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HHE Search Results
1063 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) 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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(1990) Stone Container Corporation, Missoula, Montana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Stone Container Corporation located in Missoula, Montana, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The facility produced paper products for use in cardboard containers. Workers were experiencing headaches and light headedness when they were inside the color removal unit. The unit clarified up to 10 million gallons per day of wastewater before it was discharged into an adjacent river. Thickened sludge was burned in the reco... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Stone Container Corporation located in Missoula, Montana, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The facility produced paper products for use in cardboard containers. Workers were experiencing headaches and light headedness when they were inside the color removal unit. The unit clarified up to 10 million gallons per day of wastewater before it was discharged into an adjacent river. Thickened sludge was burned in the recovery boilers as a supplemental fuel. The major exposures were to hydrogen-sulfide (7783064) (H2S). Dust exposures were below any occupational health evaluation criteria. The authors recommend that outside air in the color removal unit should be kept to a maximum, whenever weather permits, to prevent the accumulation of H2S. A confined entry procedure should be used when the tanks are drained and workers are entering them for repair work. A stationary monitor for H2S should be considered on the catwalk adjacent to the tank which is the major source of H2S. An alternative method for cleanup in the warehouse should be considered as the use of compressed air for blowing down equipment should be discontinued.
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(1990) Superior Manufacturing, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request, a visit was made to the Superior Manufacturing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio to evaluate possible hazardous working conditions at that site. Superior Manufacturing produced accessory items for the waterbed industry. The primary product was padded waterbed rails constructed of Microboard, a particle board product containing 85 to 93% wood and 5 to 15% urea- formaldehyde (9011056) resin solids. The evaluation indicated a need for improved local exhaust ventilation to reduce t... (Click to show more)In response to a request, a visit was made to the Superior Manufacturing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio to evaluate possible hazardous working conditions at that site. Superior Manufacturing produced accessory items for the waterbed industry. The primary product was padded waterbed rails constructed of Microboard, a particle board product containing 85 to 93% wood and 5 to 15% urea- formaldehyde (9011056) resin solids. The evaluation indicated a need for improved local exhaust ventilation to reduce the levels of particulate materials generated during cutting and milling operations. The particle board contained soft woods, hard woods and western red cedar. The concentration of total particulate material in personal breathing zone air ranged from 0.8mg/m3 to 6.7mg/m3. Vapor phase formaldehyde (50000) concentrations ranged from 0.06 to exposures be reduced to the lowest feasible level. The authors conclude that there was a hazard from exposure to total particulate material and formaldehyde. The authors recommend measures to reduce the levels of particulate materials as well as for reducing the generation of dust when the bags are changed, reducing formaldehyde levels in the glue room, cleaning clothing or equipment without generating additional airborne dusts, prohibiting smoking, use of personal protective equipment, and the establishment of exposure monitoring practices.
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(1990) TAMCO, Etiwanda, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation at TAMCO (SIC-3312), Etiwanda, California, an onsite visit was conducted with specific attention directed toward the continuous casting minimill which produced steel reinforcing bar and rod from scrap steel. Twenty workers had full shift air lead (7439921) levels ranging from less than 3 to 31 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). All were below the OSHA action level of 30microg/m3 except one worker who was relining ladels with refractory mat... (Click to show more)In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation at TAMCO (SIC-3312), Etiwanda, California, an onsite visit was conducted with specific attention directed toward the continuous casting minimill which produced steel reinforcing bar and rod from scrap steel. Twenty workers had full shift air lead (7439921) levels ranging from less than 3 to 31 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). All were below the OSHA action level of 30microg/m3 except one worker who was relining ladels with refractory material. Blood lead levels were below levels known to cause adverse health effects in adults. Levels for other metals were below allowable limits and no health hazard was found to exist. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist from exposure to lead. There was a potential cancer risk from exposure to components of welding fumes and melt shop dust. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures to nickel (7440020), arsenic (7440382), and cadmium (7440439). These included periodic monitoring of airborne lead and the use of respiratory protective equipment.
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(1990) Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., Circleville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Thomson Consumer Electronics (SIC- 3229), Circleville, Ohio and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, an investigation was made to determine if cancers among workers were occupationally related. The company manufactured glass panels and funnels used in the production of television picture tubes. The facility employed about 560 persons and operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on a four shift schedule. Airborne concentrations of coal-tar-pitch volati... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Thomson Consumer Electronics (SIC- 3229), Circleville, Ohio and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, an investigation was made to determine if cancers among workers were occupationally related. The company manufactured glass panels and funnels used in the production of television picture tubes. The facility employed about 560 persons and operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on a four shift schedule. Airborne concentrations of coal-tar-pitch volatiles (CTPV) ranged from nondetectable to 0.19mg/m3. Only one of the three general area air samples had a detectable concentration, recommended exposure limit of 0.1mg/m3 and one area sample exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.2mg/m3. Trace levels of four polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were detected. Lead (7439921) exposure was monitored for furnace operators, the ware handlers and the inspector/packers. The results ranged from nondetectable to 248 micrograms/cubic meter. Seven bulk settled dust samples were collected for asbestos (1332214) identification. The amounts of chrysotile (12001295) present ranged from 1 to 20%. The authors conclude that there was insufficient evidence to link the cancers and illnesses present in the work force with occupational exposures. Health hazards existed from exposure to coal-tar-pitch volatiles and lead among press operators and ware handlers, respectively. The chrysotile levels were high enough that abatement measures were warranted.
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