If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
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
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Gadsden, Alabama. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for organic solvent vapors, and total and respirable dust at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (SIC-3011), Gadsden, Alabama, in August, 1983. The survey was requested by a union local due to a severe skin rash occurring among workers exposed to chemicals used in manufacturing tires, tubes, flaps, and bladders. Total airborne dust concentrations were 0.5 to 21.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) in the banbury and milling areas and 0.16 to 1.... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for organic solvent vapors, and total and respirable dust at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (SIC-3011), Gadsden, Alabama, in August, 1983. The survey was requested by a union local due to a severe skin rash occurring among workers exposed to chemicals used in manufacturing tires, tubes, flaps, and bladders. Total airborne dust concentrations were 0.5 to 21.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) in the banbury and milling areas and 0.16 to 1.8mg/m3 in the pigment blending areas. Respirable dust concentrations were 0.07 to and 5mg/m3, respectively. Twenty two organic solvents were detected; however, their concentrations were negligible. The authors note that some of the chemicals used in high volume at the facility, 2- mercaptobenzothiazole (149304), tetramethyl-thiuramidisulfide (137268), 1,3-diphenylguanidine (102067), and hexamethylenetetramine (100970) are known to cause dermatitis in sensitized persons. They suggest that skin contact with these chemicals could result from contact with airborne dust. The potential for exposure to organic vapors is low. Recommendations include expanding the training and education of workers on the effects of chemicals, good personal hygiene practices, and reduction and monitoring of dust exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant, Port Gibson, Mississippi. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable free silica (7631869) at Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Facility (SIC-1721), Port Gibson, Mississippi, in February, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the local union after painters complained of chest pain, dizziness, and nausea while spray painting in areas without adequate ventilation. Medical interviews were conducted and work practices were observed. Respirable dusts containing 60 percent silica had concentrations of 8.2 mil... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable free silica (7631869) at Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Facility (SIC-1721), Port Gibson, Mississippi, in February, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the local union after painters complained of chest pain, dizziness, and nausea while spray painting in areas without adequate ventilation. Medical interviews were conducted and work practices were observed. Respirable dusts containing 60 percent silica had concentrations of 8.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for such dusts is although symptoms such as nasal, throat, and eye irritation, and dermatitis were frequently reported. In a followup survey, the effectiveness of a water spray system to reduce silica dust exposure and the resistance of rubber gloves worn by painters to penetration by methylene-dianiline (101779) when applying epoxy resin surfaces were evaluated. Dust concentrations were still 1.6 to 42.5 times the OSHA standard. Significant methylene-dianiline concentrations were found inside the gloves. The authors conclude that a health hazard from silica containing dusts exists. The gloves worn by painters were unsuitable for applying preparations containing methylene- dianiline. Recommendations include using respiratory protection and cotton inner gloves inside the outer gloves.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Grundy Industries, Incorporated, Joliet, Illinois. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Grundy Industries, Incorporated (SIC-2952), Joliet, Illinois in October and December, 1983, and February, 1984. The survey was requested by the owner and manager to evaluate employee exposures to asbestos during manufacture of a roofing compound. During the October, 1983 survey, an equipment breakdown at the asphalt mixing tank occurred. Breathing zone samples taken prior to or during the breakdown had asbestos conc... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Grundy Industries, Incorporated (SIC-2952), Joliet, Illinois in October and December, 1983, and February, 1984. The survey was requested by the owner and manager to evaluate employee exposures to asbestos during manufacture of a roofing compound. During the October, 1983 survey, an equipment breakdown at the asphalt mixing tank occurred. Breathing zone samples taken prior to or during the breakdown had asbestos concentrations of 0.21 to 2.2 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Breathing zone samples after repairs were completed were 0.25 to 1.0f/cc. An environmental sample contained 0.6f/cc. The OSHA standard for asbestos is 2.0f/cc. Samples from the December, 1983 survey were invalidated due to contamination of the filters. Breathing zone and environmental samples obtained in February, 1984 contained 0.16 to that a health hazard exists, since all samples exceeded the NIOSH recommendation of lowest feasible exposure. The higher concentrations observed in October, 1983 were probably due to the equipment breakdown. Recommendations include replacing asbestos with a less toxic substance if possible, using engineering control methods to control asbestos exposure, and establishing an effective respirator program.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Henry R. Hinckley and Company, Southwest Harbor, Maine. (Click to open report) Area and personal air samples were analyzed for styrene (100425), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve (110805), cellosolve-acetate (111159), and wood dust at Hinckley and Company (SIC-3732), Southwest Harbor, Maine in May, 1983. The survey was requested to evaluate possible health hazards from exposure to materials used in constructing fiberglass reinforced plastic boats. Noise level measurements were also made. The measured concentrations of styrene, acetone, toluene... (Click to show more)Area and personal air samples were analyzed for styrene (100425), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve (110805), cellosolve-acetate (111159), and wood dust at Hinckley and Company (SIC-3732), Southwest Harbor, Maine in May, 1983. The survey was requested to evaluate possible health hazards from exposure to materials used in constructing fiberglass reinforced plastic boats. Noise level measurements were also made. The measured concentrations of styrene, acetone, toluene, xylene, cellosolve, and cellosolve-acetate were 18 to 258, 6 to 147, 590 to 692, 192 to 200, 1.2 to 5.7, and 1.9 to 14.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. These concentrations were below their respective OSHA standards. Three styrene and the cellosolve and cellosolve-acetate samples exceed the NIOSH criteria. Wood dust concentrations were 0.7 to 16.2mg/m3. The OSHA standard for wood dusts is 15mg/m3. Noise exposures ranged from 76.1 to 89.1 A- weighted decibels (dBA). The OSHA noise standard is 90dBA. The authors conclude that there is a health hazard due to overexposure from wood dusts, styrene, and combined solvents, styrene plus acetone and toluene plus xylene. There is a potential hazard due to cellosolve, cellosolve-acetate, and noise exposure. Recommendations include installing local exhaust ventilation and using respiratory and hearing protective equipment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
