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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
(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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(1987) Sancap Abrasives, Inc., Alliance, Ohio. (Click to open report) A request was received from the International Chemical Workers Union to investigate respiratory symptoms occurring from possible exposure to silica (7631869) dust along with neurologic symptoms of memory loss and disorientation from possible exposure to aluminum-oxide (1344281) dust at the Sancap Abrasives Inc. (SIC-3291) facility in Alliance, Ohio. Sancap Abrasives manufactured coated abrasives (sand paper), and had previously discontinued use of abrasives containing silica. The survey found 8 ... (Click to show more)A request was received from the International Chemical Workers Union to investigate respiratory symptoms occurring from possible exposure to silica (7631869) dust along with neurologic symptoms of memory loss and disorientation from possible exposure to aluminum-oxide (1344281) dust at the Sancap Abrasives Inc. (SIC-3291) facility in Alliance, Ohio. Sancap Abrasives manufactured coated abrasives (sand paper), and had previously discontinued use of abrasives containing silica. The survey found 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) exposures of respirable particulate concentrations for 20 samples ranging from 0.09 to 0.79mg/m3. Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.29 to 4.58mg/m3. Results of 20 personal air samples for aluminum (7429905) concentrations ranged from less than detectable to 0.02mg/m3. The amounts of free silica in all personal air samples were below the limit of detection. The amounts of quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) in two bulk samples of aluminum-oxide were also below the detection limits. No neurotoxic agents were identified at the facility. The authors conclude that silica exposures were not sufficient to pose a serious risk of silicosis. Annual medical examinations were recommended for all workers working in the coated abrasives division for a total of at least 10 years when silica was used.
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(1987) Sheller-Globe (Allen Industries, Inc.), Herrin, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 1374 of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union of America, a survey of possible hazards from chemicals used in acoustical resinated fiber insulation manufacturing was conducted at the Sheller-Globe (SIC-2295) facility (formerly Allen Industries, Inc.) in Herrin, Illinois. Exposure levels detected for 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) ranged from 0.32 to 0.63 parts per million (ppm); vinylidene-chloride (75354), not detectable; formaldehyde (50000), bel... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 1374 of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union of America, a survey of possible hazards from chemicals used in acoustical resinated fiber insulation manufacturing was conducted at the Sheller-Globe (SIC-2295) facility (formerly Allen Industries, Inc.) in Herrin, Illinois. Exposure levels detected for 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) ranged from 0.32 to 0.63 parts per million (ppm); vinylidene-chloride (75354), not detectable; formaldehyde (50000), below detectable levels; hexamethylenetetramine (100970), detected in only one of five samples at a concentration of 0.044ppm; ammonia (7664417) from 2 to 35ppm; phenol (108952), below the limit of detection; carbon- monoxide (630080), less than 1 to 4ppm; total particulates from 2.26 to 13.78mg/m3; asbestos (1332214), no detectable levels; and toluene- diisocyanate (584849) from nondetectable to 0.0036ppm. The author concludes that there was a potential for overexposure to nuisance particulate in one area of the facility. The author recommends that increased emphasis be placed on reducing dust exposures through proper work practices and engineering controls. Local exhaust ventilation should be completed in the Hot Oil Press Department. Further study is suggested to pinpoint the source of the toluene- diisocyanate in the coating department. Immediate reporting of all incidences of dermatitis or other health problems is encouraged.
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(1987) Silver Deer Spectrum, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) The management of the Silver Deer Spectrum (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado, requested an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921), glues and solvents for workers involved in the grinding, polishing, gluing and silkscreening of leaded glass crystal art objects. Sixteen breathing zone and general room air samples were collected with lead concentrations ranging from not detectable to 0.08mg/m3. Three of these readings exceeded the evaluation criteria of action level for lead. Methylene-chloride (750... (Click to show more)The management of the Silver Deer Spectrum (SIC-3229), Boulder, Colorado, requested an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921), glues and solvents for workers involved in the grinding, polishing, gluing and silkscreening of leaded glass crystal art objects. Sixteen breathing zone and general room air samples were collected with lead concentrations ranging from not detectable to 0.08mg/m3. Three of these readings exceeded the evaluation criteria of action level for lead. Methylene-chloride (75092) was found in small quantities in 13 of 14 air samples. The highest level of methylene-chloride detected was 15.7mg/m3. No workers from the grinding room showed blood lead levels above 40 micrograms/deciliter. No evidence of lead toxicity was noted in workers from the blood samples or from discussions held with the workers. The author concludes that a potential health hazard from lead existed at the time of the evaluation. The author recommends that care be taken to reduce lead exposure in the grinding room. No dry grinding or polishing of the leaded glass should be permitted. The down draft ventilation in the grinding stations should be maintained, cleaned, and balanced so that each work station has sufficient capture velocity.
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(1987) Truck Terminals, St. Louis, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, an evaluation was made of possible exposure to 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) at trucking terminals (SIC-4231) in St. Louis, Missouri. The terminals belonged to the Jones Truck Lines, the P.J. Hamill Transfer Company, and the Overnight Transportation Company. During the 1970s these terminals were sprayed with waste oil for dust control. A self selected group of workers participated in a medical surve... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, an evaluation was made of possible exposure to 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) at trucking terminals (SIC-4231) in St. Louis, Missouri. The terminals belonged to the Jones Truck Lines, the P.J. Hamill Transfer Company, and the Overnight Transportation Company. During the 1970s these terminals were sprayed with waste oil for dust control. A self selected group of workers participated in a medical survey and provided information regarding employment and TCDD exposure history. A significant association was noted between symptoms of numbness in hands and feet, pins and needles in the extremities, insomnia and feelings of depression, and possible exposure to TCDD. One case of porphyria cutanea tarda and one of dermatofibrosarcoma were reported. The patient with porphyria cutanea tarda later developed a pelvic angiosarcoma, probably of soft tissue origin. Environmental samples taken at Jones Truck Lines revealed a dioxin concentration of about 18.7 parts per billion on the rafters inside the terminal. Dioxin was present in two surface soil samples taken near an entrance gate. The authors conclude that no definite association between TCDD exposure and symptoms or medical problems can be established. The authors recommended that measures be taken to control or eliminate possible exposures at the terminals; action was taken based on these recommendations.
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(1987) Wellman Dynamics Corporation, Creston, Iowa. (Click to open report) A request was received from Local 17, International Molders and Allied Workers Union to evaluate possible hazardous levels of chemical substances in the welding and foundry areas at Wellman Dynamics Corporation (SIC-3321), Creston, Iowa. Crystalline silica (7631869) concentrations in the breathing zone of sand molders, core makers, sand mixers, and core knockout personnel ranged from 52 to 238 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Formaldehyde (50000) levels of 0.11 to 0.42mg/m3 were found in the ... (Click to show more)A request was received from Local 17, International Molders and Allied Workers Union to evaluate possible hazardous levels of chemical substances in the welding and foundry areas at Wellman Dynamics Corporation (SIC-3321), Creston, Iowa. Crystalline silica (7631869) concentrations in the breathing zone of sand molders, core makers, sand mixers, and core knockout personnel ranged from 52 to 238 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Formaldehyde (50000) levels of 0.11 to 0.42mg/m3 were found in the breathing zones of coremakers, metal pourers and core knockout personnel, contributing to eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. Triethylamine (121448) was found at levels of 0.4 to 38mg/m3 in the breathing zone of coremakers, increasing respiratory distress. No excess levels were found of aluminum, magnesium, beryllium, inorganic fluorides, barium, methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, ethyl- alcohol, or ozone. The authors conclude that workers were exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of crystalline silica and formaldehyde. Workers were also experiencing eye and respiratory irritant exposures. The authors recommend the institution of an effective medical and environmental monitoring program, control of free silica dust exposure through engineering methods, medical examinations for workers with possible exposure to silica, and fit testing respirators.
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(1987) Wheel Trueing Tool Company, Columbia, South Carolina. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an investigation was made of possible exposures to chemicals and metal powders at the Wheel Trueing Tool Company (SIC-353x) in Columbia, South Carolina. Exposures occurred during the manufacturing of diamond studded and diamond impregnated cutting tools. Employees registered complaints of gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory problems along with skin rashes and a metallic taste in their mouths. Four of the 37 air samples collected sho... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an investigation was made of possible exposures to chemicals and metal powders at the Wheel Trueing Tool Company (SIC-353x) in Columbia, South Carolina. Exposures occurred during the manufacturing of diamond studded and diamond impregnated cutting tools. Employees registered complaints of gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory problems along with skin rashes and a metallic taste in their mouths. Four of the 37 air samples collected showed cobalt (7440484) levels exceeding the 0.1mg/m3 limit established by OSHA. Most of the handling of loose cobalt containing powders occurred in the production areas. Six samples revealed the presence of nickel (7440020), three of which exceeded the 0.015mg/m3 NIOSH recommended limit. Excessive graphite (7782425) levels were detected in the carbon room with two of three personal exposure samples registering above 10mg/m3. A questionnaire, preshift and postshift pulmonary function tests, and chest x-rays were administered to workers. No evidence of hard metal disease or mixed dust pneumoconiosis was found. The authors conclude that there is a hazard from exposure to cobalt, nickel, and graphite dust. The authors recommend measures to reduce and monitor worker exposures to cobalt and to establish a medical monitoring program for all cobalt exposed workers.
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(1986) (revised), National Starch, Indianapolis, Indiana. (Click to open report) A request for an investigation of pulmonary and cardiovascular disease was received from the National Starch and Chemical Corporation (SIC-2046), Indianapolis, Indiana. In a survey in March 1985, concentrations of hydrochloric-acid (7647010), sulfuric-acid (7664939), sodium-hydroxide (7646697), propylene-oxide (75569), and total and respirable starch dust were all below acceptable limits. In the Wet Mill, samples were taken of sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2) which indicated exposure levels rangin... (Click to show more)A request for an investigation of pulmonary and cardiovascular disease was received from the National Starch and Chemical Corporation (SIC-2046), Indianapolis, Indiana. In a survey in March 1985, concentrations of hydrochloric-acid (7647010), sulfuric-acid (7664939), sodium-hydroxide (7646697), propylene-oxide (75569), and total and respirable starch dust were all below acceptable limits. In the Wet Mill, samples were taken of sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2) which indicated exposure levels ranging from 1.7 to 2.4 parts per million, in excess of the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) of 0.5ppm. Personal area breathing samples for SO2 showed levels of 1.8 to 2.5ppm in October 1985. Upper respiratory irritation occurred in some employees, presumably due to SO2 exposure. The authors conclude that workers at this facility were exposed to sulfur-dioxide concentrations in excess of the NIOSH REL. Recommendations by the authors include installation of effective engineering controls, improved employee work practices, and the use of respiratory protection to decrease SO2 exposure to within acceptable levels. Airborne concentrations of starch should be controlled through proper maintenance of equipment and good housekeeping practices. Comprehensive, annual medical examinations are recommended for all employees exposed to S02.
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