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
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
(1991) Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc., Seville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to lead (7439921) at Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc. (SIC-3366), Seville, Ohio. The company used about 25 different alloys, with lead contents ranging from 0.5 to 8%. At the time of the visit, there were eight production workers and one foreman at the foundry. The company required half mask respirators with high efficiency particulate air filters to be worn in the foundry production area as wel... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to lead (7439921) at Seville Centrifugal Bronze Inc. (SIC-3366), Seville, Ohio. The company used about 25 different alloys, with lead contents ranging from 0.5 to 8%. At the time of the visit, there were eight production workers and one foreman at the foundry. The company required half mask respirators with high efficiency particulate air filters to be worn in the foundry production area as well as other safety equipment. Personal breathing zone air concentrations were below the safety limits for several trace elements. However, cadmium (7440439) levels exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of lowest feasible exposure. Lead concentrations ranged from 98 to 230 micrograms/cubic meter and all of the personal breathing zone samples for lead exceeded the recommended limits. The pouring area had no local ventilation controls. The authors conclude that the lead levels constituted a health hazard to the workers. The authors recommend increasing the ventilation capabilities of the system by providing additional local exhaust ventilation during pouring and removal of the slag, use of a vacuum cleaner with high efficiency particulate air filters for cleaning up dust, substitution of a less hazardous mold wash, and separating the eating area from the machining and grinding area.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Silver Deer, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of Silver Deer, Ltd. (SIC-3231), Boulder, Colorado a study was undertaken of lead (7439921) exposure at the facility. The Silver Deer company employed 65 persons in cutting, grinding and polishing crystal into various art objects. The crystal contained about 32% lead. A NIOSH study conducted in 1984 at this site found a mean air lead exposure of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) and a mean blood lead level of 29 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of Silver Deer, Ltd. (SIC-3231), Boulder, Colorado a study was undertaken of lead (7439921) exposure at the facility. The Silver Deer company employed 65 persons in cutting, grinding and polishing crystal into various art objects. The crystal contained about 32% lead. A NIOSH study conducted in 1984 at this site found a mean air lead exposure of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) and a mean blood lead level of 29 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl) among seven grinding room workers. Local exhaust ventilation was installed after the previous NIOSH study. This study (in 1991) found lead levels in the air from 6.6 to 35.0microg/m3 with a mean of 18microg/m3. The highest exposure was caused when lead crystal was ground on a section of a grinder that had inadequate exhaust ventilation. The mean blood lead level in grinding room workers was 12 microg/dl. These results show a statistically significant decrease in blood lead levels after the installation of local exhaust ventilation. The author concludes that a health hazard was not found at the time of the survey. The author recommends some further improvements in engineering controls and work practices.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Social Security Administration, San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Government Employees (EFGE) local 2608, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Social Security Administration, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The request was made in response to employee concerns and health complaints including cold temperatures, dust, asthma, sinus problems and irritation from tobacco smoke. At the time of the study there were about 70 employees occupying portions of two floors of the 18 story offi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Government Employees (EFGE) local 2608, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Social Security Administration, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The request was made in response to employee concerns and health complaints including cold temperatures, dust, asthma, sinus problems and irritation from tobacco smoke. At the time of the study there were about 70 employees occupying portions of two floors of the 18 story office building. During the study no specific health hazards were identified. However, the results of environmental studies did support employee concerns regarding thermal discomfort. Measurements indicated temperature and humidity combinations falling outside of the accepted limits. High relative humidity was noted on these two floors with humidity ranging from 56 to 71%. The authors conclude that there were no identified health hazards. The authors recommend that efforts be made to correct problems and deficiencies concerning the air distribution system, to restrict smoking to specific areas of the building, to prevent moisture incursion into occupied spaces and within the air handling system, and to clean the particulate build up around the air supply diffusers.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) Tully Sculpting, Niwot, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound le... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound levels were also determined. The total dust samples ranged from 0.2 to 1.2mg/m3 while the respirable dust levels ranged from less than 0.1 to nondetectable to 0.6mg/m3. No measurable levels were noted of respirable quartz, or total or respirable cristobalite (14464461). The highest exposure levels occurred during grinding of stone surfaces with no engineering controls. The short duration of the exposures did not result in any exposures over the time weighted average standards, but could have if the duration lasted 1.5 hours. Noise levels averaged 102 to 104 decibels-A when the stone saw and grinder were in operation. The worker had appropriate hearing protection.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) U.S. Customs Service, World Trade Center, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) and noise at the U.S. Customs Service (SIC-9221) firing range at the World Trade Center, New York, New York. The range was located in the basement of the Center and consisted of nine shooting booths. Each qualifying session consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes by each of nine shooters. The qualifying session was preceded by a 50 round practice session. During the survey the typical fire... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to lead (7439921) and noise at the U.S. Customs Service (SIC-9221) firing range at the World Trade Center, New York, New York. The range was located in the basement of the Center and consisted of nine shooting booths. Each qualifying session consisted of 60 rounds fired in 10 to 12 minutes by each of nine shooters. The qualifying session was preceded by a 50 round practice session. During the survey the typical firearm used was a .357 Magnum with .38 ammunition. The ammunition was copper jacketed. Total exposure time was 70 minutes. Shooters in the center booths had lead exposures below the limit of detection of 7 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Shooters in booths 1 and 6 were exposed to lead at 21 and 23microg/m3. The range officer was exposed to 13microg/m3. All exposures were below the OSHA 8 hour Permissible Exposure Limit of 50microg/m3. Noise level measurements were inconclusive. All employees wore double hearing protection consisting of ear insert plugs and ear muffs. The author concludes that a potential health hazard did not exist from exposure to inorganic lead.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1991) West Virginia University Pottery Shop, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the wei... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the weighing or mixing of the dry ingredients. Only one of the collected samples showed quantifiable levels of quartz. The sample concentration of respirable quartz was 169.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Exposure to respirable dust, however, was considerable for short durations. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed at the Pottery Shop. The author recommends that, due to the crystalline silica content of the clay and related products used in the pottery shop, and the potential for high dust exposure, a dust control system should be installed in the mixing room.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1990) A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America International Union, an evaluation was conducted at Staley Company (SIC-2046), Decatur, Illinois to investigate emissions from the waste water treatment facility and exposures to asbestos (1332214). This company processed 160,000 bushels/day of corn into starch and syrup products. Twenty one of 66 employees who completed a health questionnaire had experienced some symptoms due to waste treatment facility emissions. However, n... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America International Union, an evaluation was conducted at Staley Company (SIC-2046), Decatur, Illinois to investigate emissions from the waste water treatment facility and exposures to asbestos (1332214). This company processed 160,000 bushels/day of corn into starch and syrup products. Twenty one of 66 employees who completed a health questionnaire had experienced some symptoms due to waste treatment facility emissions. However, no detectable emissions likely to cause these symptoms were detected in the waste treatment facility. Area and personal breathing zone samples for propylene- oxide (75569) were collected in the starch processing areas and registered as much as 2400 parts per million (ppm) in a 55 minute sampling period due to a fracture in a glycerol seal on the reactor vessel. After repair of the seal, concentrations ranged from 7.4ppm down to nondetectable. Area air samples and personal breathing zone samples indicated an excessive exposure to vinyl-acetate (108054) in the starch vinyl-acetate processing building. The asbestos screening program at this site was in compliance with NIOSH and OSHA recommendations. The authors recommend improvements in employee work practices and the respiratory protection. Engineering controls are also suggested.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1990) A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, Houlton, Maine. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, a study was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company (SIC-2046), Houlton, Maine. The facility was a food starch speciality factory with imported tapioca as the main raw material. The site employed 44 hourly and seven salaried and clerical full time persons. Propylene-oxide air conc... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, a study was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company (SIC-2046), Houlton, Maine. The facility was a food starch speciality factory with imported tapioca as the main raw material. The site employed 44 hourly and seven salaried and clerical full time persons. Propylene-oxide air concentrations ranged from less than 0.1 to 6.0 parts per million (ppm) in 89 samples collected in the reactor room and other areas of the site. Twenty six personal breathing zone samples were collected from two operators and a laboratory technician on two work shifts over 3 consecutive days. The operators had 8 hour time weighted average exposures ranging from 0.1 to 0.7ppm. The highest short term exposure was 1.9ppm for 77 minutes. The laboratory technician had exposures from less than 12.51mg/m3; the OSHA permissible exposure limit for nuisance dust was 10mg/m3. In many locations starch dust was seen on the surfaces as well as in the air. The author concludes that detectable levels of propylene-oxide were present in the reactor room and other areas of the facility; exposure should be reduced to the lowest feasible concentration. The starch dust is a potential fire and explosion hazard. The author recommends that starch dust emissions into the work area should be reduced to the lowest feasible level.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1990) A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp., Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machin... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, an investigation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the A.W. Cash Valve Manufacturing Corp. (SIC- 3491), Decatur, Illinois. The company manufactured precision valves, including those for cryogenic uses with oxygen. Stainless steel and brass castings were manufactured to their final form by a variety of machine processes including milling, drilling, lathe operations, and tapping on many types of machines with both wet and dry methods. There was potential employee exposure to lead (7439921) with the five general area air samples ranging from 32 to 120 micrograms per cubic meter. The results for Freon-113 (76131) and trichloroethylene (7631869) were all below allowable limits. Crystalline silica (14808607) was not detected. The authors conclude that although the results of blood lead levels and erythrocyte protoporphyrin studies did not demonstrate excessive lead exposure, the dry machining processes present a potential for lead exposure. The authors recommend measures to limit the potential lead exposure from the dry machine processes.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1990) Accuride Corporation, Henderson, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Accuride Corporation (SIC-3714), Henderson, Kentucky. Concern was voiced about employees suffering possible nerve and tendon deterioration of the hand, wrist and elbow and low back sprains/strains. Potential exposure hazards for arc and MIG welders were also evaluated. The facility manufactured steel wheels for large trucks and buses, and employed 560 workers. An industrial hygiene survey indicated t... (Click to show more)In response to a request, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Accuride Corporation (SIC-3714), Henderson, Kentucky. Concern was voiced about employees suffering possible nerve and tendon deterioration of the hand, wrist and elbow and low back sprains/strains. Potential exposure hazards for arc and MIG welders were also evaluated. The facility manufactured steel wheels for large trucks and buses, and employed 560 workers. An industrial hygiene survey indicated that production workers were not exposed to excessive concentrations of welding fumes, grinding dusts, or volatile organic compounds during the time of sampling. The musculoskeletal injury rate was much higher than expected for this industry. An ergonomic analysis of certain job tasks was conducted. The authors conclude that some tasks exceeded the NIOSH action limit or the maximum permissible limit recommended for manual lifting. The authors recommend redesigning certain tasks at the unload paint line, disc cell trim, and load wash line.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
