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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) Granite City Steel, Granite City, Illinois. (Click to open report) The International Chemical Workers Union requested an evaluation at Granite City Steel (SIC-3312), Granite City, Illinois regarding potential employee exposures to a tar like substance added to incoming coal. Bulk analysis of the material showed benzene/soluble coal tar pitch volatiles and naphthalene (91203), phenanthrene (85018), fluoranthene (206440), pyrene (129000), benz(a)anthracene (56553), chrysene (218019), benzo(e)pyrene (192972), benzo(a)pyrene (50328), and benz(g,h,i)perylene (191242... (Click to show more)The International Chemical Workers Union requested an evaluation at Granite City Steel (SIC-3312), Granite City, Illinois regarding potential employee exposures to a tar like substance added to incoming coal. Bulk analysis of the material showed benzene/soluble coal tar pitch volatiles and naphthalene (91203), phenanthrene (85018), fluoranthene (206440), pyrene (129000), benz(a)anthracene (56553), chrysene (218019), benzo(e)pyrene (192972), benzo(a)pyrene (50328), and benz(g,h,i)perylene (191242). Personal air sampling showed that five of eight samples collected for benzene/solubles had concentrations of 88 to 141 micrograms/cubic meter (mg/m3). The total particulate fraction collected from coal dust in the basement of the pulverizer building contained 1.6 percent quartz (14808607). Respirable coal dust in personal samples ranged from 0.14 to 1.52 mg/m3. Of 15 employees working in the coke oven coal handling and by products areas, approximately two thirds experienced mucous membrane and skin irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, and nausea and about one half complained of cough and phlegm. No cases of skin or respiratory cancer were reported among these workers. The authors recommend that coal tar sludge waste product be disposed of according to EPA regulations. Engineering controls and personal protective equipment should be used to reduce exposure. Employees should be informed of potential hazards and enrolled in a coke plant medical monitoring program. This report was revised in May 1987. The revised report is available here: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/84-284-1701.pdf"target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/84-284-1701.pdf</a>
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(1986) Great Lakes Carbon, Wilmington, California. (Click to open report) An environmental survey was conducted in February, 1984, at the Great Lakes Carbon Corporation (SIC-2999), Wilmington, California. Local 1-128 of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union had requested an evaluation of environmental conditions and possible health effects among workers exposed to coke dust. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) concentrations of total airborne dust ranged from 0.1 to 12 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3) with a median of 1.6 mg/m3; mass median particle diamet... (Click to show more)An environmental survey was conducted in February, 1984, at the Great Lakes Carbon Corporation (SIC-2999), Wilmington, California. Local 1-128 of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union had requested an evaluation of environmental conditions and possible health effects among workers exposed to coke dust. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) concentrations of total airborne dust ranged from 0.1 to 12 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3) with a median of 1.6 mg/m3; mass median particle diameter was about 8 micrometers. Very high PBZ concentrations of coke dust occurred during a semimonthly cleanup of underground coke pits; levels ranged from 98 to 190mg/m3 with a mean of 140mg/m3. Oil mists were not detected. Exposures to polynuclear aromatic compounds were below the analytical limit of detection among workers for routine jobs. Abnormal pulmonary function tests were found in 12 percent of those tested. Questionnaires were completed by 18 of 25 salaried employees, and 38 of 50 hourly employees. Five cases of chronic bronchitis and seven of chronic cough, 10 and 13 percent respectively, were identified among those interviewed. These findings were more related to cigarette smoking than employment category. Skin problems were reported in 38 percent, due to dusts, oils, heat, sun, or a combination of these. The authors conclude that there were potentially hazardous exposures to high dust levels during semimonthly coke pit cleaning jobs.
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(1986) Grundy Industries, Inc., Joliet, Illinois. (Click to open report) Exposure to asbestos (1332214) while manufacturing an asphalt based roofing compound was investigated at Grundy Industries, Inc., (SIC- 2952) in Joliet, Illinois, in response to a request from the owner and manager. Bags containing asbestos were fed onto a conveyor system and subjected to a fluffing operation to agitate the fibers. After mixing, the fiber was encapsulated and little asbestos dust was generated. Personal breathing samples were collected near the breathing zone of employees likely... (Click to show more)Exposure to asbestos (1332214) while manufacturing an asphalt based roofing compound was investigated at Grundy Industries, Inc., (SIC- 2952) in Joliet, Illinois, in response to a request from the owner and manager. Bags containing asbestos were fed onto a conveyor system and subjected to a fluffing operation to agitate the fibers. After mixing, the fiber was encapsulated and little asbestos dust was generated. Personal breathing samples were collected near the breathing zone of employees likely exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. The asbestos bag opener, the control panel operator, the forklift driver, and a dispensing line worker were monitored. Total fiber counts on the five analyzable samples ranged from 0.08 to 0.37 fibers per cubic centimeter of air. The asbestos bag opener and the forklift operator were exposed to concentrations above the OSHA limit of 0.2 fibers per cubic centimeter. The author recommends that asbestos be replaced by a less toxic substance. Engineering controls such as isolation, enclosure, and ventilation should be used to control exposure to asbestos if a suitable substitute cannot be found. Industrial type vacuum equipment should be installed for cleaning purposes. Respirators should be used during non routine operations.
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(1986) HCFA-Meadows East Building, Baltimore, Maryland. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Health Care Financing Administration (SIC-9441), an investigation was made of complaints of irritation to the eyes, mucosa, skin and respiratory tract among employees in the HCFA Meadows East Building (MEB), Baltimore, Maryland. An additional concern was the incidence of fungal sinusitis and cancer at MEB. Questionnaires were obtained from 406 of 690 current MEB employees. Nearly 60 percent reported discomfort believed to be work related. Windows in the building... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Health Care Financing Administration (SIC-9441), an investigation was made of complaints of irritation to the eyes, mucosa, skin and respiratory tract among employees in the HCFA Meadows East Building (MEB), Baltimore, Maryland. An additional concern was the incidence of fungal sinusitis and cancer at MEB. Questionnaires were obtained from 406 of 690 current MEB employees. Nearly 60 percent reported discomfort believed to be work related. Windows in the building did not open and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system was the primary source of outside air supply. Measured levels of airborne dust, gas and vapor concentration were below permissible exposure limits and exposure guidelines. Only one case of fungal sinusitis was confirmed. Mean airborne fungal concentration was 75 colony forming units per cubic meter. The authors conclude that the symptoms experienced resulted from substandard ventilation in conjunction with low level indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke. Neither an increased prevalence of cancer nor a building related cancer risk appeared to exist. The authors recommendations include readjustment of the ventilation system to operate according to design specifications, routine maintenance and surveillance of the ventilation system, adoption and enforcement of a no smoking policy, institution of a more formal medical surveillance system, and rolling/changing of roll filters in the ventilation system when the system is turned off.
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(1986) International Bakers Services, Inc., South Bend, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from International Bakers Services, Inc. (SIC-2099), South Bend, Indiana, a health hazard evaluation was conducted in the mixing room. At this location in the factory, three employees are charged with weighing and loading a large variety of fragrances, flavorings, starch, and 50 to 100 pound bags of flour into one of three mixers. Considerable dust is generated during the loading and mixing tasks. At times, this dust level has been measured at 20 milligrams per cubic met... (Click to show more)In response to a request from International Bakers Services, Inc. (SIC-2099), South Bend, Indiana, a health hazard evaluation was conducted in the mixing room. At this location in the factory, three employees are charged with weighing and loading a large variety of fragrances, flavorings, starch, and 50 to 100 pound bags of flour into one of three mixers. Considerable dust is generated during the loading and mixing tasks. At times, this dust level has been measured at 20 milligrams per cubic meter. When material was added to the mixers, employees wore a supplied air respirator. Workers did not always use the respirator during clean up operations. Catastrophic fixed airway disease developed in two workers who had no known personal risk factors prior to employment at the factory. The disease is suggestive of bronchiolitis obliterans or emphysema. The workers demonstrated symptoms of the disease within 5 to 6 months of beginning employment. Two other workers in the mixing room were not affected. No specific etiology of the illnesses was identified. The authors conclude that a short term exposure to a specific mix may have triggered the reaction and initiated the disease in these individuals. They recommend that when a specific etiology for a disease cannot be found, all airborne dust exposures should be controlled in the mixing room. In cases where engineering or ventilation changes alone may not be sufficient, protective equipment in the form of a respirator should be worn. This report also contains the walk through survey report made at the facility to study control technology employed in the manual transfer of chemical powders.
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(1986) J'Leen Ltd., Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owner of J'Leen, Ltd. (SIC-3999), Boulder, Colorado, an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921) in the copper and lead glazing art studio was carried out. Three workers were involved at the time, and the possibility of hiring more workers prompted the request. Breathing zone and general air samples were analyzed by NIOSH Method P and CAM 173, blood lead was measured by voltammetry, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was measured photofluorometrically. Average... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owner of J'Leen, Ltd. (SIC-3999), Boulder, Colorado, an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921) in the copper and lead glazing art studio was carried out. Three workers were involved at the time, and the possibility of hiring more workers prompted the request. Breathing zone and general air samples were analyzed by NIOSH Method P and CAM 173, blood lead was measured by voltammetry, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was measured photofluorometrically. Average airborne lead concentration was 0.08mg/m3, and five of seven samples equaled or exceeded the OSHA time weighted average limit of 0.05mg/m3. Blood lead concentrations were 7, 16, and 33 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl), which were all below the OSHA limit of 40microg/dl for returning to a job involving lead exposure. One free erythrocyte protoporphyrin sample was 59microg/dl, which was above the normal limit of 50microg/dl. Ventilation was found to be inadequate for removing airborne lead resulting from use of lead dust and furnaces. The author concludes that the high environmental lead levels present a health hazard, and recommends improved exhaust ventilation, continued use of ultra filter respiratory protection, and education of new employees on clean work habits.
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(1986) J.R. Simplot Company, Helm, California. (Click to open report) Following a request from a Chemical Workers Union representative concerning excessive dust exposures at the J.R. Simplot Company (SIC- 2874), Helm, California, total nuisance dust air concentrations were measured during fertilizer, ammonium-sulfate (7783202) and ammonium- phosphate (7783280, 7722761), bagging and bulk loading. Four samples showed nuisance dust concentrations ranging from a no dust concentration to 0.38 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), none of which exceeded the CAL-OSHA stand... (Click to show more)Following a request from a Chemical Workers Union representative concerning excessive dust exposures at the J.R. Simplot Company (SIC- 2874), Helm, California, total nuisance dust air concentrations were measured during fertilizer, ammonium-sulfate (7783202) and ammonium- phosphate (7783280, 7722761), bagging and bulk loading. Four samples showed nuisance dust concentrations ranging from a no dust concentration to 0.38 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), none of which exceeded the CAL-OSHA standard of 10.0mg/m3. At a follow-up survey, six environmental air samples collected ranged from 2.55 to 11.1 mg/m3, one of which exceeded the CAL-OSHA nuisance dust standard. The author concluded that a potential health hazard exists due to nuisance dusts. The greatest potential for exposure occurs when the front end loader operator quickly dumps the fertilizer from the loader onto the floor grating, creating a dust cloud. It was recommended that the front end loader should be reminded to slowly dump the fertilizer onto the floor grating to help control dust generation; that a method be devised to remind the operator to turn off the wax atomizer spray system to control dust exposure when the conveyor line is turned on to do bulk loading of fertilizer; that workers close the screen doors after inspecting or cleaning the screens; and employees who wear disposable respirators be qualitatively fit tested to assure a good face to piece seal.
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(1986) Ladish Company, Cudahy, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) A walk through survey was made to investigate exposures to crystalline silica (7631869), metal dust and fumes, solvents, machine coolants, and lead (7439921) at a metal forging facility owned by the Ladish Company (SIC-3462), Cudaby, Wisconsin as requested by an authorized representative of the employees. Medical surveys were conducted and environmental air samples collected. Additional specific substances investigated included titanium (7440326), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron oxide... (Click to show more)A walk through survey was made to investigate exposures to crystalline silica (7631869), metal dust and fumes, solvents, machine coolants, and lead (7439921) at a metal forging facility owned by the Ladish Company (SIC-3462), Cudaby, Wisconsin as requested by an authorized representative of the employees. Medical surveys were conducted and environmental air samples collected. Additional specific substances investigated included titanium (7440326), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), iron oxide (1332372), cobalt (7440484), vanadium (7440622), aluminum (7429905), cutting fluids, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556). No evidence of excess respiratory disease was found among 45 grinders. A substantial number of employees complained of irritant symptoms attributed to brief exposures to high concentrations of the grinding dust. No evidence of skin problems related to coolant exposures was noted. Concentrations of total particulates were below the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA). Nickel was detected in five of six personal samples at TWA concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.056 mg/m3. The authors conclude that instances involving the grinding of large forgings and forgings containing nickel present a potential health hazard if not properly controlled. It is recommended that nickel exposure be reduced to the lowest feasible level. Employees should position their work so that dust generated is effectively captured by the grinding hood, in some cases using a moveable hood, or periodically repositioning a part.
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(1986) Lausen Engine Division, New Holstein, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) Walkthrough evaluations, employee interviews, and an environmental survey were conducted at the Lausen Engine Division (SIC-3524), New Holstein, Wisconsin. The evaluations were conducted in response to two separate requests concerning employee exposure to formaldehyde (50000) and phenol (108952) vapors during the assembly of brake pads in the Subassembly Department, and exposure to dusts during the grinding, cutting and drilling of engine parts at the Cam Line. Personal breathing samples for for... (Click to show more)Walkthrough evaluations, employee interviews, and an environmental survey were conducted at the Lausen Engine Division (SIC-3524), New Holstein, Wisconsin. The evaluations were conducted in response to two separate requests concerning employee exposure to formaldehyde (50000) and phenol (108952) vapors during the assembly of brake pads in the Subassembly Department, and exposure to dusts during the grinding, cutting and drilling of engine parts at the Cam Line. Personal breathing samples for formaldehyde were below the analytical limit of detection 2 milligrams per sample. General air samples showed trace levels of phenol, 0.025 parts per million (ppm) and 0.042ppm. OSHA permissible exposure limit for phenol is 5ppm. Personal samples at the Cam Line showed time weighted average concentrations for total and respirable particulates ranging from to 0.43mg/m3, respectively. OSHA permissible exposure limit for respirable particulate is 15.0mg/m3. The author concluded that no hazard exists at this time. It is recommended that curing and gluing oven temperatures be below 550 degrees-F, increased efforts be made to alleviate dermatitis problems should they arise, employees be encouraged to avoid skin contact with lubricating fluids, good personal hygiene be encouraged, and incidences of carpal tunnel syndrome and other ergonomic hazards be investigated.
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(1986) Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) Following a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the source of nose bleeds and upper respiratory tract irritation among employees in the insulation shop at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (SIC-3731) Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was investigated. Air samples were collected and analyzed for total fiber count. Samples were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy for fiber identification, gravimetrically for respirable dust exposure, and using X-ray diffrac... (Click to show more)Following a request from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the source of nose bleeds and upper respiratory tract irritation among employees in the insulation shop at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (SIC-3731) Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was investigated. Air samples were collected and analyzed for total fiber count. Samples were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy for fiber identification, gravimetrically for respirable dust exposure, and using X-ray diffraction for quartz (14808607) content. Medical questionnaires were completed by 73 of 100 insulators. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 8.7 to 30 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). Concentrations of total fibers less than 5 microns in length ranged from 0.0017 to 0.005 fibers per cubic centimeter. Asbestos (1332214) concentrations did not differ significantly from zero. Symptoms most frequently reported were sneezing, experienced by 81 percent of respondents, followed by runny nose, frequent colds, and skin irritation. Sixty three percent reported having some nose bleeds, consisting of spotting when blowing the nose, with an average frequency of two per week. The author concludes that employee symptoms are probably caused by the irritating properties of magnesium-silicate, portland cement (65997151), and fibrous glass, as well as poor work practices which resulted in direct contact and transfer of the irritating dusts. Rigorous attention to personal hygiene is recommended.
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