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HHE Search Results
1062 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) 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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(1986) Denver Water Department, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental surveys conducted on February 4 and July 16, 1985 at the Denver Water Department (SIC-4941), Denver, Colorado, included collection of breathing zone and general area samples for asbestos (1332214) and personal sampling for noise exposure. The Denver Water Department had requested an evaluation of potential health hazards to employees during cutting of cement pipes thought to contain asbestos. Without a water suppression system in use, personal samples for asbestos ranged from 2.27 ... (Click to show more)Environmental surveys conducted on February 4 and July 16, 1985 at the Denver Water Department (SIC-4941), Denver, Colorado, included collection of breathing zone and general area samples for asbestos (1332214) and personal sampling for noise exposure. The Denver Water Department had requested an evaluation of potential health hazards to employees during cutting of cement pipes thought to contain asbestos. Without a water suppression system in use, personal samples for asbestos ranged from 2.27 to 3.54 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc); with suppression system in use, samples ranged from 0.43 to 0.76f/cc. Without a suppression system, area samples within 10 to 15 feet of the cutting operation ranged from 1.90 to 2.18f/cc; with suppression, results ranged from 0.17 to and the OSHA Standard is 2.0f/cc. All samples exceeded the NIOSH criteria. Personal noise level measurements ranged from 95 to 109 decibels A (dBA); half of the samples exceeded the NIOSH short term exposure criteria of 100dBA for 1 hour exposure periods. The author concluded that a health hazard from asbestos exposures exists to workers involved in the cutting operation; workers in the immediate cutting area and downwind are also at risk. A health hazard from exposures to noise was considered to exist for the employee who performs pipe cutting. Recommendations are made to reduce or eliminate the exposures.
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(1986) Exxon Corporation, Bayway Refinery and Chemical Plant, Linden, New Jersey. (Click to open report) A representative of Teamsters Local 877 requested an evaluation of the hazards of asbestos (1332214) exposure at the Exxon Bayway Refinery and Chemical Plant (SIC-2011), Bayway, New Jersey. Approximately 2,100 workers were employed at the facility. Asbestos was extensively used for insulation at this facility before 1972. Chest x-rays of retired and current workers with at least 20 years employment at the facility were reviewed and the relationship of work history to asbestos related x-ray abnor... (Click to show more)A representative of Teamsters Local 877 requested an evaluation of the hazards of asbestos (1332214) exposure at the Exxon Bayway Refinery and Chemical Plant (SIC-2011), Bayway, New Jersey. Approximately 2,100 workers were employed at the facility. Asbestos was extensively used for insulation at this facility before 1972. Chest x-rays of retired and current workers with at least 20 years employment at the facility were reviewed and the relationship of work history to asbestos related x-ray abnormalities was investigated. Oil refinery and petrochemical workers examined showed several abnormalities on chest x-rays. Pleural abnormalities were more prevalent than parenchymal ones. Abnormal chest x-rays were found among workers from various job categories, suggesting that exposures were dispersed and widespread. There was a general relationship between length of employment and the appearance of x- ray abnormalities. The authors conclude that there is a possibility of increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma in exposed workers. The higher prevalence of pleural to parenchymal abnormalities suggests that asbestosis is not as significant a concern. The authors recommend that a standardized mortality ratio study be conducted. Recommendations are also made concerning workplace controls and practices, use of personal protective equipment, handling and storage of asbestos, and medical examinations before employment.
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(1986) FMC Corporation, Pocatello, Idaho. (Click to open report) Following a request from the International Association of Machinists, Lodge 1933, breathing zone air samples were evaluated and 187 of 493 workers were interviewed concerning health problems at the FMC Corporation (SIC-2819), Pocatello, Idaho. Carbon- monoxide (630080) concentrations ranged from 1 to 9.5 parts per million (ppm). Respirable quartz (14808607) concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 5.71 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3). Seven of nine total quartz dust samples exceeded the criterion of 3.... (Click to show more)Following a request from the International Association of Machinists, Lodge 1933, breathing zone air samples were evaluated and 187 of 493 workers were interviewed concerning health problems at the FMC Corporation (SIC-2819), Pocatello, Idaho. Carbon- monoxide (630080) concentrations ranged from 1 to 9.5 parts per million (ppm). Respirable quartz (14808607) concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 5.71 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3). Seven of nine total quartz dust samples exceeded the criterion of 3.75mg/m3. Phosphorus (7723140) concentrations ranged from less than 0.023 to occurred in the furnace area and ranged from 0.01ppm to 1.24ppm. Phosphine (7803512) concentrations were less than 0.1ppm. Of workers interviewed, 47.6 percent described possibly work related health problems, including respiratory tract problems, skin irritation, and back problems; 34 percent reported minor phosphorus burns. Dental problems correlated with work in the phosphorus department. The authors conclude that workers are potentially exposed to excessive airborne concentrations of respirable and total quartz dust and sulfur-dioxide. The potential exists for harmful exposures to phosphorus, phosphine, hot surfaces and liquids, but medical, dental and environmental programs appear to address these problems. Respiratory protection is recommended for jobs involving potential exposures.
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(1986) Ford Motor Company, Utica, Michigan. (Click to open report) Exposure to toluene-diisocyanate (TDI) (584849) at the Utica Trim Facility (SIC-3714, SIC-3523), Utica, Michigan was evaluated following a request by the UAW. TDI was used in the manufacture of polyurethane automotive seat cushions, backs, and head rests. A total of 261 workers from this facility and a comparison group of 207 workers from a tractor factory were surveyed. There had been six spills of TDI, but concentrations of TDI did not exceed the NIOSH ceiling of 20 parts per billion (ppb). Pa... (Click to show more)Exposure to toluene-diisocyanate (TDI) (584849) at the Utica Trim Facility (SIC-3714, SIC-3523), Utica, Michigan was evaluated following a request by the UAW. TDI was used in the manufacture of polyurethane automotive seat cushions, backs, and head rests. A total of 261 workers from this facility and a comparison group of 207 workers from a tractor factory were surveyed. There had been six spills of TDI, but concentrations of TDI did not exceed the NIOSH ceiling of 20 parts per billion (ppb). Paper tape records for 42 pouring stations over the period from 1976 to 1981 indicated that at two stations the ceiling was exceeded and at eight the concentrations were at or above the 8 hour NIOSH recommended time weighted average of 5ppb. No excessive exposures to TDI were found on the foam line processes with the exception of the pouring station enclosures. Pulmonary function tests did not reveal any apparent acute adverse effects from TDI exposure. There were cases of possible slight acute irritation symptoms present among the employees. Prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher among workers at the Utica facility, particularly among those who had previously experienced symptoms following a TDI spill. The authors conclude that there had been little effect of TDI exposure on lung volume or flow rates, some increase in eye irritation, and some increase in chronic respiratory symptoms. The authors recommend enforcement of the use of respirator equipment at the pouring stations. Better control of dust in the trimming and repair areas will also serve to reduce the irritation to the eye and respiratory system.
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(1986) Friction Division Products, Trenton, New Jersey. (Click to open report) A request was made by the International Chemical Workers Union on behalf of employees at Friction Division Products (SIC-3292) to examine possible exposure to asbestos (1332214). Approximately 120 employees were engaged in the manufacture of auto and truck brake shoes at the facility. Asbestos was used as a raw material for about 90 percent of the shoes made. At the time of the inspection, working conditions were poor with asbestos exposure excessive in all areas, including drum mix, preform, gr... (Click to show more)A request was made by the International Chemical Workers Union on behalf of employees at Friction Division Products (SIC-3292) to examine possible exposure to asbestos (1332214). Approximately 120 employees were engaged in the manufacture of auto and truck brake shoes at the facility. Asbestos was used as a raw material for about 90 percent of the shoes made. At the time of the inspection, working conditions were poor with asbestos exposure excessive in all areas, including drum mix, preform, grinding, tables and presses. The ventilation system was not properly maintained and measures used to keep the asbestos from becoming airborne were not adequate. Production was allowed to continue even when the debagger was not working. Of 20 workers x-rayed, 2 showed asbestosis. These two had been employed at this facility for over 40 years and had been exposed to asbestos since 1969. One of these two workers also had pleural thickening and pleural plaques, conditions which were also found in three additional workers. Asbestos fibers were present on work clothes, thus indicating the possibility for contamination to occur at the homes of the workers. The authors conclude that a substantial health hazard exists for workers at this facility and that there is a potential hazard for families of workers. The authors recommend specific changes or additions to medical, environmental, personal protective equipment, policy and air monitoring programs at this facility.
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