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HHE Search Results
1056 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
(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposure to crystalline silica, welding fume, and isocyanates during water heater manufacturing. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a union request about employees' exposures to silica during tank finishing operations, welding fume during tank fabrication, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during tank insulation using a spray foam application. We measured exposure to airborne crystalline silica, welding fume, and MDI, held medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, and collected blood for biomarkers of isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We found overexpo... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a union request about employees' exposures to silica during tank finishing operations, welding fume during tank fabrication, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during tank insulation using a spray foam application. We measured exposure to airborne crystalline silica, welding fume, and MDI, held medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, and collected blood for biomarkers of isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We found overexposure to crystalline silica during brushing, tank and flue spraying, and mill room operations. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and welding emissions were below occupational exposure limits. Employees reported symptoms consistent with work-related asthma. Two employees had MDI-specific IgE, consistent with MDI asthma, in their blood. Five employees had MDI-specific IgG in their blood, indicating recent exposure to MDI despite the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment. Some employees in foam booths cut slits in their Tyvek suit to aid in cooling, creating a potential for skin exposure to MDI. Some ventilation controls were either not working or were ineffective in containing airborne contaminants. Improvements in ventilation system design, use, and maintenance are needed. The employer should also begin a medical surveillance program for employees exposed to MDI and silica and provide training on the hazards of working with both.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility and attached retail cafe. (Click to open report) In October 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility with an attached café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and medical survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey con... (Click to show more)In October 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility with an attached café regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting and grinding. In March 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey, ventilation assessment, and medical survey at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of collecting personal breathing zone and area air samples for alpha-diketones (diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione). Bulk samples of whole bean and ground roasted coffee were collected to evaluate the potential for emission of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. We used continuous monitoring instruments to measure total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also conducted a ventilation assessment in the production, café, and office areas. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Three of 20 personal full-shift samples exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion in the production area including a roaster operator (5.8 parts per billion), one production employee (5.9 parts per billion), and the production manager (5.1 parts per billion). Fullshift air concentrations of diacetyl were below this exposure limit for personal and area air samples collected in office areas and the attached retail café. Full-shift air concentrations of 2,3-pentanedione were below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit of 9.3 parts per billion for both personal and area air samples collected in the production area, office areas, and attached retail café. Through task-based sampling, we identified specific work tasks that resulted in elevated diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione air concentrations. Specifically, grinding roasted coffee beans resulted in two separate peak exposures to diacetyl (maximum 65.9 parts per billion) and 2,3-pentanedione (maximum 39.6 parts billion). Scooping roasted beans by hand from a roasted bean storage bin also had elevated peak exposures with maximum exposures of 151 parts per billion diacetyl and 182 parts per billion 2,3-pentanedione. Nose and eye symptoms were the most commonly reported symptoms. Wheezing was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom; 1.7 times as many employees as expected reported this symptom than in the U.S. population with a similar demographic distribution. One participant had severe airways obstruction and possible small airways abnormality on oscillometry, both improved after bronchodilator. Four other participants had abnormalities on oscillomtery but normal spirometry. One participant had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. We recommend increasing dilution ventilation and/or installing local exhaust ventilation. We also recommend administrative controls such as modification of work practices, training employees about work-place hazards, and instituting a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In October 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting and packaging company. The request stated concerns about health issues related to exposure to diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In April 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and... (Click to show more)In October 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a request from management at a coffee roasting and packaging company. The request stated concerns about health issues related to exposure to diacetyl during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In April 2016, we conducted an industrial hygiene survey and ventilation assessment at the facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Continuous monitoring instruments were used to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We returned in June 2016 to perform a medical survey. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Sixteen of the 27 personal full-shift air samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion. These sixteen personal air samples were collected on employees with primary job duties on the production floor. High full-shift and task-based diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione exposure measurements were observed on employees that ground coffee, packaged ground coffee, or worked in areas near ground coffee. Areas with ground coffee present, specifically the main grinders and new weigh-fill machine, consistently had the highest levels of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, total volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding. Carbon monoxide levels near the main grinders exceeded the NIOSH ceiling limit of 200 parts per million. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. Mucous membrane symptoms, specifically eye, nose, and sinus symptoms, were the most commonly reported symptoms. Some employees reported their symptoms were caused or aggravated by green coffee bean and roasted coffee dust, bagging ground coffee, or cleaning the roaster. Breathing trouble was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom followed by wheezing and chest tightness. All administered spirometry tests (n=13) were normal. Two of 13 participants had high exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of allergic airways inflammation. We recommend installing local exhaust ventilation and training employees about workplace hazards. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who may be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposures and respiratory health at a coffee roasting and packaging facility. (Click to open report) In September 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In June 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment, an industrial hygiene survey, and a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the... (Click to show more)In September 2015, the Health Hazard Evaluation Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of a coffee roasting and packaging facility regarding concerns about exposures to and health effects from diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging. In June 2016, we conducted a ventilation assessment, an industrial hygiene survey, and a medical survey. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of air samples and bulk samples of coffee for the analysis of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione. Continuous monitoring instruments were used to monitor total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity in specific areas and during tasks. We also measured levels of carbon monoxide in employees' exhaled breath. The medical survey consisted of a health questionnaire and breathing tests. Overall, time-weighted average air levels of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione were elevated for employees performing duties near the roaster and grinder. Seven of the 10 personal full-shift air samples were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for diacetyl of 5 parts per billion, and five of the 10 full-shift air samples were above the recommended exposure limit for 2,3-pentanedione. All personal air samples with diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione concentrations above the recommended exposure limits were collected on employees with primary job duties in the production area. High full-shift and task-based diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione exposure measurements were observed on employees that ground coffee. We observed high instantaneous levels of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione during grinding. Carbon monoxide and total volatile organic compound levels near the grinder increased sharply when an employee ground roasted beans for 5-pound bags of coffee. Carbon dioxide levels were low throughout most of the facility. Mucous membrane symptoms, specifically eye, nose, and sinus symptoms, were the most commonly reported symptoms. Wheezing or whistling in the chest was the most commonly reported lower respiratory symptom, and was about two times as common as expected compared with the US population of the same age, race/ethnicity, sex, and cigarette smoking distribution. One of the 15 participants had abnormal spirometry. We recommend a combination of engineering and administrative controls to minimize employee exposures. We also recommend a medical monitoring program to identify any employees who might be developing work-related lung disease (e.g., asthma, obliterative bronchiolitis) and to help management prioritize interventions to prevent occupational lung disease.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of lead exposure at an indoor law enforcement firing range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at a federal law enforcement indoor firing range who was concerned about lead exposure among firearms instructors. This range used frangible and nonfrangible (duty) ammunition. Duty ammunition contained mostly lead, while frangible ammunition contained mostly copper and some zinc. During our evaluation, HHE Program investigators observed work practices, including shooting, cleaning firearms, range hygiene, and range cleanu... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the employer at a federal law enforcement indoor firing range who was concerned about lead exposure among firearms instructors. This range used frangible and nonfrangible (duty) ammunition. Duty ammunition contained mostly lead, while frangible ammunition contained mostly copper and some zinc. During our evaluation, HHE Program investigators observed work practices, including shooting, cleaning firearms, range hygiene, and range cleanup. We measured (1) airborne exposures to lead, (2) lead on employees' hands and footwear when leaving the range, (3) employees' blood lead levels, and (4) lead, copper, and zinc concentrations on surfaces inside and outside the range. HHE Program investigators evaluated ventilation system performance. We interviewed firearms instructors about work history and practices, lead-related medical history, and recreational lead exposure sources. We found lead in the air, but below occupational exposure limits. Lead was found on all surfaces tested including instructors' skin and footwear. Copper and zinc were also found on tested surfaces. All instructors had detectable blood lead levels, some > 5 micrograms per deciliter, which NIOSH defines as elevated according to its surveillance case definition. The ventilation system was not performing according to NIOSH recommendations. Instructors and shooters used dry sweeping methods to remove lead-dust and lead-dust contaminated objects. All instructors wore their work clothes and shoes home. To improve the safety and health of firing range instructors and shooters, we recommended the employer (1) hire a firing range ventilation specialist for all range ventilation maintenance, including testing and balancing the ventilation system; (2) start a lead exposure monitoring program; (3) use wet cleaning methods; and (4) provide no-slip style disposable shoe covers, lockers for street clothes and work clothes, and on-site laundry service.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of occupational brake dust exposures at a hydroelectric dam. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a safety manager at a hydroelectric dam. The manager was concerned about employee exposures to elements (metals and minerals) in brake dust when cleaning the brake and brush housings of hydroelectric turbine generators. While employees cleaned a generator during a scheduled shutdown, we collected air samples, work surface and hand wipes, and brake dust samples for elemental analysis. Airborne exposures to elements were well below their... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a safety manager at a hydroelectric dam. The manager was concerned about employee exposures to elements (metals and minerals) in brake dust when cleaning the brake and brush housings of hydroelectric turbine generators. While employees cleaned a generator during a scheduled shutdown, we collected air samples, work surface and hand wipes, and brake dust samples for elemental analysis. Airborne exposures to elements were well below their most protective occupational exposure limits for all powerhouse employees, regardless of work activity or location within the powerhouse. Sampling results showed that brake dust could escape from the interior of the turbine housing. Elements were detected at low concentrations on hands and work surfaces. Hand cleaning practices, the availability of disposable clothing, and the use of sticky mats helped reduce the migration of contaminants from work areas to non-work areas. We recommended evaluating employee's exposures to elements in the air during brake dust cleaning of the other two generators.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of occupational exposures at an insect rearing facility. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a federal agency on behalf of employees at a pink bollworm (moth) rearing facility. Managers and employees were concerned about indoor environmental quality and possible development of respiratory problems and allergies from exposures to chemicals, insects, and insect debris. We collected personal air samples for formaldehyde and inhalable particulate matter, and area air samples for moth scales and other insect debris. We interviewed ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a federal agency on behalf of employees at a pink bollworm (moth) rearing facility. Managers and employees were concerned about indoor environmental quality and possible development of respiratory problems and allergies from exposures to chemicals, insects, and insect debris. We collected personal air samples for formaldehyde and inhalable particulate matter, and area air samples for moth scales and other insect debris. We interviewed employees about their work, their health, and their concerns, and reviewed health questionnaire results and lung function testing done by a contractor hired by the employer. We also observed engineering controls, ventilation, work practices, and personal protective equipment use. Employees were exposed to multiple allergens and irritants in many areas such as formaldehyde, bleach, insects, insect debris, insect diet ingredients, and latex gloves. Air sampling results showed overexposures to formaldehyde (according to NIOSH criteria) during egg preparation and disinfection. Work procedures and practices could increase the potential for air and skin exposure to formaldehyde. Inhalable particulate matter containing moth scales, insect debris, or insect diet ingredients was not well controlled in the moth pouring, egg production, and tray scraping areas, which indicates that improvements in local exhaust ventilation were needed. Some employees reported health symptoms and had medical evidence suggesting potential allergy, occupational asthma, and lung obstruction. We recommended modifying the ventilation systems to improve capture and removal of inhalable particulates containing allergens and irritants. We also recommended replacing latex gloves with nitrile gloves to eliminate a potential allergen source.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of potential hazards during harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are ... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are performed for longer periods than we observed, the repetitive hand motions would create a risk for hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis, was detected on all surface wipe samples collected (cannabis processing areas and on hand trimming scissor blades). This indicates the potential for dermal and ingestion exposures. However, the health implications from occupational exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol are unknown. Air samples indicated that Botrytis cinerea, a plant pathogen, was the main fungal species, while actinobacteria, common soil bacteria, was the most frequently identified bacterial phyla. Airborne exposure to actinobacteria and fungus like Botrytis cinerea can increase the risk of allergic and respiratory symptoms. Air samples for endotoxins were all below the occupational exposure limit. We also found that employees used latex gloves, which can cause allergic reactions. Glove use was required for some tasks. NIOSH investigators recommended (1) changing procedures and improving tools to reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, (2) developing a cleaning schedule for work and tool surfaces, (3) training employees on tool cleaning, lubrication, sharpening, and maintenance, and (4) wearing nonlatex gloves when handling cannabis, cannabis products, or equipment that contacts cannabis.
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(2017) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of ventilation and employee exposures to lead at an indoor firing range. (Click to open report) The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer representative at an indoor firing range. The request concerned potential employee exposure to lead during routine tasks and range cleaning activities. Other concerns included the performance of the ventilation system and whether lead was migrating from the range to other areas of the building. We conducted a walk-through survey of the range to speak with employees and observe their work practices and personal protective eq... (Click to show more)The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from an employer representative at an indoor firing range. The request concerned potential employee exposure to lead during routine tasks and range cleaning activities. Other concerns included the performance of the ventilation system and whether lead was migrating from the range to other areas of the building. We conducted a walk-through survey of the range to speak with employees and observe their work practices and personal protective equipment use. We collected full-shift personal and area air samples for lead, and reviewed the company's health and safety policy documents. We also collected employee hand wipe samples for lead before and after weekly range cleaning, and at the end of the work shift. No employees were overexposed to airborne lead. However, we did find lead on surfaces and employees' hands. The ventilation system performance met NIOSH guidelines. The company adhered to the OSHA lead standard and the type and availability of personal protective equipment was appropriate for the work performed by employees. We recommended increasing the use of a lead removal solution for surface and floor cleaning and lead removal hand wipes to reduce the possible spread of lead contamination. We also recommended using a lead-certified laundry service or providing a dedicated onsite, washer and dryer to clean employee uniforms and to help prevent take-home exposures.
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(2016) Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of crystalline silica exposure during fabrication of natural and engineered stone countertops. (Click to open report) The Texas Department of State Health Services asked the Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program for help. They asked us to evaluate silica exposure in a manufacturing plant. The plant makes natural and engineered stone countertops. We measured employees' exposures to crystalline silica. We evaluated ventilation systems and personal protective equipment use. Employees used wet methods to help control dust. We found respirable crystalline silica in the air. Concentrations ranged from nondetectable ... (Click to show more)The Texas Department of State Health Services asked the Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program for help. They asked us to evaluate silica exposure in a manufacturing plant. The plant makes natural and engineered stone countertops. We measured employees' exposures to crystalline silica. We evaluated ventilation systems and personal protective equipment use. Employees used wet methods to help control dust. We found respirable crystalline silica in the air. Concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 140 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). Respirable dust concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 380 ug/m3. The percentage of quartz in these samples ranged from less than 1% to 52%. We found overexposures to crystalline silica despite the use of wet methods. None of the work processes used local exhaust ventilation. We saw some employees incorrectly using respirators, safety glasses, and ear plugs. The company did not have an employee medical surveillance program for silica. HHE Program investigators recommended using a combination of local exhaust ventilation and wet methods to control dust.
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