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HHE Search Results
1062 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) 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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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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