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HHE Search Results
1062 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) 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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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1991) International Salt Company, Avery Island, Louisiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the project director of the International Chemical Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposure to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the International Salt Company (SIC-1479) mine and mill, Avery Island, Louisiana. The only detectable overexposures were to coal-tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) and nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2). Eleven of 14 samples for CTPV showed detectable levels ranging from 0.06 to average of 0.1mg/m3. Nine full shift personal NO2 sa... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the project director of the International Chemical Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposure to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the International Salt Company (SIC-1479) mine and mill, Avery Island, Louisiana. The only detectable overexposures were to coal-tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) and nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2). Eleven of 14 samples for CTPV showed detectable levels ranging from 0.06 to average of 0.1mg/m3. Nine full shift personal NO2 samples were collected and gave concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 3.5 parts per million (ppm). All nine samples exceeded the NIOSH ceiling of 1ppm. Airborne asbestos was not detected, but settle dust and bulk materials contained asbestos. A medical study of 159 employees showed 14 workers with mild obstruction, one with moderate obstruction and one with severe obstruction on pulmonary function tests. The authors conclude that overexposures to coal-tar pitch volatiles and NO2 existed at the time of the survey. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposure to workplace contaminants. A followup medical survey is recommended.
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(1991) Northland Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the Northland Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (SIC-8051), Columbus, Ohio, a study was undertaken of headaches in workers in the laundry facility and upper respiratory infections associated with delivering Attends diapers. The study included employee interviews, environmental monitoring, and an assessment of the adequacy of the design and performance of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Northland Terrace was a nursing and ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the Northland Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (SIC-8051), Columbus, Ohio, a study was undertaken of headaches in workers in the laundry facility and upper respiratory infections associated with delivering Attends diapers. The study included employee interviews, environmental monitoring, and an assessment of the adequacy of the design and performance of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Northland Terrace was a nursing and rehabilitation center. Employees who work in the laundry facility reported that they experience headache while present in this area which was renovated in 1989. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations exceeded 1000 parts per million. Biologically significant carbon-monoxide (630080) concentrations were not observed. Temperatures in the laundry rooms ranged from 86 to 92 degrees-F. Relative humidities ranged from 48 to 56%. A possible reaction to the dust or the fragrance associated with Attends diapers was not followed to completion as the nursing facility stopped using this product during the study. The authors conclude that there was an inadequate supply of outside air in the laundry and basement areas. The authors recommend measures to improve the ventilation system and reduce the potential for heat stress in the laundry.
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(1991) Pensacola City Hall, Pensacola, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the city of Pensacola for technical assistance, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pensacola City Hall (SIC-9199), Pensacola, Florida. The seven story building was completed in 1985. The evaluation focused on floors 3 through 7, where most of the workers were located. The carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations on these floors were below 1000 parts per million. All work areas surveyed were within the guidelines for both temperature... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the city of Pensacola for technical assistance, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Pensacola City Hall (SIC-9199), Pensacola, Florida. The seven story building was completed in 1985. The evaluation focused on floors 3 through 7, where most of the workers were located. The carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations on these floors were below 1000 parts per million. All work areas surveyed were within the guidelines for both temperature and relative humidity. The concentrations of respirable particulate matter, measured with a direct reading aerosol monitor, ranged from 2 to 70 micrograms per cubic meter. Many of the workers felt their work areas were too dusty and others considered them too noisy. Over half the workers on the third floor considered their work areas too stuffy. Smoking was not restricted to smoking areas or to lounges which were provided with a dedicated air handling system to reduce the possibility or reentrainment and recirculation of any secondary cigarette smoke. The author concludes that the indoor air quality parameters measured were within acceptable levels. An indoor air quality did exist due to the smoking policy. Minor ventilation repairs are recommended.
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(1991) Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from employees, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. (SIC-2711), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Approximately 65 employees worked in the track six mail room on the night of the study. The evaluation was conducted in the winter, when the ventilation system was shut down, and fresh air is provided by infiltration alone. Environmental monitoring was conducted to determine employee exposure to newsprint du... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from employees, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. (SIC-2711), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Approximately 65 employees worked in the track six mail room on the night of the study. The evaluation was conducted in the winter, when the ventilation system was shut down, and fresh air is provided by infiltration alone. Environmental monitoring was conducted to determine employee exposure to newsprint dust and ink mist. Air sampling results did not indicate any contaminants in levels which could be considered unacceptable. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) particulate concentrations ranged from 0.01mg/m3 to 0.32mg/m3. The amounts of ink mist in 15 samples were below detectable limits. No aldehydes or oxides of nitrogen were detected. Seven of the 14 workers interviewed reported upper respiratory and/or eye irritation that worsened while they were at work. Temperatures ranged from 71 to 85 degrees-F and relative humidity from less than 10 to 23%. The authors conclude that workers in the track six mail room are not at risk of harmful exposures to newsprint dust, ink mist, or diesel exhaust emissions. Eye and respiratory irritation may result from relying on infiltration alone to bring outside air into the area. The authors recommend that an effort be made to reduce the heat and increase the relative humidity at the site.
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(1991) Pilot Industrial Batteries, Kankakee, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Pilot Industrial Batteries (SIC-3691), Kankakee, Illinois. The company employed 41 workers, manufacturing custom lead/acid batteries. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected and analyzed for lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), and 29 other metals. General air samples for lead analysis were collected in the lunch room and in the changing room adjacen... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Pilot Industrial Batteries (SIC-3691), Kankakee, Illinois. The company employed 41 workers, manufacturing custom lead/acid batteries. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected and analyzed for lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), and 29 other metals. General air samples for lead analysis were collected in the lunch room and in the changing room adjacent to the pasting area. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of lead ranged from below 10 to 846 micrograms/cubic meter. One personal breathing zone sample had a time weighted average arsenic concentration of 3.8 micrograms/cubic meter. Blood lead levels ranged from 12 to 66 micrograms/deciliter. The authors conclude that employees were at risk for lead exposure at levels that constitute a health hazard. Half mask respirators did not provide adequate protection in some areas of the facility. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, including better use of existing local engineering controls, improved respiratory protection practices, and the establishment of a formal biological monitoring program.
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