnaire survey were conducted at the Ethyl Corporation (SIC- 2869), Houston, a facility in Pasadena, Texas on June 29, and August 1 to 3, 1978 to determine whether tetraethyl lead (78002) exposure was responsible for one case of multiple sclerosis, cardiac problems, and three cases of multiple myeloma. The investigation was requested by an authorized employee re... (Click to show more)Interviews with management and labor, consultations with the Medical Department, a review of personnel and medical records, and a questionnaire survey were conducted at the Ethyl Corporation (SIC- 2869), Houston, a facility in Pasadena, Texas on June 29, and August 1 to 3, 1978 to determine whether tetraethyl lead (78002) exposure was responsible for one case of multiple sclerosis, cardiac problems, and three cases of multiple myeloma. The investigation was requested by an authorized employee representative of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union. The Houston facility employed 1,100 workers, and 850 of these were considered to be affected. The mortality for employees was lower than expected for the general population, but there was a larger number of observed cancer deaths than expected. All cancer deaths occurred in individuals with more than 5 years exposure. The authors conclude that no current acute illnesses could be related to job exposures, but that a few occupational injuries and chemical exposures, primarily to lead (7439921) were found. Performance of a comprehensive epidemiological study to assess the cancer risk of this population is recommended. Ventilation improvements also are suggested.
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(1979) Giorgi Process Inc., Yonkers, New York. (Click to open report) Work practices and materials used and previous results of chelation therapy and urine, blood, and hair lead (7439921) analyses were studied to investigate sources of potential exposure to lead in the photographic studio of the Giorgi Process, Inc. (SIC-7333) in Yonkers, New York on December 27, 1978 and January 31, 1979. An authorized representative of the employees at Giorgi Process, Inc. requested the investigation for approximately three employees. Hair lead analyses completed in November and... (Click to show more)Work practices and materials used and previous results of chelation therapy and urine, blood, and hair lead (7439921) analyses were studied to investigate sources of potential exposure to lead in the photographic studio of the Giorgi Process, Inc. (SIC-7333) in Yonkers, New York on December 27, 1978 and January 31, 1979. An authorized representative of the employees at Giorgi Process, Inc. requested the investigation for approximately three employees. Hair lead analyses completed in November and December 1976 showed 38 parts per million (ppm) and 76ppm respectively, indicating mild lead poisoning. The investigators conclude that confirmation of diagnosis of lead intoxication was not possible since all laboratory work was normal except for one hair lead. No lead hazard was identified. The investigators recommend that absorption and ingestion of photographic dyes be avoided by use of protective finger coverings, frequent handwashing, or application of dyes with a cotton swab.
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