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HHE Search Results
1059 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) 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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(1985) Residences (Times Beach Flood Debris Cleanup), Times Beach, Missouri. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) and total dust during cleanup of flood debris (SIC-4953) at Times Beach, Missouri in 1983. The evaluation was requested by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to monitor and assess the contractor's employee personal protective program while cleaning up flood debris potentially contaminated with TCDD. Work practices were observed. No TCDD was detected. Total dust concentration... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) and total dust during cleanup of flood debris (SIC-4953) at Times Beach, Missouri in 1983. The evaluation was requested by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to monitor and assess the contractor's employee personal protective program while cleaning up flood debris potentially contaminated with TCDD. Work practices were observed. No TCDD was detected. Total dust concentrations ranged up to 6.98 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for total dust is 15mg/m3. A number of major deficiencies in the contractor's health and safety program were observed. Respirators were used without being fit tested. No physical barriers between contaminated and non contaminated areas were provided. Wastewater from decontamination trenches going off site was allowed to accumulate on the surface and seep into the ground. All individuals reporting to the staging area for work drove through the contaminated area. The author concludes that workers at the site were at no additional health risk due to dioxin or total dust exposures. Recommendations include testing respirators for proper fit, providing training on respirator maintenance, and properly arranging decontamination areas, so that workers progressed to cleaner sites as they were being decontaminated.
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(1985) St. Louis Police auto body shop, St. Louis, Missouri. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for toluene (108883), lead (7439921), and total dust at the Saint Louis Police Auto Body Shop (SIC-7351), Saint Louis, Missouri in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the Health Commissioner of the City of Saint Louis to investigate working conditions in the body shop. A prior health department investigation had indicated that there might be health hazards in the shop area. Environmental toluene concentrations ranged ... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for toluene (108883), lead (7439921), and total dust at the Saint Louis Police Auto Body Shop (SIC-7351), Saint Louis, Missouri in January and February, 1985. The evaluation was requested by the Health Commissioner of the City of Saint Louis to investigate working conditions in the body shop. A prior health department investigation had indicated that there might be health hazards in the shop area. Environmental toluene concentrations ranged from non detectable to 4.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for toluene is 750mg/m3. No lead was detected. Environmental and breathing zone total dust exposures ranged from non detectable to 2.9mg/m3 and from 0.44 to 13mg/m3, respectively. The OSHA standard for total dust is 15mg/m3. The author notes that one dust sample exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' threshold limit value of 10mg/m3. The author concludes that a potential health hazard exists due to overexposure to total dust while performing certain repairs at the facility. Recommendations include installing a supply air ventilation system for the exhaust fans, orienting vehicles in the shop so that technicians are always working upstream of the airflow, and providing respiratory protection when it is not possible to control dust emissions.
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