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
283 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
(2000) U.S. Silica Company, Berkeley Springs, Berkeley Springs, West Virgina. (Click to open report) In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at US. Silica Company's Berkeley Springs plant, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area or the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of th... (Click to show more)In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at US. Silica Company's Berkeley Springs plant, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area or the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the grinding process represented the population of primary interest. On June 14-17,1993, a medical evaluation of current workers was conducted. Former workers were tested on June 18,1993. The medical evaluation included a questionnaire, spirometry and a single view posterior/anterior (PA) chest x-ray. Chest x-rays were independently classified according to the 1980 International Labour Office (ILO) system by three NIOSH-certified B readers who were unaware of the participant's age, occupation, occupational exposure, smoking history, or any identifying information. For the purposes of this evaluation, silicosis was defined on the basis of a chest x-ray with median small opacity profusion classification of category 1/0 or greater. Fifty-four (89%) of 61current workers and 13 (41%) of 32 former workers who met the study criterion participated in the NIOSH medical evaluation. Of these 67, seven (10%)) had a chest x-ray consistent with silicosis. The highest median ILO profusion category was 2/2. Two of the seven had a chest x-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), with "B" size large opacities (based on the median of the three readings). Nineteen (28'%) of the 67 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns; 13 (68'%) of the 19 exhibited an obstructive pattern, four (21%) exhibited a restrictive pattern, and two exhibited a combined restrictive and obstructive pattern. An abnormal spirometry pattern was present in four of the seven participants with a positive chest x-ray. US. Silica's medical monitoring includes all of the screening tests recommended by the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA) as well as those recommended by NIOSH for workers exposed to ground silica. NISA's current guidelines also recommend multiple readings of all chest x-rays with a small opacity profusion classification of 1/0 or greater and 5-10% of those chest x-rays classified as 0/1 based on a single reading. Since 1990, due company reportedly seat chest x-rays initially classified 110 or greater by a single reader for additional classifications of the company records we reviewed, company chest x-rays initially classified as negative (0/0 and 0/1) were not routinely sent for additional readings. Seven (10'%) of the 67 survey participants who met the study criterion were found to have chest x-ray findings consistent with silicosis. These results are consistent with patterns of crystalline silica dust exposure at this facility. There were no cases of silicosis among current or former workers with 15 or less years of tenure; however, because of the long latency usually associated with chronic silicosis, this finding is not sufficient to conclude that current crystalline silica dust exposure levels are without adverse effect. The company medical monitoring practice of obtaining additional B reader classifications of those chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater may produce an estimated prevalence no higher than and possibly lower than that obtained with a single reading, and those workers with a positive chest x-ray whose chest x-rays are initially read as 0/0 or 0/1 will not be identified. Recommendations are presented in this report and include obtaining at least two readings of all chest x-rays regardless of the initial small opacity profusion classification, increasing the frequency of medical monitoring examinations, and modification if the baseline and routine examinations to include skin testing for tuberculosis (TB).
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) The Society of Glass Beadmakers, Corning, New York. (Click to open report) On February 28, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the president of the Society of Glass Beadmakers (SGB). The major occupational concern was optical radiation exposure during beadmaking. The requester asked that NIOSH attend the SGB annual conference in Corning, New York, on May 7-10, 1998, and perform optical radiation measurements. NIOSH also evaluated environmental contaminants produced during t... (Click to show more)On February 28, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the president of the Society of Glass Beadmakers (SGB). The major occupational concern was optical radiation exposure during beadmaking. The requester asked that NIOSH attend the SGB annual conference in Corning, New York, on May 7-10, 1998, and perform optical radiation measurements. NIOSH also evaluated environmental contaminants produced during the various beadmaking demonstrations at the conference. Four different demonstrations were monitored. The processes used were typical of those used at a normal worksite, but may not represent actual working conditions. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to conference attendees to gather information about job activities and possible health effects. Area air samples were collected for metals, total particulates, respirable particulate, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Bulk samples of bead release materials and glass were collected and analyzed for trace metal content. Hand-wipe samples were collected from all demonstrators before and after each glass bead event to determine trace metal contamination. Exposure levels to ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) radiation were documented during the production of glass beads. Air temperature was measured near the face of the demonstrators. Most respondents reported being burned by hot glass and being cut by broken glass in the past year. All measured exposures were well below occupational exposure limits. Total particulates and respirable particulate were not detected in the air samples collected. Trace levels of some VOCs were found on samples collected near the worktable. The VOCs were probably generated by compounds used by the demonstrators (such as fuels from various torches) or from hotel cleaning products. Wipe sampling of the demonstrators' hands did not show contamination with metals. Traces of various metals were found in the bulk glass samples. The bead release materials were clay-based.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) U.S. Silica Company, Mill Creek Plant, Mill Creek, Oklahoma. (Click to open report) In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at U.S. Silica Company's Mill Creek plant, in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the grinding pro... (Click to show more)In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at U.S. Silica Company's Mill Creek plant, in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. Current and former workers with one year or greater cumulative tenure since 1970 in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream (by material processing) of the grinding process represented the population of primary interest. On August 10-12, 1993, a medical evaluation of current workers was conducted. Former workers were tested on August 13-14, 1993. The medical evaluation included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a single view posterior-anterior (PA) chest x-ray. Chest x-rays were independently classified according to the 1980 International Labour Office (ILO) system by three NIOSH-certified B readers who were unaware of the participant's age, occupation, occupational exposure, smoking history, or any identifying information. For the purposes of this evaluation, silicosis was defined on the basis of a chest x-ray with median small opacity profusion classification of category 1/0 or greater. Twenty-nine (57%) of 51 current workers and 20 (33%) of 61 former workers who met the study criterion participated in the NIOSH medical evaluation. Of these 49, five (10%) had a chest x-ray consistent with silicosis. The highest median ILO profusion category was 22. One of the five had a chest x-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), with "B" size large opacities as classified by all three readers. Four (9%) of the 46 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns; three exhibited an obstructive lung pattern and one exhibited a combined restrictive and obstructive pattern. An abnormal spirometry pattern was present in one of the five participants with a positive chest x-ray. U.S. Silica's medical monitoring includes all of the screening tests recommended by the National Industrial Sand Association (VISA) as well as those recommended by NIOSH for workers exposed to ground silica. NISA's current guidelines also recommend multiple ''readings of all chest x-rays with a small opacity profusion classification of I/0 or greater and 5-10% of those chest x-rays classified as 0/1 based on a single reading. Of the company records we reviewed, company chest x-rays initially classified as negative (0/0 and 0/1) were not routinely sent for additional readings. Since 1990, the company reportedly sent chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater by a single reader for additional classifications. Five (10%) of the 49 survey participants who met the study criterion were found to have chest x-ray findings consistent with silicosis. These results are consistent with patterns of crystalline silica dust exposure at this facility. There were no cases of silicosis among current workers with 10 or less years of tenure; however, because of the long latency usually associated with chronic silicosis, this finding is not sufficient to conclude that current crystalline silica dust exposure levels are without adverse effect, The company medical monitoring practice of obtaining additional B reader classifications of those chest x-rays initially classified 1/0 or greater will produce an estimated prevalence no higher than and possibly lower than that obtained with a single reading, and those workers with a positive chest x-ray whose chest x-rays are initially read as 0/0 or 0/1 will not be identified. Recommendations are presented in this report and include obtaining at least two readings of all chest x-rays regardless of the initial small opacity profusion classification, increasing the frequency of medical monitoring regardless of examinations (TB) and modification of the baseline and routine examinations to include skin testing for tuberculosis (TB).
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) Golden Valley Electric Association, Healy, Alaska. (Click to open report) In November 1990, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the plant manager, Golden Valley Electric Association, Healy Power Plant, Healy, Alaska. The request stated that the employees had complained about irritating odors in the plant, smoke from the coal pulverizers, and exposure to morpholine and amine, and that two employees were recently diagnosed with asthma. As a first step in this investigation, all em... (Click to show more)In November 1990, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the plant manager, Golden Valley Electric Association, Healy Power Plant, Healy, Alaska. The request stated that the employees had complained about irritating odors in the plant, smoke from the coal pulverizers, and exposure to morpholine and amine, and that two employees were recently diagnosed with asthma. As a first step in this investigation, all employees were asked to complete a screening questionnaire which was mailed to them. After reviewing the questionnaire responses, NIOSH investigators conducted an initial environmental and medical evaluation at the plant May 30 - June 9, 1991. An interim report containing the results of the first industrial hygiene survey was issued by NIOSH in December 1991. Concern was subsequently expressed by several employees that the evaluation was conducted during a time period when the plant's doors and windows were open and therefore would not reflect the worst-case conditions of the winter months, when the plant is closed off to the outside environment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Hagerman, Idaho. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a letter from the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (HAFO), requesting technical assistance in the evaluation of gamma radiation and radon gas exposures to HAFO staff. Subsequent communications from HAFO revealed that the general public, including children, could view and handle fossils in the Visitor Center. Furthermore, during the summer dig season, HAFO staff was comprised primarily of seasonal employees, students... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a letter from the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (HAFO), requesting technical assistance in the evaluation of gamma radiation and radon gas exposures to HAFO staff. Subsequent communications from HAFO revealed that the general public, including children, could view and handle fossils in the Visitor Center. Furthermore, during the summer dig season, HAFO staff was comprised primarily of seasonal employees, students, and volunteers, with relatively few permanent NPS employees. In communicating with HAFO personnel prior to the initial site visit, NIOSH investigators recognized other potential occupational hazards such as heat stress and airborne silica. Two site visits (May 14-15 and July 23-24, 1997) were conducted, and an interim letter containing recommended changes in practices and hazard abatements was sent after each visit.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) Oglebay Norton Industrial Sands, Inc. (Central Silica Company), Glass Rock, Ohio. (Click to open report) In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (NSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at Central Silica Company, a subsidiary of the Oglebay Norton Company, in Glass Rock, Ohio. Subsequent to the MSHA request and the NIOSH medical evaluation, Central Silica Company merged with other industrial sand companies owned by the Oglebay Norto... (Click to show more)In July 1991, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (NSHA) to estimate the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at Central Silica Company, a subsidiary of the Oglebay Norton Company, in Glass Rock, Ohio. Subsequent to the MSHA request and the NIOSH medical evaluation, Central Silica Company merged with other industrial sand companies owned by the Oglebay Norton Company and was re-named Eglebay Norton Industrial Sands, Inc.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) Peerless-Premier Appliance Company, Belleville, Illinois. (Click to open report) On June 3, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a union request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Peerless-Premier Appliance Company in Belleville, Illinois. The request was from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO, which represents two of the unions in the facility, Locals S4 and S60. The HHE request was initiated by reports of musculoskeletal injuries, especially sprains a... (Click to show more)On June 3, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a union request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Peerless-Premier Appliance Company in Belleville, Illinois. The request was from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO, which represents two of the unions in the facility, Locals S4 and S60. The HHE request was initiated by reports of musculoskeletal injuries, especially sprains and strains in the upper extremities. The requesters also expressed concerns over silica exposures in the enameling department. In response, NIOSH personnel conducted site visits at the plant on September 30, 1997, and December 2-3, 1997, to evaluate these employee concerns. This report discusses the details of the site visits and presents the findings and recommendations.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) The Grand Experience Salon, Chicago, Illinois. (Click to open report) On March 28, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request to evaluate employee exposures at The Grand Experience Salon, Chicago, Illinois. The requestors expressed concern that certain health effects (i.e., allergic reactions, asthma, cancer) experienced by employees of the salon may be associated with inadequate ventilation and exposures to chemical ingredients of products used in the salon. On June 11-13, 1997, NIOSH investiga... (Click to show more)On March 28, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential employee request to evaluate employee exposures at The Grand Experience Salon, Chicago, Illinois. The requestors expressed concern that certain health effects (i.e., allergic reactions, asthma, cancer) experienced by employees of the salon may be associated with inadequate ventilation and exposures to chemical ingredients of products used in the salon. On June 11-13, 1997, NIOSH investigators conducted a site visit and collected general area air samples for total and respirable particulate during the application of artificial nails; measured temperature, relative humidity (RH), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at various location within the salon; traced the ventilation system ducting to determine the source of outside air; and conducted employee interview. Verbal recommendations were provided to the salon management at the closing conference on June 13, 1997.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) Alcatel Telecommunications Cable, Roanoke, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was begun at Alcatel Telecommunications Cable (SIC- 3357), Roanoke, Virginia. The employee expressed concerns over potential exposures during the operation of the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process and when cleaning and cutting quartz glass tubes. A walk through tour was conducted to observe work practices and potential exposure risks, and to interview informally the employees on site. Personal breathing zone... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from an employee, a health hazard evaluation was begun at Alcatel Telecommunications Cable (SIC- 3357), Roanoke, Virginia. The employee expressed concerns over potential exposures during the operation of the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process and when cleaning and cutting quartz glass tubes. A walk through tour was conducted to observe work practices and potential exposure risks, and to interview informally the employees on site. Personal breathing zone samples were also collected. Results from sampling found only trace amounts of airborne fused silica. The airborne silica collected was identified as mostly amorphous-fused-silica (60676860). The highest personal exposure was 0.217mg/m3. No crystalline silica was found. Optical examination of material taken from the saw waste receptacle found only amorphous-silica and aluminum-oxide (1344281). Very few of the workers had specific health complaints, but may voiced lingering concern about the potential for silica exposure. The author concludes that workers were not at risk from silica exposures during routine manufacture of optical fiber cable. During cleanup or maintenance work, there was a potential for exposure to fused silica. Recommendations were offered concerning local exhaust ventilation and the transport of CVD glass bubblers containing phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873).
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1997) American Tripoli, Inc., Seneca, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was made into the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at American Tripoli, Inc. (SIC-1446), Seneca, Missouri. A medical evaluation of current workers and former workers was conducted. American Tripoli began operating in 1971. At the time of the study 17 workers were employed at the facility, ten of whom worked in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstre... (Click to show more)In response to a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was made into the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at American Tripoli, Inc. (SIC-1446), Seneca, Missouri. A medical evaluation of current workers and former workers was conducted. American Tripoli began operating in 1971. At the time of the study 17 workers were employed at the facility, ten of whom worked in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream of the grinding process. Nine of 11 eligible current workers and nine of 28 former workers participated in the study. There was one current worker with a chest X-ray consistent with silicosis, and one case of silicosis in a former worker. Both cases were employed at American Tripoli for over 15 years, and both reported employment at other dusty jobs. Pulmonary function testing revealed that two of 16 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns, both being obstructive. The author concludes that the cases of silicosis can be, at least in part, attributed to exposure at this facility. The author recommends modifications in the preplacement examination and annual medical monitoring offered by the company.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
