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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
(1983) British Airways, Kennedy Airport, Jamaica, New York. (Click to open report) The etiology of itching and dermatitis was investigated at the British Airways terminal (SIC-4583), Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York. Request for the investigation was made by several of the 110 employees in response to cases of itching and dermatitis. Airborne dust samples were collected and particles were identified. Temperature and humidity of the ambient air were measured. Employees were questioned about health symptoms, work history, time spent using video display terminals,... (Click to show more)The etiology of itching and dermatitis was investigated at the British Airways terminal (SIC-4583), Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York. Request for the investigation was made by several of the 110 employees in response to cases of itching and dermatitis. Airborne dust samples were collected and particles were identified. Temperature and humidity of the ambient air were measured. Employees were questioned about health symptoms, work history, time spent using video display terminals, and type of clothing worn. Dust samples consisted primarily of aluminum- silicates, iron-silicates, gypsum, plant and paper fragments, and starch grains. Minor components included calcium phosphates, various oxides and carbonates, and crystalline and amorphous silica. All of these are commonly found in soils and wind blown dust. Two samples contained trace amounts of fibrous glass. Some dust samples contained 5 to 15 percent glass pieces. No insects were found. Employees exhibited various skin irritations, but no pattern between symptoms and duties could be found. The authors conclude that there is no substantial exposure to airborne particulates. In dry atmospheres, dust can become electrically charged and cause irritation. It is recommended that video display terminals be vacuumed and the relative humidity be kept above 30 percent.
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(1983) Culley Generating Station, Yankeetown, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 702, an evaluation of possible health hazards was undertaken at the Culley Generating Station of the Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company (SIC-4911), Yankeetown, Indiana. At the time of the study exposures to most airborne contaminants were low. Two samples taken in areas near the boilers were above the NIOSH recommended limit of 1.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for sulfur-dioxide (7446095). The h... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 702, an evaluation of possible health hazards was undertaken at the Culley Generating Station of the Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company (SIC-4911), Yankeetown, Indiana. At the time of the study exposures to most airborne contaminants were low. Two samples taken in areas near the boilers were above the NIOSH recommended limit of 1.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for sulfur-dioxide (7446095). The highest coal dust level for this facility was 1.31mg/m3. The highest fly ash concentration in personal samples was 0.26mg/m3. Medical reports on the 173 employees were reviewed, yielding four cases of pneumoconiosis among men with an average employment period at this facility of 24 years. Three of the four were equipment operators, and the fourth was an electrician with responsibilities over the entire facility. The authors conclude that a hazard existed for some workers exposed to sulfur-dioxide, and that a potential hazard existed due to boiler leaks. The authors recommend that the respiratory protection program be upgraded and that employees be trained in the use and care of respirators. Environmental and medical monitoring of the employees should be increased. A joint labor/management health and safety committee should be established. Leaking seals on coal mills and other equipment should be repaired. All exposed insulation should be wrapped or covered. A heat stress survey should be conducted for those working on the boiler units and operating dozers. Regularly scheduled maintenance operations should be designed for boiler units.
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(1983) D and F Corporation, Warren, Michigan. (Click to open report) Worker complaints of skin rashes and eye irritation were investigated on February 16 and 17, and April 27 and 28, 1983 at D and F Corporation in Warren, Michigan. The evaluation was requested by an employee representative on behalf of 95 production workers concerned about possible hazardous exposures. Personal and area air samples were collected for analysis of wood dust, phenol (108952), formaldehyde (50000), epoxy resins, hardeners, and welding fumes. Medical interviews were conducted with 30 ... (Click to show more)Worker complaints of skin rashes and eye irritation were investigated on February 16 and 17, and April 27 and 28, 1983 at D and F Corporation in Warren, Michigan. The evaluation was requested by an employee representative on behalf of 95 production workers concerned about possible hazardous exposures. Personal and area air samples were collected for analysis of wood dust, phenol (108952), formaldehyde (50000), epoxy resins, hardeners, and welding fumes. Medical interviews were conducted with 30 employees. Total wood dust concentrations ranged from 0.37 to 4.0 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), compared to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists standard of 1mg/m3. Some workers did use respirators. Formaldehyde was detected in trace concentrations up to 0.18 parts per million (ppm), compared to the OSHA standard of 3ppm. Concentrations of all other chemicals were within acceptable exposure limits. Occasional episodes of dermatitis were reported by five of the workers, and isolated complaints occurred for skin and mucous membrane irritation, headaches, and excessive noise. The authors conclude that the workers are exposed to excessive amounts of wood dust. They recommend engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and improved work practices, housekeeping procedures, and personal hygiene habits to reduce the dust exposures.
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(1983) Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of the Denver Museum of Natural History (SIC-8421), Denver, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible employee exposure to DDT (50293) during the cleaning of skeletons for display in the museum. Prior to the mid 1970's, DDT had been used as a disinfectant on animal specimens shipped from Africa. The same disinfectant solution also frequently contained arsenic (7440382). Six bulk samples (dirt, dust, and skeletal scrapings) were collected for anal... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of the Denver Museum of Natural History (SIC-8421), Denver, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible employee exposure to DDT (50293) during the cleaning of skeletons for display in the museum. Prior to the mid 1970's, DDT had been used as a disinfectant on animal specimens shipped from Africa. The same disinfectant solution also frequently contained arsenic (7440382). Six bulk samples (dirt, dust, and skeletal scrapings) were collected for analysis along with three personal and six area air samples. The bulk samples indicated DDT content ranging from 4 to 5500 micrograms/gram. The air samples gave levels ranging from 0.002 to 0.1mg/m3. None of the employees had any medical complaints. The author concludes that no overexposure to DDT was occurring during the cleaning operation. A potential health hazard existed, but overexposure was avoided due to use of personal protective equipment and proper techniques. The author recommends that personal protective clothing be mandatory including coveralls, boots, gloves, head caps, and organic pesticide type respirators. Good personal hygiene practices should be followed. Engineering controls to reduce exposures should be instituted such as a cleaning enclosure/compartment designed to collect waste DDT materials during cleanup of the bones, and the use of vacuum equipment with a high efficiency filter system. Shipping of the DDT contaminated waste materials should be in accordance with the EPA regulations.
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(1983) Diocese of Pueblo, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the building manager, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) in the offices of the Diocese of Pueblo, Chancery Building (SIC-8661), Pueblo, Colorado. Symptoms among the workers included headaches and eye and nose irritation. The problems apparently began when the natural gas furnace was turned on due to cold weather. Heat was supplied by hot water baseboard radiators. A number of air samples were taken from various areas of the th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the building manager, an evaluation was made of worker exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) in the offices of the Diocese of Pueblo, Chancery Building (SIC-8661), Pueblo, Colorado. Symptoms among the workers included headaches and eye and nose irritation. The problems apparently began when the natural gas furnace was turned on due to cold weather. Heat was supplied by hot water baseboard radiators. A number of air samples were taken from various areas of the three story building. Readings were also taken for carbon-dioxide (124389). The highest CO level recorded was 2 to 3 parts per million (ppm), clearly below the OSHA standard of 50ppm. Carbon-dioxide levels were similar to those in outside air. Some of the eye and nose irritation was thought to have occurred because the radiators had not been thoroughly cleaned before being turned on for the winter season. There may have been a blockage of some sort in the chimney when the furnace was started up but which since been burned away; the blockage could have caused a CO buildup during the first few weeks of operation. The author concludes that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the evaluation. The author recommends that the thermostats be checked for proper functioning, that consideration be given to humidification during the heating season, that the chimney and baseboard radiators be checked and cleaned at the start of each heating season, and that if the building is to be made less drafty, provisions should be made for adequate fresh air intake.
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(1983) Drive Train Industries, Inc., Casper, Wyoming. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of the employees at Drive Train Industries, Inc. (SIC-3714), Casper, Wyoming, a possible asbestos (1332214) hazard was investigated at the facility. An evaluation was also made of stoddard-solvent (8052413), welding fumes, iron-oxide (1309371), lead (7439921), crystalline silica (7631869), and noise exposures. This facility was involved in the rebuilding and repairing of various truck parts including brakes, clutches, drivelines, transmissions, and ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of the employees at Drive Train Industries, Inc. (SIC-3714), Casper, Wyoming, a possible asbestos (1332214) hazard was investigated at the facility. An evaluation was also made of stoddard-solvent (8052413), welding fumes, iron-oxide (1309371), lead (7439921), crystalline silica (7631869), and noise exposures. This facility was involved in the rebuilding and repairing of various truck parts including brakes, clutches, drivelines, transmissions, and other mechanical parts. Many of the brakes and clutches as well as parts of other products, were refurbished and relined with some asbestos material. Three personal air samples and three area samples were collected for asbestos which produced values ranging from less than 0.1 to 340mg/m3, with the average value being 64mg/m3. Iron-oxide concentrations at the welding station ranged from 0.2 to 12mg/m3. The average lead concentration was 0.03mg/m3. No silica was detected. One worker was overexposed to noise with an 8 hour average of 94.3 decibels-A. The author concludes that a health hazard does exist from excessive noise exposures and elevated iron- oxide levels. The author recommends that adequate hearing protectors should be provided by the management.
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(1983) Drive Train Industries, Inc., Grand Junction, Colorado. (Click to open report) An industrial hygiene survey was conducted at Drive Train Industries, Incorporated (SIC-3714) in Grand Junction, Colorado on November 30, 1982. The request came from an employee representative to determine if there was a health hazard from asbestos (1332214) exposure during the reconditioning of truck brakes and clutches. Airborne concentrations of asbestos, sodium-hydroxide (1310732), total welding fumes, nickel (7440020), manganese (7439965), copper (7440508), and noise levels were determined.... (Click to show more)An industrial hygiene survey was conducted at Drive Train Industries, Incorporated (SIC-3714) in Grand Junction, Colorado on November 30, 1982. The request came from an employee representative to determine if there was a health hazard from asbestos (1332214) exposure during the reconditioning of truck brakes and clutches. Airborne concentrations of asbestos, sodium-hydroxide (1310732), total welding fumes, nickel (7440020), manganese (7439965), copper (7440508), and noise levels were determined. Of two personal and three area samples taken for asbestos, one was above the NIOSH criteria of 0.10 fibers per cubic centimeter greater than 5 microns in length. Samples of all other chemicals and measures of noise levels were below NIOSH criteria values. An exhaust system was developed to remove the major source of asbestos exposure during the tear down process by adapting a vacuum exhaust hose to the deriveting machine. The system was very effective in exhausting the dust generated by the operation. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed from asbestos exposure to one employee. The exhaust ventilation program should be maintained and continued to further reduce overall asbestos exposures.
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(1983) East Leyden High School, Franklin Park, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of the East Leyden High School (SIC-8211) located in Franklin Park, Illinois, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions in the art department of the school. Particular attention was given to the use of various substances during ceramics, metal casting, and other special class activities. The art department was located in the basement of the school; the rooms were supplied with general ventilation through the central heating and cooling... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of the East Leyden High School (SIC-8211) located in Franklin Park, Illinois, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions in the art department of the school. Particular attention was given to the use of various substances during ceramics, metal casting, and other special class activities. The art department was located in the basement of the school; the rooms were supplied with general ventilation through the central heating and cooling system of the school. Local exhaust ventilation is also provided at individual machines and in the kiln room. The 8 hour time weighted average concentration of respirable crystalline silica (7631869) as quartz (14808607) was 42 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3) in the personal breathing zone air sample and 69microg/m3 in the area air sample. The respirable particulate concentration was 2.8 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) in personal samples and 2.4mg/m3 in area samples. The quartz content of a bulk clay sample was 19 percent. During bisque firing, the total particulate concentration in the area air sample was 0.1mg/m3. Concentrations of carbon-monoxide, sulfur-dioxide, nitrogen-dioxide, hydrochloric-acid or trace metals during ceramic firing were not significant. Analysis of a bulk sample of the lining of the kiln indicated no asbestos was present. The author concludes that no health hazard existed at the school; a potential hazard may exist if exposures are not properly controlled. The author recommends specific changes in procedures to reduced exposures from art processes.
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(1983) Easton Elementary School, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Easton Elementary School (SIC-8211), Morgantown, West Virginia in February 1983. The evaluation was requested by the superintendant of schools of the county on behalf of the pupils and staff of the school on suspicion of an asbestos hazard in an area where damaged pipe insulation was being replaced. Fibers with an aspect ratio of 3:1 or larger and a minimum length of 5 microns were counted using phase contrast micro... (Click to show more)Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Easton Elementary School (SIC-8211), Morgantown, West Virginia in February 1983. The evaluation was requested by the superintendant of schools of the county on behalf of the pupils and staff of the school on suspicion of an asbestos hazard in an area where damaged pipe insulation was being replaced. Fibers with an aspect ratio of 3:1 or larger and a minimum length of 5 microns were counted using phase contrast microscopy. Analysis of bulk and settled dust samples confirmed the presence of chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. The majority of the fibers counted, however, were found to be fiberglass (not asbestos) and had a concentration of less than masks used by two maintenance workers had concentrations of 0.18 and current NIOSH standard for asbestos fibers, 5 microns or longer, is minute period. The author concludes that there was no asbestos health hazard present at the school.
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(1983) Eureka Company, Bloomington, Illinois. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for vanadium (7440622) and asbestos (1332214) at the Eureka Company (SIC-3691), Bloomington, Illinois, in May 1980. Request for the survey was made on behalf of the workers in Area-W because of concern about worker complaints of respiratory problems, sore throats, chronic coughs, skin rashes, nosebleeds, metal taste and green color inside the mouth. All symptoms subsided when away from Area-W. Airborne concentrations of vanadium and asbestos were measured. Pul... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for vanadium (7440622) and asbestos (1332214) at the Eureka Company (SIC-3691), Bloomington, Illinois, in May 1980. Request for the survey was made on behalf of the workers in Area-W because of concern about worker complaints of respiratory problems, sore throats, chronic coughs, skin rashes, nosebleeds, metal taste and green color inside the mouth. All symptoms subsided when away from Area-W. Airborne concentrations of vanadium and asbestos were measured. Pulmonary function tests were performed. Urine samples were analyzed for vanadium. Airborne vanadium concentrations ranged from 0.10 to 0.13 milligrams per cubic meter, which was above NIOSH standards but below OSHA standards. Airborne asbestos ranged from 0.01 to 0.53 fibers per cubic centimeter. One sample was above NIOSH standards but below OSHA standards. Vanadium concentrations in urine were higher in Area-W workers than in workers in other areas, about 21 micrograms per liter compared to about 3 micrograms per liter. Pulmonary function tests were normal. The authors conclude that hazards exist from vanadium dust and asbestos fiber exposures. Improved ventilation is recommended.
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