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HHE Search Results
1058 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
(1990) Gates Energy Products, Inc., Gainesville, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from OSHA, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to nickel (7440020) and cadmium (7440439) dusts at the Gates Energy Products, Inc. (SIC-3691), Gainesville, Florida. The company manufactured a variety of rechargeable nickel/cadmium cells and batteries for industrial and consumer applications. The plate making areas had approximately 350 production workers and 60 maintenance workers. During a survey in February of 1989, nine of 39 cadmium exposed workers ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from OSHA, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to nickel (7440020) and cadmium (7440439) dusts at the Gates Energy Products, Inc. (SIC-3691), Gainesville, Florida. The company manufactured a variety of rechargeable nickel/cadmium cells and batteries for industrial and consumer applications. The plate making areas had approximately 350 production workers and 60 maintenance workers. During a survey in February of 1989, nine of 39 cadmium exposed workers had urine cadmium levels greater than 10 micrograms/gram (microg/g) creatinine. In the survey conducted in October of 1989, 13 of 47 workers in the low and 21 of 49 in the high cumulative airborne cadmium exposure groups had urine cadmium levels greater than 10microg/g creatinine. No consistent differences in urine proteins were observed between the cadmium exposed and nonexposed groups in this analysis of either the February or October 1989 medical surveys. Cumulative airborne cadmium levels did not have a significant relationship with any measure of renal function used in the study. The authors conclude that a significant risk of overexposure to cadmium dust did exist at this facility and that subclinical effects such as significant increases in mean levels of urinary tubular enzymes alanine-aminopeptidase and N-acetyl- glucosaminidase are apparent in cadmium exposed workers with urine cadmium levels above 10microg/g of creatinine compared to those below this level. The authors recommend specific environmental and medical monitoring measures.
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(1990) General Foods, Post Division, Modesto, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee at the General Foods Company Post Division, located in Modesto, California, a visit was made to the facility to investigate complaints of dirty air, lack of ventilation, and symptoms of headache, fatigue and respiratory illness at the site. The facility employed about 150 hourly workers and 20 salaried employees. There were four production lines, one for Kool Aid dry beverage mix, and three for breakfast cereals. Two operators in the cereal blending and ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee at the General Foods Company Post Division, located in Modesto, California, a visit was made to the facility to investigate complaints of dirty air, lack of ventilation, and symptoms of headache, fatigue and respiratory illness at the site. The facility employed about 150 hourly workers and 20 salaried employees. There were four production lines, one for Kool Aid dry beverage mix, and three for breakfast cereals. Two operators in the cereal blending and milling area had total dust exposures of 0.38 and 1.7mg/m3, well below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value of 10mg/m3. The Helper who was working the Kool Aid processing line had quite a high exposure at 49.3mg/m3 during the rework operation. This was a dusty operation where the ventilation appeared to be inadequate. The operator at the Mixing Station for Kool Aid Pre Mix wore a dust respirator during the batch preparation, where the dust exposure was 6.1mg/m3. The authors conclude that the Kool Aid line was quite dusty, and the rework stations were sources of high short term exposures to dust. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposures, and improve ventilation. The facility should develop a comprehensive respirator program.
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(1990) Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility (HSGF) (SIC-4953) concerning possible exposure to fly ash, combustion products and asbestos (1332214). This facility was a waste to energy site where municipal refuse was incinerated at approximately 1400 degrees-F. The steam generated was either sold directly or converted to electricity via an on site turbine. Employees used hard hats, safety s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Harrisburg Steam Generation Facility (HSGF) (SIC-4953) concerning possible exposure to fly ash, combustion products and asbestos (1332214). This facility was a waste to energy site where municipal refuse was incinerated at approximately 1400 degrees-F. The steam generated was either sold directly or converted to electricity via an on site turbine. Employees used hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, work clothes and single use disposable dust and mist respirators. There was a potential for exposure to fly ash for employees working in the boiler and basement areas. Total particulate exposures ranged from 5 to 11mg/m3 for laborers. The concentration of lead (7439921) exceeded the standards set by OSHA permissible exposure level of Amosite (12172735) and chrysotile (12001295) asbestos were identified in bulk samples of insulation and asbestos taken from a settled dust sample in the boiler area. Surface wipe samples indicated the possibility of hand to mouth contact with fly ash, particularly in the break and locker rooms. The author concludes that there is a need for reducing worker exposure to fly ash particulate. The author recommends engineering and work practice controls to reduce particulate exposures, increased cleaning and maintenance activities; and further evaluation of asbestos contamination at the facility.
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(1990) Hitachi Magnetics Corporation, Edmore, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee at the Hitachi Magnetics Corporation (SIC-3499), Edmore, Michigan, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), silica (14808607), and asbestos (1332214). The current workforce consisted of 416 hourly workers and 115 salaried employees. The facility produced permanent magnets using five production processes: sintered ALNICO; cast ALNICO; Hicorex Rare Earth Iron; Ceramic (Ferrite Magnets); and Lodex. Six re... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee at the Hitachi Magnetics Corporation (SIC-3499), Edmore, Michigan, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), silica (14808607), and asbestos (1332214). The current workforce consisted of 416 hourly workers and 115 salaried employees. The facility produced permanent magnets using five production processes: sintered ALNICO; cast ALNICO; Hicorex Rare Earth Iron; Ceramic (Ferrite Magnets); and Lodex. Six reported episodes of respiratory conditions were noted which was more than ten times the number expected for such industries. The incidence of skin disorders was likewise ten times that expected for this industry. Respirable crystalline silica was identified in dust samples collected at eight of the 18 jobs studied. Exposures in three jobs (sand mixer, furnace operator and a machine molder) were above the OSHA permissible exposure limit and all eight jobs exceeded the ACGIH threshold limit value for crystalline silica exposures of 0.1mg/m3. On each shift the post shift creatinine corrected mean urine cobalt concentrations were higher than preshift values. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from exposure to airborne cobalt, nickel and silica. The authors' recommendations pertaining to respiratory protection and the reduction of exposures are included.
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(1990) Johnson Junior High School, Laramie County School District Number 1, Cheyenne, Wyoming. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Superintendent of Schools in the Laramie County School District Number 1, an investigation was made of possible hazardous exposures to workers at the Johnson Junior High School (SIC-8211), Cheyenne, Wyoming. Teachers began reporting problems in the school shortly after they occupied the building in 1983. The most common problems included runny nose, hoarseness to the point of losing the voice, upper respiratory problems, and eye irritation. Airborne fiberglass (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Superintendent of Schools in the Laramie County School District Number 1, an investigation was made of possible hazardous exposures to workers at the Johnson Junior High School (SIC-8211), Cheyenne, Wyoming. Teachers began reporting problems in the school shortly after they occupied the building in 1983. The most common problems included runny nose, hoarseness to the point of losing the voice, upper respiratory problems, and eye irritation. Airborne fiberglass (14808607) concentrations were not high, but fiberglass dust was visible on surfaces. The ventilation system was found to be supplying sufficient quantities of air, except in one room. Air in the halls in the new wing was too cold. An inspection of the ventilation system revealed that there was a general deterioration of the fiberglass lining inside the ducts. Emissions generated from the metals shop were not being adequately vented as illustrated by high formaldehyde (50000) levels, smoke emission and odors. Storage of chemicals in the Technical Arts Room lacked proper ventilation to control volatile solvent emissions into the area. The authors recommend that the fiberglass lined ducts should be replaced, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system should be adjusted, water damaged ceiling tiles should be replaced, local exhaust ventilation should be installed in the Metals Shop, and the school system should develop a Hazard Communication Program.
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(1990) National RX Services, Incorporated, Las Vegas, Nevada. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at National RX Services, Las Vegas, Nevada. The company was engaged in the mail order pharmaceutical business. Workers were involved in clerical, coding, and data entry operations, and filling prescriptions. Workers had reported headaches, coughs, allergy symptoms and chest tightness. Workers were interviewed concerning symptoms, a... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at National RX Services, Las Vegas, Nevada. The company was engaged in the mail order pharmaceutical business. Workers were involved in clerical, coding, and data entry operations, and filling prescriptions. Workers had reported headaches, coughs, allergy symptoms and chest tightness. Workers were interviewed concerning symptoms, and an evaluation of the ventilation system was conducted; air samples were collected to assess air quality within the building. Carbon-dioxide (124389) levels exceeded the NIOSH guideline of 1000 parts per million in some instances. The authors conclude that the lack of outside air may have had a bearing on the health effects experienced by the workers. The authors recommend that efforts be made to ensure that appropriate amounts of outside air are introduced. Care should be taken to reduce employee exposure to the dust generated from these pharmaceutical products, even though there was no indication that the employee complaints were related to these exposures. Drip pans for the cooling coils and the evaporative coolers should be regularly inspected for microbial growth.
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(1990) National Starch and Chemical Company, Island Falls, Maine. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers an evaluation was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), epichlorohydrin (106898), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the National Starch and Chemical Company (SIC-2046), Island Falls, Maine. There were three work shifts at this facility employing 69 hourly and 19 salaried employees. Propylene-oxide was a major ingredient in the production of specialit... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers an evaluation was made of exposures to propylene-oxide (75569), starch dust, phosphorus-oxychloride (10025873), epichlorohydrin (106898), and the potential explosion hazard from starch dust at the National Starch and Chemical Company (SIC-2046), Island Falls, Maine. There were three work shifts at this facility employing 69 hourly and 19 salaried employees. Propylene-oxide was a major ingredient in the production of speciality tapioca starches. Area propylene-oxide air concentrations ranged from less than 0.1 to 10.7 parts per million (ppm) in 15 samples collected in the reactor room and other areas. Personal breathing zone samples ranged from less than 0.1 to 5.8ppm. The highest personal exposure occurred when an operator did not follow procedures during the pumping of propylene-oxide into a vat. One personal breathing zone sample of epichlorohydrin was 13.2ppm and another was 0.2ppm. Personal breathing zone sample results for starch dust (total nuisance dust) ranged from 3.2 to 18.1mg/m3. Starch was present on surfaces throughout the facility. The author recommends that propylene-oxide concentrations be reduced to the lowest feasible concentration. Airborne and surface starch should be reduced due to the potential fire and explosion hazard.
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(1990) Penick Corporation, Newark, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union to evaluate symptoms of headache, nausea, and respiratory symptoms among workers, an investigation was begun of possible hazardous working conditions at the Penick Corporation (SIC-2833), Newark, New Jersey. This company produced morphine, codeine, synthetic and semisynthetic narcotics from the raw materials gum opium and poppy straw concentrate. Industrial hygiene monitoring detected substantial exposures to alkaloid dusts t... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union to evaluate symptoms of headache, nausea, and respiratory symptoms among workers, an investigation was begun of possible hazardous working conditions at the Penick Corporation (SIC-2833), Newark, New Jersey. This company produced morphine, codeine, synthetic and semisynthetic narcotics from the raw materials gum opium and poppy straw concentrate. Industrial hygiene monitoring detected substantial exposures to alkaloid dusts throughout the building. A concentration as high as 23,564 micrograms/cubic meter was detected in a short term sample collected during the hand scooping of dry powder. Over exposures were detected to toluene (108883), butanol (71363), methanol (67561), and ethanol (64175) during short term episodic jobs. Thirty two current employees participated in a study of immunologic parameters. A significant decrease in morphine-6-hemisuccinate/human serum albumin immunoglobulin-G antibody levels was noted in 21 workers who submitted blood specimens during both test periods. Narcotic production workers had greater reactivity to most of the compounds on a quantitative skin prick test with opiates. The authors conclude that workers at Penick Corporation developed asthma from occupational exposure to narcotic dusts. The authors recommend that exposures to narcotic dusts and solvents be reduced, and that workers with suspected work related illnesses be evaluated.
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(1990) Photon Dynamics Ltd., Inc., Longwood, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Photon Dynamics Limited (SIC-3231), Longwood, Florida, an investigation was made of airborne emissions produced from materials being cut by a carbon- dioxide laser. Photon Dynamics Limited specialized in unique applications of lasers within the industrial environment. The major emphasis was developmental work in high speed cutting of quartz (14808607) material using lasers. At the time of the measurements there were four full time employees, only o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Photon Dynamics Limited (SIC-3231), Longwood, Florida, an investigation was made of airborne emissions produced from materials being cut by a carbon- dioxide laser. Photon Dynamics Limited specialized in unique applications of lasers within the industrial environment. The major emphasis was developmental work in high speed cutting of quartz (14808607) material using lasers. At the time of the measurements there were four full time employees, only one of whom was involved continuously with laser cutting. Photon Dynamics shared a building wing with two other companies; fumes and vapors produced from the laser operations were quite evident to personnel working in these other companies. Personal breathing zone sampling revealed respirable exposure concentrations to fused silica (60676860) as high as 2.2mg/m3. Air samples taken for trace elements at two inches from the source identified small quantities of chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), iron (7439896), nickel (7440020), and zinc (7440666) on each of the samples collected. Qualitative samples identified ethyl-acrylate (140885) as the major component produced during laser cutting of four types of plastics. Radiometric analysis indicted occupational exposure to laser radiation was below the allowable standards. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from exposure to respirable fused silica dust and ethyl-acrylate. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, primarily through the use of ventilation controls.
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(1990) Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management and the local union, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania, due to dust exposures at the cogeneration facility. The facility supplied steam and power to the Scott Paper Mill nearby. The fluidized bed combustor cogeneration unit used anthracite culm as fuel. Lime was added to the culm to supply the final fuel for the combustor. The system consumed 200 tons of fuel per hour at full o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management and the local union, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Scott Paper Company, Chester, Pennsylvania, due to dust exposures at the cogeneration facility. The facility supplied steam and power to the Scott Paper Mill nearby. The fluidized bed combustor cogeneration unit used anthracite culm as fuel. Lime was added to the culm to supply the final fuel for the combustor. The system consumed 200 tons of fuel per hour at full operation. Results of air sampling indicated respirable dust concentrations ranged from 70.0 to 7600.0 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Respirable quartz (14808607) concentrations reached as high as 1220.0microg/m3. Airborne levels of trace metals approaching any of the established occupational exposure criteria levels were not identified. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from airborne exposures to free silica. The authors recommend specific measures to maintain the dust levels within acceptable margins. Also, the acid and caustic pumping systems should be physically isolated from each other.
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