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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
(1984) Chef Pierre, Incorporated, Traverse City, Michigan. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for total and respirable particulates and cinnamaldehyde (104552) at Chef Pierre, Incorporated (SIC-2051), Traverse City, Michigan in October and December, 1983. The survey was requested by a representative of the Bakery, Confectionery, and Tobacco Workers Union to evaluate complaints of discomfort and allergic reaction among employees working with cinnamon during the production process. Twenty one employees were interviewed by medical quest... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for total and respirable particulates and cinnamaldehyde (104552) at Chef Pierre, Incorporated (SIC-2051), Traverse City, Michigan in October and December, 1983. The survey was requested by a representative of the Bakery, Confectionery, and Tobacco Workers Union to evaluate complaints of discomfort and allergic reaction among employees working with cinnamon during the production process. Twenty one employees were interviewed by medical questionnaire. All dust samples were below relevant standards. Cinnamaldehyde concentrations were at or below the limits of detection. Twelve employees reported episodic instances of symptomatology which they believed were associated with their work, particularly while filling cinnamon and flour hoppers. Most frequently reported symptoms included stuffiness, eye irritation, and headache. No widespread incidence of allergic type health problems were reported. The authors conclude that no health hazard existed at the facility. They recommend that the company evaluate the current procedures for filling cinnamon and flour hoppers. Modification through engineering controls or improved work practices should result in a lower incidence of employee health complaints.
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(1984) David Mayer poultry farm, Hobgood, North Carolina. (Click to open report) Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for ammonia (7664417), carbon-dioxide (124389), airborne dust, endotoxins, and microorganisms at poultry confinement houses of David Mayer Poultry Farm (SIC-0251) and other poultry growers in Hobgood, North Carolina, in March, June, and October 1983. The survey was requested by growers in the area due to an increased incidence of eye and throat irritations, headache, shortness of breath, and chest tightness among the growers. Spirometry tests and a r... (Click to show more)Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for ammonia (7664417), carbon-dioxide (124389), airborne dust, endotoxins, and microorganisms at poultry confinement houses of David Mayer Poultry Farm (SIC-0251) and other poultry growers in Hobgood, North Carolina, in March, June, and October 1983. The survey was requested by growers in the area due to an increased incidence of eye and throat irritations, headache, shortness of breath, and chest tightness among the growers. Spirometry tests and a respiratory symptom questionnaire were administered to 25 growers. Ammonia concentrations were 6.0 to 13.1 parts per million (ppm) in June and 15 to 80ppm in March and April when windows and doors were closed. The OSHA standard for ammonia is 50ppm. Carbon-dioxide concentrations were below the Federal standards. Total dust concentrations in four area samples exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommended limit of 10 milligrams per cubic meter. Endotoxin concentrations were 1.6 to 14.0 nanograms per cubic meter. Airborne microorganism concentrations were 2500 to 360000 colony forming units per cubic meter. There were no current standards for endotoxins or microorganisms. No clear association between reported respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and exposure was found. The authors conclude that the primary exposure at the poultry farms is to dust and ammonia. Improved ventilation is recommended.
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(1984) Drive Train Industries, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214), iron-oxide (1332372) fumes, total particulates, and sodium-hydroxide (1310732) at Drive Train Industries, Incorporated (SIC-3714), Albuquerque, New Mexico in May, 1984. The survey was requested to evaluate exposure to asbestos, noise, and welding fumes. Five workers were monitored for noise exposure. None of the contaminant concentrations exceeded OSHA standards. Two workers in the transmission and rear end department... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214), iron-oxide (1332372) fumes, total particulates, and sodium-hydroxide (1310732) at Drive Train Industries, Incorporated (SIC-3714), Albuquerque, New Mexico in May, 1984. The survey was requested to evaluate exposure to asbestos, noise, and welding fumes. Five workers were monitored for noise exposure. None of the contaminant concentrations exceeded OSHA standards. Two workers in the transmission and rear end department had noise exposures of 85 and 88 A-weighted decibels (dBA) time weighted average (TWA). The OSHA and NIOSH TWA standards for noise are 90 and 85dBA, respectively. The authors note that although the asbestos concentrations, nondetectable to 0.06 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) for fibers longer than 5 micrometers, were below the OSHA standard of 2f/cc; NIOSH regards any carcinogenic exposure as undesirable. They conclude that a potential health hazard from excessive asbestos and noise exposure exists at the facility. They recommend establishing a hearing conservation program and continuing efforts to reduce employee exposure to asbestos to the lowest feasible concentration. Smoking should be prohibited in the asbestos area.
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(1984) East Penn Foundry, Macungie, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) The incidence of silicosis among workers at the East Penn Foundry (SIC-3321) in Macungie, Pennsylvania was surveyed on October 12, 1982 and October 6, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 295, on behalf of about 100 workers potentially exposed to free silica (7631869). Industrial hygiene records and medical records were reviewed. Respirable dust and free silica exposures were assessed. Earlier chest X-rays were read again for signs of si... (Click to show more)The incidence of silicosis among workers at the East Penn Foundry (SIC-3321) in Macungie, Pennsylvania was surveyed on October 12, 1982 and October 6, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the International Molders and Allied Workers Union, Local 295, on behalf of about 100 workers potentially exposed to free silica (7631869). Industrial hygiene records and medical records were reviewed. Respirable dust and free silica exposures were assessed. Earlier chest X-rays were read again for signs of silicosis and disease progression. Silica exposures for the core setters, makers, muller operators, shake out operators, and permanent mold fitting/mold cleaning operators exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Current respirable dust concentrations were below the OSHA limit of 10 milligrams per cubic meter. The silica content of settled dust ranged from 7.4 percent for core setting to 78 percent for fitting conveyor shake out. Radiologic evidence of silicosis was found in almost 10 percent of the workers, and incidence was related to duration of exposure. The authors conclude that a serious exposure hazard to free silica exists at this foundry, along with a high prevalence of silicosis. They recommend exposure control measures including material substitution, use of ventilation, and exposure monitoring. Workers should be given preplacement and periodic medical evaluations. Work practices should be improved and workers should be educated about the hazards of silica. Warning labels should be placed on packaged free silica.
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(1984) Empire-Detroit Steel Division, Mansfield, Ohio. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to metal dust and fumes and to oil mist were investigated on September 15 to 17 and December 1 and 2, 1982 at Empire/Detroit Steel Division (SIC-3312) in Mansfield, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by a group of employees on behalf of about 120 workers assigned to the hot strip mill operations. Medical questionnaires were given to 47 male workers, and area and personal air samples were analyzed for chromium (7440473), hexavalent chromium (18540299), iron-oxide (1332372) fumes,... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to metal dust and fumes and to oil mist were investigated on September 15 to 17 and December 1 and 2, 1982 at Empire/Detroit Steel Division (SIC-3312) in Mansfield, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by a group of employees on behalf of about 120 workers assigned to the hot strip mill operations. Medical questionnaires were given to 47 male workers, and area and personal air samples were analyzed for chromium (7440473), hexavalent chromium (18540299), iron-oxide (1332372) fumes, nickel (7440020), oil mist, respirable particulates, and total particulates. Irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory system was reported by 47 percent of the workers, and symptom prevalence was related to work in dusty areas. Recurrent cough, chronic bronchitis, and respiratory disease subsequent to initial employment at the factory were also frequently reported. Nineteen workers reported recurrent episodes of tinnitus. Of the environmental contaminants, only hexavalent chromium was found in concentrations that exceeded its OSHA limit of 0.1 milligram per cubic meter. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from exposure to hexavalent chromium. They recommend engineering controls, environmental monitoring, medical surveillance, and use of safety glasses and hearing protection devices to reduce and control workplace hazards.
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(1984) Federal Grain Inspection Service, USDA, Portland, Oregon. (Click to open report) Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for carbon-disulfide (75150), carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon-tetrachloride (56235), chloroform (67663), 1,2-dichloroethylene (540590), ethylene- dibromide (106934), ethylene-dichloride (107062), methyl-bromide (74839), and grain dust at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal Grain Inspection Service (SIC-4782) field office, Portland, Oregon, in November, 1983 and April, 1984. The survey was requested by the USDA to evaluate expo... (Click to show more)Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for carbon-disulfide (75150), carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon-tetrachloride (56235), chloroform (67663), 1,2-dichloroethylene (540590), ethylene- dibromide (106934), ethylene-dichloride (107062), methyl-bromide (74839), and grain dust at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal Grain Inspection Service (SIC-4782) field office, Portland, Oregon, in November, 1983 and April, 1984. The survey was requested by the USDA to evaluate exposures to fumigants at grain sampling and inspection stations. Maximum area exposures of ethylene-dibromide, carbon-disulfide, and carbon-tetrachloride averaged 21, 738, and 1960 parts per billion (ppb), respectively. The corresponding OSHA standards are 100, 20,000, and 10,000ppb. Personal exposures were: ethylene-dibromide, 0.49ppb; and carbon- tetrachloride, 391ppb. Concentrations of other fumigants, carbon- monoxide, and grain dust were negligible. Maximum short term concentrations of carbon-disulfide and carbon-tetrachloride were 327,000 plus and 1,136,000 plus ppb, respectively. Corresponding OSHA ceiling limits are 30,000 and 25,000ppb. The author concludes that there is a serious potential health hazard due to high fumigant concentrations in treated grain in incoming rail cars. Recommendations include wearing respiratory protective equipment when opening fumigated rail cars, aerating fumigated grain before inspection, and eliminating the sniff test as a routine procedure. Research on methods of removing fumigants from treated grain is needed.
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(1984) Ford Motor Company, Sterling Heights, Michigan. (Click to open report) As a result of a report of a cluster of ten deaths due to lung, stomach and bone cancer by a former employee of the Fort Motor Company at the rear axle assembly facility (SIC-3714), Sterling Heights, Michigan, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at this site. Exposure to cutting fluid mists possibly containing nitrosamines, metal dusts, and metal fumes were of concern. An industrial hygiene walk through survey was conducted. Information was gathered to study the... (Click to show more)As a result of a report of a cluster of ten deaths due to lung, stomach and bone cancer by a former employee of the Fort Motor Company at the rear axle assembly facility (SIC-3714), Sterling Heights, Michigan, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at this site. Exposure to cutting fluid mists possibly containing nitrosamines, metal dusts, and metal fumes were of concern. An industrial hygiene walk through survey was conducted. Information was gathered to study the mortality patterns of a group of 345 deceased white males whose last employment at the company was at one of two of the rear axle assembly facilities. The study revealed no statistically significant excess for any cancer site nor for any other disease. The authors conclude that it was not possible to substantiate the reported excess of cancer in workers at this facility. However, the authors note that the study was limited in its ability to examine specific exposures, as no records of detailed job histories on individual workers existed.
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(1984) Fountain Avenue Landfill, Brooklyn, New York. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for organic solvent vapors, metals, asbestos (1332214), quartz (14808607), airborne dusts, and carbon-monoxide (630080) at Fountain Avenue Landfill, Brooklyn, New York in September, 1982. Noise levels were also monitored. The survey was requested by the Commissioner of Health for the City of New York due to concern for worker health and safety and the possibility that contaminants from the landfill might migrate to nearby housing areas. No c... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for organic solvent vapors, metals, asbestos (1332214), quartz (14808607), airborne dusts, and carbon-monoxide (630080) at Fountain Avenue Landfill, Brooklyn, New York in September, 1982. Noise levels were also monitored. The survey was requested by the Commissioner of Health for the City of New York due to concern for worker health and safety and the possibility that contaminants from the landfill might migrate to nearby housing areas. No chemical exposures exceeded a recognized occupational exposure standard. Most exposures were less than 0.001 to 0.01 of the applicable standards. Noise levels ranged from 82.9 to 95.5 A-weighted decibels (dBA). The OSHA standard for noise is 90dBA. Hearing protection was used by all heavy equipment operators; operators reported receiving monitoring audiometry. The author concludes that workers at the facility are not over exposed to chemicals. Noise from operating heavy equipment is the only hazard observed. Hazardous noise exposure is adequately controlled by using hearing protection and implementation of a hearing conservation program. The low occupational exposure to airborne contaminants at the landfill implies a minimal risk to nearby residents.
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(1984) General Motors Corporation, Framingham, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) Worker complaints of numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers were investigated on August 18, 1981 at the General Motors factory (SIC-3535) in Framingham, Massachusetts. The evaluation was requested by the Millwright and Machinery Erectors of Massachusetts Local Union 1121, on behalf of 19 symptomatic workers. Air samples were collected to assay respirable dust, lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), and manganese (7439965). Thirteen workers completed symptom questionnaires... (Click to show more)Worker complaints of numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers were investigated on August 18, 1981 at the General Motors factory (SIC-3535) in Framingham, Massachusetts. The evaluation was requested by the Millwright and Machinery Erectors of Massachusetts Local Union 1121, on behalf of 19 symptomatic workers. Air samples were collected to assay respirable dust, lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), chromium (7440473), and manganese (7439965). Thirteen workers completed symptom questionnaires and were given neurological evaluations. Only one dust sample, immediately adjacent to a torch cutting operation, exceeded the OSHA limit of 5 milligrams per cubic meter. One sample of lead exceeded the OSHA limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, but none of the workers showed any evidence of lead absorption. Medical questionnaires and examinations confirmed the reported symptoms but found no work related associations. The types of tools and work postures used caused vibration and nerve compression. The authors conclude that no toxic exposures exist at this factory that would cause the reported neurologic symptoms. Symptoms are probably due to ergonomic factors such as heavy cutting and grinding tools, and overhead work postures. The authors recommend the use of antivibration gloves, better work place design, and further ergonomic evaluations.
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(1984) George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Vincennes, Indiana. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) were surveyed on November 9, 1983 at the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (SIC-8411) in Vincennes, Indiana. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, on behalf of an unspecified number of maintenance workers at the memorial building, in which asbestos insulation had been used for the heating pipes and ventilation ducts in the basement and roof tunnel. General area ai... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) were surveyed on November 9, 1983 at the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (SIC-8411) in Vincennes, Indiana. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, on behalf of an unspecified number of maintenance workers at the memorial building, in which asbestos insulation had been used for the heating pipes and ventilation ducts in the basement and roof tunnel. General area air samples and bulk insulation samples were collected for asbestos determination. All of the insulation samples contained 20 to 50 percent chrysotile (12001295), three contained 10 to 30 percent crocidolite (12001284), and one contained 1 to 2 percent amosite (12172735). No asbestos was found in the air samples. Some of the insulation had deteriorated because of water damage, but the areas in which asbestos was present were inaccessible and rarely entered by maintenance personnel. The authors conclude that an asbestos hazard does not currently exist, but a potential hazard is present since maintenance or renovation work would disturb the insulation. They note that renovation of the heating and ventilation system is planned in the near future. At that time, the insulation should be removed in accordance with approved procedures, and personal protective equipment should be used.
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