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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
(1989) United Rubber Workers' International Union, Akron, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Rubber Workers' International Union, an evaluation was made of exposure to fibrogenic dust and the occurrence of pneumoconioses among workers in the tire industry (SIC-3011). A series of 987 chest radiographs for workers at least 40 years old was reviewed and limited environmental testing was performed. The investigation concerned workers at nine locations, representing four different companies. The results of the film analysis indicated two films with mi... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Rubber Workers' International Union, an evaluation was made of exposure to fibrogenic dust and the occurrence of pneumoconioses among workers in the tire industry (SIC-3011). A series of 987 chest radiographs for workers at least 40 years old was reviewed and limited environmental testing was performed. The investigation concerned workers at nine locations, representing four different companies. The results of the film analysis indicated two films with minor parenchymal change suggestive of pneumoconiosis and 22 films with other pleural abnormalities. Almost half of those films with abnormalities were found among workers at one particular facility. Twenty four of the 987 films indicated findings consistent with asbestos (1332214) exposure. Surveys conducted in three tire manufacturing facilities represented in the x-ray survey indicated no documentable overexposures to fibrous materials or to other known pneumoconiosis producing dusts. Data collected by OSHA from 1979 through 1985 in the rubber manufacturing industry indicated that there were overexposures to asbestos.
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(1989) Zellwood Farms, Inc., Zellwood, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Zellwood Farms, Inc. (SIC-2033), a mushroom farm near Orlando, Florida, an evaluation was made of an outbreak of respiratory problems among farm workers. This farm had been in operation for 16 years and employed about 250 workers from four ethnic/racial backgrounds: white, black, Hispanic and Vietnamese. The jobs involved preparation of a growth medium, spawning the compost with mushroom mycelia, growing the mushrooms, and picking and packing the mushrooms. Seven wo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Zellwood Farms, Inc. (SIC-2033), a mushroom farm near Orlando, Florida, an evaluation was made of an outbreak of respiratory problems among farm workers. This farm had been in operation for 16 years and employed about 250 workers from four ethnic/racial backgrounds: white, black, Hispanic and Vietnamese. The jobs involved preparation of a growth medium, spawning the compost with mushroom mycelia, growing the mushrooms, and picking and packing the mushrooms. Seven workers were diagnosed with mushroom workers lung (MWL) between April of 1982 and August of 1985. These workers had different farm operations, indicating that workers throughout the farm were exposed to disease causing agents. A cross sectional medical study diagnosed no additional workers with an acute respiratory illness consistent with MWL. However, about 20 percent of the workers were experiencing some symptoms consistent with MWL. Organic dust constituents capable of causing MWL were identified at the farm. The authors conclude that some workers continue to be at risk of developing MWL. The authors recommend that organic dust exposures at the compost handling operations, and the spawn, tray fill, and casing lines be reduced. A respiratory protection program should be developed for workers in jobs requiring periodic work in areas with high organic dust levels. A medical surveillance and referral program should be established for workers.
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(1988) Artesian Industries, Mansfield, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from workers at Artesian Industries (SIC- 3621), Mansfield, Ohio, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions. Workers were experiencing lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fainting, lung problems, and skin rashes. For 86 air samples taken, respirable crystalline silica (14808607) personal exposures averaged 0.12mg/m3 (NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for respirable crystalline silica, the slip houses exceeded the NIOSH REL. The 18 samples ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from workers at Artesian Industries (SIC- 3621), Mansfield, Ohio, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions. Workers were experiencing lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fainting, lung problems, and skin rashes. For 86 air samples taken, respirable crystalline silica (14808607) personal exposures averaged 0.12mg/m3 (NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for respirable crystalline silica, the slip houses exceeded the NIOSH REL. The 18 samples taken in the casting area indicated that the average exposure limit was finishing area 18 samples showed an average respirable silica concentration of 0.11mg/mg3. Exposure to talc (14807966) averaged 2.7mg/m3 in the casting areas for 38 samples. Symptoms of chronic cough were noted in 20 percent, chronic bronchitis in 5 percent, and shortness of breath in 31 percent of the workers. Of 196 chest x- rays examined, 18 exhibited evidence of asbestos (1332214) or talc exposure; five had symptoms of silicosis. The authors conclude that there is a serious, extensive problem regarding exposures to respirable silica and respirable talc dust. The authors recommend specific improvements in respirator policy, materials handling systems, air cleaning devices, local exhaust systems, housekeeping, medical examinations and record keeping.
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(1988) ASARCO, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers Union, Local 557, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the ASARCO Globe facility (SIC-3339, SIC-3333), Denver, Colorado. The facility was involved in the recovery of cadmium (7440439) from bag house dust, a waste byproduct of nonferrous smelters. A medical study of kidney function was conducted in 45 current or former cadmium production workers; results were compared to those for 35 hospital workers. Kidney abnor... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers Union, Local 557, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the ASARCO Globe facility (SIC-3339, SIC-3333), Denver, Colorado. The facility was involved in the recovery of cadmium (7440439) from bag house dust, a waste byproduct of nonferrous smelters. A medical study of kidney function was conducted in 45 current or former cadmium production workers; results were compared to those for 35 hospital workers. Kidney abnormalities were more common and more severe in the cadmium workers than in the hospital workers. Abnormalities of proximal tubular function included reduced reabsorption of beta-2-microglobulin, retinol binding protein, calcium and phosphate. Glomerular dysfunction was evidenced as elevated serum creatinine. As length of exposure to cadmium increased, changes became more apparent in workers. No reversal of the conditions was noted in workers who had ceased to be exposed to cadmium some time before this study. The authors conclude that occupational overexposure to cadmium caused kidney disease in workers at this facility. The authors recommend that the cadmium exposure be reduced as much as feasible at this facility, particularly in the retort department, and that the current annual medical surveillance program be expanded to include urinary measurement of beta-2-microglobulin, as well as urine creatinine and pH. Individual test results should be forwarded to the individual workers.
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(1988) B.F. Goodrich Company, Marietta, Ohio. (Click for full summary) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the B.F. Goodrich Company, Marietta, Ohio. Of particular concern were cases of dermatitis possibly arising from skin exposure to substances handled on the job. The Compounding and Calendering working environments were contaminated by powder and liquid spills. Ample opportunity existed for workers to contact the aziridine based cross linking agent, polyfunctional ac... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the B.F. Goodrich Company, Marietta, Ohio. Of particular concern were cases of dermatitis possibly arising from skin exposure to substances handled on the job. The Compounding and Calendering working environments were contaminated by powder and liquid spills. Ample opportunity existed for workers to contact the aziridine based cross linking agent, polyfunctional acrylates, methylmethacrylate, epoxy resins, and sulfonate used in printing and compounding processes. Skin patch testing was performed to test for dermal sensitization to agents used during the performance of normal activities. All Compounding personnel and Calendering personnel associated with printing, ink production, and embossing who had dermatitis of the face, neck and/or arms, were asked to participate. The 126 persons tested represented 70 percent of persons employed in these departments. Based on the findings, the authors recommend an educational program for workers, use of coveralls, better housekeeping in the Compounding Department and other areas of the facility, use of vacuum systems or wet mopping to remove accumulated dust, avoidance of food in work areas, improved ventilation system, use of organic vapor cartridge respirators, improved personal hygiene, use of barrier creams, and improved medical surveillance of dermatitis cases.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-87-300-0000.
(1988) Ballas Egg Products Corporation, Zanesville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the president of Ballas Egg Products Corporation (SIC- 2017), Zanesville, Ohio, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at this location. Raw eggs were processed daily at this site into powdered whole egg, powdered egg yolk, and liquid egg white. Workers had complained of asthma like symptoms. Earlier studies had indicated several workers were experiencing immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma from egg protein exposure. Total aeros... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the president of Ballas Egg Products Corporation (SIC- 2017), Zanesville, Ohio, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at this location. Raw eggs were processed daily at this site into powdered whole egg, powdered egg yolk, and liquid egg white. Workers had complained of asthma like symptoms. Earlier studies had indicated several workers were experiencing immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma from egg protein exposure. Total aerosol mass concentrations exceeded recommended limits with levels ranging from 11 to 31mg/m3. Ambient air concentration for total protein ranged from 0.17 to 130mg/m3. Respirable protein concentrations were all less than 0.77mg/m3. Ambient air concentrations of ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme were less than 223, 351, and 672 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. Bulk sample analysis of the egg products indicated a protein concentration of 35 to 81 percent. A sample of used waste water contained 1 milligram/milliliter of protein. Eight employees demonstrated immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma from egg protein exposure. Six of the eight had lung function tests indicative of bronchial liability. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from occupational exposure to egg protein. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures to egg protein and screening for at risk workers.
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(1988) Barmet Aluminum Corporation, Livermore, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Barmet Aluminum Corporation (SIC-3341), Livermore, Kentucky. Concern was expressed over exposure to aluminum (7429905) dross dust and ammonia (7664417) vapors in the dross mill, cast house, and furnace building. The raw materials used at the firm consisted of about 80 percent aluminum dross and 20 percent scrap aluminum metal. Analyses were made of a bulk sample of dross, personal breathin... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Barmet Aluminum Corporation (SIC-3341), Livermore, Kentucky. Concern was expressed over exposure to aluminum (7429905) dross dust and ammonia (7664417) vapors in the dross mill, cast house, and furnace building. The raw materials used at the firm consisted of about 80 percent aluminum dross and 20 percent scrap aluminum metal. Analyses were made of a bulk sample of dross, personal breathing zone air, and area air. Ammonia vapors were present in potentially harmful quantities. Airborne concentrations of total dust, respirable dust, and respirable silica (7631869) dust exceeded NIOSH recommended exposure limits or OSHA permissible exposure limits. A self administered questionnaire was used to investigate symptoms in 12 workers from the dross mill and 12 workers from the rolling mill. Respiratory symptoms were not more common among dross mill workers than rolling mill workers. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to potentially hazardous levels of dust and ammonia vapor. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce dust concentration, control employee exposures to metal fumes, control noise exposures, and inform workers of the hazards of their jobs. Good housekeeping and work practices should be encouraged. Open topped spaces such as pits should be treated as confined spaces.
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(1988) Bestop, Inc., Longmont, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Bestop, Inc. (SIC- 3714), Longmont, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at this facility due to exposure to urethane polyester powder coating, painted on automotive metal accessory parts using an electrostatic spray application method. The painted metal parts were conveyed through a 375 to 395 degree-F curing oven. Finished metal accessories were conveyed to a packaging area. Painters spent half of their shifts doing t... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Bestop, Inc. (SIC- 3714), Longmont, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at this facility due to exposure to urethane polyester powder coating, painted on automotive metal accessory parts using an electrostatic spray application method. The painted metal parts were conveyed through a 375 to 395 degree-F curing oven. Finished metal accessories were conveyed to a packaging area. Painters spent half of their shifts doing the actual painting and the other half placing parts on the conveyor prior to painting or removing them from the conveyor and packaging them. Full shift personal breathing zone and area air samples indicated the range for nuisance dust to be 1.42 to 12.21mg/m3 and 0.09 to 1.27mg/m3, respectively. Airborne concentrations of caprolactam (105602) dust, caprolactam vapor, and isocyanates were all below existing criteria. The complaints and symptoms of the workers included eye irritation, skin irritation, and respiratory system difficulties, related to the excessive amounts of nuisance dust. The author concludes that at the time of the survey, there was a health hazard from exposure to nuisance dust. The author recommends specific measures be taken to reduce worker exposures to nuisance dust. Recommendations concern respiratory use, use of cooling air, possible heat stress, personal protective clothing, personal hygiene, equipment inspection, and medical surveillance.
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(1988) C F and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystal... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at C-F-and-I Steel Company (SIC-3313), Pueblo, Colorado. The company produced steel in electric arc furnaces. Workers in the vicinity of the electric arc furnace had complained of bad odors and tastes, and respiratory irritation. Breathing zone and general room air samples were tested for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total particulate, and crystalline silica (quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461)). Seven general area sample measurements ranged from 0.2 to 1.7mg/m3 for sulfur-dioxide. One breathing zone sample registered 0.78mg/m3. Arsenic was found in one sample at a level of 0.02mg/m3. Cadmium was found in one of 11 samples at 0.006mg/m3. Lead was present in all 11 samples ranging from 0.004 to 0.3mg/m3. Total dust measurements were 14 and 12mg/m3. Respirable dust samples contained 1.5 and 1.4mg/m3 respirable dust; free silica samples were 0.5 and 0.2mg/m3 (quartz). The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and crystalline silica. The author recommends that specific improvements be made in respiratory protection, and that workers be notified when sulfur compounds are being added to the steel.
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(1988) Camp Bird Ventures, Ouray, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Camp Bird Ventures (SIC-1041), Ouray, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions with particular attention given to lead (7439921) exposures. Camp Bird Ventures was engaged in underground mining for gold and silver; fire assays were performed on ore samples. Two employees had been found to have excessive blood lead levels. Personal protective equipment worn by employees engaged in fire assay work in the furnace and storage rooms includ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Camp Bird Ventures (SIC-1041), Ouray, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions with particular attention given to lead (7439921) exposures. Camp Bird Ventures was engaged in underground mining for gold and silver; fire assays were performed on ore samples. Two employees had been found to have excessive blood lead levels. Personal protective equipment worn by employees engaged in fire assay work in the furnace and storage rooms included disposable full body suits, boot covers, and half face respirators. One worker had a full beard, which would interfere with the respirator seal and another had a torn protective suit, which would allow entry of lead dust. Time weighted average (8 hour) lead concentrations in personal air samples were 113 and 40 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) for the assayer and scale operator, respectively. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for lead was 50microg/m3 as an 8 hour time weighted average. Area air concentrations of lead were 100microg/m3 in the furnace room, 58microg/m3 in the storage room, and 46microg/m3 in the office. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from employee exposure to lead in the fire assay operations. The author makes recommendations concerning air monitoring, mechanical ventilation, respiratory protection, personal protective clothing hygiene facilities and practices, housekeeping, and medical monitoring.
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