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
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
(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)
(1984) Hoover Company, North Canton, Ohio. (Click to open report) Worker exposures were investigated in April 1983 at the Hoover Company (SIC-3630), North Canton, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1985. Area and personal air samples for numerous contaminants were collected and nonionizing radiation levels were measured. Respiratory questionnaires and pulmonary function tests were given to 48 foundry workers exposed to aluminum (7429905) dust and fumes, and general medical questionnaires and blood t... (Click to show more)Worker exposures were investigated in April 1983 at the Hoover Company (SIC-3630), North Canton, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1985. Area and personal air samples for numerous contaminants were collected and nonionizing radiation levels were measured. Respiratory questionnaires and pulmonary function tests were given to 48 foundry workers exposed to aluminum (7429905) dust and fumes, and general medical questionnaires and blood tests for methyl-ethyl- ketone (78933) (MEK) were given to 10 exposed workers. Significant exposures were found for asbestos (1332214) in the commutator machining operation area, with concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 1.88 fibers per cubic centimeter (cc); oil mist in the foundry area at 0.28 to 15.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), and perchloroethylene (127184) at the degreaser area at 40.9 to 250mg/m3; OSHA standards are 5 fibers/cc, 15mg/m3, and 679mg/m3, respectively. No respiratory symptoms or pulmonary function disorders were identified in the foundry workers, and MEK was detected in the blood of only one worker at 1.4 micrograms per milliliter. The authors conclude that potential health hazards exist for asbestos, oil mist, and perchloroethylene exposures. They recommend improved ventilation, good personal and workplace hygiene practices, and proper chemical storage.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Insect Rearing Facilities, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for insect particulates at six insect rearing facilities of the Agricultural Research Service (SIC-8922), US Department of Agriculture. The Service requested the evaluation to determine the prevalence and cause of occupational allergies at its facilities. A nationwide survey of 1061 employees at 98 facilities was conducted using mailed self administered questionnaires. There were 753 responses. Twenty five percent of the respondents reported... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for insect particulates at six insect rearing facilities of the Agricultural Research Service (SIC-8922), US Department of Agriculture. The Service requested the evaluation to determine the prevalence and cause of occupational allergies at its facilities. A nationwide survey of 1061 employees at 98 facilities was conducted using mailed self administered questionnaires. There were 753 responses. Twenty five percent of the respondents reported experiencing some type of allergy related to insect exposure. Responses from 61 percent of the facilities reported at least one employee with a work related allergy. Six percent had 10 or more employees with allergy symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms included sneezing or running nose, eye and skin irritation, rash, and cough. Approximately 50 percent of the insect particulates were of a size range capable of depositing in the major airways of the lung. The authors conclude that allergies occupationally related to insect exposure have occurred at most of the facilities. Recommendations include medical surveillance of all workers and the removal of carpeting and other dust retaining items in areas where insects are present.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Intex Plastics, Corinth, Mississippi. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the president of the United Rubber Workers, Local 759, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hatco Plastics Division, currently known as Intex Plastics (SIC-3079), Corinth, Mississippi. The request indicated that several production and maintenance employees at that site had been disabled due to chemical poisoning and related illnesses. A medical survey was begun at the facility in March of 1979. Fifty employees participated by ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the president of the United Rubber Workers, Local 759, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Hatco Plastics Division, currently known as Intex Plastics (SIC-3079), Corinth, Mississippi. The request indicated that several production and maintenance employees at that site had been disabled due to chemical poisoning and related illnesses. A medical survey was begun at the facility in March of 1979. Fifty employees participated by completing a questionnaire. A high prevalence of eye, nose, and throat irritation was found along with shortness of breath, cough, and skin rash among workers assigned to the Calender, Color, and Laminating Departments. Air sampling was performed in several departments. Except for methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933) (MEK), the levels of substances detected were quite low. The department with the highest exposure to airborne contaminants included the Print Service with 36 to 299 parts per million (ppm) MEK, laminating at 74 to 105ppm MEK, printing at 15 to 113ppm MEK, color at 15 to 24ppm MEK, premix at 0.3 to 6.8mg/m3 total dust, and calender at 0.1 to 0.6mg/m3 total dust. Workers in certain departments reported higher levels of some respiratory symptoms, but impaired pulmonary function was not seen in pulmonary function tests. The author concludes that only two departments had high solvent vapor exposures, and plastic fumes and vapors were controlled by existing ventilation. Many of the recommendations made for reducing solvent vapor exposures were implemented.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) James River Power Plant, City Utilities, Springfield, Missouri. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for coal dust, fly ash, silica (14808607), trace metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the James River Power Station (SIC-4911), Springfield, Missouri, in July 1982. The evaluation was requested by the Safety Department of City Utilities due to concern for possible employee exposure to toxic agents. Noise exposure and heat stress were also measured. A respiratory questionnaire, pulmona... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for coal dust, fly ash, silica (14808607), trace metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and carbon-monoxide (630080) at the James River Power Station (SIC-4911), Springfield, Missouri, in July 1982. The evaluation was requested by the Safety Department of City Utilities due to concern for possible employee exposure to toxic agents. Noise exposure and heat stress were also measured. A respiratory questionnaire, pulmonary function tests, and chest X- rays were administered to 70 male production workers at the facility. All concentrations of coal dust, fly ash, silica, trace metals, nitrogen-dioxide, and carbon-monoxide were below their relevant standards. Noise measurements ranged from 77.7 to 99.4 decibels (dBA). The current NIOSH and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard is 85dBA. Heat stress measurements ranged from 67 to 96 degrees-F. The ACGIH standard is 77 to 90 degrees. Three percent of the subjects had chronic bronchitis. Seven subjects had at least one abnormal index of lung function. Chest X-rays showed no evidence of pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that a health hazard from excessive noise levels exists. There are no occupationally related respiratory problems. A potential for heat stress exists in certain areas of the facility. Recommendations include management and employee training in health problems associated with coal fired power facilities.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corporation, Grants, New Mexico. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation at Kerr/McGee Nuclear Corporation's uranium (7440611) mill (SIC-1094) in Grants, New Mexico was conducted in November, 1982. Evaluation was requested because of union concern about exposure and possible nephrotoxic effects of yellowcake, a concentrate of natural uranium, produced at the mill. Personnel records, company environmental and personal monitoring, and urine uranium bioassay data were reviewed. A total of 269 of 1127 urine samples exceeded the Nuclear Regulato... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation at Kerr/McGee Nuclear Corporation's uranium (7440611) mill (SIC-1094) in Grants, New Mexico was conducted in November, 1982. Evaluation was requested because of union concern about exposure and possible nephrotoxic effects of yellowcake, a concentrate of natural uranium, produced at the mill. Personnel records, company environmental and personal monitoring, and urine uranium bioassay data were reviewed. A total of 269 of 1127 urine samples exceeded the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) lower action concentration of 15 micrograms per liter (microg/l) for uranium, and 104 samples exceeded the NRC upper action concentration of 30microg/l. Workers in the yellowcake drier and precipitation areas of the mill had mean urine uranium concentrations of 15 to 30microg/l. Duration of exposure to yellowcake was 1.5 to 7 years. The authors conclude that 23.9 percent of the urine uranium samples exceed the NRC lower action limit and 9.3 percent exceed the upper limit. Further medical evaluation at the facility is not warranted as the longest exposure to yellowcake was only 7 years. They recommend that Kerr/McGee use the NRC guidelines for assessing exposure. Emission sources in the drier and precipitation area should be identified and engineering controls installed to reduce the exposure.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Ladish Malting Company, Jefferson Junction, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Brewers and Maltsters, Local Union 53, an evaluation was undertaken of possible health hazards causing symptoms of respiratory irritation, fatigue, and neurological problems among employees in the quality control laboratory at the Ladish Malting Company (SIC-2084), Jefferson Junction, Wisconsin. The company malted barley for use in beer. Of the 41 employees known to have worked in the laboratory since 1970, 25 completed a questionnaire. Questionnaires were also ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Brewers and Maltsters, Local Union 53, an evaluation was undertaken of possible health hazards causing symptoms of respiratory irritation, fatigue, and neurological problems among employees in the quality control laboratory at the Ladish Malting Company (SIC-2084), Jefferson Junction, Wisconsin. The company malted barley for use in beer. Of the 41 employees known to have worked in the laboratory since 1970, 25 completed a questionnaire. Questionnaires were also completed by 29 (81%) of the current employees working in other areas of the facility. No detectable levels were found of sulfur-dioxide (7446095), sulfuric- acid (7664939), selenium (7782492), or 2,4-dinitrophenol (573568). Trace levels of mercury (7439976) were detected in four samples during a short, infrequently conducted, process. Low levels of total dust were detected in four samples, averaging 0.22mg/m3. The authors conclude that no occupationally related health problem was identified among these employees. The authors offer recommendations which related to laboratory operations and operations elsewhere in the facility.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Mainstreet Enterprises, Lebanon, Indiana. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for total dust at Mainstreet Enterprises (SIC-3273, SIC-3241, SIC-8331), Lebanon, Indiana in January to February, 1984. The survey was part of a field evaluation of a disposable respirator. Twenty two pairs of breathing zone samples were obtained. One sample of each pair was collected from inside the respirator and was used to calculate the dust concentration (Ci) inside the respirator. The other sample was collected outside the respirator and the outside dus... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for total dust at Mainstreet Enterprises (SIC-3273, SIC-3241, SIC-8331), Lebanon, Indiana in January to February, 1984. The survey was part of a field evaluation of a disposable respirator. Twenty two pairs of breathing zone samples were obtained. One sample of each pair was collected from inside the respirator and was used to calculate the dust concentration (Ci) inside the respirator. The other sample was collected outside the respirator and the outside dust concentration (Co) was calculated. Workplace protection factors (WPF), and the ratio of Co to Ci were calculated. Area air samples were obtained to determine the particle size distribution. In the breathing zone samples, Co ranged from 2.6 to 101.6 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Ci ranged from 0.2 to 10.7mg/m3. The OSHA standard for total dust is 15mg/m3. The WPF averaged 17.9. The NIOSH assigned WPF for this type of respirator is 5.0. The aerodynamic mass median particle diameters ranged from 6.0 to 26.2 micrometers. The author concludes that workers at the facility are overexposed to total dust. This disposable respirator is effective in reducing exposure. Recommendations include improving engineering controls (ventilation) and work practices to reduce dust exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Manville Corporation, Corona, California. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to silane (7803625), phenol (108952), ammonia (7664417), and formaldehyde (50000) were investigated in July 1981 and March, May, and December, 1982 at Manville Corporation (SIC- 3296), Corona, California. The evaluation was requested by the Glass Bottle Blowers Association, Local 192, on behalf of about 150 fibrous glass production workers concerned about respiratory symptoms of coughing and wheezing. Air samples were analyzed for the four substances of interest, as well as for ... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to silane (7803625), phenol (108952), ammonia (7664417), and formaldehyde (50000) were investigated in July 1981 and March, May, and December, 1982 at Manville Corporation (SIC- 3296), Corona, California. The evaluation was requested by the Glass Bottle Blowers Association, Local 192, on behalf of about 150 fibrous glass production workers concerned about respiratory symptoms of coughing and wheezing. Air samples were analyzed for the four substances of interest, as well as for total and respirable dust. Bulk insulation samples were tested for asbestos (1332214). Respiratory symptom questionnaires were completed by 71 workers. Concentrations of phenol, fibrous glass, ammonia, and total and respirable dust were either below detection limits or of no hygienic significance. Formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 0.55 parts per million (ppm); the OSHA limit is 3ppm. Insulation material contained 40 to 50 percent chrysotile (12001295) asbestos, and one sample contained 5 to 10 percent crocidolite (12001284) asbestos. The workers reported frequent respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, acute cough and phlegm, chest colds, and lower respiratory illnesses. The authors conclude that a potential hazard exists from exposure to low airborne concentrations of formaldehyde; there is an increased incidence of upper and lower respiratory symptoms. They recommend the use of respirators and protective equipment, and periodic respiratory testing.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
