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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
(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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(1990) University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the University of Utah Health Sciences Center (SIC-8062), Salt Lake City, Utah, a study was made of possible hazardous exposures to smoke generated by medical lasers during laser surgery and animal research procedures. Environmental sampling was conducted to determine occupational exposures to several airborne compounds and a health complaint questionnaire was administered to medical personnel. Detectable levels of ethanol (64175), isopropanol (67630), anthracene (1... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the University of Utah Health Sciences Center (SIC-8062), Salt Lake City, Utah, a study was made of possible hazardous exposures to smoke generated by medical lasers during laser surgery and animal research procedures. Environmental sampling was conducted to determine occupational exposures to several airborne compounds and a health complaint questionnaire was administered to medical personnel. Detectable levels of ethanol (64175), isopropanol (67630), anthracene (120127), formaldehyde (50000), cyanide, and airborne mutagenic substances were recorded. Ethanol and isopropanol were detected at 4.7 parts per million (ppm) and 0.5 to 16.4ppm, respectively, below the OSHA and ACGIH evaluation criteria. Two short term samples of formaldehyde registered 0.21ppm and 0.44ppm, which could cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Airborne particle extracts were found to be mutagenic in the Ames test. Hydrogen-cyanide (74908) was detected at the laser irradiation site at a concentration of 100ppm. The authors conclude that exposure to constituents of smoke generated during laser surgery were a potential health hazard. The authors recommend the use of smoke evacuators to reduce exposures during laser procedures.
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(1989) Barbados Ministry of Health, Bridgetown, Barbados. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Pan American Health Organization to investigate the potential for exposure to asbestos (1332214) among workers and the general public on Barbados, NIOSH investigators visited five sites preselected for evaluation. These included the Treasury Building, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, St. Leonard's Secondary School, a sugar factory and a vehicle repair shop. At all sites, except the vehicle maintenance shop, asbestos containing materials were identified by bulk sample a... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Pan American Health Organization to investigate the potential for exposure to asbestos (1332214) among workers and the general public on Barbados, NIOSH investigators visited five sites preselected for evaluation. These included the Treasury Building, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, St. Leonard's Secondary School, a sugar factory and a vehicle repair shop. At all sites, except the vehicle maintenance shop, asbestos containing materials were identified by bulk sample analysis. Both amosite (12172735) and chrysotile (12001295) asbestos fibers were found. All but one of the settled dust samples were negative, suggesting good housekeeping procedures were in place. General air concentrations of fibers were low at the time of the visits. The authors conclude that asbestos constituted a hazard since it was widely used and highly accessible to workers and the general public in Barbados. The authors recommend the following measures to control asbestos exposures: designation of a group within the Barbados Ministry of Health to coordinate and administer policies made regarding asbestos use on Barbados; development of guidelines and procedures to be followed for asbestos abatement activities; training of staff members from the Ministry of Health to perform air sampling and analysis for asbestos at the worksite; public education concerning asbestos hazards; and specific actions concerning asbestos materials found at the Treasury Building, the hospital, and the school.
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(1989) Chapman Corporation, Albright Power Station, Albright, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 425, an evaluation was made of possible asbestos (1332214) exposures to electrical workers employed by Chapman Corporation (SIC-1731, SIC-1542, SIC-4911, SIC-9999) engaged in electrical rewiring tasks on a boiler at the Albright Power Station, Albright, West Virginia. This coal fired electric power generating facility was built in the early 1950's. At the time the survey was undertaken, a complete refurbishi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 425, an evaluation was made of possible asbestos (1332214) exposures to electrical workers employed by Chapman Corporation (SIC-1731, SIC-1542, SIC-4911, SIC-9999) engaged in electrical rewiring tasks on a boiler at the Albright Power Station, Albright, West Virginia. This coal fired electric power generating facility was built in the early 1950's. At the time the survey was undertaken, a complete refurbishing of boiler number 3 was being performed, part of which included an asbestos abatement project. The electricians in question did not work inside the asbestos containment area during the survey, but they did perform work outside and around the asbestos containment area. Air sampling results indicated that asbestos fiber releases did occur outside the containment area. Bulk samples of settled dust revealed asbestos contamination in the work areas surrounding the boiler. There were several deficiencies in the abatement program including the lack of adequate containment and breaches in the enclosure. The author concludes that workers in the vicinity of this boiler had potential exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Recommendations are made to help management representatives minimize potential risks through the establishment of a comprehensive asbestos abatement program and policies.
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