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HHE Search Results
1060 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
(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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(1985) Ladish Company, Cudahy, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation was conducted at Ladish Company (SIC- 3462), Cudahy, Wisconsin in January, 1984. The evaluation was required by an employee representative because of concern about asbestos (1332214) exposure. Company asbestos monitoring data and medical records were reviewed. Company chest X-rays were examined by an independent NIOSH certified B-reader. Twenty eight maintenance type job activities having a potential for asbestos exposure were identified. Airborne asbestos concentratio... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation was conducted at Ladish Company (SIC- 3462), Cudahy, Wisconsin in January, 1984. The evaluation was required by an employee representative because of concern about asbestos (1332214) exposure. Company asbestos monitoring data and medical records were reviewed. Company chest X-rays were examined by an independent NIOSH certified B-reader. Twenty eight maintenance type job activities having a potential for asbestos exposure were identified. Airborne asbestos concentrations were generally below 0.1 fiber per cubic meter (fiber/cc). In two activities, asbestos concentrations were reported to exceed the OSHA 2 fibers/cc time weighted average or 10 fibers/cc ceiling concentration standards. Written company work procedures showed that type-C supplied air respirators were used in maintenance jobs having potential asbestos exposure. The company medical monitoring program was inadequate as regards chest X-rays. Five of 11 chest X- rays were not readable. The authors conclude that the medical monitoring program for employees exposed to asbestos does not appear to be adequate for early detection of asbestos related lung disease. Recommendations include implementing a systematic program for identifying asbestos containing materials, including a NIOSH certified B-reader for X-rays in the surveillance program, and establishing a smoking cessation program for employees exposed to asbestos.
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(1985) Lennox China, Pomona, New Jersey. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation was conducted at Lennox China (SIC-3262), Pomona, New Jersey in December, 1984 and January, 1985. The evaluation was requested by an employee representative to investigate a possible excess of cancer in the decal department. Five cases of cancer, all fatal, occurred among the 12 female employees in the department since 1979. The work areas were inspected. Personnel records and death certificates of the employees with cancer were reviewed. Family members of the cancer c... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation was conducted at Lennox China (SIC-3262), Pomona, New Jersey in December, 1984 and January, 1985. The evaluation was requested by an employee representative to investigate a possible excess of cancer in the decal department. Five cases of cancer, all fatal, occurred among the 12 female employees in the department since 1979. The work areas were inspected. Personnel records and death certificates of the employees with cancer were reviewed. Family members of the cancer cases and employer and employee representatives were interviewed. Company industrial hygiene sampling data was reviewed. The five women had different types of cancer (breast, colon, hypernephroma, mesothelioma, and nasopharynx). No unusual exposures were indicated in the industrial hygiene sampling data. Paper dust was scattered around the work areas and solvent type odors were noted emanating from the decal storage areas. Workers complained of irritation from the paper dust and the stuffy atmosphere in the work areas. The authors conclude that there is no identifiable health hazard in the decal department. Development of cancer in the subjects was not due to a common workplace exposure. Recommendations include improving the ventilation system, reevaluating dust exposures, and establishing an educational program on cancer.
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(1985) Long Island Rail Road, Jamaica, New York. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at an electrical repair shop (SIC-7629) of the Long Island Railroad, Jamaica, New york in November, 1984 and January, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the Safety Department of the railroad and the Electrical Union because of concern for possible PCB exposure while energizing capacitors in the inverter/converters. During operation, smoke was released from defective capacitors. Wipe samples collected from surfaces of the... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at an electrical repair shop (SIC-7629) of the Long Island Railroad, Jamaica, New york in November, 1984 and January, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the Safety Department of the railroad and the Electrical Union because of concern for possible PCB exposure while energizing capacitors in the inverter/converters. During operation, smoke was released from defective capacitors. Wipe samples collected from surfaces of the inverter/converters and generator contained 12 to 35 micrograms per 100 square centimeters (microg/100cm2) Aroclor-1016 (12674112). Vacuum cleaner dust also contained 87microg/gram Aroclor-1016. The NIOSH recommended standard for PCB contaminated surfaces is 0.5microg/100cm2. After the Safety Department was informed of the evaluation results, the railroad took such actions as identifying the capacitors that contained PCBs, replacing these with other capacitors, and decontaminating the generator. The charging operation was reinspected. The author concludes that there was a potential hazard from skin contact with PCBs in the electrical repair shop. Based on the reinspection, vacuum cleaner replacement and installation of an exhaust ventilated cover for the inverter/converters is recommended.
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(1985) Metz Metallurgical, South Plainfield, New Jersey. (Click to open report) Field visits and medical examinations were conducted in response to requests by workers at Metz Metallurgical (SIC-3341), South Plainfield, New Jersey concerned about exposure primarily to silver (7440224) powders. Airborne silver levels were above the OSHA standard of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) in 10 of 13 samples. Urine silver levels were elevated in 96 percent of 27 workers tested; 92% had elevated blood silver levels; 19 percent had elevated cadmium (7440439) levels. Symptoms of... (Click to show more)Field visits and medical examinations were conducted in response to requests by workers at Metz Metallurgical (SIC-3341), South Plainfield, New Jersey concerned about exposure primarily to silver (7440224) powders. Airborne silver levels were above the OSHA standard of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) in 10 of 13 samples. Urine silver levels were elevated in 96 percent of 27 workers tested; 92% had elevated blood silver levels; 19 percent had elevated cadmium (7440439) levels. Symptoms of respiratory irritation were reported in a majority of workers and nose bleeds in 8 of 27. Deposition of silver in the cornea of the eye was detected in 5 of 8 long term workers and was associated with complaints of decreased night vision. N-acetyl-B-D-glucosaminidase was significantly elevated in 4 individuals and correlated with blood silver levels. Estimated creatinine clearance was significantly lower. Kidney function may have been adversely affected. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists, and that exposure to silver and cadmium dust and fumes are causing respiratory, eye and kidney problems among exposed workers. Exposure is to be reduced to follow-up medical surveillance program initiated.
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(1985) Nuturn Corporation, New Castle, Indiana. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214), formaldehyde (50000), phenol (108952), and total particulates at Nuturn Corporation (SIC-3714), New Castle, Indiana in June, 1984. The survey was requested by a union representative to evaluate asbestos exposure during the manufacture of brake shoe linings. Pulmonary function tests and chest X-rays were taken for 170 workers. Asbestos was detected in 51 personal and 1 of 3 environmental samples. Concentrations ranged ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214), formaldehyde (50000), phenol (108952), and total particulates at Nuturn Corporation (SIC-3714), New Castle, Indiana in June, 1984. The survey was requested by a union representative to evaluate asbestos exposure during the manufacture of brake shoe linings. Pulmonary function tests and chest X-rays were taken for 170 workers. Asbestos was detected in 51 personal and 1 of 3 environmental samples. Concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.91 fibers per cubic centimeter (cm3). The OSHA standard for asbestos is 2.0 fibers/cm3. Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 25.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for particulates is 15mg/m3. Formaldehyde and phenol were not detected. Twenty workers had abnormal pulmonary function test results. Twelve showed evidence of obstructive impairment, one had evidence of restrictive impairment, and seven showed both obstructive and restrictive impairment. Five workers showed X-ray abnormalities; one was suggestive of asbestosis and one of a pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that a health hazard due to asbestos exposure exists at the facility. Recommendations include reducing asbestos exposures by engineering controls, good work practices, administrative controls, and using personal protective equipment. Asbestos should be replaced if feasible.
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(1985) PPG Industries, Mt. Zion, Illinois. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for adipic- acid (124049) and total and respirable dust at PPG Industries (SIC- 3211), Mount Zion, Illinois, January and September, 1984. The evaluation was requested to investigate employee exposure to Lucor and wood flour, used during the off/bearing of flat glass. Medical questionnaires were administered to 13 employees. The facility discontinued using wood flour 1 month after the January, 1984 survey. All adipic-acid samples were below t... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for adipic- acid (124049) and total and respirable dust at PPG Industries (SIC- 3211), Mount Zion, Illinois, January and September, 1984. The evaluation was requested to investigate employee exposure to Lucor and wood flour, used during the off/bearing of flat glass. Medical questionnaires were administered to 13 employees. The facility discontinued using wood flour 1 month after the January, 1984 survey. All adipic-acid samples were below the detection limits. Total and respirable dust concentrations were below 2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists standards for hardwood and softwood dusts are 1mg/m3 and 5mg/m3, respectively. Six employees reported eye and throat irritation and three reported skin irritation. The author concludes that a health hazard due to exposure to Lucor does not exist at the facility. It could not be determined if a health hazard from exposure to wood dusts existed in the past, since the use of wood flour had been discontinued. Recommendations include using a heavy duty industrial vacuum cleaner during cleanup operations and practicing good housekeeping.
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(1985) Public Service Electric and Gas Corporation, Iselin, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the employees' union, an evaluation was made of complaints of burning, itching, and redness of hands, hives, and irritation of the eyes at the Public Service Electric and Gas Corporation's Customer Payment Processing (SIC-4931) facility in Iselin, New Jersey. All 45 employees working at the facility participated. It was suspected that symptoms were related to use of an automatic envelope opener, the AES MAILSYSTEM 3/30, which used Paper Fiber Separator solution (PFS... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the employees' union, an evaluation was made of complaints of burning, itching, and redness of hands, hives, and irritation of the eyes at the Public Service Electric and Gas Corporation's Customer Payment Processing (SIC-4931) facility in Iselin, New Jersey. All 45 employees working at the facility participated. It was suspected that symptoms were related to use of an automatic envelope opener, the AES MAILSYSTEM 3/30, which used Paper Fiber Separator solution (PFS). Payment processors, who spent the workday handling opened envelopes, experienced a higher prevalence of symptoms (75 percent of workers) than did the other workers. Clerical workers had the second highest prevalence (57 percent), while managers did not report symptoms of any kind. Twenty five percent of AES 3/30 operators had symptoms. Analysis of PFS indicated 18.2 percent propylene-glycol-monomethyl-ether (107982), a known irritant; this was present at 82.3mg/kg in treated envelopes. Dust which may have come from envelopes was found inside the machine and on work surfaces in payment processing. Management and employees reported that ventilation seemed inadequate. The author concludes that skin and mucous membrane irritation and headaches area associated with payment processing at the facility and with the AES 3/30. The author recommends that employee contact with the envelopes and dust be limited and that proper general ventilation be installed.
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