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) 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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) U.S. Steel, Lorain-Cuyahoga Works, Lorain, Ohio. (Click to open report) Workplace exposures and worker pulmonary function were investigated in May, 1980, November, 1980, July, 1981, and May, 1982 at US Steel (SIC-3310), Lorain, Ohio. Evaluation was requested by the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1044. Personal breathing zone samples were collected for silica (14808607), lead (7439921), manganese (7439965), trivalent chromium (16065831), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide (1309371), coal-tar-pitch (8007452) volatiles, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (P... (Click to show more)Workplace exposures and worker pulmonary function were investigated in May, 1980, November, 1980, July, 1981, and May, 1982 at US Steel (SIC-3310), Lorain, Ohio. Evaluation was requested by the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1044. Personal breathing zone samples were collected for silica (14808607), lead (7439921), manganese (7439965), trivalent chromium (16065831), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide (1309371), coal-tar-pitch (8007452) volatiles, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Medical records were reviewed, and blood lead values, chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests were examined. Questionnaires were distributed and spirometric testing was conducted. Several breathing zone samples exceeded respective OSHA limits of 280, 50, 5000, and 200 micrograms per cubic meter for silica, lead, calcium-oxide, and coal-tar-pitch volatiles. PAH compounds identified included benzo(a)pyrene (50328), chrysene (218019), pyrene (129000), benz(a)anthracene (56553), and fluoranthrene (206440). Blood lead concentrations were not significantly increased; one chest X-ray indicated pneumoconiosis, and another indicated asbestos (1332214) exposure. Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and reduced forced expiratory volume/FVC ratios were found in 14 and 20 percent, respectively, of 119 workers tested. These measures were not correlated with exposure to silica. The authors conclude that a respiratory hazard from silica dust exists. Recommendations are provided for additional environmental monitoring.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Union Carbide Grafito, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for sulfur- dioxide (7446095 (SO2), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA), and benzene soluble coal-tar-pitch (8007452) volatiles at Union Carbide Grafito (SIC-3624), Yabucoa, Puerto Rico in July and October, 1981. The evaluation was requested by the president of the union local because of concern for worker exposure to air contaminants and complaints of skin and respiratory irritation. Health questionnaires were completed by 97 exposed wo... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for sulfur- dioxide (7446095 (SO2), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA), and benzene soluble coal-tar-pitch (8007452) volatiles at Union Carbide Grafito (SIC-3624), Yabucoa, Puerto Rico in July and October, 1981. The evaluation was requested by the president of the union local because of concern for worker exposure to air contaminants and complaints of skin and respiratory irritation. Health questionnaires were completed by 97 exposed workers and 36 less or non-exposed office workers. None of the SO2 samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 5 parts per million (ppm); however, 44 percent of the samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended criterion of 0.5ppm. Dust samples were below the OSHA standard. Forty five percent of the coal-tar-pitch volatile samples exceeded the OSHA standard of quantities of PNA. There is no current standard for PNA. Exposed workers had significantly increased incidences of eye irritation, dermatitis, back pain, and exertional dyspnea. There was evidence of phototoxic dermatitis in 14 workers. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from exposure to SO2. Some workers are also exposed to PNA for which no safe concentration has been established. Improvements in exhaust ventilation and work practices are recommended.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) Weatherwax Golf Course, Middletown, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the City Health Department of Middletown, Ohio, an investigation was begun into an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in workers at the Weatherwax Golf Course (SIC-7992). Workers had experienced an outbreak of acute respiratory illness following the unloading of a truck filled with wood chips. Five employees experienced fever, chills, weakness, cough, chest tightness, and headaches, while six employees were not ill. Chips in the front of the truck may have been s... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the City Health Department of Middletown, Ohio, an investigation was begun into an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in workers at the Weatherwax Golf Course (SIC-7992). Workers had experienced an outbreak of acute respiratory illness following the unloading of a truck filled with wood chips. Five employees experienced fever, chills, weakness, cough, chest tightness, and headaches, while six employees were not ill. Chips in the front of the truck may have been stored there for about a year. The fungi growing from the wood chips included species of Thermoactinomyces, Aspergillus, Mucor and Candida. Workers who were ill had worked unloading the front part of the truck. Symptoms began to appear approximately 13 hours after the work had been performed. The affected workers were well within 3 days. No diagnostically meaningful serological responses were identified. The authors conclude that the outbreak may have been pulmonary mycotoxicosis brought on by a toxic reaction to the inhalation of large amounts of fungi. Several recommendations were made to avoid this problem in the future.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1984) West Virginia Air National Guard, 167th Tactical Airlift Group, Martinsburg, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable and nuisance dust in the offices of the Finance Section of the Tactical Airlift Group of the West Virginia National Guard (SIC-9190), Martinsburg, West Virginia, in April, 1983. The dust found throughout the offices constituted a potential health hazard. The mean concentrations of respirable and nuisance dust were 0.26 and 0.30 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. The OSHA standards for respirable and nuisance dus... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable and nuisance dust in the offices of the Finance Section of the Tactical Airlift Group of the West Virginia National Guard (SIC-9190), Martinsburg, West Virginia, in April, 1983. The dust found throughout the offices constituted a potential health hazard. The mean concentrations of respirable and nuisance dust were 0.26 and 0.30 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. The OSHA standards for respirable and nuisance dust are 5 and 15mg/m3, respectively. Environmental dust samples contained fiberglass, cellulose fibers, and woody cells. The fiberglass originated from the thermal insulation in the ventilation ducts of the air conditioning system. The woody cells and cellulose fibers came from a card punch machine in the finance office. The author concludes that there are no health hazards in the offices of the finance section. Recommendations include removing the fiberglass lining in the ducts, providing an efficient air filter for the nuisance particulates, and supplying outdoor air to the existing system to improve indoor air quality.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Anchor Hocking Glass Company, Roofing Site, Lancaster, Ohio. (Click to open report) Hazardous exposures during removal of an old coal-tar pitch roof were investigated on December 9 and 10, 1981 at Anchor Hocking Glass Company (SIC-1761) in Lancaster, Ohio. Evaluation was requested by United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied workers for an unspecified number of workers. Sixteen personal area air samples were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene solubles. Bulk samples were also analyzed. Workers were questioned about medical symptoms. Bulk tear off... (Click to show more)Hazardous exposures during removal of an old coal-tar pitch roof were investigated on December 9 and 10, 1981 at Anchor Hocking Glass Company (SIC-1761) in Lancaster, Ohio. Evaluation was requested by United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied workers for an unspecified number of workers. Sixteen personal area air samples were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene solubles. Bulk samples were also analyzed. Workers were questioned about medical symptoms. Bulk tear off dust contained 7 percent cyclohexane solubles per milligram. Various polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and trace amounts of quartz (14808607) and asbestos (1332214) were identified. Exposures to the benzene soluble fraction and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in dust ranged from cubic meter. Exposures to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in hot asphalt ranged from 0.2 to 6.3 micrograms per cubic meter. The NIOSH standard for exposure to coal-tar products is 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter; and for asphalt fumes, 5.0 milligrams per cubic meter. Symptoms included dermal erythemia, photosensitivity, and conjunctivitis. The author concludes that hazardous coal-tar pitch dust exists, and a potential asbestos hazard is present. He recommends improved hygiene practices and use of safety equipment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Artworkspace, New York, New York. (Click to open report) A health hazard survey of Artworkspace (SIC-8999), New York, New York, was conducted in October, 1982, and January and February, 1983. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the artists because of concern over potential hazards from art supplies in use. Advice on the proper means of disposal of any hazardous materials was also requested. Area sampling was done for linalyl- acetate (115957), a major oil paint ingredient. Some of the artists complained about the odor of the paint. Twe... (Click to show more)A health hazard survey of Artworkspace (SIC-8999), New York, New York, was conducted in October, 1982, and January and February, 1983. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the artists because of concern over potential hazards from art supplies in use. Advice on the proper means of disposal of any hazardous materials was also requested. Area sampling was done for linalyl- acetate (115957), a major oil paint ingredient. Some of the artists complained about the odor of the paint. Twelve persons were interviewed. Linalyl-acetate samples were not analyzed since the artist using it had left the establishment. A slight dermatitis was attributed to dryness. The authors conclude that exposure to excessive concentrations of hazardous materials is not likely. Recommendations include the use of protective creams and gloves, proper storage of volatile solvents, and maintaining ready access to the rear fire door.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Baltimore County Police Department, Towson, Maryland. (Click to open report) An examination of employee health records was conducted in areas of the Baltimore County Police Department Crime Laboratory (SIC-9221) in Baltimore, Maryland in September and November of 1980. The request was received from a representative of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on behalf of about seven employees of the crime laboratory. There were seven cancer related deaths among crime laboratory personnel between 1968 to 1981 (age range from 26 to 61 years). Three deaths occur... (Click to show more)An examination of employee health records was conducted in areas of the Baltimore County Police Department Crime Laboratory (SIC-9221) in Baltimore, Maryland in September and November of 1980. The request was received from a representative of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on behalf of about seven employees of the crime laboratory. There were seven cancer related deaths among crime laboratory personnel between 1968 to 1981 (age range from 26 to 61 years). Three deaths occurred in persons under 40. Personal breathing zone air samples were taken during a fingerprint dusting operation to determine carbon-black (124389) concentrations. Analysis of the fingerprint powders showed that they contained fluoranthene (206440), pyrene (129000), and other polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Breathing zone samples were well within recommended standards for carbon-black containing polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. The authors conclude that while there is a statistically significant excess of large intestine cancer among police officers in general, there was a nonsignificant excess of respiratory cancers in these crime laboratory workers. There is a potential health hazard in the use of fingerprint powders that contain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. A laboratory hood or respirator should be used when doing fingerprint dusting.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Boeing Vertol Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to epoxy resins, curing agents, and other chemicals were investigated in April, June, July, and September, 1982, and May 1983 at Boeing Vertol Company (SIC-3728) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by Local 1069, United Auto Workers, on behalf of about 4600 workers concerned about skin problems and a potential cancer risk. Air samples were collected for dust, methylenedianiline (101779) (MDA), ethylenediamine (107153) (EDA), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to epoxy resins, curing agents, and other chemicals were investigated in April, June, July, and September, 1982, and May 1983 at Boeing Vertol Company (SIC-3728) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by Local 1069, United Auto Workers, on behalf of about 4600 workers concerned about skin problems and a potential cancer risk. Air samples were collected for dust, methylenedianiline (101779) (MDA), ethylenediamine (107153) (EDA), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101) (MBK), toluene (108883), cyclohexanone (108941), and butyl-glycidyl-ether (2426086) (BGE). Medical interviews were conducted with 20 exposed and 20 unexposed workers, and skin examinations were completed. A proportional mortality ratio study for cancer was also completed for workers who died between 1968 and 1980. Concentrations of BGE, dust, MBK, and toluene were below respective OSHA standards of 270, 15, 410, and 750 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). No EDA or cyclohexanone was detected. MDA concentrations ranged up to Hygienists Threshold Limit Value of 0.8mg/m3. Twice as many exposed as unexposed workers reported skin problems such as redness, itching, and cracking. The problems were reportedly exacerbated by hot weather and continued use of epoxy materials. An excess rate of cancer of the bladder was identified for workers exposed to epoxy resins and amine hardeners. The authors conclude that exposures to epoxy resins and amine hardeners present a health risk for skin problems. MDA is a suspected carcinogen and may be responsible for the high incidence of bladder cancer. The authors recommend improved ventilation, use of protective clothing and equipment, and further evaluation of the MDA cancer association.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Boeing Vertol Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Boeing Vertol Company (SIC-3721), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a study was made of possible hazardous conditions causing symptoms of depression, anxiety and crying episodes, nausea, eye strain and headache reported among workers in the Purchase Parts Stores (PPS) and Packaging areas. High pressure sodium vapor (HPSV) lights were used in these areas. Storage boxes used in the PPS area had been dipped in 99.9 percent pure molten sulfur (7704349) for fire retardatio... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Boeing Vertol Company (SIC-3721), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a study was made of possible hazardous conditions causing symptoms of depression, anxiety and crying episodes, nausea, eye strain and headache reported among workers in the Purchase Parts Stores (PPS) and Packaging areas. High pressure sodium vapor (HPSV) lights were used in these areas. Storage boxes used in the PPS area had been dipped in 99.9 percent pure molten sulfur (7704349) for fire retardation and stiffening. Air samples were taken from this area and sulfate exposures ranged from 10 to 14 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) of air. No sulfite concentrations were detectable. Sulfur-dioxide (7446095) concentrations ranged from 7 to 10microg/m3. A study of the work environment in the packaging area indicated that there were certain spots which lacked sufficient illumination. There was also a significant amount of glare from the video display terminal screens which was annoying to workers. Eye fatigue and loss of smell were more prevalent in the PPS than in Packaging; illumination levels were lower and sulfur boxes were used in the PPS, while illumination levels were higher and sulfur boxes were not used in Packaging. The authors conclude that no serious adverse health effects were noted; eye symptoms and minor color vision abnormalities may have been related to HPSV lights and use of sulfur boxes. The authors recommend that this type of box be avoided in the future, and that attention be given to lighting in the packaging area. Adjustments were also suggested for the video screens to minimize glare.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
