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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
(1986) American Crystal Sugar Company, Hillsboro, North Dakota. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management of the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union, employee exposures to welding fumes during facility maintenance and to airborne contaminants during beet processing were determined at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by ACSCO. Beet processing involved 230 workers, while approximately ten to 15 workers were potentially exposed to welding fumes. General air and personal samples were analyzed f... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management of the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union, employee exposures to welding fumes during facility maintenance and to airborne contaminants during beet processing were determined at a sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by ACSCO. Beet processing involved 230 workers, while approximately ten to 15 workers were potentially exposed to welding fumes. General air and personal samples were analyzed for total and respirable dusts and various chemicals, and personal filters were analyzed for welding fumes. Analytical methods included X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, chromatography, and gravimetry. Quartz (14808607) was found in high volume air samples and settled dust. Exposures exceeding the most stringent environmental criteria were found for calcium-carbonate (471341) and carbon-monoxide (630080) in lime kiln workers and sugar dust in sugar bin workers. Beet pulp dust was considered a potential hazard based on its content of crystalline silica. Welding produced excessive exposures to total welding fumes, hexavalent chromium (18540299), nickel (7440020), iron-oxide (1332372), and calcium-oxide (1305788). Chromium and nickel posed potential cancer risks. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to calcium-carbonate, carbon-monoxide, sugar dust, total welding fumes, hexavalent chromium, iron-oxide, nickel, and calcium- oxide fumes at this facility. The authors recommend dust containment, ventilation, respiratory protection, and correction of slipping hazards.
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(1986) American Crystal Sugar Company, Moorhead, Minnesota. (Click to open report) A sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) was evaluated for worker exposure to airborne contaminants during beet processing and welding fumes during facility maintenance, following a request from ACSCO management and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union. Beet processing involved approximately 690 workers, while maintenance involved approximately 300 of these workers. Total and respirable dusts were measured in personal and general ai... (Click to show more)A sugar beet mill (SIC-2063) owned by the American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSCO) was evaluated for worker exposure to airborne contaminants during beet processing and welding fumes during facility maintenance, following a request from ACSCO management and the American Federation of Grain Millers International Union. Beet processing involved approximately 690 workers, while maintenance involved approximately 300 of these workers. Total and respirable dusts were measured in personal and general air samples, and personal welding filter samples were analyzed. Analytical methods included spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gravimetry, and chromatography. Quartz (14808607) was detected in settled dust and high volume air samples; beet pulp was considered to be a potential health risk. Exposures in excess of the most stringent environmental criteria were found for calcium-oxide (1305788) in lime kiln workers, formaldehyde (50000) in diffuser area workers, and total welding fumes, nickel (7440020), and iron-oxide (1332372) during welding operations. Exposures to nickel and formaldehyde presented potential cancer risks. Interference prevented analysis of hexavalent chromium (18540299), but the authors expect that it would be elevated. The authors recommend formaldehyde replacement, particulate containment, ventilation improvement, and use of appropriate respiratory protection.
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(1986) Champion DairyPak, Morristown, New Jersey. (Click to open report) A walkthrough evaluation and worker interviews were carried out on August 7, 1985 at Champion DairyPak (SIC-2654) Morristown, New Jersey. The evaluation was requested by UAW Local 260 to investigate health hazards at the facility. Approximately 135 workers are employed on three shifts printing and folding plastic impregnated cartons used for dairy products. The primary potential exposures at Champion DairyPak are considered to be noise, solvents and polyethylene (9002884) dust. Fifteen workers o... (Click to show more)A walkthrough evaluation and worker interviews were carried out on August 7, 1985 at Champion DairyPak (SIC-2654) Morristown, New Jersey. The evaluation was requested by UAW Local 260 to investigate health hazards at the facility. Approximately 135 workers are employed on three shifts printing and folding plastic impregnated cartons used for dairy products. The primary potential exposures at Champion DairyPak are considered to be noise, solvents and polyethylene (9002884) dust. Fifteen workers on the first shift were questioned concerning respiratory symptoms that might be related to dust exposure; four reported symptoms associated with an irritant dust during sealing machine clean up procedures. The noise problem was evaluated by the company, and a hearing conservation program is in place. The company had previously replaced the solvent 2-ethoxyethanol (110805) with propylene-glycol-monomethyl- ether (107982) to reduce potential health risks of exposure. The authors concluded that minimal health hazards exist at Champion DairyPak due to exposure to dusts from the sealing machines and solvents in the printing process. Recommendations are made to reduce exposures to solvents and dusts, and to reduce noise levels in the facility.
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(1986) Champion International, Frenchtown, Montana. (Click to open report) Possible exposures to crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total particulates were reviewed at Champion International (SIC-2621), Frenchtown, Montana, in response to a request by the Hellgate Local 885 of the United Paperworkers International Union. The hog fuel and waste fuel boilers were the areas of specific concern at this paper mill. Breathing zone samples collected for nine locations were found to be below the evaluation criteria for crystalline silica and total particulate contents. Re... (Click to show more)Possible exposures to crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total particulates were reviewed at Champion International (SIC-2621), Frenchtown, Montana, in response to a request by the Hellgate Local 885 of the United Paperworkers International Union. The hog fuel and waste fuel boilers were the areas of specific concern at this paper mill. Breathing zone samples collected for nine locations were found to be below the evaluation criteria for crystalline silica and total particulate contents. Respirable silica was present at 0.02mg/m3 at its highest concentration. Results of the bulk analyses showed that the workers were exposed to material containing only 3.1 percent quartz (14808607) and less than 0.75 percent cristobalite (1446461), suggesting no hazard from crystalline silica. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 11.0, with a average concentration of 4.12mg/m3. Lead and chromium (7440473) were below the detection limit. A bulk sample of gasket material was 50 to 60 percent chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed from exposure to total dust in the boiler area, and from installation of asbestos gasket material. Workers involved in handling the gasket material should be advised that it is made of asbestos and to take the required safety precautions. The asbestos gasket material should be replaced by some less hazardous material.
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(1986) City of Columbus Refuse Derived Fuel Power Plant, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) As a result of a request from the City of Columbus, Ohio, potential for heat stress along with exposure to chemical contaminants and airborne microbial pollutants was investigated at the city refuse derived fuel powerplant (SIC-4931, SIC-4953). Health hazards existed from lead (7439921) and silica exposures for workers involved in handling ash. Low levels of exposure to chromium (7440473), chromium-VI, cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were noted. Excessive heat stress occurred during the ... (Click to show more)As a result of a request from the City of Columbus, Ohio, potential for heat stress along with exposure to chemical contaminants and airborne microbial pollutants was investigated at the city refuse derived fuel powerplant (SIC-4931, SIC-4953). Health hazards existed from lead (7439921) and silica exposures for workers involved in handling ash. Low levels of exposure to chromium (7440473), chromium-VI, cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were noted. Excessive heat stress occurred during the maintenance activities in hot areas of the facility. Airborne microbial contamination levels in the refuse handling areas indicated that exposure hazards existed by both the inhalation and ingestion routes. Human pathogens may be present in the microbial pollutants. The author recommends that the use of engineering controls be instituted to lessen the exposure of employees to lead. In the power plant area and in the refuse handling area, eating, drinking, and the carrying or use of tobacco products or cosmetics should be prohibited. Use of dry sweeping or compressed air cleaning of surfaces to remove dust must be discontinued. Vacuuming or wet removal of dust particles should be used instead. At material transfer points, where dust exposure can be a real problem, it is recommended that enclosures be built. Single use disposable dust respirators are not recommended. Recommended methods for controlling heat stress include modification of environmental heat exchange components, work schedule modifications, protective clothing, worker education, and preplacement and periodic medical surveillance.
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(1986) Colorado River Agency, Parker, Arizona. (Click to open report) A representative of the National Federation of Federal Employees, Local 422 requested a study be made of skin problems being experienced by several employees of the Colorado River Agency (SIC- 4911) which might be linked to transformer oil or polychlorinated biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) exposures. Out of service transformers have been stored at the Agency which has operated as a power yard since the 1930's. Old transformer oil was being used as a spray to control dust in the yard at the Agency in 19... (Click to show more)A representative of the National Federation of Federal Employees, Local 422 requested a study be made of skin problems being experienced by several employees of the Colorado River Agency (SIC- 4911) which might be linked to transformer oil or polychlorinated biphenyl (1336363) (PCB) exposures. Out of service transformers have been stored at the Agency which has operated as a power yard since the 1930's. Old transformer oil was being used as a spray to control dust in the yard at the Agency in 1982 until it was learned that it might contain PCBs. No oil samples contained PCBs, but samples of sprayed soil in 1982 contained 79ppm PCBs in 1982. Contaminated transformers and accessories were removed from the yard. Several air samples were collected in April of 1986 along with wipe samples. Bulk soil samples were also taken. According to the authors, no airborne exposures to PCBs could be documented but there was contamination of vehicles used to handle the transformers as determined by the wipe samples. Bulk soil samples indicated contamination of the yard, particularly at a low spot in the yard. The authors recommend that vehicles be wiped down with kerosene to obtain thorough decontamination and then the kerosene be disposed of as contaminated material.
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(1986) Continental Coffee Products Company, Houston, Texas. (Click to open report) The International Chemical Workers Union requested an evaluation be made of the health status of employees at the Continental Coffee Products Company (SIC-209S), Houston, Texas with particular attention given to potential exposure to pesticide residues on imported coffee beans. Analysis of air samples revealed the following concentration ranges: 29 personal respirable dust samples ranging from 0.03 to 2.03 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3); 27 of 28 personal total dust samples, 0.09 to 2.65 mg/m3; ... (Click to show more)The International Chemical Workers Union requested an evaluation be made of the health status of employees at the Continental Coffee Products Company (SIC-209S), Houston, Texas with particular attention given to potential exposure to pesticide residues on imported coffee beans. Analysis of air samples revealed the following concentration ranges: 29 personal respirable dust samples ranging from 0.03 to 2.03 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3); 27 of 28 personal total dust samples, 0.09 to 2.65 mg/m3; four area respirable dust samples, 0.11 to 0.53 mg/m3; and four area total dust samples, 0.16 to 2.39 mg/m3. Pesticide exposures were significantly below acceptable daily intakes. Of the 147 employees, 132 returned completed questionnaires. Employees with the greatest potential for exposure to coffee and tea dust reported acute irritant symptoms two to four times as frequently as others. The authors conclude that it would not be expected that employees would be exposed to pesticide levels posing an appreciable threat to health. There appears to be an increase in acute irritant (possible allergenic) symptoms in workers with the greatest potential for exposure to organic dusts. Recommendations were made to increase the use of local exhaust ventilation; to improve work practices to reduce generation of dust and accumulation; to increase ventilation in the basement re-mix operation; and train employees toward the understanding of potential hazards and their role in controlling dust.
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(1986) Cooper Energy Services Corporation, Grove City, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) The prevalence of respiratory disease was studied in a population of foundry workers in the Cooper Energy Services Corporation Facility (SIC-3320), Grove City, Pennsylvania. Ten definite cases of silica induced pneumoconiosis, and six probable cases of silicosis, out of 181 foundry employees were found. Restrictive lung changes were demonstrated on pulmonary function tests in four of the cases. These findings were consistent with early pneumoconiosis. Work as a chipper between the years of 1951 ... (Click to show more)The prevalence of respiratory disease was studied in a population of foundry workers in the Cooper Energy Services Corporation Facility (SIC-3320), Grove City, Pennsylvania. Ten definite cases of silica induced pneumoconiosis, and six probable cases of silicosis, out of 181 foundry employees were found. Restrictive lung changes were demonstrated on pulmonary function tests in four of the cases. These findings were consistent with early pneumoconiosis. Work as a chipper between the years of 1951 and 1970 showed a definite correlation with risk for silicosis development. The greatest exposures to respirable crystalline silica appeared to be among chippers and grinders. All current employees exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica equal to or greater than 25 micrograms per cubic meter, averaged over a work shift of 8 to 10 hours, should be included in a medical screening program. The efficacy of the dust controls implemented as a result of this study should be evaluated through the existing environmental surveillance program. Limiting of worker exposure to crystalline silica of 50 micrograms/cubic meter, averaged over a work shift of 8 to 10 hours, is recommended to reduce the possibility of developing pneumoconiosis.
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(1986) Cumberland County Homemaker Home Health Aid Service, Bridgeton, New Jersey. (Click to open report) Following a request from the manager of the Cumberland County Home Health Aid Service (SIC-8059), Bridgeton, New Jersey, the facility was investigated for hazards related to previous incineration of plastic hospital syringes. Nine workers had been exposed for about 3 weeks before termination of incineration, and the request was based on continuing respiratory and eye symptoms in four of eight workers initially affected. The syringes were composed of polypropylene and butyl rubber, and investigat... (Click to show more)Following a request from the manager of the Cumberland County Home Health Aid Service (SIC-8059), Bridgeton, New Jersey, the facility was investigated for hazards related to previous incineration of plastic hospital syringes. Nine workers had been exposed for about 3 weeks before termination of incineration, and the request was based on continuing respiratory and eye symptoms in four of eight workers initially affected. The syringes were composed of polypropylene and butyl rubber, and investigations were aimed at determining symptoms related to exposure to the pyrolysis products carbon-monoxide (630080), formaldehyde (50000), acrolein (107028), and crotonaldehyde (4170303); other possible factors (dust, ventilation); and wipe samples. Observations revealed probable recirculation of pyrolysis products into office areas, as well as a significant dust burden. Initial symptoms reported involved respiratory and mucous membrane irritation. Continuing symptoms included throat irritation, eye irritation, and rhinitis. The authors conclude that, in spite of negative wipe tests, the workers have probably had continued exposure due to the adherence of irritants onto dust particles. Recommendations include removal of all unnecessary mobile objects and cleaning of remaining objects with a HEPA filtering vacuum, complete cleaning of the entire building with mild detergent, and removal of all materials stored there by the hospital, since their presence would be a continued source of production and dissemination of dust.
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(1986) Defense Industrial Supply Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Management of the Defense Industrial Supply Center (SIC-9451), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania requested an evaluation of possible excess cancer deaths and respiratory problems encountered among employees. Measurements were taken for carbon-dioxide (124389), carbon-monoxide (630080), temperature, relative humidity, organic vapors, and airborne dust. Sample materials were taken of insulation, solvent cleaners, and carbonless paper used at the facility. The area of work in which excess cancer related d... (Click to show more)Management of the Defense Industrial Supply Center (SIC-9451), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania requested an evaluation of possible excess cancer deaths and respiratory problems encountered among employees. Measurements were taken for carbon-dioxide (124389), carbon-monoxide (630080), temperature, relative humidity, organic vapors, and airborne dust. Sample materials were taken of insulation, solvent cleaners, and carbonless paper used at the facility. The area of work in which excess cancer related deaths may have occurred involved primarily computer work, central communications and data processing operations. Chemical exposure occurring in the facility included solvent tape drive cleaner in the computer tape library, inks used by printers, and an ammonia based developer fixer used in the microfiche area. The level of outside air being introduced into the building was occasionally in the low range where headaches, and complaints of respiratory and mucous membrane problems could develop, even though levels of carbon- monoxide and carbon-dioxide were within safe limits. Due to limited space available, the building was overcrowded. The authors conclude that there were potential hazards from inadequate ventilation, high temperatures and low humidity. Information was inadequate to determine if the incidence of cancer at this facility was higher than in the general population. The authors recommend improvements in ventilation, and the use of impermeable gloves when using solvents.
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