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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) 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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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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