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HHE Search Results
1058 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) Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Elizabeth Industrial Park Site, Elizabeth, New Jersey. (Click for full summary) Worker exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), organic vapors, and heavy metals during proposed construction activities were examined at the Elizabeth Industrial Park Site (SIC-1623) in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The area was previously used as a PCB contaminated landfill. The survey was conducted between September, 13 and October 6, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on behalf of an unspecified number of construction workers. Personal and area ... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), organic vapors, and heavy metals during proposed construction activities were examined at the Elizabeth Industrial Park Site (SIC-1623) in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The area was previously used as a PCB contaminated landfill. The survey was conducted between September, 13 and October 6, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on behalf of an unspecified number of construction workers. Personal and area air samples, along with wipe samples from work boots, were collected during excavation and piping of a test trench in the most contaminated part of the site. No PCBs were detected in any of the samples, using a detection limit of 0.05 micrograms per sample. Exposures to benzene (71432), toluene (108883), and xylene (1330207) were well below the appropriate OSHA standards, and no heavy metals were found in the air samples. More than 55 percent of the airborne dust particles were of respirable size, between 1 and 10 microns. The authors conclude that construction workers at this site would not be exposed to PCBs or other hazardous chemicals under conditions similar to those used in this test. They recommend the use of protective boots and gloves, and personal air sampling for PCBs and volatile organics for workers employed in relatively non ventilated areas. Respiratory protection is not necessary for workers employed in an open, well ventilated areas.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-82-284-1456.
(1984) Roper Eastern Products, Baltimore, Maryland. (Click to open report) Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for ammonia (7664417), organic solvents, acid and base solutions, and carbon-monoxide (630080) at Roper Eastern Products (SIC-3317), Baltimore, Maryland, in October and November 1982. The survey was requested by Local 75- A of the United Furniture Workers of America due to concern of reports of symptoms such as skin rash, hair loss, dizziness, and nausea among the employees. Thirty one production workers were given medical questionnaires and intervie... (Click to show more)Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for ammonia (7664417), organic solvents, acid and base solutions, and carbon-monoxide (630080) at Roper Eastern Products (SIC-3317), Baltimore, Maryland, in October and November 1982. The survey was requested by Local 75- A of the United Furniture Workers of America due to concern of reports of symptoms such as skin rash, hair loss, dizziness, and nausea among the employees. Thirty one production workers were given medical questionnaires and interviewed. Ammonia was not detected. All organic solvents and acid and base solution concentrations were below the relevant standards. Carbon-monoxide concentrations in the cardboard box assembly and packing line were 25 to 50 parts per million (ppm). The OSHA standard for carbon- monoxide is 50ppm. Seventeen workers reported at least four of seven possible respiratory symptoms, and three of six possible, neurologic symptoms. The respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with dust and fume exposure. The authors conclude that workers may be overexposed to carbon-monoxide. The reported symptoms are consistent with the known effects of substances used in processes in the facility. Recommendations include curtailing the use of internal combustion engines in the box assembly and packing line and replacement of dilution ventilation by fresh air recirculating systems.
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(1984) Rubbermaid Incorporated, Wooster, Ohio. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total chromium (7440473), and respirable dust at Rubbermaid, Incorporated (SIC-3079), Wooster, Ohio in June, 1984. The survey was requested by the company management to evaluate cadmium exposures for workers handling pigments in the injection molding department. The study was a followup to an earlier NIOSH survey, at which time the company had started reformulating pigments to reduce their cadmium content. Lead and total... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), total chromium (7440473), and respirable dust at Rubbermaid, Incorporated (SIC-3079), Wooster, Ohio in June, 1984. The survey was requested by the company management to evaluate cadmium exposures for workers handling pigments in the injection molding department. The study was a followup to an earlier NIOSH survey, at which time the company had started reformulating pigments to reduce their cadmium content. Lead and total chromium concentrations were below the limits of detection. Cadmium concentrations ranged from below the detection limit to 0.02 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3). The NIOSH recommended standard for cadmium is 0.04mg/m3. Respirable dust concentrations were less than 0.11mg/m3. The OSHA standard for respirable dust is 5mg/m3. The author concludes that a health hazard due to cadmium exposure in the injection department does not exist. He recommends keeping cadmium containing pigments in closed containers and prohibiting storage, handling, and consumption of food in cadmium work areas.
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(1984) Seamless Hospital Products Company, Fayette, Alabama. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to solvents, plastic fumes and dust, and ethylene- oxide (75218) (EO), and consequent risks of cancer and miscarriages, were surveyed on November 9 and 10, 1983 at the Seamless Hospital Products Company plastics facility (SIC-5086) in Fayette, Alabama. The evaluation was requested by the United Rubber Workers International Union on behalf of 371 female production workers. Personal and area air samples were collected for total and respirable dust, nitrosamines, and EO. Available ... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to solvents, plastic fumes and dust, and ethylene- oxide (75218) (EO), and consequent risks of cancer and miscarriages, were surveyed on November 9 and 10, 1983 at the Seamless Hospital Products Company plastics facility (SIC-5086) in Fayette, Alabama. The evaluation was requested by the United Rubber Workers International Union on behalf of 371 female production workers. Personal and area air samples were collected for total and respirable dust, nitrosamines, and EO. Available death certificates were reviewed, workers were questioned about possible health problems, and female employees completed a pregnancy questionnaire. Total and respirable dust concentrations were well below the respective OSHA limits of 15 and 5 milligrams per cubic meter. Measurable concentrations of benzene (71432) and EO were found. Both chemicals are suspected carcinogens and NIOSH recommends that exposures be kept as low as possible. Nitrosamines were not detected. Combined solvent vapor exposures did not exceed the threshold limit value index of 1. No pattern of work related health problems was reported by the workers, and incidences of cancer and miscarriages were not increased. The authors conclude that no increased risk of cancer or miscarriages due to work exposures exists at this company. They recommend increased ventilation, improved solvent dispensers, and further reduction of EO exposures.
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(1984) Siemens Components, Incorporated, Broomfield, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), isopropanol (67630), methanol (67561), total particulates, and aluminum-oxide (1344281) at Siemens Components, Incorporated (SIC-3674), Broomfield, Colorado in June and July, 1983. Noise and radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposures were also measured. The survey was requested by management to evaluate 54 workers who were accidentally exposed to solvent vapors in April, 1983. The exposed workers and 36 compa... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), isopropanol (67630), methanol (67561), total particulates, and aluminum-oxide (1344281) at Siemens Components, Incorporated (SIC-3674), Broomfield, Colorado in June and July, 1983. Noise and radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposures were also measured. The survey was requested by management to evaluate 54 workers who were accidentally exposed to solvent vapors in April, 1983. The exposed workers and 36 comparisons were interviewed and given pulmonary function tests. Solvent, particulate, and aluminum-oxide concentrations were below all relevant standards. No exposure to RF radiation was detected. Two of 5 workers were exposed to noise levels of 85 decibels (dB). The OSHA and NIOSH standards for noise exposure are 90 and 85dB, respectively. The pulmonary function tests showed no significant correlation with work exposure. Seventeen of the subjects had work related health complaints. Twelve of these were attributed to solvent or dust exposures. Other complaints included headache, nausea, and numbness. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard exists due to noise exposure. They recommend periodic hearing tests for those overexposed to noise and periodic blood tests for workers exposed to solvents.
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(1984) Southwest Power Station, City Utilities, Springfield, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Safety Department of City Utilities to evaluate employee exposures to coal and other dusts and fumes at the Southwest Power Facility (SIC-4911), Springfield, Missouri a visit was made to this site. All personal coal dust, fly ash, crystalline silica (14808607), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), nitric-oxide (10102439), and sulfuric-acid (7664939) samples were below the lowest current criterion level. Four of eight personal sulfur-dioxide (7446095) samples exceeded th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Safety Department of City Utilities to evaluate employee exposures to coal and other dusts and fumes at the Southwest Power Facility (SIC-4911), Springfield, Missouri a visit was made to this site. All personal coal dust, fly ash, crystalline silica (14808607), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), nitric-oxide (10102439), and sulfuric-acid (7664939) samples were below the lowest current criterion level. Four of eight personal sulfur-dioxide (7446095) samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended criterion of 1.3mg/m3). Medical evaluation resulted in the identification of three workers with chronic bronchitis each of whom smoked cigarettes, eight workers with pulmonary function test abnormalities indicating obstructive airways disease, and two workers with features of restrictive lung disease. One chest X-ray was consistent with pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed for employees exposed to sulfur-dioxide and noise. A potential hazard also existed for employee exposure to heat stress in certain locations in the facility. The authors recommend improvements in the respiratory protection program, use of personal protective equipment, and initiation of an employee training program and environmental monitoring by management.
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(1984) Stanley Aviation Corporation, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), and grinding dust at Stanley Aviation Corporation (SIC-3471), Denver, Colorado, in May, 1984. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) sound level measurements were also made. The evaluation was requested by the company management to evaluate occupational exposures to noise, grinding dust, and lead. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. All air samples taken for lead, chromium, and dust an... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), and grinding dust at Stanley Aviation Corporation (SIC-3471), Denver, Colorado, in May, 1984. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) sound level measurements were also made. The evaluation was requested by the company management to evaluate occupational exposures to noise, grinding dust, and lead. An unspecified number of employees were interviewed. All air samples taken for lead, chromium, and dust analysis were below the relevant standards. TWA noise level values were 85 to 93.6 A-weighted decibels (dBA). The OSHA standard for 8 hour TWA noise exposure is 90dBA. The employees did not indicate any health problems. All employees were wearing adequate hearing protective devices and were given annual audiometric examinations. The author concludes that a health hazard due to excessive noise exists at the facility. He recommends that workers remove themselves from the vicinity of the milling and grinding machines when they are not operating them. A variety of hearing protective devices, including ear muffs and plugs, should be provided so that the workers will be more inclined to wear them.
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(1984) The Dotson Company, Mankato, Minnesota. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for acrolein (107028), dimethylethylamine (124403), ammonia (7664417), formaldehyde (50000), furfuryl-alcohol (98000), hexamethylenetetramine (100970), and methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI) at Dotson Company foundry (SIC-3321, 3565), Mankato, Minnesota, in February and March 1983. The evaluation was requested by the employees due to reported symptoms of headache, dyspnea, eye and nose irritation, nausea, and blurred vision. Inter... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for acrolein (107028), dimethylethylamine (124403), ammonia (7664417), formaldehyde (50000), furfuryl-alcohol (98000), hexamethylenetetramine (100970), and methylene-bisphenyl-isocyanate (101688) (MDI) at Dotson Company foundry (SIC-3321, 3565), Mankato, Minnesota, in February and March 1983. The evaluation was requested by the employees due to reported symptoms of headache, dyspnea, eye and nose irritation, nausea, and blurred vision. Interviews were conducted with eight active and five laid off employees. The medical records of all employees, a total of 21, were consulted. Airborne concentrations of acrolein, furfuryl-alcohol, ammonia, hexamethylenetetramine, and MDI were below the detection limits. Dimethylethylamine concentrations were below recommended standards. Formaldehyde concentrations were 0.3 to 0.9 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for formaldehyde is 3.7mg/m3. The most frequently reported symptoms included eye irritation, blurred vision, cough, dry throat, nausea, and dizziness. The authors conclude that employee exposure to detectable concentrations of formaldehyde has occurred. Four of 21 employees had X-ray evidence of silicosis. Recommendations include use of control devices to reduce formaldehyde exposures and further studies to evaluate silica (14808607) exposure.
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(1984) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lackawanna Refuse Site, Old Forge, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an investigation was made at the Lackawanna Refuse Site (SIC- 1794), Old Forge, Pennsylvania, of possible employee exposure to industrial and hazardous waste disposed of at this site. On site analyses were performed on debris, and 12 personal air samples and 82 fixed location samples were taken. During the study the air speed was generally less than 6 miles per hour and the temperature averaged 19.3 degrees-C. Only one sampl... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an investigation was made at the Lackawanna Refuse Site (SIC- 1794), Old Forge, Pennsylvania, of possible employee exposure to industrial and hazardous waste disposed of at this site. On site analyses were performed on debris, and 12 personal air samples and 82 fixed location samples were taken. During the study the air speed was generally less than 6 miles per hour and the temperature averaged 19.3 degrees-C. Only one sample contained a detectable level of organic vapor, toluene (108883) at 9.5 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Aluminum (7429905), calcium (7440702), iron (7439896), magnesium (7439954), sodium (7440235), phosphorus (7723140), and zinc (7440666) were detected in 17 area and two personal samples. Chloride and sulfate anions were detected at geometric mean concentrations of 10.5 and 16.5microg/m3 in ten samples. Phenols, cresols, and xylenols were not detected. Less than 40 percent of the airborne dust particles were respirable. As no airborne contaminant was noted in concentration of significance, the author concludes that this hazard does not exist at this site. However, heat stress induced by protective clothing was not controlled in accordance with federal regulations and was deemed to be a health threat to workers. The author recommends measures to be taken to prevent heat stress.
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(1984) U.S. Forest Service, Redding, California. (Click to open report) Breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) along Parks Creek Road in Shasta Trinity National Forest, Redding, California in July, 1984. The survey was requested by the staff engineer for the United States Department of Agriculture to determine whether Forest Service personnel were exposed to asbestos fibers when they traveled along Parks Creek Road. The road was resurfaced (SIC-1610) in 1983 with a serpentine aggregate material. Bulk quarry samples analyzed at the time of resurf... (Click to show more)Breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) along Parks Creek Road in Shasta Trinity National Forest, Redding, California in July, 1984. The survey was requested by the staff engineer for the United States Department of Agriculture to determine whether Forest Service personnel were exposed to asbestos fibers when they traveled along Parks Creek Road. The road was resurfaced (SIC-1610) in 1983 with a serpentine aggregate material. Bulk quarry samples analyzed at the time of resurfacing contained 1 to 10 percent chrysotile-asbestos (12001295). Two of six current samples contained asbestos at concentrations of 0.17 and 0.18 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc), length greater than 5 micrometers (microm). The OSHA standard for asbestos fibers greater than 5microm in length is 10f/cc. The author notes that the measurements were made under worst case conditions, being made in the morning when no other vehicles were on the road except a watering truck. In view of the fact that chrysotile was found in the bulk quarry samples, he concludes that there is a potential health hazard for workers who drive along the road. Recommendations include periodic air monitoring and driving along the road with windows rolled up.
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