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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
(1992) Ropes and Gray Photocopy Center, Boston, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a group of employees at the Pitney Bowes Management Services, Ropes and Gray Photocopy Center (SIC- 7334), Boston, Massachusetts, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures to photocopy emissions. The photocopy center has been in operation for 2 years. Six full time employees worked the day shift operating six photocopiers of various models. Approximately 1 million copies were generated monthly at the site. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of air samples ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a group of employees at the Pitney Bowes Management Services, Ropes and Gray Photocopy Center (SIC- 7334), Boston, Massachusetts, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures to photocopy emissions. The photocopy center has been in operation for 2 years. Six full time employees worked the day shift operating six photocopiers of various models. Approximately 1 million copies were generated monthly at the site. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of air samples taken for volatile organic carbons revealed trace amounts of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), isooctane (540841), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), and benzene (71432). Ozone (10028156) concentrations as high as 0.41 parts per million (ppm) were detected at approximately 3 feet from the exhaust of each photocopier. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations ranged from 300 to 825ppm. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from less than 10 to 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Carbon-monoxide (630080) was not detected. The authors conclude that the evaluation did not reveal a hazard to explain the respiratory symptoms experienced by the workers. The finding that the ventilation system moved too small an amount of air in a measured period of time may account for the accumulation of airborne contaminants within the building. Recommendations were made to improve the ventilation.
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(1992) Seaway Painting, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland. (Click to open report) In response to a request received from an engineering consultant, an evaluation was undertaken of health hazards at an elevated water storage tank in Annapolis, Maryland where exterior repainting was being carried out by Seaway Painting, Inc. (SIC-1629). The requestor was concerned about possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921). The 135 foot high elevated water storage tank had an estimated exterior surface area of 35,000 square feet. It had been painted with a red lead primer, and an alky... (Click to show more)In response to a request received from an engineering consultant, an evaluation was undertaken of health hazards at an elevated water storage tank in Annapolis, Maryland where exterior repainting was being carried out by Seaway Painting, Inc. (SIC-1629). The requestor was concerned about possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921). The 135 foot high elevated water storage tank had an estimated exterior surface area of 35,000 square feet. It had been painted with a red lead primer, and an alkyd lead based paint. During moving and set up of a primary containment structure, personal airborne lead exposures were below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). During abrasive blasting operations, levels outside the containment approached the PEL. Airborne lead concentrations in the containment ranged from 620 to 3000microg/m3. No workers had increased blood lead levels during the job. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard due to lead exposures existed during repainting of the structure; however, the worker protection program in place at the time of the study appeared to adequately protect the workers from the lead. The protection program was a comprehensive one which was in compliance with Maryland requirements.
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(1992) Simmons Industries, Inc., Siloam Springs, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the President of Simmons Industries, Inc. (SIC-2015), Siloam Springs, Arkansas, the ability of the local exhaust ventilation system in the hanging room of the poultry processing facility to protect chicken hangers from exposures to airborne organic dust was evaluated. Air quality analyses were conducted both at the Siloam Springs facility and at the similar facility of the same company located in Jay, Oklahoma. One of three 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) inhalab... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the President of Simmons Industries, Inc. (SIC-2015), Siloam Springs, Arkansas, the ability of the local exhaust ventilation system in the hanging room of the poultry processing facility to protect chicken hangers from exposures to airborne organic dust was evaluated. Air quality analyses were conducted both at the Siloam Springs facility and at the similar facility of the same company located in Jay, Oklahoma. One of three 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) inhalable dust concentrations from the Siloam Springs facility exceeded the Threshold Limit Value of 10mg/m3 for particulates not otherwise classified. Three similar samples taken at the Jay facility exceeded this limit. The Jay facility did not have a local ventilation system in operation. Endotoxin concentrations in all six of the TWA inhalable samples exceeded the recommended limit of 10 nanograms/cubic meter (ng/m3) at both facilities. Of the six samples, five exceeded 100ng/m3, a level associated with spirometric evidence of acute airways obstruction. The authors conclude that exposures in the hanging rooms of both poultry processing facilities represented a potential health risk. The author recommends that the exhaust ventilation system and work practices be changed to reduce exposures. A respiratory protection program should be implemented until dust exposures are controlled.
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(1992) The Mueller Company, Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an authorized employee representative at the Mueller Company (SIC-3362), Decatur, Illinois, an evaluation was undertaken of formaldehyde (50000) exposures to employees in the core making room and pour deck areas. The Mueller Company is a grey iron and brass foundry producing valves for water and gas distribution service. Formaldehyde levels of 0.32 to 0.65 parts per million were recorded. Three of seven readings exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 1 part... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an authorized employee representative at the Mueller Company (SIC-3362), Decatur, Illinois, an evaluation was undertaken of formaldehyde (50000) exposures to employees in the core making room and pour deck areas. The Mueller Company is a grey iron and brass foundry producing valves for water and gas distribution service. Formaldehyde levels of 0.32 to 0.65 parts per million were recorded. Three of seven readings exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 1 part per million. Respirable dust sampling measured 4.34mg/m3 in the breathing zone of the muller operator and 1.46mg/m3 at a location 10 feet from the front of the muller at breathing zone height. Silica (14808607) content in these samples was 60.2% and 50.0%, respectively. Exposure to cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), and zinc (7440666) on the pour deck exceeded one or more of the evaluation criteria; appropriate respiratory protection was used by workers in this area. Symptoms reported by the workers included headache, sinus pain, nausea, and eye irritation. Silicosis was verified in one worker. Formaldehyde related dermatitis was diagnosed in another. The authors conclude that there was a hazard from exposures to formaldehyde and silica. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce these hazardous exposures.
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(1992) U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Gallatin National Forest, Montana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposure to forest fire smoke at Gallatin National Forest, Montana. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected for carbon- monoxide (630080) (CO), sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2), aldehydes, respirable particulate matter (RPM), and respirable crystalline silica (14808607). The CO exposure ranged up to 17 parts per million (ppm) which was below the NIOSH Recomme... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposure to forest fire smoke at Gallatin National Forest, Montana. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected for carbon- monoxide (630080) (CO), sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2), aldehydes, respirable particulate matter (RPM), and respirable crystalline silica (14808607). The CO exposure ranged up to 17 parts per million (ppm) which was below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 35ppm. SO2 concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 3.0ppm; three samples were above the recommended limit of 2ppm. Aldehyde concentrations were an order of magnitude or more below the evaluation criteria. Of the 14 samples analyzed for silica, one sample was above the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for quartz of for SO2. Suggestions were made for the collecting of data during the current fire fighting season.
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(1992) U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, New River Gorge National River, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service a study was undertaken to characterize the exposure of forest fire fighting crews (SIC-0851) to chemical contaminants during the suppression of fires. Data were collected during the Gauley Mountain Fire at the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. Eight hour time weighted average exposures ranged up to 9 parts per million (ppm) for both carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2).... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service a study was undertaken to characterize the exposure of forest fire fighting crews (SIC-0851) to chemical contaminants during the suppression of fires. Data were collected during the Gauley Mountain Fire at the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. Eight hour time weighted average exposures ranged up to 9 parts per million (ppm) for both carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2). Of the 40 personal breathing zone measurements of SO2 exposure, 23 were at or above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 2ppm. Formaldehyde concentrations up to 0.10ppm were determined. No levels of silica (14808607) were detectable. Naphthalene (91203) measurements ranged up to 6.1 micrograms per cubic meter. The author concludes that fire fighters were overexposed to SO2 during wildfire suppression activities. The author recommends that SO2 exposures be reduced.
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(1992) U.S. Park Police, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Park Police (SIC-9221), Washington, D.C., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) at a new indoor firing range. Air sampling revealed that for students using the range during training, the 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) exposures ranged from 4.4 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) to 116.4microg/m3 of airborne lead, with a mean of 32.5microg/m3. For range officers, the TWA exposures ranged from 0.15 to 52.6microg/m3, mean... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Park Police (SIC-9221), Washington, D.C., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) at a new indoor firing range. Air sampling revealed that for students using the range during training, the 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) exposures ranged from 4.4 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) to 116.4microg/m3 of airborne lead, with a mean of 32.5microg/m3. For range officers, the TWA exposures ranged from 0.15 to 52.6microg/m3, mean 16.1microg/m3. Area samples ranged from 0.15 to 2291.1microg/m3. During qualification shooting, the 8 hour TWA exposures for students ranged from 1.0 to 103.8microg/m3, with a mean of 26.3microg/m3. For range officers, the 8 hour TWA exposures ranged from 9.7 to 39.8microg/m3, mean 18.0microg/m3. A smoke machine was used to visualize the air patterns in the firing range. It was found that contaminated air could be pulled from downrange to behind the shooting line. The authors conclude that overexposure to lead occurred during use of the firing range, due to deficiencies in the range ventilation system. The authors recommend specific measures to lessen the hazardous exposures.
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(1992) United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC), an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous outcomes associated with members' chronic exposure to asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), wood dust, formaldehyde (50000) and other toxic agents found in carpentry (SIC- 1751). NIOSH conducted pulmonary function screening and administered a questionnaire at a national convention of carpenters. Spirometry screening was undertaken to identify abnorm... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC), an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous outcomes associated with members' chronic exposure to asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), wood dust, formaldehyde (50000) and other toxic agents found in carpentry (SIC- 1751). NIOSH conducted pulmonary function screening and administered a questionnaire at a national convention of carpenters. Spirometry screening was undertaken to identify abnormal pulmonary function patterns across the trades represented by participating members of the UBC. Spirometry was performed on 762 subjects; 135 had abnormal spirometry patterns. Conclusions about the work relatedness of group spirometry results or respiratory history could not be drawn, nor could inferences be made concerning nonparticipants. The evaluation of existing pulmonary function status at a single point in time for the early detection of an abnormal condition constitutes a secondary prevention measure.
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(1992) United Technologies Automotive, Port Huron, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee, an assessment was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at United Technologies Automotive (SIC-3714), Port Huron, Michigan. This company manufactured automotive headliners at two facilities in the city. Airborne fibrous glass, formaldehyde (50000), phenol (108952), trichloroethylene (79016) and volatile organic compound levels were measured at both facilities, and workers were interviewed concerning work related health problems. Formaldehy... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee, an assessment was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at United Technologies Automotive (SIC-3714), Port Huron, Michigan. This company manufactured automotive headliners at two facilities in the city. Airborne fibrous glass, formaldehyde (50000), phenol (108952), trichloroethylene (79016) and volatile organic compound levels were measured at both facilities, and workers were interviewed concerning work related health problems. Formaldehyde was found in measurable concentrations at both facilities. Trichloroethylene was measured at a concentration approaching the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (25 parts per million as a time weighted average). Fibrous glass dust was generated in most of the work areas. Measurements of the fibrous glass dust did not exceed recommended limits, but there was much evidence of workers suffering from the irritant effects of this dust in that eye, nose and throat irritations were commonplace and skin rashes were highly prevalent in both facilities. Exposure through direct contact may have been the major route of exposure. Interviewed workers also reported central nervous system symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, lightheadedness, dizziness, and problems with memory, mood or personality swings. The authors conclude that the symptoms may be related to workplace exposure. The authors recommend that exposure to formaldehyde and trichloroethylene be reduced to the lowest feasible concentrations. Exposures to fibrous glass, volatile organic ingredients in adhesive and decomposition products of heated materials should be controlled.
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(1992) Warner Amex, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees of the Van Kirk location of Warner Cable Communications (SIC-4841), Cincinnati, Ohio a study was undertaken of possible exposures of workers to lead (7439921), electromagnetic radiation, asbestos (1332214), and poor air quality. The workers were also said to be suffering from psychological disorders as a result of being expected to work in inadequate conditions. The company stored, tested and repaired cable television converter boxes. In repairing the boxe... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees of the Van Kirk location of Warner Cable Communications (SIC-4841), Cincinnati, Ohio a study was undertaken of possible exposures of workers to lead (7439921), electromagnetic radiation, asbestos (1332214), and poor air quality. The workers were also said to be suffering from psychological disorders as a result of being expected to work in inadequate conditions. The company stored, tested and repaired cable television converter boxes. In repairing the boxes, some parts were attached by soldering. Local exhaust ventilation was not provided. Sources of magnetic and electric fields included television sets and video display terminals used to test the boxes. Airborne lead and tin (7440315) concentrations were below minimum detectable concentrations in all samples except one. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations were within the limits required for adequate ventilation. Temperature measurements were slightly above the recommended comfort range and the relative humidity levels were somewhat below the recommended levels. No asbestos fibers were detected. Thermal decomposition products of the solder were identified and may have been the cause of reported mucous membrane irritation. The authors conclude that no occupational health hazard was identified at this facility. The authors recommend measures to reduce potential lead exposures and provide a more comfortable working environment.
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