If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
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) Polymer Engineering, Inc., Reynolds, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Polymer Engineering, Inc. (SIC-3079), Reynolds, Indiana, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working during the manufacture of thermoset microwave cookware and custom molded plastic parts. The facility employed about 150 production workers. Particular attention was given to exposure to styrene (100425) in the Compounding Department. In this department the primary constituents of the plastics were weighed, mixed, blended, extruded, and placed in crates for t... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Polymer Engineering, Inc. (SIC-3079), Reynolds, Indiana, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working during the manufacture of thermoset microwave cookware and custom molded plastic parts. The facility employed about 150 production workers. Particular attention was given to exposure to styrene (100425) in the Compounding Department. In this department the primary constituents of the plastics were weighed, mixed, blended, extruded, and placed in crates for transport to the Pressing Department. The highest personal time weighted average exposures were analyzed and indicated a mean exposure level of 44.6 parts per million (ppm). There were exposure levels for each of the three extruder operators which exceeded the 50.0ppm NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit. Short term personal exposures in the Compounding Department ranged from 26.6 to 39.1ppm. Total dust exposures ranged from 1.0 to 12.3mg/m3 throughout the facility. Personal samples in the Compounding Department showed exposures at 12.3mg/m3. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from styrene and nuisance dust exposures. The authors recommend changes in the ventilation system, installation of local exhaust ventilation at the extruder operations, and enclosure of the preweigh station.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1988) Roofing Construction, Houston, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at roofing (SIC-3444) sites in Houston, Texas. Roofing systems evaluated included: tear off and application of a coal tar pitch system; tear off and application of a petroleum asphalt system; and application of a single ply modified asphalt system (Koppers). Personal exposures to hazardous materials were highest in the coal tar pitch operat... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at roofing (SIC-3444) sites in Houston, Texas. Roofing systems evaluated included: tear off and application of a coal tar pitch system; tear off and application of a petroleum asphalt system; and application of a single ply modified asphalt system (Koppers). Personal exposures to hazardous materials were highest in the coal tar pitch operation with 85 percent of the coal tar pitch samples having detectable levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs). Arithmetic mean values for total PNAs and total particulate samples at the coal tar pitch site were 13.1 and 853 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) when the roof was wetted and 63 and 3530microg/m3 meter when the roof was not wetted. At a Koppers site, perchloroethylene (127184) concentrations ranged from undetectable to 2.39mg/m3. Medical evaluation indicated eye and skin irritation and lesions in workers. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to potentially hazardous concentrations of coal tar products at coal tar pitch and petroleum asphalt roofing sites. The author recommends specific measures to reduce exposures, including better personal hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, staying upwind of dust and fumes, wetting roofs before tear off, use of sunscreens and avoiding work during the hours of greatest sun intensity.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1988) SAS Circuits, Inc., Littleton, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at SAS Circuits, Inc. (SIC- 3679), an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Littleton, Colorado site. Concern was voiced over the work conditions in the wet processing area, laboratory, lay up, deburring, silk screening, and plate cleaning departments during the production of printed circuit boards. Personal and area samples were collected and analyses performed for Freon-TF (76131), acetone (67641), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (1... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at SAS Circuits, Inc. (SIC- 3679), an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Littleton, Colorado site. Concern was voiced over the work conditions in the wet processing area, laboratory, lay up, deburring, silk screening, and plate cleaning departments during the production of printed circuit boards. Personal and area samples were collected and analyses performed for Freon-TF (76131), acetone (67641), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), and butyl-cellosolve (111762); results indicated no hazardous levels existed. Additional breathing zone and area samples were collected for chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), nickel (7440020), and lead (7439921). Copper alone was detected, ranging from 0.001 to 0.23mg/m3. No cyanide was detected in air samples. The author concludes that a hazard did not exist at the time of the survey. The author recommends that employees be educated regarding the toxicology of all chemicals they deal with, that eye wash stations be installed in the plating and etching departments, that the large water hose in the plating department be replaced with several shorter hoses that can be better stored when not in use, that a storage area be designed for all acids and other chemicals used in the plating processes, and that a chemical hood with exhaust fans be installed in the laboratory.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1988) Siouxpreme Egg Products, Inc., Sioux Center, Iowa. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the president of Siouxpreme Egg Products, Inc. (SIC-2017), an investigation was made of occupational exposure to egg products at the facility in Sioux Center, Iowa. Previously at this site workers had been documented to have immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma from airborne egg protein exposure. The exposures to iodide ions, acid gases and total and respirable dust levels were all below the acceptable limits. An analysis of bulk samples of the egg products... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the president of Siouxpreme Egg Products, Inc. (SIC-2017), an investigation was made of occupational exposure to egg products at the facility in Sioux Center, Iowa. Previously at this site workers had been documented to have immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma from airborne egg protein exposure. The exposures to iodide ions, acid gases and total and respirable dust levels were all below the acceptable limits. An analysis of bulk samples of the egg products indicated a protein concentration of 28 to 43 percent. A sample of egg wash water contained 19 milligrams per milliliter (mg/ml) of protein. All but one sample for ambient air total protein concentrations were less than 0.78mg/m3. Ambient air respirable protein concentrations were all less than 0.48mg/m3. Ambient air concentrations of ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme were all less than 188, 113, and 3.5 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. One additional worker was demonstrated to have developed immunoglobulin-E mediated occupational asthma at the time of the study. The authors conclude that a health hazard continued to exist from exposure to airborne egg protein. The authors recommend that specific engineering steps be taken in the transfer room to better control the visible aerosol escaping from the freshly washed eggs from the conveyor entrance and exit to the washer. The practice of using compressed air from a hose to remove dust from one's clothing must be discontinued.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1988) South Texas Nuclear Project, Wadsworth, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an evaluation was made of an outbreak of dermatitis among workers at the South Texas Nuclear Project construction site (SIC-1629), Wadsworth, Texas. The dermatitis occurred ten times more frequently among carpenters than other laborers, with the incidence in 1986 being 250 percent greater than it was in 1985. Some workers demonstrated pruritic, macular/papular lesions. Carpenters working on the inside of the power project buildings had a higher incidence of... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an evaluation was made of an outbreak of dermatitis among workers at the South Texas Nuclear Project construction site (SIC-1629), Wadsworth, Texas. The dermatitis occurred ten times more frequently among carpenters than other laborers, with the incidence in 1986 being 250 percent greater than it was in 1985. Some workers demonstrated pruritic, macular/papular lesions. Carpenters working on the inside of the power project buildings had a higher incidence of skin disease than those employed on the outside of the buildings. Samples of plywood and lumber treated with fire retardant indicated that they contained 3 and 5 percent phosphate, respectively. Arsenic was not detected but formaldehyde (50000) was detected at 59 parts per million. General environmental air samples were taken with no evidence found of airborne phosphate, melamine, dicyandiamide, or formaldehyde. Concentrations of total particulates ranged from 0.1 to 0.6mg/m3. The authors conclude that the workers were probably suffering from a contact dermatitis. The authors recommend that carpenters working on scaffolding crews and those sawing treated lumber wear gloves and long sleeve shirts, carpenters sawing wood wear particulate masks to avoid inhalation, good personal hygiene measures be followed, and medical surveillance be conducted to monitor construction workers for dermatitis.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1987) (revised), Granite City Steel, Granite City, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, an evaluation of possible exposures to a tar like substance was made at Granite City Steel Company (SIC-3312), Granite City, Illinois. This substance, a coal tar sludge residue, was added to coal coming into the facility. Samples of the coal tar sludge and mixtures of the sludge and coal were taken from the tar pit and from the area inside the pulverizer building. Chemicals identified in these samples included: naphthalene (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, an evaluation of possible exposures to a tar like substance was made at Granite City Steel Company (SIC-3312), Granite City, Illinois. This substance, a coal tar sludge residue, was added to coal coming into the facility. Samples of the coal tar sludge and mixtures of the sludge and coal were taken from the tar pit and from the area inside the pulverizer building. Chemicals identified in these samples included: naphthalene (91203), phenanthrene (85018), fluoranthene (206440), pyrene (129000), benz(a)anthracene (56553), chrysene (218019), benzo(e)pyrene (192972), benzo(a)pyrene (50328), and benz(g,h,i)perylene (191242). Of eight personal air samples taken, five had detectable concentrations of benzene solubles which ranged from 88 to 141 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Some polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon exposures were recorded at 20 to 100microg/m3. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed in the coal handling area and the by/products department. Specific recommendations include use of an enclosed system to pump the coal tar waste product directly to the coal pit, use of protective clothing including elbow length gloves by workers handling coal tar sludge, use of a half mask air purifying respirator equipped with an organic vapor cartridge, informing employees of the risks posed by these chemicals, and periodic medical checkups for exposed workers.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1987) Agrico Chemical Company, Pierce, Florida. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union an evaluation was made of respiratory problems among workers at the Agrico Chemical Company (SIC-2819) Pierce, Florida, which closed in 1979. Specific concern had been expressed regarding exposures to silica (7631869), coke, and asbestos (1332214). Of 108 persons participating in the study, 91 had worked at the elemental phosphorus facility (EP). Small, irregular interstitial pulmonary opacities were noted in two participants... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union an evaluation was made of respiratory problems among workers at the Agrico Chemical Company (SIC-2819) Pierce, Florida, which closed in 1979. Specific concern had been expressed regarding exposures to silica (7631869), coke, and asbestos (1332214). Of 108 persons participating in the study, 91 had worked at the elemental phosphorus facility (EP). Small, irregular interstitial pulmonary opacities were noted in two participants, and two others had pleural plaque. Of 88 participants who had ten or more years in the phosphate industry, the 36 workers with ten or more years in the EP facility were no more likely to have chronic cough, shortness of breath, abnormal lung sounds on physical examination, pulmonary function impairment, or x-ray signs of fibrogenic dust exposure than those with less than 10 years exposure. Those working longer than 10 years in the EP facility had numerically higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis and chronic wheeze, but the differences were not statistically significant. The author concludes that no association between health and time at the EP facility could be discerned from the available data, although it is possible that the study participants were not representative of all former facility workers.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1987) American Cyanamid, Michigan City, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, an evaluation was made of employee exposures to nickel (7440020) at the American Cyanamid Company (SIC-2819), Michigan City, Indiana, which produced petroleum industry catalysts. The workforce included 63 production workers and 33 administrative personnel. Employee exposures to metals and dusts, including 28 elements of toxicological importance, were evaluated during an industrial hygiene survey involving personal and genera... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, an evaluation was made of employee exposures to nickel (7440020) at the American Cyanamid Company (SIC-2819), Michigan City, Indiana, which produced petroleum industry catalysts. The workforce included 63 production workers and 33 administrative personnel. Employee exposures to metals and dusts, including 28 elements of toxicological importance, were evaluated during an industrial hygiene survey involving personal and general air sampling. Each of the 11 air samples showed aluminum (7429905), molybdenum (7439987), and nickel, while some showed calcium (7440702), cobalt (7440484), copper (7440508), iron (7439896), magnesium (7439954), and zinc (7440666). The only metal exceeding NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) was nickel, ranging from below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of 10mg/m3 for nuisance dusts, ranging from these as nuisance dusts and further reduction in amounts should be made. The author recommends that care be taken to ensure good working order of mullers to prevent leaks. Generation of nickel dusts in impregnation area should be better controlled. A regular housekeeping schedule should be started for vacuum removal of accumulated dust from work areas. Appropriate respirators should be worn in muller room and impregnation and product load out areas.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1987) Artistic Awards, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Artistic Awards Co. (SIC-3499), Colorado Springs, Colorado, a study was made of possible exposure to lead (7439921) during lead medallion production. An elevated blood lead level had been found in one worker with symptoms of weakness and fatigue. Personal breathing zone air samples obtained from the areas of casting and engraving showed levels of 7.3 to 8.0 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Samples collected during grinding and buffing of lead medallions indicated... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Artistic Awards Co. (SIC-3499), Colorado Springs, Colorado, a study was made of possible exposure to lead (7439921) during lead medallion production. An elevated blood lead level had been found in one worker with symptoms of weakness and fatigue. Personal breathing zone air samples obtained from the areas of casting and engraving showed levels of 7.3 to 8.0 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Samples collected during grinding and buffing of lead medallions indicated lead concentration in the breathing zone of 1300 to 1900microg/m3. Each of four grinding and buffing stations was fitted with a well enclosed ventilation hood. At one station, the ductwork was clogged with buffing wheel material and ducts at the other three stations were disconnected inside the cabinets. Excessive levels of lead in the air resulted from a lack of local exhaust ventilation in this area. Workers in this room wore half face respirators; however, the respirator which was worn by the worker who had the elevated blood lead level failed to pass a fit test. After improvements had been made, the ventilation system was observed to be very effective. Lead exposures during buffing and grinding operations had been reduced to below the limit of detection, 6microg/m3. The author concludes that one worker has been overexposed to lead due to a poorly fitted respirator, and possibly to ingestion of lead deposited on food or drinks.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1987) B. F. Goodrich, Woodburn, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers of America Local 715, an investigation was made of an apparent excess of cancers appearing among workers in the B. F. Goodrich tire manufacturing facility (SIC-3011) located in Woodburn, Indiana. Excesses were reported in the milling and tuber areas of the facility. Company medical records, death certificates, and medical records from private physicians or hospitals were used to obtain data. Five cases of lung ca... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers of America Local 715, an investigation was made of an apparent excess of cancers appearing among workers in the B. F. Goodrich tire manufacturing facility (SIC-3011) located in Woodburn, Indiana. Excesses were reported in the milling and tuber areas of the facility. Company medical records, death certificates, and medical records from private physicians or hospitals were used to obtain data. Five cases of lung cancer and one of leukemia were confirmed. Analysis revealed a ten fold increase in lung cancer incidence over the expected number. In a survey made 5 years previously, breathing zone samples were taken for nitrosamines, for which NIOSH recommends keeping exposure as low as possible. Exposures to N-nitrosomorpholine (59892) ranged from 0.5 to 1.8 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) and exposures to N- nitrosodimethylamine (62759) ranged up to 0.09microg/m3. Exposures to benzene (71432) in 1975 ranged from 0.5 to 11.9 parts per million. Measurements taken since 1980 showed significantly lower levels. Also, prior to 1979, talc (14807966) was used at this facility, suggesting possible exposure to asbestos (1332214). The authors conclude that based on lung cancer latency, there is evidence of exposure to an etiologic agent in the milling and tuber area of this company. It is recommended that exposures to various contaminants be kept under control and that a medical surveillance program be implemented.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
