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HHE Search Results
1067 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) 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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1984) Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Francisco, California. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) during electrical repair field operations (SIC-4911) in San Francisco, California were surveyed from September, 1980 to February, 1982. The evaluation was requested by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Francisco, on behalf of about 5000 service personnel involved in the inspection and maintenance of electrical devices. Personal and area air samples, bulk dust samples, and skin and work surface wipe samples were collected for PCB analysi... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) during electrical repair field operations (SIC-4911) in San Francisco, California were surveyed from September, 1980 to February, 1982. The evaluation was requested by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Francisco, on behalf of about 5000 service personnel involved in the inspection and maintenance of electrical devices. Personal and area air samples, bulk dust samples, and skin and work surface wipe samples were collected for PCB analysis. Fifteen workers completed medical questionnaires and gave blood samples for serum PCB determination. The only significant exposures to PCB occurred during depot/receiving yard activities where PCB vapor or dust concentrations reached 200,000 micrograms. All personal, area and wipe samples were below the 0.05 microgram limit of detection. Eleven workers had serum PCB values greater than 30 parts per billion. No chloracne, liver abnormalities, or neurological disorders were found. The authors conclude that a PCB hazard may exist for depot/receiving yard workers. They recommend the use of respiratory protection, periodic exposure monitoring, preplacement medical evaluations and periodic examinations, improved workplace sanitation, worker education and training about the handling of PCBs and attention to the potentials for and problems associated with exposures to PCB contaminants.
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(1984) Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy, Inc., Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. (Click for full summary) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for proprietary solvents and styrene (100425) at the Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy, Incorporated (SIC-8249), Edensburg, Pennsylvania in June, 1984. Bulk samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) and arsenic (7440382). The survey was requested by the President of the Institute to evaluate exposure of the students and instructors to paint solvents and fibrous glass resins. The ventilation system was inspected and work practices were observed. All perso... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for proprietary solvents and styrene (100425) at the Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy, Incorporated (SIC-8249), Edensburg, Pennsylvania in June, 1984. Bulk samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) and arsenic (7440382). The survey was requested by the President of the Institute to evaluate exposure of the students and instructors to paint solvents and fibrous glass resins. The ventilation system was inspected and work practices were observed. All personal air samples were below the evaluation criteria. Asbestos was not found in any bulk samples, but a small amount of arsenic, 20 parts per million, was found in a dry preservative. The spray paint booths had adequate airflows when exterior doors and windows were kept open. Improper work practices such as eating and drinking in the laboratory, not always directing the spray paint into booths, and getting solvents on hands were observed. The authors conclude that students and instructors at the Institute are not being overexposed to paint solvents and styrene. They recommend improving work practices, not eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas, and using protective gloves, aprons, and goggles.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-84-322-1502.
(1984) Perry Nuclear Power Plant, Perry, Ohio. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for iron (7439896), zinc (7440666), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), and chromium (7440473) fumes, quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and respirable particulates during construction of the Perry Nuclear Power facility, Perry, Ohio in August, 1984. The survey was requested by Local 210 of the Pipefitters Union to evaluate exposure of airborne contaminants to construction workers (SIC-1541) at the facility. Quartz exposures ranged from below 24 to 67 ... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for iron (7439896), zinc (7440666), lead (7439921), nickel (7440020), and chromium (7440473) fumes, quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), and respirable particulates during construction of the Perry Nuclear Power facility, Perry, Ohio in August, 1984. The survey was requested by Local 210 of the Pipefitters Union to evaluate exposure of airborne contaminants to construction workers (SIC-1541) at the facility. Quartz exposures ranged from below 24 to 67 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). The NIOSH recommended standard for quartz is 50microg/m3. Cristobalite concentrations were below the analytical limit of detection. All metal fume and respirable particulates were well below the relevant standards. The author notes that NIOSH conducted two previous surveys at the site and the concentrations of all contaminants have decreased since work has progressed at the facility. The quartz overexposure is due to residual construction dust. Each contractor should assume responsibility for the health and safety of his employees. Break areas should be vacuumed daily. Good housekeeping practices should be maintained in all areas to prevent exposure to quartz dust.
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