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HHE Search Results
1067 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) United Technologies Diesel Systems, Springfield, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) Due to a request from Local 206 of the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers, an evaluation was made of effects of metal dusts which occur as a result of sharpening and repairing tools at United Technologies Diesel Systems (SIC-3541), Springfield, Massachusetts. Concentrations of cobalt (7440484) in personal air samples ranged from not detectable to 0.24mg/m3. Respirable dust levels ranged from 0.04 to 0.72mg/m3. A range of (7440337) was not detected in personal air sample... (Click to show more)Due to a request from Local 206 of the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers, an evaluation was made of effects of metal dusts which occur as a result of sharpening and repairing tools at United Technologies Diesel Systems (SIC-3541), Springfield, Massachusetts. Concentrations of cobalt (7440484) in personal air samples ranged from not detectable to 0.24mg/m3. Respirable dust levels ranged from 0.04 to 0.72mg/m3. A range of (7440337) was not detected in personal air samples. Nickel (7440020) was detected up to 5.0 micrograms/cubic meter. Only nonspecific complaints were registered on a questionnaire filled out by five workers. One worker was identified with mild to moderate restrictive lung disease. Three of four workers showed a reduction in forced expiratory volume; a 10 percent or more reduction was noted in two workers. One worker had an elevation of the left hemidiaphragm on x-ray. Cobalt concentration in the blood ranged from 3.8 to 5.0 micrograms per deciliter. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard exists from airborne exposure to cobalt. Recommendations by the authors include: modifications to the local exhaust ventilation system; employee training; improvement in general housekeeping; advising employees of health effects of exposure to metal dusts; yearly pulmonary function testing; baseline chest x-rays; maintaining medical records for at least 30 years; and discouraging smoking on the job.
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(1986) Veterans Administration Center and Regional Office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Concern among employees that asbestos (1332214) exposure at the Veterans Administration Center and Regional Office (SIC-9451) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania may be causing relatively high rates of cancer deaths culminated in a NIOSH evaluation of the facility. Medical and personnel records were incomplete, but death certificates were obtained for 10 of 20 presumed cancer victims. Three had died of lung cancer, two of colon cancer, and one each of gastric, small intestine, pancreas, and breast can... (Click to show more)Concern among employees that asbestos (1332214) exposure at the Veterans Administration Center and Regional Office (SIC-9451) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania may be causing relatively high rates of cancer deaths culminated in a NIOSH evaluation of the facility. Medical and personnel records were incomplete, but death certificates were obtained for 10 of 20 presumed cancer victims. Three had died of lung cancer, two of colon cancer, and one each of gastric, small intestine, pancreas, and breast cancer. This sampling was too small to draw any conclusions concerning a cancer cluster. Bulk samples of steam pipes and damaged ceiling tiles were taken from the areas of concern. Three of the five bulk samples showed chrysotile asbestos (12001295). Ceiling tile and pipe covering contained 30-40 percent chrysotile asbestos. No asbestos was found in dust settled on a file cabinet. Air fiber concentrations were below the limit of detection (3000 fibers per cubic meter) in the 12 samples taken. Air samples indicated that adequate outside air is entering the working areas of the building. The authors conclude that a potential hazard from asbestos existed if pipes or ceiling tiles were damaged or disturbed. Recommendations included treating and periodically inspecting the pipe covering, advising maintenance personnel of the hazards of asbestos and supplying proper disposable clothing and NIOSH approved respirators. Maintenance of the temperature below 78 degrees-F and relative humidity so that it is equal to or above 30 percent is also recommended.
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(1985) Airco Carbon, St. Marys, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), total particulates, and respirable free silica (7631869) at the Airco Carbon Company (SIC- 3624), Saint Marys, Pennsylvania in January, 1984. The evaluation was requested confidentially because of concern over exposures to soot, coal tar pitch volatiles, and sand in the car bottom and sagger bake operations. Forty three employees were interviewed. Two of 19 total particulate samples exceeded the O... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), total particulates, and respirable free silica (7631869) at the Airco Carbon Company (SIC- 3624), Saint Marys, Pennsylvania in January, 1984. The evaluation was requested confidentially because of concern over exposures to soot, coal tar pitch volatiles, and sand in the car bottom and sagger bake operations. Forty three employees were interviewed. Two of 19 total particulate samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), 17.3 and 32.7mg/m3. Benzene soluble fractions ranged from 0.5 to 5.0mg/m3. The OSHA standard for benzene soluble fractions is 0.2mg/m3. Two of seven samples of silica were above the limit of detection, 0.09 and 0.06mg/m3. In bulk samples, the benzene soluble fractions ranged from 0.44 to 860mg/gram and the PAH content from 0 to 26,124 micrograms per gram. Employees working in the bake areas reported a significant excess incidence of symptoms such as skin, nose and eye irritation, cough, sore or dry throat, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists at the facility. Recommendations include enclosing vehicles used in moving electrodes, cleaning up spilled dust, and controlling fumes emitted from the sagger kilns.
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(1985) Asbestos shingle tear-off, Rockford, Illinois. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) during removal of an old asbestos shingle roof (SIC-1761) from a residential building, Rockford, Illinois in May, 1984. The evaluation was requested to assess asbestos exposures during removal operations. Airborne asbestos fiber concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.16 fiber per cubic centimeter (cc) for five tear off workers, fiber/cc for five workers applying new shingles. The OSHA standard for asbestos is 2.0 fiber/cc. A bulk sample o... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) during removal of an old asbestos shingle roof (SIC-1761) from a residential building, Rockford, Illinois in May, 1984. The evaluation was requested to assess asbestos exposures during removal operations. Airborne asbestos fiber concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.16 fiber per cubic centimeter (cc) for five tear off workers, fiber/cc for five workers applying new shingles. The OSHA standard for asbestos is 2.0 fiber/cc. A bulk sample of the asbestos shingle was analyzed and found to contain 30 percent chrysotile (12001295). NIOSH certified half/face respirators with high efficiency particulate filters were worn by all members of the tear off and cleanup crews. The author concludes that since the NIOSH criteria for asbestos exposure is the lowest feasible concentration, a hazard from airborne asbestos fibers existed during the roof removal operation. Recommendations include wetting the roof before beginning removal, evacuating the building occupants if feasible, sealing off all doors, windows, and other openings, removing all work clothes before leaving the site, and laundering them separately.
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(1985) Ashland Super Valu, Ashland, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for di(2- ethylhexyl)adipate (103231), hydrogen-chloride (7647010), cyclohexanol (108930), dicyclohexyl-phthalate (84617), phthalic- anhydride (85449), and total particulates at Ashland Super Valu (SIC- 5411), Ashland, Wisconsin in June, 1984. The evaluation was requested by a company representative due to complaints of respiratory problems by one of the meat department employees. Four meat department employees were interviewed. Except for h... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for di(2- ethylhexyl)adipate (103231), hydrogen-chloride (7647010), cyclohexanol (108930), dicyclohexyl-phthalate (84617), phthalic- anhydride (85449), and total particulates at Ashland Super Valu (SIC- 5411), Ashland, Wisconsin in June, 1984. The evaluation was requested by a company representative due to complaints of respiratory problems by one of the meat department employees. Four meat department employees were interviewed. Except for hydrogen- chloride, phthalic-anhydride, and total particulates, all substances were below the limits of detection. Hydrogen-chloride at a concentration of 0.11 part per million, total particulates at concentrations of 0.10 to 0.21 milligram per cubic meter, and phthalic-anhydride at 18.4 micrograms per gram were found in environmental samples. Only one employee, a meat wrapper, had work related respiratory symptoms. His symptoms were diagnosed as bronchial hyperreactivity due to meat wrapper fume exposure. His symptoms were lessened when he used a disposable dust respirator. The authors conclude that it is not possible to determine whether or not the symptoms reported by the meat packer are due to emissions from heated meat wrap or label adhesive. Recommendations include not operating the cool rod cutter at a temperature above 280 degrees- F and installing local exhaust ventilation.
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(1985) Current, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) Breathing zone and environmental samples were analyzed for toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), ethylbenzene (100414), methylene- chloride (75092), perchloroethylene (127184), and isopropanol (67630) at Current, Incorporated (SIC-2771), Colorado Springs, Colorado in August, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the safety and health department to investigate chemical exposures at the facility. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. Average solvent exposures were: toluene, 1.4 millig... (Click to show more)Breathing zone and environmental samples were analyzed for toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), ethylbenzene (100414), methylene- chloride (75092), perchloroethylene (127184), and isopropanol (67630) at Current, Incorporated (SIC-2771), Colorado Springs, Colorado in August, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the safety and health department to investigate chemical exposures at the facility. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. Average solvent exposures were: toluene, 1.4 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); xylene, 1.7mg/m3; ethylbenzene, 0.4mg/m3; methylene- chloride, 28mg/m3; perchloroethylene, 0.4mg/m3; and isopropanol, 30mg/m3. The maximum methylene-chloride exposure, 344mg/m3, exceeded the NIOSH standard of 260mg/m3. The OSHA standard for methylene-chloride is 1,700mg/m3. All other exposures were well below their relevant standards. Employee interviews indicated that the workers were satisfied with their jobs and complaints were limited. The complaints were not sufficient to warrant a medical evaluation. The author concludes that there is a potential health hazard from methylene-chloride exposure. He recommends substituting less toxic solvents for methylene-chloride and perchloroethylene if possible, installing local exhaust ventilation next to all printing presses, and prohibiting smoking and eating in the pressroom.
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(1985) Federal Grain Inspection Service, USDA, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for phosphine (12768820), malathion (121755), carbon-disulfide (75150), carbon- tetrachloride (56235), and grain dust at field offices of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (SIC-4782), United States Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana in October and November, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the inspection service to investigate fumigant exposures at grain sampling and inspection stations in the New Orleans area. Noise m... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for phosphine (12768820), malathion (121755), carbon-disulfide (75150), carbon- tetrachloride (56235), and grain dust at field offices of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (SIC-4782), United States Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana in October and November, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the inspection service to investigate fumigant exposures at grain sampling and inspection stations in the New Orleans area. Noise monitoring was also performed. Carbon-tetrachloride was the only fumigant detected, concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 1.7 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for carbon-tetrachloride is 10mg/m3. Grain dust concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 2.7mg/m3. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value for grain dust is 4mg/m3. All measured noise levels were below 82 A-weighted decibels (dBA). The OSHA standard for noise is 90dBA. The author concludes that a health hazard due to fumigants, grain dust, or noise does not exist at the stations. Recommendations include developing a registry of grain handlers and inspectors and establishing procedures for obtaining information on incoming grain shipments that have been fumigated.
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(1985) Fisher Body Plant, Roofing Site, Hamilton, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for total dust, benzene soluble coal tar fractions, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during roof removal operations (SIC-1761) at the Fisher Body facility, Hamilton, Ohio, in December, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers. All 13 employees involved in the roof removal were interviewed and given limited physical examinations. Total dust concentrations ranged from 2.1 ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for total dust, benzene soluble coal tar fractions, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during roof removal operations (SIC-1761) at the Fisher Body facility, Hamilton, Ohio, in December, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers. All 13 employees involved in the roof removal were interviewed and given limited physical examinations. Total dust concentrations ranged from 2.1 to 13.1 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard is 15mg/m3. Benzene soluble coal tar fractions ranged from 0.6 to 5.3mg/m3. The OSHA standard for cyclohexane soluble fractions (assumed comparable with benzene soluble fractions) is 0.1mg/m3. Geometric mean PAH concentrations ranged from 12.8 to 48.1 micrograms/m3. No standards for PAHs are given. Acute eye irritation symptoms such as burning, redness, and tearing and chronic eye and skin irritation were the most frequent symptoms found. The prevalence of chronic skin lesions could not be determined due to cold weather and the use of heavy clothing. The authors conclude that the workers involved in roof removal operations are overexposed to coal tar pitch dust containing PAHs. Recommendations include wetting the roof surface and wearing protective equipment and clothing.
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(1985) FMC Corporation, San Jose, California. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for metals, total dust, asbestos (1332214), organic solvents, methylene- bisphenyl-diisocyanate (101688), and cutting and cooling oils at the FMC Corporation (SIC-9999) in San Jose, California in July, September, and December, 1984. The evaluation was requested by a union representative because of concern about an increasing number of occupationally related cases of cancer and other illnesses. Noise monitoring was also performed. Twenty two ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for metals, total dust, asbestos (1332214), organic solvents, methylene- bisphenyl-diisocyanate (101688), and cutting and cooling oils at the FMC Corporation (SIC-9999) in San Jose, California in July, September, and December, 1984. The evaluation was requested by a union representative because of concern about an increasing number of occupationally related cases of cancer and other illnesses. Noise monitoring was also performed. Twenty two workers were interviewed. Benzene concentrations ranged from nondetectable to recommends the lowest feasible limit for benzene. Asbestos sampling results were inconclusive. Noise exposures were 82.5 to 90.7 A- weighted decibels (dBA). The OSHA standard for noise is 90dBA. All other substances were nondetectable or below their relevant standards. Employees exposed to cutting oils and machine coolants reported varying degrees of dermatitis. Symptoms of eye irritation, headache, and fatigue were reported. The authors note that negotiations are underway for conducting a mortality survey. They conclude that workers are overexposed to benzene and noise, and potentially overexposed to Trim/Sol machine cooling oil. Recommendations include using local exhaust ventilation to reduce machine coolant exposures and implementing an OSHA approved respirator program.
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(1985) Grain Elevators, Superior, Wisconsin, Duluth, Minnesota. (Click to open report) Personal air samples were analyzed for carbon-disulfide (75150), ethylene-dibromide (106934), carbon-tetrachloride (56235), and grain dust at grain elevators (SIC-5153) located at Superior, Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota in May, 1984. The survey was requested by a representative of Local 118 of the American Federation of Grain Millers to evaluate exposures to grain fumigants and dust among workers at the two sites. All concentrations of carbon-disulfide, carbon-tetrachloride, and ethylene-dibro... (Click to show more)Personal air samples were analyzed for carbon-disulfide (75150), ethylene-dibromide (106934), carbon-tetrachloride (56235), and grain dust at grain elevators (SIC-5153) located at Superior, Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota in May, 1984. The survey was requested by a representative of Local 118 of the American Federation of Grain Millers to evaluate exposures to grain fumigants and dust among workers at the two sites. All concentrations of carbon-disulfide, carbon-tetrachloride, and ethylene-dibromide were below the detection limit. Grain dust concentrations ranged from 0.34 to 38 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value for airborne grain dust is 4mg/m3. Short term sampling for the fumigants was performed; however, the results were inconclusive. The author concludes that a health hazard due to overexposure to grain dust exists at the grain elevators. Recommendations include providing workers with respirators equipped with dust cartridges, implementing local exhaust ventilation at rail car dumping and loading points, and instituting a method of tracking fumigated grain shipments through the grain handling system.
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