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HHE Search Results
1063 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) 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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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1987) Bunge Corporation, Decatur, Alabama. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union Local 3-906, an evaluation was made of symptoms of respiratory irritation and skin rashes in employees at the Bunge Corporation (SIC-0723) located in Decatur, Alabama. These employees were exposed to soybean dusts as raw dust, cleaner dust, extracted dust, or mixed dust. For 34 workers, the range of total raw dust exposure was 0.16 to 22.6mg/m3. One employee performing a cleanup operation in the head house was exposed to nu... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union Local 3-906, an evaluation was made of symptoms of respiratory irritation and skin rashes in employees at the Bunge Corporation (SIC-0723) located in Decatur, Alabama. These employees were exposed to soybean dusts as raw dust, cleaner dust, extracted dust, or mixed dust. For 34 workers, the range of total raw dust exposure was 0.16 to 22.6mg/m3. One employee performing a cleanup operation in the head house was exposed to nuisance dust at 14.7mg/m3, near the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit of 15mg/m3. Another worker was exposed to 22.6mg/m3 during a similar operation. At the time of study, use of personal respiratory protective equipment was by worker discretion. For workers exposed to raw dust, respirable dust ranged from 0.02 to 1.02mg/m3, with employees in the bean barge cleanup area and head house utility workers having the highest exposures. Exposures to cleaner soybean dust ranged from 0.18 to 0.72mg/m3. A high prevalence of lower respiratory symptoms was found, correlating with dust exposure, particularly raw soybean dust. Occupational asthma could not be confirmed or ruled out. It is recommended that engineering controls be installed in soybean receiving and shipping areas. Local exhaust ventilation and enclosing of specific areas are also highlighted. The authors recommend that use of respiratory protective gear be more actively pursued.
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(1987) Dale Electronics, Incorporated, Norfolk, Nebraska. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the management of Dale Electronics, Incorporated (SIC-3676), Norfolk, Nebraska, an evaluation was made of exposure to butyl-cellosolve (111762), epichlorohydrin (106898), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), antimony (7440360), and total particulates for workers in an electronic resistor manufacturing process. No exposure to butyl-cellosolve was detected among liquid coaters and no epichlorohydrin was detected in the process area air samples. No exposure to nickel ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the management of Dale Electronics, Incorporated (SIC-3676), Norfolk, Nebraska, an evaluation was made of exposure to butyl-cellosolve (111762), epichlorohydrin (106898), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), antimony (7440360), and total particulates for workers in an electronic resistor manufacturing process. No exposure to butyl-cellosolve was detected among liquid coaters and no epichlorohydrin was detected in the process area air samples. No exposure to nickel or chromium was detected among mechanical grinding spirallers. One laser spiraller was exposed to 8 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) of nickel and 8microg/m3 chromium. Trace amounts of nickel were noted in the breathing zones of one plating lab worker and one calibrator. Total particulate exposures ranged from 0.1 to 0.9mg/m3. The author concludes that there were no known overexposures to contaminants at this facility. The author recommends that the exhaust ducts and fan be checked to find the cause for decreased mixing room ventilation system performance noted at the time of the study. Mixing room workers should ensure that all materials are handled as closely as possible to the local exhaust hoods. Standard written operation procedures for use of respirators should be developed.
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(1987) Dubois Chemical Company, Sharonville, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 774 of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine Workers, possible exposures to numerous substances and hazardous noise levels were evaluated at the Dubois Chemical Company (SIC-2842), Sharonville, Ohio. The production facility formulates about 400 specialty chemical products for institutional and industrial applications. Personal sampling results included the following: sodium-hydroxide (1310732) dust, from nondetectab... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 774 of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine Workers, possible exposures to numerous substances and hazardous noise levels were evaluated at the Dubois Chemical Company (SIC-2842), Sharonville, Ohio. The production facility formulates about 400 specialty chemical products for institutional and industrial applications. Personal sampling results included the following: sodium-hydroxide (1310732) dust, from nondetectable to 0.63mg/m3; hydrochloric-acid (7647010), nondetectable to 0.05mg/m3; phosphoric- acid (7664382), nondetectable; methylene-chloride (75092), 6.6 to 380mg/m3; and toluene (108883) 0.6 to 45mg/m3. Full shift noise exposures ranged from 78 to 88 decibels-A (dB-A) with a mean of 82dB- A time weighted average. Noise exposures over the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 85dB-A existed for 5 workers. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposures to methylene- chloride. Individual noise exposures at or in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit were possible. The author recommends substituting a less toxic chemical for methylene-chloride and improving ventilation conditions. The use of personal protective equipment should be upgraded and the reuse of gloves stopped. The development of a hearing conservation program is suggested.
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(1987) Eccles Saw and Tool Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an evaluation was made of metal dust exposures from the process of sharpening saw blades and tools at the the Eccles Saw and Tool Company (SIC-3541), Cincinnati, Ohio. In two personal air samples, the following concentrations were determined: cobalt (7440484), 26 and 63 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3); tungsten (7440337), 365 and 925microg/m3; nickel (7440020), 3.9 and 9.3microg/m3; cadmium (7440439), less than 2microg/m3; and silver (7440224), less than 2m... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an evaluation was made of metal dust exposures from the process of sharpening saw blades and tools at the the Eccles Saw and Tool Company (SIC-3541), Cincinnati, Ohio. In two personal air samples, the following concentrations were determined: cobalt (7440484), 26 and 63 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3); tungsten (7440337), 365 and 925microg/m3; nickel (7440020), 3.9 and 9.3microg/m3; cadmium (7440439), less than 2microg/m3; and silver (7440224), less than 2microg/m3. Air containing cobalt at 30microg/m3 and nickel at 7microg/m3 was being discharged back into the workspace from the recirculated local exhaust ventilation air. A medical evaluation was performed on three workers; all three reported coughing four to six times a day, four or more days per week, with occasional episodes of wheezing. Two of these employees were grinders, having been working at this company for 15 and 85 months, while the other was a truck driver, who spent about 3 hours per day in the shop, but did no grinding. Appreciably higher cobalt levels were noted in the urine of a worker exposed to cobalt at 63microg/m3 than in office workers. The authors conclude that at least one worker was exposed to an excessive cobalt concentration. The authors recommend general improvements in the housekeeping practices in the grinding shop, modification of the present local exhaust ventilation system, preplacement and periodic medical examinations of employees, and limiting exposure to cobalt.
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