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HHE Search Results
282 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
(1995) A K Steel Coke Works, Ashland, Kentucky. (Click to open report) In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at A K Steel Coke Works (SIC- 3312), Ashland, Kentucky. Employees were concerned about exposure to contaminants during collection and blending of coal-tar sludge with coal. The facility employed 400 workers and produced about 1,000,000 tons of coke annually at full capacity. A questionnaire was administered and measurements were taken of 1-hydroxypyrene (5315797) (1-HP), as an indicator of p... (Click to show more)In response to an employee request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at A K Steel Coke Works (SIC- 3312), Ashland, Kentucky. Employees were concerned about exposure to contaminants during collection and blending of coal-tar sludge with coal. The facility employed 400 workers and produced about 1,000,000 tons of coke annually at full capacity. A questionnaire was administered and measurements were taken of 1-hydroxypyrene (5315797) (1-HP), as an indicator of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure. Samples were taken from 18 of 22 workers in the coal handling area. Testing revealed exposures to coal-tar-pitch volatiles, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and potentially benzene (71432), which exceeded the recommended exposure levels during the processing of coal-tar sludge. Improper use of personal protective equipment was also noted. Urine 1-HP levels indicated excessive exposures to pyrene (129000). The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to exposure to contaminants. There was a potential for skin contact with coal-tar sludge. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce the hazardous exposures to the workers at this site.
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(1995) Glass Schell Fused Glass Masks, Houston, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the owner of the Glass Schell Fused Glass Mask art studio (SIC-3229), Houston, Texas, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The owner (and employee) voiced concern about optical radiation, crystalline silica (14808607), metals, volatile organic compounds, and decomposition products which were generated during the production of handmade decorative glass items. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were collected du... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the owner of the Glass Schell Fused Glass Mask art studio (SIC-3229), Houston, Texas, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The owner (and employee) voiced concern about optical radiation, crystalline silica (14808607), metals, volatile organic compounds, and decomposition products which were generated during the production of handmade decorative glass items. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were collected during the major steps in producing glass artwork. Levels of radiant energy were also measured. All of the exposures measured were significantly below any pertinent occupational limits. There was no detectable crystalline silica in either the air or bulk samples collected. Ultraviolet and visible radiation exposures were not in excess of the applicable standards, but it was possible to be exposed to excessive infrared levels when working with the kiln or glory hole equipment. The author concludes that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the survey. The authors recommend that eye protection be used because of exposure to particulate matter and optical radiation.
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(1995) Johnson Brothers Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request from Johnson Brothers Company (SIC-1721), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards at steel plate sandblasting and painting operations. The company employed about 20 workers in the surface preparation and painting of steel plate water tanks at sites throughout the country. Environmental sampling was perform at two sites in Pennsylvania. Workers were noted to be overexposed to crystalline silica (14808607) during tank in... (Click to show more)In response to a management request from Johnson Brothers Company (SIC-1721), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an investigation was begun into possible health hazards at steel plate sandblasting and painting operations. The company employed about 20 workers in the surface preparation and painting of steel plate water tanks at sites throughout the country. Environmental sampling was perform at two sites in Pennsylvania. Workers were noted to be overexposed to crystalline silica (14808607) during tank interior sandblasting and shoveling operations at the Pike County site. Airborne concentrations of respirable silica during blasting exceeded the recommended exposure limit (REL) from NIOSH by a factor of 300 to 540. An abrasive blasting hood with an assigned protection factor (APF) of only 25 was used. During sand shoveling operations the REL was exceeded by a factor of 94 while the respirator with an APF of only 10 was used. Deficiencies were noted in the respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs at the site. Eleven of the 13 employees at these sites participated in the medical evaluation. Three had abnormal spirometry test results, and an obstructive pattern of abnormalities. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed at the time of the survey due to exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The authors recommend that effective respiratory protection, hearing conservation, and medical surveillance programs be implemented, and a less toxic abrasive blasting material be used.
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(1995) Little Blue Valley Sewer District, Independence, Missouri. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Little Blue Valley Sewer District wastewater treatment facility (SIC-4952), Independence, Missouri. Complaints received included gastrointestinal disturbances, sore throats, fatigue, headaches, eye irritation, and coughing among those working in the belt press room. Personal breathing zone samples for total particulate ranged from 0.03 to 0.28mg/m3. Measurements also indicated a ra... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Little Blue Valley Sewer District wastewater treatment facility (SIC-4952), Independence, Missouri. Complaints received included gastrointestinal disturbances, sore throats, fatigue, headaches, eye irritation, and coughing among those working in the belt press room. Personal breathing zone samples for total particulate ranged from 0.03 to 0.28mg/m3. Measurements also indicated a range of 2.50 to 6.82 endotoxin units per cubic meter of air. Sludge samples containing 40% solids had the highest concentrations and largest variety of volatile organic compounds. Analysis indicated that the belt room workers were exposed to hydrogen-sulfide (7783064) at concentrations which exceeded the NIOSH 10 minute ceiling of 10 parts per million (ppm) in eight of 13 breathing zone samples; three also exceeded the OSHA limit of 20ppm. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to hydrogen-sulfide. The author recommends that continuous monitoring be provided for employees in or around the belt press room to evaluate hydrogen-sulfide exposure levels. Engineering controls should be used to reduce hydrogen-sulfide levels. Until the improvements are made, workers should use respiratory protection.
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(1995) Malvern Minerals Company, Hot Springs, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to determine the prevalence of silicosis in specific ground silica operations, a medical survey was conducted at Malvern Minerals Company (SIC-1446), Hot Springs, Arkansas. Workers with 1 year or more of work in grinding areas or areas downstream from grinding participated in the medical survey which included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a chest X-ray. There were 12 current workers and 11 former workers who participated ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to determine the prevalence of silicosis in specific ground silica operations, a medical survey was conducted at Malvern Minerals Company (SIC-1446), Hot Springs, Arkansas. Workers with 1 year or more of work in grinding areas or areas downstream from grinding participated in the medical survey which included a questionnaire, spirometry, and a chest X-ray. There were 12 current workers and 11 former workers who participated in the medical survey. Of the 23 workers surveyed, 39% had chest radiographs consistent with silicosis. Two workers had radiographs consistent with progressive massive fibrosis. Abnormal lung function was identified in 26% of the participants. The author concludes that there was a substantial prevalence of silicosis among current and former ground silica workers at this facility. The author recommends that a medical monitoring program be instituted at this site.
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(1995) MBL-USA, Ottawa, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Auto Workers Local 2323, an investigation was begun into potential worker exposures to N- nitrosamines at MBL-USA (SIC-3052), Ottawa, Illinois. Concern had also be expressed regarding potential exposures to crystalline silica (14808607) and asbestos (1332214). MBL-USA manufactured a wide variety of belts for both original equipment and service parts in the industrial and automotive markets. Approximately 210 workers were employed on site at the time of th... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Auto Workers Local 2323, an investigation was begun into potential worker exposures to N- nitrosamines at MBL-USA (SIC-3052), Ottawa, Illinois. Concern had also be expressed regarding potential exposures to crystalline silica (14808607) and asbestos (1332214). MBL-USA manufactured a wide variety of belts for both original equipment and service parts in the industrial and automotive markets. Approximately 210 workers were employed on site at the time of this study. Personal breathing zone and general area air samples were collected. Levels of nitrosodiethylamine (55185) (NDEA) in the Ring and Press Curing areas ranged up to 0.55 micrograms per cubic meter. A personal breathing zone air sample collected on the powder applicator contained 0.13mg/m3 respirable particulates, well below the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 5mg/m3. The bulk powder used to coat the belts was not found to contain asbestos or crystalline silica. The author concludes that no health hazards were documented. The author recommends that improvements be made in the effectiveness of the canopy hood ventilation systems in the Cure Press area, and that the personal protective equipment used in the Banbury area be improved.
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(1995) New York City Department of Sanitation, New York, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a joint request from the New York City Department of Sanitation and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at three waste incineration sites of the New York City Department of Sanitation (SIC-4953), New York City, New York. Six area air samples and five bulk fly ash samples were collected. Greater amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs ... (Click to show more)In response to a joint request from the New York City Department of Sanitation and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at three waste incineration sites of the New York City Department of Sanitation (SIC-4953), New York City, New York. Six area air samples and five bulk fly ash samples were collected. Greater amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs were present on the fly ash particulates collected from the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). A total of eight personal breathing zone and nine area samples were collected for metals during cleanout operations. Levels approached or exceeded the established criteria for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), and nickel (7440020). For respirable dust/silica (14808607), the highest sample concentration occurred during ESP cleanout. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit for respirable quartz of 0.05mg/m3 was exceeded in one sample. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed during cleanout operations. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce exposures, including providing more effective respiratory protection, instruction on confined space entry, medical surveillance programs, and the prohibition of tobacco smoking in exposure locations.
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(1995) RCA Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the RCA Rubber Company (SIC-3069), Akron, Ohio. Concern was expressed regarding the exposure of press operators and millmen to N-nitroso compounds and dusts which were generated while rubber flooring was being manufactured. Of the approximately 200 workers employed by RCA, about 60 were in jobs with the potential for exposure to nitrosamines and dusts. The production workers were te... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the RCA Rubber Company (SIC-3069), Akron, Ohio. Concern was expressed regarding the exposure of press operators and millmen to N-nitroso compounds and dusts which were generated while rubber flooring was being manufactured. Of the approximately 200 workers employed by RCA, about 60 were in jobs with the potential for exposure to nitrosamines and dusts. The production workers were tested for personal breathing zone contamination, and area workplace samples were also collected for nitrosamines, respirable dusts, elemental metals, formaldehyde (50000), carbon-monoxide (630080) and sulfur- dioxide (7446095). Only N-nitrosopiperidine (100754) was detected in the samples collected, and the concentrations were low in the samples where it appeared. Respirable dust levels ranged from 0.03 to 3.17mg/m3. In an analysis of 12 work area samples, only trace quantities of metals were detected. The authors conclude that, due to the findings of this study, the mandatory use of respiratory protection by mixing and press personnel should be reviewed by company officials. The continued use of dust respirators was recommended for three areas of the facility until engineering controls could be implemented.
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(1995) Sacramento Army Depot, Sacramento, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, Local 1681 an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Sacramento Army Depot (SIC-7629), Sacramento, California. Workers in Building 555 reported light headedness, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin rashes, upper respiratory illness, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Workers in a small computer module in Warehouse 3 were concerned about air quality. Samples monitored for aceto... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, Local 1681 an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Sacramento Army Depot (SIC-7629), Sacramento, California. Workers in Building 555 reported light headedness, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin rashes, upper respiratory illness, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Workers in a small computer module in Warehouse 3 were concerned about air quality. Samples monitored for acetone (67641), ethanol (64175), and isopropyl-alcohol (67630) showed all levels were below the NIOSH recommended levels. Lead (7439921) was not detected in the personal breathing zone samples taken. Air heating units inspected did not show any evidence of a microbiologic reservoir. Levels of carbon-dioxide (124389) as well as the temperature and relative humidity readings were all in the acceptable and normal ranges. All activities at the facility ceased with the closing of the Depot in 1995. The authors conclude that the symptoms found among employees could not be attributed to a particular compound. The authors indicate that the anticipated routine use of various organic solvents and the application of Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paint during touch up operations at other facilities may require the use of engineering controls to keep levels down.
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(1994) 3M Company, Little Rock, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' Union, an investigation of reported heart problems, lung disease and hearing loss in workers at 3M Company (SIC-3295), Little Rock, Arkansas. The company employed about 235 workers in the production of roofing granules from nepheline-syenite. The air concentration of crystalline silica (14808607) was above the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Air concentrations of trace metals were below the relevant ex... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' Union, an investigation of reported heart problems, lung disease and hearing loss in workers at 3M Company (SIC-3295), Little Rock, Arkansas. The company employed about 235 workers in the production of roofing granules from nepheline-syenite. The air concentration of crystalline silica (14808607) was above the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Air concentrations of trace metals were below the relevant exposure limits. Noise exposures in excess of the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 85 decibels-A as an 8 hour time weighted average were recorded. Heart disease was reported by ten and lung problems were reported by four of the 35 employees. The substances used at the site were not associated with heart disease. Lung disease could not be conclusively related to occupational exposure. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from noise exposure. The authors recommend that exposures to dust, silica, and noise be reduced.
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