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HHE Search Results
471 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
(2005) Immigration and Naturalization Service, National Firearms Unit, Altoona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled fo... (Click to show more)On March 17, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) National Firearms Unit (NFU) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The request resulted in several site visits over the course of more than 2 years to conduct lead and noise exposure assessments during training and qualification rounds at the facility. During these surveys, NIOSH investigators sampled for lead and noise and found excessive levels of both. An inadequate ventilation system and certain design characteristics of the range were found to be contributing factors to the lead exposure. Recommendations were made for ventilation and design improvements, and for noise exposure reduction. Over several site visits conducted at the facility, NIOSH investigators concluded that health hazards existed at the times of the evaluations. The facility has since taken several steps to mitigate these hazards, including implementing of many of the recommendations proposed by the NIOSH investigators. Recommendations in the final interim letter have not yet been implemented due to lack of funding. However, NFU management has expressed a desire to continue working with NIOSH investigators before implementing any new controls should funding become available. The contents of this document present no new information; rather, it is a compilation of the letters and reports already sent individually to INS NFU management over the course of the investigation.
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(2005) Indian River Memorial Hospital, Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health, Vero Beach, Florida. (Click to open report) On April 26 and 27, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the Indian River Memorial Hospital's Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health (CEBH). This visit was conducted as part of a health hazard evaluation requested by Teamsters Local Union 769 on behalf of its members who work at CEBH. This was the second request for an evaluation since February 2004. The first request concerned respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including asthma... (Click to show more)On April 26 and 27, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a site visit at the Indian River Memorial Hospital's Center for Emotional and Behavioral Health (CEBH). This visit was conducted as part of a health hazard evaluation requested by Teamsters Local Union 769 on behalf of its members who work at CEBH. This was the second request for an evaluation since February 2004. The first request concerned respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including asthma, that workers felt could be related to possible mold contamination in the ventilation system, ceilings, walls, and rugs due to roof leaks. In April 2004, NIOSH provided management with written recommendations and best practice guidelines for addressing and preventing indoor environmental quality problems due to water incursion (See Appendix). Teamsters Local Union 769 made a second request for a NIOSH evaluation of CEBH in March 2005 due to continued worker reports of building-related respiratory symptoms and asthma, and concerns that areas of potential mold contamination in the building had not been adequately addressed. While the roof was replaced in the spring of 2004, two hurricanes during the summer of 2004 led to additional water incursion into the building. The April 2005 site visit by NIOSH staff involved all sections of the building and included several offices, staff lounges, patient rooms, patient lounges, the gymnasium, and the cafeteria. A Q-trak indoor air quality monitor (TSI, Inc., Shoreview, MN) was used to measure temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels at several locations. The ceiling plenum space (i.e. area above the ceiling tiles) was examined at several locations in hallways, offices, lounges, and the cafeteria. The ceilings in patient rooms did not have removable ceiling tiles. The walkthrough also included the roof deck, where the inside of two heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units (one original to the building, one a newer unit) was examined, as well as the exterior of the building and grounds. Overall the CEBH facility appeared to be clean and well maintained. Carbon dioxide concentration and temperature measurements throughout the facility were within the limits recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). At several locations, relative humidity exceeded the upper limit of 60% recommended by ASHRAE. NIOSH staff did not detect any odors that might indicate water-damaged materials and/or mold growth. In the areas of the building that NIOSH staff inspected, there was no visible evidence of moisture-damaged building materials or mold growth. However, no wall finishes were removed as part of this evaluation and no invasive examinations of wall cavities were performed. Limited inspection of the ventilation ducts revealed a lining material that appeared to be breaking down. This may be responsible for the dirty appearance of ventilation supply diffusers and returns that workers have reported in the past. The CEBH building has a history of water incursion from roof leaks over many months in 2003 and 2004 as well as through hall windows and the ventilation system attributed to damage from hurricanes in the summer of 2004. During and after this time period, workers reported experiencing eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and the onset of asthma (or exacerbation of preexisting asthma). An inspection of the facility by NIOSH staff found the building to be predominantly clean and well maintained. Issues identified that should be addressed in order to minimize potential effects on health include: (1) deteriorating ventilation duct lining, and (2) moisture-damaged walls that have been painted and/or covered with another material such as fiberglass reinforced panels. CEBH management should follow the recommendations in this report in order to address these and other issues that could impact indoor air quality and potentially lead to health effects in workers.
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(2005) Liberty Central School District, Liberty, New York. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received Health Hazard Evaluation requests for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in Liberty, New York. The request from the Liberty Faculty Association for the Elementary School listed teacher health concerns including allergy, sinus problems, asthma, respiratory problems, rashes, numbness, and headaches. The exposure concern was "poor air quality" with mold and paint odors listed as specific concerns. The request for the M... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received Health Hazard Evaluation requests for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in Liberty, New York. The request from the Liberty Faculty Association for the Elementary School listed teacher health concerns including allergy, sinus problems, asthma, respiratory problems, rashes, numbness, and headaches. The exposure concern was "poor air quality" with mold and paint odors listed as specific concerns. The request for the Middle and High Schools was submitted by the Superintendent of Liberty Central School District upon learning about the Elementary School request. Health concerns listed for the Middle and High Schools were respiratory or allergic reactions to possible mold exposure. The exposure concerns were mold and indoor moisture. We conducted walkthroughs of each school using our semi-quantitative assessment sheet, a worksheet for a standardized observational assessment of occupied rooms. We modified our existing worksheet to allow us to record values from moisture meter measurements of building components and real-time measurements of room temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. The semiquantitative assessment approach allowed us to document areas of water damage, humidity, or other problems in each school as a means to provide a focus for recommendations made to the school administration. We also compared our observational findings to the equipment measurements and found that at least for some rooms, higher observational scores did relate to elevated temperature or relative humidity. Water damage and possible mold was found in each school, although the Middle School had more visible water damage than the Elementary or High Schools. Some window caulking had failed in the Middle and High Schools, allowing water to enter the classrooms through the window. There was an on-going water infiltration problem in the Middle School library and some classrooms, as evidenced by the containers on the windowsills used to capture rainwater. We found two areas of visible mold in the Middle School: on a mural in the lobby and in a stairwell near exit 6 (next to the cafeteria). We recommended removal of the mural and cleaning of the stairwell using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidance for mold remediation. The Elementary School has no mechanical ventilation in the main portions of the building. The windows are the only means of ventilation. The modular units had unit ventilators. Teachers report that they open windows during the winter due to the heat and odors in the classrooms. Teachers also report that diesel exhaust enters the classrooms on the side of the building where buses load and unload the students. Some water stains and possible mold were found in the third floor hallway. Steam pipe leaks were reported to have occurred in several areas of the building. The modular units, especially the corridor, had odors while we were there. The corridor outside the restrooms smelled of urine. Frozen pipes under the modular units have burst according to teachers, leading to water incursion in the building. The High School had stained ceiling tiles in many classrooms, condensation on many of the curtain wall windows, and some leaky windows. Some of the Plexiglas storm windows were failing as the plastic holding the Plexiglas in place was becoming brittle and breaking on some windows. At least one room had Plexiglas that was hanging from the window. The library had rusty, and possibly moldy, window blinds. The rust appeared to be caused by the blinds sitting in water or staying wet for long periods. We noticed other blinds in various rooms with rust and possible mold, although not to the extent of the library's blinds. During our walkthroughs, we spoke to teachers in the Elementary and Middle schools who reported migraines, watery eyes, sore throats, and cough that they attributed to being in their school. Damp buildings have been associated with risk of nose and throat symptoms, cough, wheeze, asthma symptoms in sensitized persons, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis for building occupants. Some evidence suggests that exposures in damp indoor environments are associated with shortness of breath and development of asthma. We documented dampness in all schools of the Liberty Central School District with the Middle School having both water leaks and visible mold. The finding of dampness in the school buildings calls for action by the school administration to correct the water incursion and to remediate the impacted building materials or furnishings. Employees experiencing health symptoms that they feel are related to the building should seek the care of a physician and should report their concerns to the school administration. Implementing the EPA program, "Tools for Schools", is recommended as a means to protect and maintain indoor environmental quality. Teachers in Liberty Central School District reported health conditions that they attributed to the school. NIOSH conducted a walkthrough of the three schools in the Liberty Central School District. We found evidence of water leaks and dampness in all schools with the Middle School having both active leaks and visible mold. The finding of dampness in the Liberty Schools calls for action by the school administration. Employees with health concerns related to the building should seek the care of a physician and should report their concerns to the school administration.
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(2005) OmniSource Corporation, Lima, Ohio. (Click to open report) On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Sa... (Click to show more)On September 8, 2003, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Corporate Director of Safety of the OmniSource Corporation (OmniSource) to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at that company's scrap metal (scrap) recycling facility in Lima, Ohio. The request asked NIOSH investigators to assist OmniSource management representatives in determining the need for installing showers for employees whose lead exposures exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Workers identified as having elevated exposures to lead were those who use oxygen/propane torches to cut bulk scrap into smaller pieces using hand-held oxygen/propane torches. NIOSH investigators conducted site visits to the scrap recycling facility on October 14, 2003, and from April 19-22, 2004. During the initial site visit, a NIOSH industrial hygienist and a medical officer spoke with OmniSource management and labor representatives; they also toured the facility and witnessed the torch cutting and scrap processing. During the second site visit, the NIOSH investigators collected full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples and surface samples from workers' hands and solid surfaces. NIOSH investigators sampled during torch cutting operations to detect the presence of lead and other heavy metals. Ten of the 27 PBZ air samples exceeded the OSHA 8-hour PEL for lead; four samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for cadmium; three samples exceeded the NIOSH 10-hour Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for nickel; and three samples exceeded the OSHA PEL for copper. NIOSH wipe samples detected lead and other heavy metals on workers' hands, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other surfaces. A NIOSH interim report (September 3, 2004) provided OmniSource representatives with a preliminary summary of sample results and recommendations to control exposures. OmniSource employees were exposed to lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, and arsenic above the OSHA PEL and/or NIOSH REL while torch cutting scrap metal. Recommendations include adhering to substance-specific OSHA standards for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, including the requirement for employee showers and other hygiene practices. Other recommendations address the use of local exhaust ventilation during torch cutting operations and the need for PBZ air monitoring for welding gases.
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(2005) Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Montpelier, Vermont. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request in 1998 from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to evaluate worker exposures to lead-contaminated dust and the dispersion of dust to surroundings associated with exterior paint removal and surface preparation. The VHCB arranged a demonstration project that included three paint removal/surface preparation methods performed by a Vermont licensed lead abatement contractor. The objective was to determ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request in 1998 from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to evaluate worker exposures to lead-contaminated dust and the dispersion of dust to surroundings associated with exterior paint removal and surface preparation. The VHCB arranged a demonstration project that included three paint removal/surface preparation methods performed by a Vermont licensed lead abatement contractor. The objective was to determine which method produced the least amount of dust exposure and dispersion. A NIOSH site visit was made in August 1998; the sampling results were provided to the VHCB in 1999. During the demonstration project workers removed exterior lead-based paint from clapboard siding of a single- family wood-frame house using three methods: dry scraping with manual sanding, wet scraping with manual sanding, and dry scraping with power sanding. NIOSH investigators conducted task-based sampling during four trials per method. Trials took place on different sections of the painted siding. Samples collected during each were for personal breathing zone (PBZ) and area airborne lead (PbA) (both NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods [NMAM] Method 7105), lead in paint, and lead in the dispersed surface dust (PbS). PbS samples were collected using stationary dustfall collectors, each containing a clean unfolded pre-moistened hand wipe (Wash n' Dri) centered in the tray. Eight PbS samples were collected in two rows on the ground at zero, 6, 10, and 20 feet perpendicular to the siding. The mean lead concentration measured in painted surfaces was 18.7% (range for section means 4.8%- 27%). The highest PBZ PbA exposures were measured during dry scraping/power sanding with an improperly functioning (80%-blocked) HEPA vacuum dust collection system: 820 and 1600 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) as task-based time-weighted averages (TWA) over 1-2 hours. PBZ PbA concentrations during dry scraping/manual sanding were lower, ranging from 29 to 160 microg/m3, and dry scraping/power sanding with a properly functioning HEPA vacuum system and wet scraping/manual sanding produced the lowest PBZ PbA results, ranging from 3.5 to 53 microg/m3, task-based TWA. The area PbA results at 10 ft from the work surfaces were low, ranging from 0.16 to 8.2 microg/m3. For all three methods, mean concentrations of PbS measured on the ground at zero ft and 6 ft from the house foundation ranged from 1300 to 7,600,000 microg/f2. After statistically controlling for distance, method, paint Pb concentration and the percent paint removed from substrate in a linear model, distance was significantly associated with PbS (p-value= < 0.0001). NIOSH investigators found that worker exposures to lead during dry scraping/power sanding without functional dust collection controls were a health hazard. Worker exposures during wet scraping/manual sanding were relatively low, but could be a health hazard if the activity is performed 8 hours or more. After paint removal, high concentrations of lead in settled dust were found at distances of zero to 10 ft from the work surfaces. Recommendations included (1) use effective engineering controls on power sanding equipment to limit lead dust exposure and dust dispersion to surroundings; (2) use respirators to reduce worker exposure to lead dust during dry scraping and power sanding until engineering and/or administrative controls are effective in reducing exposures below the OSHA PEL; and (3) use good hygiene practices.
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(2005) West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. (Click to open report) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Health and Safety Manager at West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Morgantown, West Virginia, to conduct an indoor air quality investigation in the Student Health Services employee office area. Employees had expressed concerns about the air quality including the possibility that exposure to photographic chemicals leaking into the office space from the area above might have ... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Health and Safety Manager at West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Morgantown, West Virginia, to conduct an indoor air quality investigation in the Student Health Services employee office area. Employees had expressed concerns about the air quality including the possibility that exposure to photographic chemicals leaking into the office space from the area above might have caused health effects experienced by employees. Primary health concerns were asthma and other respiratory health problems. The NIOSH response consisted of numerous phone interviews with the requester to gather information, two site visits, and review of material safety data sheets and other information. During the first site visit on September 22, 2004, the industrial hygienist visually inspected the premises and interviewed the Health and Safety Manager. Evidence of previous water incursion in several offices and in one of the clinical exam rooms was observed. Prior to the NIOSH site visit the facilities management staff had investigated the drainage system and identified a downspout that directed storm water to the basement wall. The drainage was corrected and no further water incursion was reported. Other evidence of water incursion was subsurface lifting of the floors which had lead to substantial unevenness of the floors in the hallway and two offices. This was attributed to water incursion below the building that had caused swelling of the natural shale deposits. The second site visit was conducted on November 18, 2004, and included a similar visual inspection of the interior spaces along with the heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems. The second visit also included real-time monitoring of temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the Student Health Service employee office area where respiratory problems have been reported and in the clinic area where there have been no complaints. Investigation of the two HVAC systems that service the Student Health Service revealed that no outside air was being introduced into the ventilation system. There was indication of continued leaks from the mammography film developer located on the floor above one of the offices. Results of the real-time monitoring found that carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded recommended levels in the employee office area when the building was occupied. NIOSH conducted two site visits to the West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Student Health Services area in Morgantown, West Virginia, to address management concerns about the quality of the indoor air and health effects the employees were experiencing. Areas of previous or ongoing water incursion were found although no mold was observed. Measurements indicated that the office area had elevated levels of carbon dioxide and that changes to the ventilation system were necessary to ensure that adequate fresh air was provided to the occupants.
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(2004) Alameda County Public Authority for In-Home Support Services, Alameda, California. (Click to open report) On January 19, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Alameda County Public Authority (PA) for In-Home Supportive Services and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 616 to evaluate working conditions and make recommendations regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and other safety and health problems among the approximately 10,000 publicly funded homecare workers (HCWs) in Alameda County, California who a... (Click to show more)On January 19, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the Alameda County Public Authority (PA) for In-Home Supportive Services and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 616 to evaluate working conditions and make recommendations regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and other safety and health problems among the approximately 10,000 publicly funded homecare workers (HCWs) in Alameda County, California who are represented by SEIU. Alameda County, like all of the California In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) HCW, uses a consumer directed model in which the recipient of the home care services recruits, hires, trains, directs, and fires their own workers. Because of the unique nature of a consumer directed service model, the PA and SEIU asked NIOSH to evaluate the health and safety issues of HCWs in Alameda County. The evaluation utilized multilingual HCW focus groups, key informant interviews, analysis of injury data and an in-home site visit. Findings indicated that housekeeping tasks were as physically demanding to workers as client lifting and transfer tasks, that workers largely did not have adequate tools and equipment to complete their required tasks, and that most consumers' homes were not equipped and/or configured to allow for efficient delivery of needed services. The evaluation also found that most HCWs had little or no formal training on how to safely perform home care tasks prior to beginning work and few opportunities existed for in-service training during employment. Interviews with individuals and groups involved with homecare in the Alameda County area, consumers, consumer groups, and IHSS social workers indicated that there were additional problems with the consumer-client relationship, such as the lack of a clear understanding of whose responsibility it was to provide for the safety and health of the HCW, and lack of a clear definition of what a HCW was required to do for their consumer. In general, it was found that there was poor communication between consumers and HCWs, and inadequate means for resolving disputes that arose. Recommendations were made for the establishment of a comprehensive safety and health program that could be overseen by a union and management joint committee. NIOSH investigators conclude that the current program for delivering consumer-directed home care services in Alameda County could lead to health and safety problems for homecare workers. Lack of training, inadequate resources, and poor communication between consumers and caregivers contributes to health risks. Recommendations to improve safety and health for home care workers are contained in this report.
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(2004) Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, Missoula, Montana. (Click to open report) In March 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance (HETA 2001-0209) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding dermatitis among employees at Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation ("Smurfit"), a paper-production plant in Missoula, Montana. During an OSHA inspection at the plant, the OSHA inspector learned that over 60 employees had experienced a "skin ailment" over the previous two years. A NIOSH ... (Click to show more)In March 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for technical assistance (HETA 2001-0209) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding dermatitis among employees at Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation ("Smurfit"), a paper-production plant in Missoula, Montana. During an OSHA inspection at the plant, the OSHA inspector learned that over 60 employees had experienced a "skin ailment" over the previous two years. A NIOSH site visit was conducted in April 2001 to assist OSHA in determining the role of occupational exposures in the skin diseases. At that time, 14 of 25 employees interviewed and examined had rashes; at least nine of these appeared consistent with occupational contact dermatitis. HETA 2001-0209 was closed with a letter to OSHA (Appendix A) on July 11, 2001, concluding that there was evidence of work-related dermatitis among Smurfit workers. On June 13, 2001, NIOSH received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers Local 8-0885 to further evaluate specific exposures at the Smurfit paper mill to determine the source of the dermatitis. To assess workers' exposures, bulk samples of pulp, paper, and white-water were collected from various locations throughout the paper manufacturing process. Samples were analyzed for various chemicals (biocide and naturally occurring compounds), metals, and biological organisms (mold/fungi and bacteria) that could possibly account for the rash. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographics, skin problems, job tasks, work history, and the work environment for all employees. Workers who indicated they had a rash on the day they completed the questionnaire and agreed to have their skin examined were examined by the NIOSH dermatologist. Three hundred fifty-four out of four hundred seven employees (89%) completed the questionnaire. Forty-three workers fit the case definition of having a chronic rash (i.e., having a high recurrence or continual rash). Forty workers fit the case definition of having work-related current rashes which were clinically consistent with either dermatitis and/or folliculitis. The questionnaire and skin examinations did not reveal a single type of skin problem but rather a variety of problems. Analysis of the questionnaire data showed a weak but statistically significant association between chronic rash and not always laundering work clothes (prevalence ratio 2.0 [confidence interval1.1-3.8]) and washing hands more than four times per day (prevalence ratio 1.9 [confidence interval1.1-3.2]). Most areas of the plant had workers with chronic rash, which was not associated with any specific area of the plant. There was a statistically significant association of a previous history of eczema and chronic rash (prevalence ratio 4.4 [confidence interval 2.5 to 7.9]) although the number of workers with previous eczema was relatively small. Chemical and metal analysis of the bulk materials did not identify any single compound in any substantial amount which we suspect would account for the reported dermal ailments. Mostly, trace amounts of typical biocide by-products and natural occurring compounds (e.g., pinene and resin acids) were found. Metals found in the pulp, paper, and white-water samples were found in the source water in similar concentrations and not of concern regarding skin problems. Results of the microbial analyses were unremarkable except in one sample, which contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa a secondary infectious agent of the skin. Coliforms, however, were present in some samples which indicate that pathogens (some are associated with skin ailments) may be present in the pulp even though they were not found in the NIOSH evaluation. In addition, during the initial site visit, a potential heat stress problem was identified in the rewinder area which could lead to excessive sweating and ultimately cause skin damage. Also, glass fibers were found in two bulk samples collected from the same area which is associated with dermatitis. A health hazard was identified at the Smurfit pulp and paper plant in Missoula, Montana. Approximately 11% of the workers had dermatitis or folliculitis. A single definitive etiologic agent was not identified. However, exposure to pulp, white-water, and/or finished paper alone or in combination with resin acids, dust, biocides, glass fibers, and heat may play a role in the skin problems. Based on the information gathered during multiple site visits, we recommend decreasing workers= exposures to the pulp and white-water. Controls such as elimination of potential sources of pathogens, administrative changes, and personal protective equipment are recommended.
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(2003) ChemDesign Corporation, Fitchburg, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) On December 13, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for Technical Assistance (TA) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP). OHSP asked NIOSH to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at ChemDesign Corporation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to investigate a cluster of eight occupational asthma cases which had been reported to OHSP. The chemicals associated with the cases were identifi... (Click to show more)On December 13, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for Technical Assistance (TA) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP). OHSP asked NIOSH to conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at ChemDesign Corporation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to investigate a cluster of eight occupational asthma cases which had been reported to OHSP. The chemicals associated with the cases were identified as AMT (3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole) and DE-498 (Flumetsulam). AMT was raw material used in the production of DE-498 and AMT-based product two (AMTBP2). In response to the request, NIOSH investigators, accompanied by an OHSP industrial hygienist, conducted an initial site visit to ChemDesign on February 1-3, 2000. The NIOSH industrial hygienist returned on June 5-9 to conduct air sampling at four routine operations where employees could be exposed to AMT or DE-498: (1) charging AMT powder into a reactor vessel, (2) discharging DE-498 "wet cake" from a centrifuge, (3) charging DE-498 into the dryer, and (4) discharging DE-498 from the dryer. On July 6-7, the NIOSH Project Officer and medical team visited ChemDesign to recruit workers for participation in a medical survey. On June 12-16, the team conducted a medical evaluation of volunteer production workers. The onsite medical evaluation consisted of a questionnaire interview, lung function testing, and a blood sample collection. A methacholine challenge test was administered at Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. In August 2000, NIOSH obtained copies of company medical records for the workers who signed a medical records release form. Environmental monitoring found quantifiable concentrations of AMT or DE-498 in personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples during tasks where these materials were manually added to, or discharged from the closed system in Building 16. The greatest potential for exposure to these materials existed during these specific tasks. Although use of respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment (PPE) appeared to provide substantial protection, reports of upper respiratory symptoms by several employees with occupational asthma (OA) indicate that PPE may not provide adequate protection for these individuals. Visible airborne dust during AMT and dryer charges, indicates a need for improved engineering controls (local exhaust ventilation) to reduce the potential for worker exposures. AMT and DE-498 in area air samples collected at the boundaries of restricted areas established during reactor and dryer charging, ranged from below the limit of detection to barely quantifiable levels. Changes in work practices, PPE, and engineering controls during the various production campaigns preclude assessment of the nature and extent of previous exposures to AMT and DE-498. A total of 41 employees and four former employees participated in the medical survey; the participation rate was 41% in production workers with a potential for AMT exposure. The medical survey identified 12 cases of physician-diagnosed asthma that were diagnosed after the cases started working at ChemDesign. In 11 of these, the onset corresponded with periods when AMT was used in the company. The physician's diagnosis of OA was mostly made on the basis of the presence of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity (NSBH), work-related respiratory symptoms, and in some cases work-related serial peak flow changes. The NSBH occurred after a latency period; allergy to common allergens was not a risk factor for the development of OA in these cases. Laboratory studies were undertaken to assess whether the respiratory symptoms observed in ChemDesign workers could be due to an allergic response to AMT and DE-498. Studies done on human blood of employees exposed to AMT were not able to clearly demonstrate that AMT or DE-498 exposures were associated with an allergic response to those agents. However, animal studies clearly show that AMT, but not DE-498, is capable of causing an allergic response. The results from the animal studies support the original complaints that AMT caused occupational asthma. However, the possible role of DE-498 cannot be excluded from negative animal studies. A large percentage of employees reported respiratory symptoms that started during 1998, when two new campaigns using AMT were started in ChemDesign. However, apart from AMT, other agents were reported as causing or making the respiratory symptoms worse. Chronic lung function effects were also found. A high percentage of the participants (18%) had mild airflow obstruction according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria. The cross-sectional analysis of the lung function measurements done by NIOSH showed significant decrease in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and in the ratio of FEV1 and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC: this pattern is suggestive of airway obstruction. The data analysis of company yearly lung function data confirmed that the study participants had a higher mean decline in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC with age, than would be expected from the reference equations. In summary, the results of the medical and laboratory investigation provide evidence that the incidence of OA was associated with exposure to AMT. There was an association between AMT exposure and asthma onset, NSBH associated with AMT exposure improved after withdrawal from AMT exposure, and AMT was found to be a sensitizer in animal studies. The findings show that ChemDesign employees are exposed to agents that can lead to occupational asthma and steeper decline in lung function with age than would be expected. Respiratory symptoms and lung function monitoring currently done at ChemDesign provide an opportunity to utilize the data for the protection of employees' respiratory health. Active workers' participation in the respiratory health protection program should be encouraged. Investigators examined changes in yearly thyroid hormone (T4) measurements in relation to working on the AMT campaigns. The possibility that AMT was associated with the decrease in thyroid hormone production could not be ruled out because of insufficient data. The investigation provides strong evidence that AMT (3-Amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole) was the causal agent responsible for the cluster of occupational asthma that occurred in ChemDesign. AMT has a potential for causing allergic response in experimental animals. Environmental monitoring found quantifiable concentrations of AMT in personal breathing zone air samples collected during routine production. Study participants had a high frequency of work-related respiratory symptoms whose onset corresponded with the use of AMT. The group of study participants had decreased mean pulmonary function values suggestive of airflow obstruction, identified from cross-sectional and longitudinal data. The findings of this study show that ChemDesign employees are exposed to chemical agents that can lead to occupational asthma and to COPD. Therefore effective exposure controls and a pulmonary function monitoring program need to be implemented and maintained to prevent further occurrence of respiratory disease in the employees.
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(2003) Sunset Strip Furniture Stripping, Huntington Beach, California. (Click to open report) On September 4, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from a management official at Sunset Strip Furniture Stripping Company, Huntington Beach, California. The request concerned worker exposures to lead and other metals that may result from stripping and refinishing furniture. A site visit at Sunset Strip Furniture Stripping Company was conducted on September 4-5, 2002. This survey was conducted to evalu... (Click to show more)On September 4, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from a management official at Sunset Strip Furniture Stripping Company, Huntington Beach, California. The request concerned worker exposures to lead and other metals that may result from stripping and refinishing furniture. A site visit at Sunset Strip Furniture Stripping Company was conducted on September 4-5, 2002. This survey was conducted to evaluate worker exposures in the furniture stripping shop for lead and other elements during typical shop operations. Wood dust was also evaluated during this HHE because operations in the shop included sanding on hard woods. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples were collected on both workers in the shop for lead and other elements (i.e., silver, aluminum, arsenic, beryllium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, platinum, selenium, tellurium, thallium, titanium, vanadium, yttrium, zinc, and zirconium) and total dust during stripping, rinsing, sanding, and refinishing operations throughout the 2-day sampling period. In addition, area air samples for elements (including lead) and inhalable dust were collected at two locations near sanding operations. Qualitative wipe samples for lead and bulk samples for elements were also collected. All air samples (both area and PBZ samples) for lead and other elements indicated concentrations well below applicable occupational exposure criteria. Bulk samples of dust material in the shop and stripping solution from the paint stripping operation indicated the presence of lead and other elements. Therefore, care should be taken to improve hygiene practices within the shop to reduce the possibility of ingestion or secondary exposures during cleaning activities. PBZ wood dust air samples indicated exposures exceeding the NIOSH REL (1 milligram per cubic meter [mg/m3]) for soft or hard wood) and ACGIH TLV (1 mg/m3 for hard wood). The adverse health effects that have been associated with exposure to wood dust upon which evaluation criteria are based include dermatitis, allergic respiratory effects, mucosal and nonallergenic respiratory effects, and cancer. Engineering controls should be used to reduce worker exposures to wood dust. Personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e., respirators) are designed to protect workers from airborne exposures while engineering controls are being implemented or when engineering controls are not feasible or effective in reducing air contaminants to acceptable levels. Recommendations for controls, respirators, and hygiene practices (shop cleaning and personal hygiene) are provided.
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