If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
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
(1991) Associated Press, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an authorized employee representative, an investigation was made of potential inorganic mercury (7439976) exposure to staff working with and around photo laser machines at Associated Press (SIC-2711), New York, New York. Direct mercury vapor measurements were obtained. Four area samples and one personal breathing zone sample for inorganic mercury vapor and dust were also collected. Bulk samples of processed and unprocessed paper and paper dust were collected. Air mo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an authorized employee representative, an investigation was made of potential inorganic mercury (7439976) exposure to staff working with and around photo laser machines at Associated Press (SIC-2711), New York, New York. Direct mercury vapor measurements were obtained. Four area samples and one personal breathing zone sample for inorganic mercury vapor and dust were also collected. Bulk samples of processed and unprocessed paper and paper dust were collected. Air movement around the photo laser machines was checked using smoke tubes. The highest mercury concentrations were found in the vicinity of ten machines on the fourth floor. These concentrations were well below the currently recommended exposure level of 50 micrograms/cubic meter. The mercury content of bulk paper and paper dust samples was 220 micrograms/gram. The dust collected from the wall behind the photo laser machines on the sixth floor contained a trace level of mercury. Similar dust build up was noted on the supply diffusers and exhaust grills on the sixth floor. The author concludes that mercury levels found around the photo laser machines did not constitute a long or short term health hazard to employees. Direct handling of the paper and dust inside the machine did have a potentially high mercury exposure due to possible skin absorption of mercury.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Carbon/Graphite Group, Louisville, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers Union, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at the Carbon/Graphite Group (SIC-2819), Louisville, Kentucky. The request indicated that 30 to 40 workers were possibly exposed to carbon-monoxide (630080) in areas of the facility where calcium-carbide was manufactured and handled. Results of personal exposure monitoring indicated carbon-monoxide levels of 9 to 82 parts per million (ppm) as full shift, time... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers Union, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at the Carbon/Graphite Group (SIC-2819), Louisville, Kentucky. The request indicated that 30 to 40 workers were possibly exposed to carbon-monoxide (630080) in areas of the facility where calcium-carbide was manufactured and handled. Results of personal exposure monitoring indicated carbon-monoxide levels of 9 to 82 parts per million (ppm) as full shift, time weighted averages. Several peaks above 200ppm were noted; acetylene interference was a factor in the high readings in some areas. Complaints from individual workers did not reveal any symptomatology which would be compatible with carbon-monoxide exposure. The author concludes that a health hazard was not found at the time of the evaluation, but there was a potential hazard for carbon-monoxide exposure during equipment failures or entry into confined spaces. The author provides recommendations concerning carbon-monoxide monitoring in the scrubber area, the crusher area, and the furnace area; engineering controls for dust, personal protective equipment and other inhalation hazards; and confined space entry.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Carbonnaire Company, Palmerton, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a Carbonnaire Company Representative, an investigation was undertaken of possible exposure to metal dusts at Carbonnaire Company (SIC-2873, SIC-2813), Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The metal dust was thought to be blowing in from an adjacent zinc recycling company. Carbonnaire manufactured synthetic anhydrous-ammonia (7664417) by the Haber-Bosch process. About 29 employees worked three shifts. Air samples, wipe samples and soil samples were collected for analysis of meta... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a Carbonnaire Company Representative, an investigation was undertaken of possible exposure to metal dusts at Carbonnaire Company (SIC-2873, SIC-2813), Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The metal dust was thought to be blowing in from an adjacent zinc recycling company. Carbonnaire manufactured synthetic anhydrous-ammonia (7664417) by the Haber-Bosch process. About 29 employees worked three shifts. Air samples, wipe samples and soil samples were collected for analysis of metal content. Blood samples were obtained from 13 workers. Lead (7439921) concentrations in wipe samples ranged from 108 to 432 micrograms/square foot. Surface soil and ventilation filter dust contained up to 4.5% lead. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 4 to 13 micrograms/deciliter. Personal breathing samples detected ammonia concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 122.6 parts per million (ppm). The highest personal exposure was collected over 5 minutes in the east compressor area. The author concludes that a health hazard existed due to ammonia exposure from leaking equipment. A potential health hazard may exist from exposure to lead at this location. The author recommends specific measures to reduce exposures and improve working conditions at this facility.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Flexfab, Inc., Hastings, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an evaluation was made of possible adverse health effects related to workplace exposures at Flexfab, Inc. (SIC-3052), Hastings, Michigan. Flexfab manufactured lightweight, flexible, nonmetallic parts for the automotive, trucking, aircraft, aerospace, and other industries as well as for the government and military. These products included flexible hose, ducts, and connectors made of silicones, neoprenes, and other elastomers. A workforce of approximately 285... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an evaluation was made of possible adverse health effects related to workplace exposures at Flexfab, Inc. (SIC-3052), Hastings, Michigan. Flexfab manufactured lightweight, flexible, nonmetallic parts for the automotive, trucking, aircraft, aerospace, and other industries as well as for the government and military. These products included flexible hose, ducts, and connectors made of silicones, neoprenes, and other elastomers. A workforce of approximately 285 hourly employees operated three shifts per day. The results of the study showed that the workers operating the mills in the rubber room were at risk of exposure to crystalline silica (14808607) and that workers applying the sealant to flexible utility dusts were exposed to levels of tetrahydrofuran (109999) near the action limit. There was also a high incidence of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders at this company. The authors conclude that the workers who operated the mills in the rubber room were at risk of exposure to crystalline silica. Workers who applied sealant to flexible utility ducts were exposed to tetrahydrofuran at levels near the action limit. The authors recommend that modifications be made to the ventilation system in an effort to reduce chemical and dust exposures. Specific measures to prevent and control cumulative trauma disorders are recommended.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Gannett-Rochester Newspaper, Rochester, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an authorized employee representative, an evaluation was made of potential mercury (7439976) exposure at Gannett-Rochester Newspaper (SIC-2711), Rochester, New York. Particular concern was expressed with regard to inorganic mercury exposure to operators of the photo laser machines. During the evaluation, general samples for air and personal breathing zone samples for inorganic mercury and dust were collected. Airborne mercury concentrations ranged from nondetectable... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an authorized employee representative, an evaluation was made of potential mercury (7439976) exposure at Gannett-Rochester Newspaper (SIC-2711), Rochester, New York. Particular concern was expressed with regard to inorganic mercury exposure to operators of the photo laser machines. During the evaluation, general samples for air and personal breathing zone samples for inorganic mercury and dust were collected. Airborne mercury concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 15 micrograms per cubic meter. The highest levels were found during the record and heating modes, but were below the current limits of exposure. Samples of unprocessed paper showed 230 micrograms/gram (microg/g) of sample for inorganic mercury content. Paper dust inside the machine contained 91microg/g while the dust from the outside fan had a concentration of 6.8microg/g. There was a potential for mercury exposure during the handling of the paper and the dust. The author concludes that the mercury levels found around the photo laser machines do not constitute a long or short term health hazard to employees working with or around the machines. However, working directly with the paper and dust inside the photo laser machine has the potential for higher exposure because of possible skin absorption of mercury. The author recommends that nitrile rubber gloves should be worn while cleaning the photo laser machine oven, removing paper dust from inside the machine, and restocking the paper.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Garfield County Courthouse, Glenwood Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Administrator of Garfield County, Colorado, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the County Courthouse (SIC-9222). Employees at the building had complained of itchy watery eyes, stuffy and/or runny nose, headaches, sore throats, and other problems since the building had been expanded in 1984. The building was four stories and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system consisted of a central variable air volume system with ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Administrator of Garfield County, Colorado, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the County Courthouse (SIC-9222). Employees at the building had complained of itchy watery eyes, stuffy and/or runny nose, headaches, sore throats, and other problems since the building had been expanded in 1984. The building was four stories and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system consisted of a central variable air volume system with hot water reheat on the exterior terminal units. Cooling was provided by an indirect chilled water coil and a direct evaporative cooling section. Temperature ranged from 71 to 76 degrees-F and humidity from 36 to 42%. Carbon-monoxide (630080) levels were less than 2 parts per million. Air samples for aldehydes were all below the limits of quantitation. Air samples for dusts resulted in only low levels of common, low toxicity materials. The author concludes that no airborne contaminant was identified which could constitute a health hazard. The author recommends measures to help alleviate the employee complaints.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Georgia Metals, Inc., Powder Springs, Georgia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from OSHA, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Georgia Metals Company (SIC- 3443), Powder Springs, Georgia. A local physician reported to OSHA an elevated blood lead (7439921) level in a facility employee. The company primarily relined newly fabricated or refurbished steel tanks with lead or polyvinylchloride/polypropylene. The company also produces came lead, lead pipe, lead anodes, and lead burning rods from lead pigs and recycled scraps. T... (Click to show more)In response to a request from OSHA, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Georgia Metals Company (SIC- 3443), Powder Springs, Georgia. A local physician reported to OSHA an elevated blood lead (7439921) level in a facility employee. The company primarily relined newly fabricated or refurbished steel tanks with lead or polyvinylchloride/polypropylene. The company also produces came lead, lead pipe, lead anodes, and lead burning rods from lead pigs and recycled scraps. The mean blood lead level among current employees was 32 micrograms/100 grams whole blood, range of 9 to 51. Five current employees had levels of zinc- protoporphyrin above the standards, suggesting elevated blood lead levels 2 to 4 months earlier. At the time of this evaluation the company was not conducting any environmental monitoring, routine medical surveillance, or providing adequate respiratory protection, housekeeping, hygiene facilities or training. Adverse health outcomes such as hypertension and screening tests for impaired renal function were documented in five of the nine employees tested. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from employee exposure to lead. The authors recommend specific measures for reducing lead exposure.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority, Mount Clemens, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of employees at the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Municipal Refuse Authority (SIC-4953), Mount Clemens, Michigan, an evaluation was undertaken of possible exposures associated with incinerator ash at the incinerator site. Two visits to the site were made. During the first visit it was determined that the weekly clean out operation was the primary source of employee exposures to ash. During the second visit analyses were made of air samples, total dust, res... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of employees at the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Municipal Refuse Authority (SIC-4953), Mount Clemens, Michigan, an evaluation was undertaken of possible exposures associated with incinerator ash at the incinerator site. Two visits to the site were made. During the first visit it was determined that the weekly clean out operation was the primary source of employee exposures to ash. During the second visit analyses were made of air samples, total dust, respirable dust, respirable crystalline silica (14808607), ash and metals. Potential short term exposures to high levels of crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total dust were noted during the clean out operation. One personal air sample collected for total dust exposure measured 20.5mg/m3 which exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15mg/m3. The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 0.5mg/m3 for crystalline silica was exceeded for one personal breathing zone air sample. The author concludes that workers were exposed to crystalline silica, lead and total dust during cleanout; personal exposures did not exceed the OSHA PELs because cleanout was completed in less than 2 hours. The author recommends improvements to work practices and provision of better personal protective equipment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Hawaii State Health Department. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Hawaii State Health Department, an investigation was made of possible hazardous occupational and community exposures to lava and sea water emissions (LAZE) occurring when the lava flow from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano vaporized sea water. Air samples were collected during 4 days. Samples were collected within visible plumes of LAZE on March 13, 14, and 18, 1990. Hydrochloric-acid (7647010) concentrations at this sampling location averaged 7.1 parts per million (ppm... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Hawaii State Health Department, an investigation was made of possible hazardous occupational and community exposures to lava and sea water emissions (LAZE) occurring when the lava flow from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano vaporized sea water. Air samples were collected during 4 days. Samples were collected within visible plumes of LAZE on March 13, 14, and 18, 1990. Hydrochloric-acid (7647010) concentrations at this sampling location averaged 7.1 parts per million (ppm). Hydrofluoric-acid (7664393) concentrations were less than 1ppm. Acid concentrations decreased with distance from the source. Sulfur-dioxide (7446095) was detected at approximately 1.5ppm. Airborne particulates were comprised largely of chloride salts. Crystalline silica (14808607) concentrations were below detectable limits, approximately centimeter in one sample and were comprised primarily of a hydrated calcium-sulfate (7778189) similar to the mineral gypsum. Glass fibers were detected in some samples. The authors conclude that individuals should avoid exposure to concentrated plumes of LAZE near its origin and thereby avoid exposure to inorganic acids, particularly hydrochloric-acid. Those individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions may be at increased risk and should avoid all contact with LAZE. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (SIC-8661), an investigation was made of indoor air quality in the church office. Particular attention was directed toward laser printer and photocopier emissions. Employees had complained of headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, eye irritation, and dry nose and throat. Day shift employees performed general office duties, often using a photocopier and a laser printer. Real time ozone (10028156) concentration... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (SIC-8661), an investigation was made of indoor air quality in the church office. Particular attention was directed toward laser printer and photocopier emissions. Employees had complained of headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, eye irritation, and dry nose and throat. Day shift employees performed general office duties, often using a photocopier and a laser printer. Real time ozone (10028156) concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection (LOD) to 0.05 parts per million (ppm) in the breathing zone, all below the NIOSH limit for short term exposure of 0.10ppm. Ozone concentrations as high as 0.56ppm were detected at the laser printer exhaust. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations ranged from 400 to 850ppm. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from below the LOD to 90 micrograms per cubic meter. Carbon-monoxide (630080) levels were not above the LOD of 5ppm. No volatile organic carbons were detected. Temperature and relative humidity levels were within the guidelines. Some of the symptoms were consistent with ozone exposure. The author concludes that efforts should be made to reduce ozone exposures. The author recommends relocating the laser printer, providing additional outside air to the building, and checking for possible overloading or inefficiency in the ozone filter in the printer.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
