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HHE Search Results
283 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
(1997) Center to Protect Workers' Rights, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Center to Protect Workers' Rights in Washington, D.C. (SIC-1742), an investigation was begun into exposure to total and respirable particulates, possibly containing silica (14808607), being generated from drywall finishing during the renovation of the building. Personal breathing zone samples were collected on two drywall finishers. Eight months later, additional samples were collected from eight drywall finishers. A medical evaluation was performed assessing wo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Center to Protect Workers' Rights in Washington, D.C. (SIC-1742), an investigation was begun into exposure to total and respirable particulates, possibly containing silica (14808607), being generated from drywall finishing during the renovation of the building. Personal breathing zone samples were collected on two drywall finishers. Eight months later, additional samples were collected from eight drywall finishers. A medical evaluation was performed assessing workers' health symptoms. Six different off the shelf dry wall joint compounds were also examined. Concentrations of total and respirable dust levels exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limits of 15mg/m3 total dust and 5mg/m3 respirable dust. Silica was present, but only at trace levels. None of the six bulk samples of joint compounds contained asbestos, three contained minor silica and perlite contents, and two contained minor quantities of gypsum and talc with one containing a minor quantity of clay. The most common nonmusculoskeletal symptoms reported during the 12 months of the study were phlegm production, cough, shortness of breath, and eye irritation. The most frequent musculoskeletal symptoms were pain, stiffness, or numbness in the elbows/forearms, back and hands/wrists. The authors recommend the use of engineering controls, wet finishing techniques, and personal protective equipment to limit exposures to dusts created during dry wall finishing operations.
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(1997) Centre Foundry & Machine Company, Wheeling, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at Centre Foundry and Machine Company (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The company employed 52 workers in the manufacture of grey iron castings used in steel production. All seven personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples taken were over the limit for respirable silica (14808607). Several also exceeded the limits for iron (7439896) and manganese (7439965). One carbon- monoxide (630080) sample exceeded the limit of 35... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at Centre Foundry and Machine Company (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The company employed 52 workers in the manufacture of grey iron castings used in steel production. All seven personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples taken were over the limit for respirable silica (14808607). Several also exceeded the limits for iron (7439896) and manganese (7439965). One carbon- monoxide (630080) sample exceeded the limit of 35 parts per million (ppm). Air concentrations of resorcinol (108463), furfuryl-alcohol (98000), aluminum (7429905), barium (7440393), chromium (7440473), magnesium (7439954), nickel (7440020), phosphorus (7723140), titanium (7440326), and zinc (7440666) were below the respective limits. Levels of p-toluene-sulfonic-acid (104154) ranged from 29 to 125 micrograms/cubic meter. Discussions with workers did not reveal any major health concerns. Some potential safety and health hazards were identified during the walk through inspection such as the use of compressed air to clean loose sand from castings and cluttered walk ways. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica, iron, manganese, and carbon- monoxide. Use of respirators would be expected to reduce exposures to silica, iron, and manganese to below exposure limits. The author recommends specific measures to reduce these exposures.
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(1997) Clinch River Power Plant, Cleveland, Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible exposures during rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Clinch River Power Plant (SIC-4911), Cleveland, Virginia. During the sampling period, boilermakers removed secondary inlet and secondary outlet boiler elements and removed and replaced portions of the steel boiler casting, exposing them to fly ash and fumes from air arc gouging, welding, and torch cutting. ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible exposures during rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Clinch River Power Plant (SIC-4911), Cleveland, Virginia. During the sampling period, boilermakers removed secondary inlet and secondary outlet boiler elements and removed and replaced portions of the steel boiler casting, exposing them to fly ash and fumes from air arc gouging, welding, and torch cutting. Laborers maintained the walkways and prepared work areas using sweeping and vacuuming techniques, primarily exposing them to fly ash. The highest personal breathing zone (PBZ) air sample concentrations of arsenic (7440382), beryllium (7440406), cadmium (7440439), nickel (7440020), lead (7439921), and respirable dust occurred when boilermakers performed job tasks inside the boiler and outside the boiler on the steel boiler casing. Air arc gouging, welding, oxyacetylene torch cutting, or grinding on or near the scale greatly increased the potential for the generation of airborne particles. Cristobalite (14464461) was found in one PBZ sample at 0.03mg/m3. The author concludes that there appears to be a potential for a health hazard at job sites where similar activities take place. The author recommends lowering worker exposures through the use of engineering controls and improvements in housekeeping procedures.
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(1997) Nicks Silica Company, Jackson, Tennessee. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was begun into the prevalence of silicosis at specific ground silica (14808607) operations by conducting a medical evaluation of active and retired miners. This investigation centered around Nicks Silica Company (SIC-1446), Jackson, Tennessee. The study population included workers with 1 year or greater cumulative tenure subsequent to the opening of the mill in the grinding area or in areas downstream of th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was begun into the prevalence of silicosis at specific ground silica (14808607) operations by conducting a medical evaluation of active and retired miners. This investigation centered around Nicks Silica Company (SIC-1446), Jackson, Tennessee. The study population included workers with 1 year or greater cumulative tenure subsequent to the opening of the mill in the grinding area or in areas downstream of the grinding process. A medical survey was conducted which included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a single view posterior/anterior (PA) chest X-ray. None of the 12 current and former workers participating in the survey had changes on their chest X-ray consistent with silicosis. One participant showed an abnormal spirometry pattern. Three reported chronic respiratory symptoms. All four participants with positive findings were current cigarette smokers. Because of the long latency usually associated with chronic nodular silicosis, the finding is not sufficient to conclude that current silica dust exposures are without any adverse effect. The author recommends that the medical monitoring program be modified to include classification of chest X-rays by a B-reader.
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(1997) Unimin Specialty Minerals, Inc. - Tamms, Tamms, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an estimation was made of the prevalence of silicosis in active and retired miners at Unimin Specialty Minerals, Inc. - Tamms (SIC-1446), in Tamms, Illinois. This facility surface mined and processes microcrystalline quartz (14808607). A group of current and former workers participate in the NIOSH medical survey and of these, 17% had a chest X-ray consistent with silicosis. Four participants, all former workers, had a chest... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an estimation was made of the prevalence of silicosis in active and retired miners at Unimin Specialty Minerals, Inc. - Tamms (SIC-1446), in Tamms, Illinois. This facility surface mined and processes microcrystalline quartz (14808607). A group of current and former workers participate in the NIOSH medical survey and of these, 17% had a chest X-ray consistent with silicosis. Four participants, all former workers, had a chest X-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis. Two had "A" size large opacities, one had "B" size large opacities, and one had large opacities without a consensus on size. None of the 13 participating current workers employed 10 years or less had a positive chest X-ray. Pulmonary function tests revealed that nine of the 28 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns. Four of the five participants with a positive chest X-ray had abnormal pulmonary function test results, with three exhibiting an obstructive pattern and one a combined restrictive and obstructive pattern. The author recommended that the frequency of medical monitoring examinations be increased.
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(1997) Unimin Specialty Minerals, Inc.- Elco, Elco, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, a medical survey of current workers at the Unimin Specialty Minerals Elco (SIC-1446) operation in Illinois was conducted. The primary objective was to estimate and report the prevalence of silicosis among participating current and former employees at the grinding area and/or downstream of the grinding area at each operation by tenure and job. Of the 28 current and former workers who participated in the medical survey, six (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, a medical survey of current workers at the Unimin Specialty Minerals Elco (SIC-1446) operation in Illinois was conducted. The primary objective was to estimate and report the prevalence of silicosis among participating current and former employees at the grinding area and/or downstream of the grinding area at each operation by tenure and job. Of the 28 current and former workers who participated in the medical survey, six (21%) had a chest X-ray considered to be consistent with silicosis. The prevalence among current workers was 10%. The highest median International Labour Office (ILO) profusion category was 2/3. Three participants had a chest X-ray consistent with progressive massive fibrosis. Two had "A" size large opacities and one had "C" size large opacities. None who had been working less than 10 years had a positive chest X-ray. The prevalence of silicosis among the group who met the study criterion, yet chose not to participate in the medical survey was 8%. Pulmonary function testing revealed that eight of the 25 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns, and all eight exhibited an obstructive lung pattern. The author recommends that the frequency of medical monitoring examinations be increased.
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(1997) Valley High School, West Des Moines, Iowa. (Click to open report) On September 16-17, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in response to a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked NIOSH to assess indoor air quality and measure exposures to crystalline silica in the art rooms at this school. The source of crystalline silica was clay and various glazes used during ceramics courses in art room 403. The request was initiated ... (Click to show more)On September 16-17, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in response to a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). The request asked NIOSH to assess indoor air quality and measure exposures to crystalline silica in the art rooms at this school. The source of crystalline silica was clay and various glazes used during ceramics courses in art room 403. The request was initiated folloing an employee complaint filed with the Iowa Department of Labor Services, Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Division, regarding potential exposure to dust and silica from clays. The IOSH administrator recommended that school officials request a NIOSH HHE. Adverse health effects reported in the IOSH complaint included respiratory difficulties, dizziness, nausea, and chronic sneezing.
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(1996) Abrasive Blasters, Parma and Akron, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was begun of possible silicosis in workers involved in or around abrasive blasting operations. Workers were screened from Parma and Akron, Ohio who were involved in abrasive blasting operations in April of 1995. The participants were recruited from the membership of the International Brotherhood of Painters Union. All of the 170 participants had chest X-rays, and 96 (56%) participated in blood lead (7439921) screening as well. ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, a study was begun of possible silicosis in workers involved in or around abrasive blasting operations. Workers were screened from Parma and Akron, Ohio who were involved in abrasive blasting operations in April of 1995. The participants were recruited from the membership of the International Brotherhood of Painters Union. All of the 170 participants had chest X-rays, and 96 (56%) participated in blood lead (7439921) screening as well. Eight of the 170 participants had chest X-rays consistent with pneumoconiosis. All eight had worked as abrasive blasters. Only one of the eight had previously known that his chest X-ray was consistent with this diagnosis. The blood lead levels ranged from 2 to 30 micrograms/deciliter, with a median of 5 micrograms/deciliter. Results of questionnaires indicated deficiencies in knowledge of the proper use of respirators in that only one third of the workers were fit tested and 18% had facial hair that could interfere with respirator seal. There was also little understanding of the NIOSH recommendations to prevent silicosis. The authors conclude that there is a need for better training and education in silicosis prevention and the use of respiratory protection in abrasive blasting operations.
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(1996) Bruce Mansfield Power Station, Shippingport, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 47, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to arsenic (7440439) and other heavy metals during the rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Bruce Mansfield Power Station (SIC-4911), Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Metal concentrations were measured in 45 personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples; an additional 12 PBZ samples were monitored for exposure to respirable dust and silica (14808607). Eight bulk ash samples and 11 ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 47, an investigation was begun into possible exposure to arsenic (7440439) and other heavy metals during the rebuilding of coal fired boilers at the Bruce Mansfield Power Station (SIC-4911), Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Metal concentrations were measured in 45 personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples; an additional 12 PBZ samples were monitored for exposure to respirable dust and silica (14808607). Eight bulk ash samples and 11 hand wipe samples were taken. The workers put in 60 hour work weeks, 10 hours a day for 6 days. Arsenic was detected in 18 samples and ranged from 0.30 to 31 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) with three of the samples exceeding the adjusted OSHA permissible exposure limit of 5.6microg/m3. In 11 samples, beryllium (7440417) was detected, and ranged from 0.02 to 0.04microg/m3. Cadmium (7440439) was detected in seven samples and ranged from 0.17 to 2.5microg/m3. Both the beryllium and cadmium concentrations were below the allowable limits. Lead (7439921) concentrations were measurable in 12 samples and ranged from 1.7 to 1,82microg/m3, with one sample exceeding the OSHA limit of 28microg/m3. Crystalline silica was below the detectable limit. Wipe samples collected from the hands of the employees indicated the potential for exposure through ingestion. The author concludes that there was a potential hazard from exposure to arsenic, beryllium, and lead. The author recommends that housekeeping procedures and work practices be improved to reduced exposures.
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(1996) Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, St. Louis, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to an employer request, an industrial hygiene survey was conducted at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (SIC-4952), St. Louis, Missouri. The facility received an average of 111 million gallons per day of wastewater. There were about 100 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone and general area air samples were collected along with bulk samples of waste activated sewage sludge and wastewater. Air samples were tested for hydrogen-sulfide ... (Click to show more)In response to an employer request, an industrial hygiene survey was conducted at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (SIC-4952), St. Louis, Missouri. The facility received an average of 111 million gallons per day of wastewater. There were about 100 workers on three shifts. Personal breathing zone and general area air samples were collected along with bulk samples of waste activated sewage sludge and wastewater. Air samples were tested for hydrogen-sulfide (7783064) and endotoxin. No overexposures were noted during the investigation. Waste activated sewage sludge and wastewater samples were analyzed for headspace volatile organic compounds (VOCs). General air samples were analyzed for VOCs. General air samples for individual VOCs were below respective occupational limits. Waste activated sewage sludge and incinerator ash bulk samples were analyzed for elemental composition. The author concludes that belt press room workers were not exposed to hydrogen-sulfide concentrations exceeding the NIOSH ceiling limit of 10 parts per million at the time of the survey. The author recommends that daily monitoring for hydrogen-sulfide be continued due to potential seasonal variations in air concentrations. Personal hydrogen-sulfide monitors and respiratory protection should be used when air concentrations equal or exceed 10 parts per million.
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