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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
(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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(1987) Federal Office Building, Evansville, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3448, an evaluation was made of potential asbestos (1332214) exposure in the Federal Office Building (SIC-9199) located in Evansville, Indiana. Several surface samples revealed chrysotile (12001295) and amosite (12172735) fibers which indicated a history of past airborne asbestos at the site. Of the various air samples taken, only one showed airborne asbestos fibers to be present. This sample con... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3448, an evaluation was made of potential asbestos (1332214) exposure in the Federal Office Building (SIC-9199) located in Evansville, Indiana. Several surface samples revealed chrysotile (12001295) and amosite (12172735) fibers which indicated a history of past airborne asbestos at the site. Of the various air samples taken, only one showed airborne asbestos fibers to be present. This sample contained 0.005 fibers per cubic centimeter (NIOSH guideline, 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter). Asbestos containing fireproofing (1 to 7 percent chrysotile) was present in the building and was friable, had some water damage, was exposed in the return air plenum, and could be reached through ceiling tiles. The author concludes that a potential health hazard exists. It is recommended that the material be safely removed by a reliable contractor skilled in asbestos abatement. Interim precautionary measures are suggested to allow for building use until the asbestos is completely removed. These include isolating the fireproofing from the supply air source, using only wet janitorial techniques to prevent redispersion of settled dusts, establishing a monitoring system for the facility, designing maintenance procedures which minimize the potential for asbestos exposure, and educating employees as to the nature of the hazard.
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(1987) Freshlabs, Inc., Warren, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from workers at the Freshlabs vitamin manufacturing facility (SIC-2834) located in Warren, Michigan, a study was made of dust exposures, with specific attention to asbestos (1332214) in ceiling insulation. Over half of all workers (about 70) reported watery itchy eyes, sneezing, or runny stuffy noses. Symptoms of skin rashes, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath were also reported throughout the facility. Dust concentrations were highest in the composition are... (Click to show more)In response to a request from workers at the Freshlabs vitamin manufacturing facility (SIC-2834) located in Warren, Michigan, a study was made of dust exposures, with specific attention to asbestos (1332214) in ceiling insulation. Over half of all workers (about 70) reported watery itchy eyes, sneezing, or runny stuffy noses. Symptoms of skin rashes, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath were also reported throughout the facility. Dust concentrations were highest in the composition area, where all workers experienced irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, and a few developed occupational asthma confirmed by company physicians. Workers were exposed to several vitamin products which were irritating to eyes and nasal and respiratory mucosa because of acidity. Some workers became hypersensitive to dusts due to protein and polysaccharide contents. Most samples showed total and respirable dust measurements well below Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limits for nuisance dusts. However, these are not common nuisance dust components. The authors suggest that the limits provide little protection for average workers exposed to such dusts. Asbestos sampling revealed potential hazard from falling insulation. Recommendations pertaining to local exhaust hoods, amended work practices, use of personal dust respirators, avoidance of skin contact, and proper ceiling insulation are offered.
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(1987) GTE/Valenite Corporation, Westminster, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an evaluation of exposure to hard metal dusts was made at GTE/VALENITE Corporation (SIC-3541), Westminster, South Carolina, employing 50 production workers. Dusts were generated during finish grinding of tungsten-carbide cutting tool inserts. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for seven nitrosamines, cobalt (7440484), and tungsten (7440337). No nitrosamines were detected. Cobalt levels were nondetectable to 26.8 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) (... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an evaluation of exposure to hard metal dusts was made at GTE/VALENITE Corporation (SIC-3541), Westminster, South Carolina, employing 50 production workers. Dusts were generated during finish grinding of tungsten-carbide cutting tool inserts. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for seven nitrosamines, cobalt (7440484), and tungsten (7440337). No nitrosamines were detected. Cobalt levels were nondetectable to 26.8 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value, 50microg/m3). Tungsten levels were nondetectable to 0.41mg/m3 (NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit, 5mg/m3). Medical survey of 35 workers showed respiratory symptoms associated with length of employment and smoking status. Symptoms did not correlate with exposure category. Personal air samples were taken for cobalt for ten workers giving urine samples pre and post shift. All had increased urine cobalt levels over shift. There was no correlation between total airborne and urine cobalt levels, but there was a significant association for post shift urinary and respirable cobalt. The authors recommend that air sampling for tungsten- carbide and cobalt be continued. Good housekeeping and personal hygiene practices should be instituted and maintained. Change to a safer cutting fluid is recommended along with a medical surveillance program and careful follow up of employees with persistent symptoms of cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
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(1987) Jeddo Highland Coal Co., West Pittston, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, District 25, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the J- 44 Strip Mine (Hazelton, Pennsylvania) of the Jeddo Highland Coal Company (SIC-1111), West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Concern was voiced over silica (7631869) dust exposures for highway drill crews during overburden drilling. To reduce operator exposure during this process an enclosed cab was provided for the operator, a rubber skirt was suspended from the deck of th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, District 25, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the J- 44 Strip Mine (Hazelton, Pennsylvania) of the Jeddo Highland Coal Company (SIC-1111), West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Concern was voiced over silica (7631869) dust exposures for highway drill crews during overburden drilling. To reduce operator exposure during this process an enclosed cab was provided for the operator, a rubber skirt was suspended from the deck of the drill to contain the dust, and a collection system conveyed the dust to the ground away from the operator. Respiratory protection was also provided. In hot weather, windows of the cab were left open and respiratory protective devices were seldom used. Quartz (14808607) was the only form of crystalline silica identified. Personal breathing zone samples indicated a time weighted average respirable 8 hour dust exposure of 0.8mg/m3 which exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05mg/m3. The mass of airborne dust particles that were 10 micrometer in aerodynamic diameter and below were approximately 69 percent inside the cab and 45 percent outside the cab. The cab did afford about a 76 percent reduction in respirable dust exposure for the operator. The author concludes that a respiratory health hazard did exist for the drill crew. Engineering controls instituted after this survey resulted in reduction in dust levels.
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(1987) Morris Bean and Company, Yellow Springs, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 6931 of the United Steel Workers of America, worker exposures to alumino-silicate ceramic fibers from Fiberfrax insulation at Morris Bean and Company (SIC-3361), Yellow Springs, Ohio were evaluated. Personal breathing zone samples showed ceramic fiber concentrations of 0.03 to 0.18 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Five area air samples averaged 0.40f/cc, ranging from 0.06 to 0.75f/cc. The sand reclamation area had the two highest air concentrations of 0.48 ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 6931 of the United Steel Workers of America, worker exposures to alumino-silicate ceramic fibers from Fiberfrax insulation at Morris Bean and Company (SIC-3361), Yellow Springs, Ohio were evaluated. Personal breathing zone samples showed ceramic fiber concentrations of 0.03 to 0.18 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Five area air samples averaged 0.40f/cc, ranging from 0.06 to 0.75f/cc. The sand reclamation area had the two highest air concentrations of 0.48 and 0.75f/cc; there was a malfunction in the equipment, allowing the fibers to escape through worn seals. Most of the fibers were of respirable size. Cristobalite was not found in any sample. Health effects noted on interview with the workers who handled the Fiberfrax material consisted only of mild skin and face irritation. Fiber concentration levels were well below those regarded by NIOSH as hazardous for other types of fibrous materials. The author concludes that insufficient data are available to determine the toxicity of ceramic fibers, but because of indications of possible carcinogenicity, exposure should be minimized. The author recommends that alternative substances or methods be considered. Local exhaust systems should be installed in areas where Fiberfrax material is cut. Where local exhaust will not be effective, protective equipment should be used.
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(1987) Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, Lycoming, New York. (Click to open report) The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers requested an evaluation of possible harmful occupational exposure to aluminum- silicate (1302767) ceramic fibers (CF) in a stress relief operation at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation Unit-II, in Lycoming, New York. Stress relief operations were carried out by the Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation. Airborne fiber concentrations ranged from microns or less in diameter and fell mainly in the 0.5 to 2.0 micron range. The majority of the fib... (Click to show more)The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers requested an evaluation of possible harmful occupational exposure to aluminum- silicate (1302767) ceramic fibers (CF) in a stress relief operation at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation Unit-II, in Lycoming, New York. Stress relief operations were carried out by the Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation. Airborne fiber concentrations ranged from microns or less in diameter and fell mainly in the 0.5 to 2.0 micron range. The majority of the fibers were of respirable size. No cristobalite was found in any of the air samples. The identified fibers were mainly amorphous materials. Air and bulk samples contained primarily aluminum (7429905), silicon (7440213), and titanium (7440326). The identified fibers were alumino-silicate. In 1985, the electricians began using personal protective equipment when handling the insulating blankets. The authors conclude that there is insufficient data available regarding CF, but that it would be prudent to minimize exposures to the extent feasible. The authors recommend that the use of personal protective equipment be continued. Medical surveillance should be carried out on all workers exposed to ceramic fibers. Routine x-ray studies are not recommended.
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