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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
(1988) City of Ames Municipal Power Plant, Ames, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of the Municipal Power Facility (SIC-4931), Ames, Iowa and the International Union of Electrical Workers Local 234, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at this work site. Concerns were specifically expressed about the handling and burning of refuse derived fuel (RDF), asbestos (1332214) insulation, coal dust, fly ash, hot working environments, polychlorinated-biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) present in grounding transformers, and on site chemica... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of the Municipal Power Facility (SIC-4931), Ames, Iowa and the International Union of Electrical Workers Local 234, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at this work site. Concerns were specifically expressed about the handling and burning of refuse derived fuel (RDF), asbestos (1332214) insulation, coal dust, fly ash, hot working environments, polychlorinated-biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) present in grounding transformers, and on site chemical usage and storage. RDF was composed primarily of the shredded combustible part of municipal solid waste. A survey of the facility indicated that potential hazards did exist from noise, heat, asbestos, coal dust, and crystalline silica (14808607). The only documented case of over exposure was to coal dust in the coal yard. Metal exposure was very low or non detectable. The author concludes that hazards existed due to heat levels, noise, potential asbestos exposure, and elevated coal dust and silica exposures. The author recommends work schedule modifications to reduce heat stress, improved storage methods for chemicals, improvements in the respiratory protection program, a hearing conservation program, monitoring workers for trace metal exposures, asbestos cleanup or monitoring, employee education regarding possible hazards, and medical surveillance.
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(1988) Community Savings Association, Finleyville, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Finleyville Branch of the Community Savings Association (SIC-6036), located in Finleyville, Pennsylvania. Employees had been sensitized to a fungus and were experiencing nausea, headache, fatigue, sinus congestion and difficulty in breathing even after action to control the fungus had been taken. The first allergic reaction was noted in October o... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Finleyville Branch of the Community Savings Association (SIC-6036), located in Finleyville, Pennsylvania. Employees had been sensitized to a fungus and were experiencing nausea, headache, fatigue, sinus congestion and difficulty in breathing even after action to control the fungus had been taken. The first allergic reaction was noted in October of 1986 with four more cases developing by December 5 of that same year. During early February of 1987 the wall in the storeroom was scraped, cleaned, and painted with a fungal resistant paint. On March 16 the office was closed early due to three full time employees suffering the aforementioned symptoms plus dermatological symptoms of an allergic reaction. Additional control efforts were likewise unsuccessful. Analysis indicated that exposure to microorganisms and an inadequate supply of fresh air were likely the causes of the symptoms experienced by these workers. No evidence of any pulmonary damage among the exposed workers was found. The authors recommend that the ventilation, heating, and air conditioning unit be operated according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air- Conditioning Engineers, Incorporated (ASHRAE) standards; that relative humidity should range between 20 to 50 percent; that the storeroom wall be maintained free of microbial growth; and that files in open boxes be cleaned and placed in enclosed cabinets to reduce further contamination.
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(1988) Duro Bag Manufacturing Company, Richwood, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Duro Bag Manufacturing Company (SIC-2643), Richwood, Kentucky, an investigation was made of the occurrence of skin rashes and hair loss at the facility. Products included shopping bags, grocery bags, millinary and notion bags and wrapping paper in the Paper Division. In the Plastics Division products included various sizes of plastic bags shaped from thin sheets of polyethylene. Water based inks were used on paper bags and solvent based inks were used on plastic... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Duro Bag Manufacturing Company (SIC-2643), Richwood, Kentucky, an investigation was made of the occurrence of skin rashes and hair loss at the facility. Products included shopping bags, grocery bags, millinary and notion bags and wrapping paper in the Paper Division. In the Plastics Division products included various sizes of plastic bags shaped from thin sheets of polyethylene. Water based inks were used on paper bags and solvent based inks were used on plastic bags. Bags were glued using a water based mixture. A questionnaire was completed by 215 of 245 hourly production workers. Sixty one of those responding indicated a skin rash in the period since January 1, 1986. Hair loss had been noticed by 12 employees. Significantly elevated relative risks were noted among bag catchers of the plastic division for skin rashes on arms and hands. Increases in skin rashes of the head and neck area occurred among bag catchers, collator tenders, and adjuster supervisors in grocery bag production areas. Dust levels were below current standards. The authors conclude that the cause of the skin rashes probably is exposure to chemicals used to clean machine parts. The authors recommend specific changes to reduce the occurrence of contact dermatitis, including use of personal protective equipment, good personal hygiene, ventilation systems, dust control, proper humidity for work areas, regular use of skin moisturizers, and proper use of respirators.
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(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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