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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
(1988) Estherville Foods, Inc., Estherville, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the president of Sonstegard Foods, Inc., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions due to exposure to raw egg products at the Estherville Foods, Inc. (SIC-2017), located in Estherville, Iowa. The facility processed raw eggs into powdered whole egg, powdered egg yolk, and liquid egg white. Workers experienced asthma/like symptoms including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Ambient air concentrations for total protein were less ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the president of Sonstegard Foods, Inc., a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions due to exposure to raw egg products at the Estherville Foods, Inc. (SIC-2017), located in Estherville, Iowa. The facility processed raw eggs into powdered whole egg, powdered egg yolk, and liquid egg white. Workers experienced asthma/like symptoms including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Ambient air concentrations for total protein were less than 1.2mg/m3. Ambient air concentrations of ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme were less than 360, 243, and 40 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. Protein concentration in the sanitizer water from the egg washers increased from 0.27 to 5.6 milligrams/milliliter over the course of a work shift. Immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma from egg protein exposure was determined in ten workers; three had evidence of bronchial lability. A major source of egg protein may be the visible aerosol escaping from the freshly washed eggs. Each wash water was recirculated for the 5 hour production run, and contained contaminants from broken eggs. These mists were also seen to escape into the transfer room. Better control methods at this juncture will reduce exposure levels. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposure to airborne egg protein. The author recommends that exposure to egg protein be reduced, and at risk workers be screened.
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(1988) General Electric Carboloy Systems, Detroit, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 771 of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the General Electric Carboloy Systems (SIC-3369), Warren, Michigan. At this site 14,000 different tungsten-carbide and steel products were produced. Environmental and medical surveys were conducted in several of the buildings at the work site. The studies indicated a hazard to some employees in building 6 from coba... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 771 of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the General Electric Carboloy Systems (SIC-3369), Warren, Michigan. At this site 14,000 different tungsten-carbide and steel products were produced. Environmental and medical surveys were conducted in several of the buildings at the work site. The studies indicated a hazard to some employees in building 6 from cobalt (7440484) exposures. An automated system was being implemented in this building to perform operations such as powder weighing, milling, screening, and spray drying, in enclosed vessels. These operations were performed manually under local exhaust ventilation. The greatest exposures occurred to individuals who did not wear a particle mask and were determined to be 24.6 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). The authors conclude that a hazard existed from airborne exposure to cobalt. The authors recommend that single use disposable respirators be replaced by half mask or full face respirators; that the respiratory protection program be redesigned; that smoking, eating, and drinking be prohibited when toxic materials are present; and workers be evaluated for early detection of pneumoconiosis.
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(1988) General Electric Company, Evendale, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Association of Machinists, Local Lodge 912 a study was made of possible health hazards at the General Electric Company (SIC-3541), Evendale, Ohio. Workers were exposed to dusts generated during the grinding of tools and other components containing tungsten-carbide. Employee exposure to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), tungsten (7440337), and total and respirable dust levels were evaluated for 15 machinists working in two cutt... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Association of Machinists, Local Lodge 912 a study was made of possible health hazards at the General Electric Company (SIC-3541), Evendale, Ohio. Workers were exposed to dusts generated during the grinding of tools and other components containing tungsten-carbide. Employee exposure to cobalt (7440484), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), tungsten (7440337), and total and respirable dust levels were evaluated for 15 machinists working in two cutting and grinding areas. Concentrations of nickel ranged from nondetectable to 20 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3), time weighted average, which exceeded the NIOSH recommended level of 15microg/m3. Other metals were below permissible levels. A group of 41 individuals participated in a medical study including chest x-ray and determination of blood and urine cobalt concentrations. No evidence of hard metal disease was noted on the 38 x-rays taken. Only two of ten participants had detectable blood cobalt levels. Of 63 urine specimens, 19 showed detectable cobalt. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from airborne exposure to nickel in cutter/grinding areas, and that a potential health hazard from cobalt exposure existed in Building 500. The authors recommend the use of appropriate respiratory protection for workers exposed to cobalt or inorganic nickel, and improvements in local exhaust ventilation systems.
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(1988) H.B. Smith Company, Inc., Westfield, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 95, Molders and Allied Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposures to chemicals at the H.B. Smith Company, Inc. (SIC-3565, SIC-3321), Westfield, Massachusetts, due to concern over symptoms of breathing difficulties experienced by workers. Workers at the foundry were involved in coremaking, mold making, casting, shake out, and knockout operations. Possible exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), respirable free silica (14808607), dimethylethylamine (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 95, Molders and Allied Workers Union, an evaluation was made of exposures to chemicals at the H.B. Smith Company, Inc. (SIC-3565, SIC-3321), Westfield, Massachusetts, due to concern over symptoms of breathing difficulties experienced by workers. Workers at the foundry were involved in coremaking, mold making, casting, shake out, and knockout operations. Possible exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), respirable free silica (14808607), dimethylethylamine (75649) (DMEA), and acrolein (107028) were determined. Acrolein was not detected. CO levels ranged from 10.4mg/m3. The respirable free silica ranged up to 0.54mg/m3. Pulmonary function tests and x-rays showed no evidence of silicotic lung disease. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to worker exposures to respirable free silica, DMEA and CO. The authors recommend measures to reduce worker exposures, including a mandatory personal protective equipment policy, administrative and engineering controls for CO, improvements in ventilation, and periodic medical examinations.
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(1988) Hubinger Company, Inc., Keokuk, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, Local 48, a study was made of occupational exposures during corn and corn product processing at the Hubinger Company, Inc., Keokuk, Iowa. This facility was engaged in the wet milling of corn and production of food products such as fructose, corn oil, corn germ and corn starch. Overexposure to epichlorohydrin (106898) was deemed unlikely. However, respiratory protection and protective gloves should be worn when working around... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Grain Millers, Local 48, a study was made of occupational exposures during corn and corn product processing at the Hubinger Company, Inc., Keokuk, Iowa. This facility was engaged in the wet milling of corn and production of food products such as fructose, corn oil, corn germ and corn starch. Overexposure to epichlorohydrin (106898) was deemed unlikely. However, respiratory protection and protective gloves should be worn when working around this substance. Acid exposures occurred only in refining areas. Sulfuric-acid (7664939) and phosphoric-acid (7664382) exposures were of concern due to the high concentrations used. Sulfur-dioxide (7446095) exceeded the NIOSH evaluation criteria of 1.3mg/m3 in 11 of 13 general room air samples. One worker out of seven monitored for total particulate and free crystalline silica (14808607) was overexposed to quartz. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposures to crystalline silica, epichlorohydrin, sulfuric-acid, and sulfur- dioxide. Although five cases of multiple sclerosis were noted among current and former workers, there had been no known occupational etiology for this disease and no known connection between the disease and chemicals or working conditions at this site. The author recommends that engineering controls and respiratory protection should be used to reduce exposures.
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(1988) Kemper-Tappan, Richmond, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an authorized representative of employees at Kemper-Tappan (SIC-2434), Richmond, Indiana, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards existing at the site, with particular reference to formaldehyde (50000) and solvent exposures. At this facility wood and wood product cabinets were manufactured for household use. The primary source of formaldehyde was particle board used in the cabinets. Eight hour time weighted average exposures ranged from non detectable to 0... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an authorized representative of employees at Kemper-Tappan (SIC-2434), Richmond, Indiana, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards existing at the site, with particular reference to formaldehyde (50000) and solvent exposures. At this facility wood and wood product cabinets were manufactured for household use. The primary source of formaldehyde was particle board used in the cabinets. Eight hour time weighted average exposures ranged from non detectable to 0.56 parts per million (ppm). Most of the 8 hour time weighted average exposure levels for formaldehyde were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit. Exposures to organic hydrocarbons resulted from the use of solvents, spray finishes, glues and adhesives, but levels were below the applicable exposure criteria. Total dust exposures ranged from non detectable to 2.8mg/m3 for the bandsaw operator. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed from airborne exposures to formaldehyde and to hard wood dust. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, including the use of particle board containing modified urea/formaldehyde resin binders, periodic evaluation of spray booth effectiveness, training of spray booth operators, use of gloves for protection against solvent exposure, repair of asbestos (1332214) pipe insulation, and replacement of missing blast gates in the ventilation duct work.
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(1988) Klotz Brothers, Incorporated, Staunton, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an evaluation was made of possible lead (7439921) exposure at Klotz Brothers, Incorporated (SIC-5093), Staunton, Virginia. This was a scrap metal and hide tanning facility. During an on/site visit, personal exposures to airborne lead were determined to be below the limit of detection of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) of air. Area samples indicated exposure levels below 2.0microg/m3. Five surface wipe ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an evaluation was made of possible lead (7439921) exposure at Klotz Brothers, Incorporated (SIC-5093), Staunton, Virginia. This was a scrap metal and hide tanning facility. During an on/site visit, personal exposures to airborne lead were determined to be below the limit of detection of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) of air. Area samples indicated exposure levels below 2.0microg/m3. Five surface wipe samples taken contained detectable levels of lead. Soil samples had been found to contain lead concentrations ranging from 101 to 39,600 parts per million (ppm). Analysis of blood samples from the six workers indicated lead concentrations ranging from 4 to 33 micrograms per deciliter (microg/dl) of blood. Zinc protoporphyrin levels ranged from 15 to 78microg/dl. The authors conclude that workers were not exposed to high concentrations of lead at the time of the survey, although there is a potential for exposure from contaminated soil and dust. The authors recommend that contaminated soil in the courtyard be removed to a hazardous waste site. In the meantime, measures should be taken to control dust. No eating or drinking should be allowed in the warehouse or courtyard.
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(1988) Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Olathe, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Colorado Department of Health, an investigation was made at the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (SIC- 2493), Olathe, Colorado, of respiratory problems possibly due to exposures at the workplace. The company produced waferboard using a heat and pressure cured resin/wax binding material containing 4,4- methylenediphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI). Thirteen cases of pulmonary disease (12 cases of asthma, and one case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis) were identified by... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Colorado Department of Health, an investigation was made at the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (SIC- 2493), Olathe, Colorado, of respiratory problems possibly due to exposures at the workplace. The company produced waferboard using a heat and pressure cured resin/wax binding material containing 4,4- methylenediphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI). Thirteen cases of pulmonary disease (12 cases of asthma, and one case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis) were identified by medical testing in three current and ten former employees. Most of these cases probably originated after the introduction of diisocyanate into the production line and before the currently used ventilation equipment was in place. Two of 23 personal air samples contained quantifiable concentrations of MDI, for time weighted average concentrations of existed from airborne exposure to diisocyanates. There may be a risk of significant exposure during maintenance activities if proper personal protective equipment is not used. Previously sensitized workers may react at very low concentrations. The authors recommend that engineering controls be maintained at a high level, that good housekeeping practices be adhered to, that a regular program of air monitoring be instituted, that signs warning the danger of exposure to diisocyanate be posted, that employees be instructed in the use of personal protective equipment, and that a program for medical screening be adopted.
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(1988) Modern Plating Corporation, Freeport, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Modern Plating Company (SIC- 3471), located in Freeport, Illinois. This company provided electroplating services for a variety of customers who require specialized plating for their products. At the time of the study the company employed 87 salaried and hourly staff. Prior to electroplating the surface of the workpiece was cleaned using solvent, acid, and alkaline materials. While several empl... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, a study was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Modern Plating Company (SIC- 3471), located in Freeport, Illinois. This company provided electroplating services for a variety of customers who require specialized plating for their products. At the time of the study the company employed 87 salaried and hourly staff. Prior to electroplating the surface of the workpiece was cleaned using solvent, acid, and alkaline materials. While several employees complained of episodic mucous membrane irritation, there were no chronic work related health effects or nasal perforations noted. Symptoms were often linked to the addition of new acid to the plating baths in areas in which employees were working when the local exhaust ventilation did not function properly. Environmental sampling for cyanides and inorganic acids were all below their respective evaluation criteria. Electroplaters were exposed to cadmium (7440439), chromium (VI) (7440473), and nickel (7440020) in both personal and area samples. The authors recommend that the current ventilation system be evaluated for major deficiencies which adversely affected the performance of the overall system, that local exhaust ventilation systems be evaluated periodically, that employees be provided with a properly selected and fitted respirator, that face shields and other personal protective equipment be provided and used, that better work practices be insisted upon at the site, that improved personal hygiene procedures be stressed, and that nonroutine operations such as those performed by the laboratory technician be evaluated for exposure potentials.
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(1988) Neville Chemical Company, Anaheim, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of the Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, NIOSH conducted an evaluation of possible hazardous working conditions at the Neville Chemical Company, Anaheim, California. Concern had been express about a carbon resin manufacturing process and two cases of liver disease in workers. This company manufactured petroleum resins by polymerizing organic molecules 5 to 12 carbon atoms in size using both a catalytic and a thermal polymerization... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of the Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, NIOSH conducted an evaluation of possible hazardous working conditions at the Neville Chemical Company, Anaheim, California. Concern had been express about a carbon resin manufacturing process and two cases of liver disease in workers. This company manufactured petroleum resins by polymerizing organic molecules 5 to 12 carbon atoms in size using both a catalytic and a thermal polymerization process. Raw materials consist of cracked petroleum fractions, containing a wide variety of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Most of the data gathered concerning the health of the workers indicated they were in good physical condition and that the causes of those deaths which had been reported had been misrepresented. Three major areas of concern did arise on inspection of the current working conditions. First was a need for an improved method to be used in the periodic cleaning of the clay filter towers. Secondly, there was excessive exposure to boron-trifluoride (7637072) in the treater facility. The third problem involved resin dust exposures working as a packager in the warehouse, particularly when the ventilation system was not functioning properly. Even though the dust levels in this area were below the limits for a nuisance dust, it was not clear whether the resin dusts would constitute a hazard.
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