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HHE Search Results
1063 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) 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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(1992) William Powell Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of lead (7439921) exposures at the William Powell Company (SIC-3366), Cincinnati, Ohio. The company manufactured brass valves. At the time of the visit there were 44 workers at the foundry. Airborne lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for three personal breathing zone samples and constituted a potential hazard to employees working in the pouring and cut of... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of lead (7439921) exposures at the William Powell Company (SIC-3366), Cincinnati, Ohio. The company manufactured brass valves. At the time of the visit there were 44 workers at the foundry. Airborne lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for three personal breathing zone samples and constituted a potential hazard to employees working in the pouring and cut off saw areas. Low concentrations of respirable quartz (14808607) were detected. Cadmium (7440439) was also present. The highest concentrations for both the stationary and continuous pouring operations occurred during the transport of the unventilated full ladle. The cumulative aerosol exposures from the continuous operation task were far greater than those from the stationary operation due to the greater amount of time the worker spent doing continuous pouring. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from lead levels in the pouring and cut off saw areas. The authors recommend several measures to reduce the exposure levels including a more efficient ventilation system and a redesign of some of the equipment in use.
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(1991) American Salt Company, Lyons, Kansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the project director of the International Chemical Workers Union, a study was undertaken of worker exposure to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the American Salt Company (SIC-1479) mine and mill, Lyons, Kansas. There were no detectable airborne asbestos exposures, but asbestos was identified in settled dust and bulk samples. The only detectable overexposure was to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2). Five passive dosimeters analyzed for NO2 indicated full sh... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the project director of the International Chemical Workers Union, a study was undertaken of worker exposure to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the American Salt Company (SIC-1479) mine and mill, Lyons, Kansas. There were no detectable airborne asbestos exposures, but asbestos was identified in settled dust and bulk samples. The only detectable overexposure was to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2). Five passive dosimeters analyzed for NO2 indicated full shift exposure levels ranging from 0.71 to 1.4 parts per million (ppm). Five coal-tar pitch volatile samples analyzed for benzene soluble fraction were below detectable levels. Carbon-monoxide (630080) was detected but was well below any hazardous levels. Forty seven employees participated in a medical study. Only two of these 47 worked underground. Radiographic evidence of pneumoconiosis was nonexistent among these employees. Four employees demonstrated mild obstruction on pulmonary function tests while one demonstrated severe obstruction and two had mild restriction of lung volume. The authors conclude that overexposures to NO2 existed during the survey. The authors recommend measures to minimize exposure to diesel exhaust, and control asbestos in settled dust. A followup medical study is recommended.
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(1991) ASARCO New Market/Young Mines, Mascot, Tennessee. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Akron, Ohio, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at two American Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-1031) zinc mines (New Market and Young) in Mascot, Tennessee. Specifically, exposures to asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), and diesel emissions were determined. At both mines overexposures were found to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2) and coal-tar pitch volatiles. Twenty four percent of ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Akron, Ohio, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at two American Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-1031) zinc mines (New Market and Young) in Mascot, Tennessee. Specifically, exposures to asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), and diesel emissions were determined. At both mines overexposures were found to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2) and coal-tar pitch volatiles. Twenty four percent of the NO2 measurements taken were above the NIOSH recommended ceiling of 1 part per million (ppm), but none exceeded the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) ceiling of 5ppm. Exposure to diesel particulates ranged from 0.24 to 1.06mg/m3. None of the 52 respirable dust samples collected exceeded the calculated MSHA limits for free silica exposure. A medical evaluation was offered and 83 of the 400 current employees and one retired employee participated. Seven underground employees were found with small opacity readings of greater than 1/0. Pulmonary function tests indicated that four employees had moderate airway obstruction, 17 had mild obstruction and two had mild restriction of lung volume. Three with obstructive lung disease pattern also had positive radiographs for pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to coal-tar pitch volatiles and NO2; radiographic and pulmonary function test results suggest that a chronic respiratory health effect may be related to cumulative workplace exposures. The authors recommend measures for lowering the exposures and the development of a medical surveillance program.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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