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HHE Search Results
1060 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) Kistler Communications, Inc., Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of Kistler Communications, Inc. (SIC-4225), Denver, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at that facility due to employee exposure to polychlorinated-biphenyls (1336363) (PCBs), polychlorinated-dioxins, or polychlorinated-dibenzofurans. A white residue was found on catalogues shipped to this company for storage from the publishing department of Gates Rubber Company. A fire and a transformer spill had occurred ear... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of Kistler Communications, Inc. (SIC-4225), Denver, Colorado, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at that facility due to employee exposure to polychlorinated-biphenyls (1336363) (PCBs), polychlorinated-dioxins, or polychlorinated-dibenzofurans. A white residue was found on catalogues shipped to this company for storage from the publishing department of Gates Rubber Company. A fire and a transformer spill had occurred earlier at Gates and it was thought that these events contaminated several crates of materials which were sent to Kistler. All analyses for PCBs were negative. Analyses for metals indicated the presence of lead (7439921), zinc (7440666), and magnesium (7439954), at concentrations of 0.25, 0.42, and 0.31 percent respectively. The pH level of the grayish/white material on the cartons was 10.7, excessively high. The high alkalinity could have been responsible for the rash experienced by one worker. The authors conclude that the residue did not contain PCBs or other polychlorinated compounds, but the alkalinity of the residue appeared to be a health hazard to workers handling the catalogues. The authors recommend that Gates determine the source of the grayish/white material and avoid future contamination of printed matter. Personal protective clothing, including respirators, gloves, and possibly garments should be worn while removing this material from the cartons. Good personal hygiene measures should be carefully followed while this material is being removed.
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(1983) Mainstreet Enterprises, Lebanon, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the director of Mainstreet Enterprises (SIC-3273), a nonprofit rehabilitation sheltered workshop in Lebanon, Indiana, an evaluation was made of the occurrence of benign breast tumors among female workers exposed to concrete dust during packaging of dry powdered concrete mortar mix (Fix-Crete). Bulk samples of the finished Fix-Crete were collected to be analyzed for asbestos (1332214), crystalline silica (7631869), hexavalent chromium (18540299), and total chromium (... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the director of Mainstreet Enterprises (SIC-3273), a nonprofit rehabilitation sheltered workshop in Lebanon, Indiana, an evaluation was made of the occurrence of benign breast tumors among female workers exposed to concrete dust during packaging of dry powdered concrete mortar mix (Fix-Crete). Bulk samples of the finished Fix-Crete were collected to be analyzed for asbestos (1332214), crystalline silica (7631869), hexavalent chromium (18540299), and total chromium (7440473) content. Hexavalent chromium was found at concentrations of 32 micrograms per gram (microg/g) of bulk material. Total chromium, asbestos and silica were not detectable. Respirable particulate concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 2.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Total particulates ranged from 2.9 to 34.3mg/m3. After minor modifications of the ventilation system were made, retesting indicated personal breathing zone and air samples for respirable particulates averaged 0.5 and 1.1mg/m3, respectively. Total particulates ranged from 1.7 to 13.8mg/m3. No significant differences in the prevalence of benign breast tumors was noted in supervisors working on the concrete powder process when compared to those who did not work in this area. The authors conclude that there was an exposure to dust for one task. No evidence was found to link the occurrence of benign breast tumors to chemical exposures at the facility. The authors recommend that a further reduction of the mixer operator's exposure be brought about through effective engineering controls. Respirators should be used where appropriate. Vacuum cleaning equipment should be used to collect debris from the clothing of personnel and rehabilitees instead of compressed air. Protective gloves and cleaning and washing facilities should be made available.
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(1983) Metabolism and Radiation Research Laboratory (MRRL), Fargo, North Dakota. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted at the Metabolism and Radiation Research Laboratory (SIC-8922), Fargo, North Dakota in September 1981. The request for the evaluation was made by the laboratory employees to assess the cause and incidence of work related allergies at the laboratory where insects were raised for entomological research. Questionnaires were mailed to 95 employees in September 1981. Follow-up medical interviews and an industrial hygiene survey were conducted. Fifteen... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted at the Metabolism and Radiation Research Laboratory (SIC-8922), Fargo, North Dakota in September 1981. The request for the evaluation was made by the laboratory employees to assess the cause and incidence of work related allergies at the laboratory where insects were raised for entomological research. Questionnaires were mailed to 95 employees in September 1981. Follow-up medical interviews and an industrial hygiene survey were conducted. Fifteen of the 80 employees responding to the questionnaire reported allergic reactions to insect exposure at work. Thirteen employees reported eye irritation, seven reported sneezing or running noses, seven reported chest tightness, and seven reported skin irritation or rash. There is no current federal standard for exposure to insect particulates. Medical records were reviewed for nine employees who had seen physicians. The authors conclude that the allergy symptoms could be caused by exposure to airborne insect materials. They recommend that the ventilation system be improved, that drapes and other dust collecting materials be removed, and good cleanliness be observed.
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(1983) MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the President of Local 720, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators, an evaluation was made of the exposure of employees to smoke produced by the pyrotechnics used during the show, Jubilee, in the Ziegfeld Showroom of the MGM Grand Hotel (SIC- 7922), Las Vegas, Nevada. Approximately 150 employees (stagehands, wardrobe attendants and entertainers) were potentially exposed. Workers had reported respiratory difficulties... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the President of Local 720, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators, an evaluation was made of the exposure of employees to smoke produced by the pyrotechnics used during the show, Jubilee, in the Ziegfeld Showroom of the MGM Grand Hotel (SIC- 7922), Las Vegas, Nevada. Approximately 150 employees (stagehands, wardrobe attendants and entertainers) were potentially exposed. Workers had reported respiratory difficulties, sinus problems, eye irritation and nausea. Total particulates measured by the Nevada State Department of Occupational Safety and Health ranged from 0.02 to 1.34 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) as a time weighted average, and were below the OSHA inert dust standard of 15mg/m3. No barium (7440393) was found. Sixteen of 17 concerned workers interviewed at the union hall had respiratory or eye irritation from the smoke, while nine reported symptoms suggestive of bronchitis. Skin irritation was also reported. Based on information from the manufacturer of the pyrotechnics, it was determined that the smoke residue would be an alkaline dust, which could be irritative. MGM professed reluctance for NIOSH to make an on site visit, but has made extensive modifications in the use of pyrotechnics during this show in response to the complaint. Telephone interviews with workers indicated that working conditions were better since these changes were implemented. The author concludes that a health hazard did exist due to the smoke from the pyrotechnic displays; changes made by MGM improved the situation. The author recommends further improvements, including changes in ventilation and proper use of respirators.
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(1983) Mine Safety & Health Administration, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click for full summary) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a technical assistance (TA) request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to evaluate the respiratory status of highwall drill operators and drill helpers employed at five surface coal mines. This request was precipitated by the fact that one-half of the surface work positions on a reduced dust standard involved highwall drill operations, plus a previous NIOSH report had suggested an increased risk of pneu... (Click to show more)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a technical assistance (TA) request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to evaluate the respiratory status of highwall drill operators and drill helpers employed at five surface coal mines. This request was precipitated by the fact that one-half of the surface work positions on a reduced dust standard involved highwall drill operations, plus a previous NIOSH report had suggested an increased risk of pneumoconiosis for drill crew members. NIOSH responded to the request by conducting a respiratory health and environmental survey at the designated mines to assess the prevalence of silicosis in drill crew members and to determine if a more complete epidemiological study was indicated. Health screening consisted of a chest radiograph, spirometry and a medical questionnaire detailing occupational history. Of the 185 drillers and 166 nondrillers selected for examination, 148 drillers and 108 nondrillers participated in the study. After review of work histories, a substantial portion (41% for drillers, 21% for nondrillers) were excluded from the analysis due to past exposures in underground mining, welding, etc. A total of 88 drillers and 85 nondrillers were included in the analysis of medical data. Analysis of pulmonary function data using multiple regression techniques indicated no significant differences in values of FEV1 or peak flow between the groups of drillers and nondrillers. The difference for FVC was borderline significant (p = 0.058). Chest radiography indicated six cases of simple pneumoconiosis. Two cases were found in the total analyzed group of workers. One was a former driller helper (1 year tenure) currently employed as an electrician. The other was a mechanic (24 years tenure) with no other work experience. The four additional cases were found in the group excluded from analysis due to past exposures. Three of these had several years (14-19) of underground experience. Environmental measurements obtained at the selected mines indicated a geometric mean exposure for respirable dust of 0.49 mg/m3 . Sixty-eight percent of the personal respirable samples had quartz concentrations greater than 5 percent. The overall geometric mean percentage of quartz by weight was 12.9%. Worker exposure to respirable dust containing quartz exceeded the MSHA Threshold Limit Value (TLV) in 36.5% of the measurements. The NIOSH recommended standard (0.05 mg/m3 ) for exposure to respirable free silica was exceeded in 68% of all measurements taken. The environmental measurements indicated that the engineering controls employed on the drilling equipment at one mine reduced the dust concentrations by 70% at the operator's station, and that a large percentage (40-45%) of the dust measured at the operator's station in all three mines is in the respirable range (10 microns and less). No significant excess respiratory disease was found in this survey of currently employed surface coal mine highwall drill crews. However, in light of previous studies, the environmental data collected, and the NIOSH recommended standard for exposure to respirable free silica, it is likely that such risk is present in some situations. Therefore, NIOSH recommends further epidemiological study to effectively evaluate the respiratory status of current and former highwall drill crews throughout the industry.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-82-112-113-114-0000.
(1983) Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the Mylan Pharmaceutical Company (SIC-2833), Morgantown, West Virginia. The company employees 225 persons in the manufacturing of specialty generic prescription drugs. Employees were concerned about asthma like respiratory symptoms, skin rashes, excessive urination, dizziness, drowsiness and depression. Possible exposures to penicillin dust were evaluated. Produ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the Mylan Pharmaceutical Company (SIC-2833), Morgantown, West Virginia. The company employees 225 persons in the manufacturing of specialty generic prescription drugs. Employees were concerned about asthma like respiratory symptoms, skin rashes, excessive urination, dizziness, drowsiness and depression. Possible exposures to penicillin dust were evaluated. Production workers who had direct contact with the powdered material experienced airborne dust exposures ranging from 2.48 to 12.47 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Exposure for nonproduction workers averaged 0.12 to prevalence of attacks of shortness of breath with wheezing. A dose/response relationship was not found between the asthma/like symptoms and exposure to penicillin dust. No significant differences among the exposure groups was noted on pulmonary function testing; this may be explained partly by the use of bronchodilators during the work shift. A higher prevalence of dry, cracked skin was noted in the penicillin group than in the nonpenicillin group. The authors recommend that dust control measures be added to those already in place at the facility. Respirators should be worn by those involved in manual scooping of powders. Workers should undergo medical evaluations including a preplacement evaluation, annual checkups, and shift spirometry. Workers with decrements showing on the pulmonary function tests should be transferred to another division where dust exposure does not occur.
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(1983) New Renaissance Glass Works, Oakland, California. (Click to open report) An environmental survey was conducted to determine potential exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) at the New Renaissance Glass Works (SIC-9999) in Oakland, California on April 2 and 16, 1982. The request for a health hazard evaluation came from the owner after a series of fires and leaks from fluorescent light ballasts. Employees complained of headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and an acneform rash after the fires. Wipe samples were taken and employees were interviewed. Concentratio... (Click to show more)An environmental survey was conducted to determine potential exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) at the New Renaissance Glass Works (SIC-9999) in Oakland, California on April 2 and 16, 1982. The request for a health hazard evaluation came from the owner after a series of fires and leaks from fluorescent light ballasts. Employees complained of headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and an acneform rash after the fires. Wipe samples were taken and employees were interviewed. Concentrations of PCB ranged from 31 to 100 nanograms per 100 square centimeters (ng/100cm2). NIOSH suggests an upper background limit of 500ng/100cm2. No airborne concentrations of PCB were detected. Air and cinder block samples were evaluated for lindane (58899), formaldehyde (50000), and chlordane (12789036), but none was detected. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from PCB from leaking light ballasts. They recommend thorough cleaning to remove dusts containing PCB. Air filter masks should be worn by the employee doing the cleaning.
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(1983) NYCO, Willsboro, New York. (Click to open report) In 1976, NIOSH performed a health hazard evaluation at a wollastonite mine and mill in Willsboro, New York. A second NIOSH medical-epidemiological evaluation was conducted among 108 current and former workers in January 1982, and the results of that study are reported herein. The medical evaluation consisted of chest radiography, pulmonary function tests, and administration of a respiratory symptom and occupational questionnaire. Chest x-rays were interpreted by three independent, certified p... (Click to show more)In 1976, NIOSH performed a health hazard evaluation at a wollastonite mine and mill in Willsboro, New York. A second NIOSH medical-epidemiological evaluation was conducted among 108 current and former workers in January 1982, and the results of that study are reported herein. The medical evaluation consisted of chest radiography, pulmonary function tests, and administration of a respiratory symptom and occupational questionnaire. Chest x-rays were interpreted by three independent, certified pneumoconiosis readers and pulmonary function tests conformed to criteria recommended for spirometry by the American Thoracic Society. On the basis of total dust data collected between 1976 and 1981 by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) , company, and NIOSH, an exposure index was calculated for each worker. For interpretation of lung function a control group of 86 workers employed by a local General Electric plant was used. Medical testing showed wollastonite workers to have lower values of FEVl/FVC and peak flow rate when compared with the control group. A dose-response relationship was found between decreasing values of FEVl, peak-flow, FEVl/FVC and cumulative long-term exposure to wollastonite containing dust. Three cases of simple pneumoconiosis (category 1/0 or 1/1 small rounded opacities) were found among the 108 wollastonite workers examined. No new cases of pneumoconiosis were found in 1982. Chest x-rays were not obtained for the comparison group of workers. Fifty-seven wollastonite workers were examined by NIOSH both in 1976 and 1982. Analysis of data on these 57 men revealed that workers with higher cumulative exposure to wollastonite had greater peak flow declines than workers with lower cumulative exposure. The medical data suggest that long term cumulative exposure to wollastonite dust may impair ventilatory capacity as reflected by observed decrements in peak flow rate and FEV1/FVC ratio. This effect appears to involve the larger airways. While simple pneumoconiosis was observed in three individuals, no comparison group chest films were available to assess the significance of this observation. Further prospective study of this population is-recommended.
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(1983) Pacer Corporation, Custer, South Dakota. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica (14808607) at Pacer Corporation (SIC-1493), Custer, South Dakota, in January and May 1982. The survey was requested by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, on behalf of the workers because of the incidence of silicosis among former employees. Raw materials, final products, settled dust, and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica. Medical tests including chest X-rays and breathing tests wer... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica (14808607) at Pacer Corporation (SIC-1493), Custer, South Dakota, in January and May 1982. The survey was requested by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, on behalf of the workers because of the incidence of silicosis among former employees. Raw materials, final products, settled dust, and breathing zone samples were analyzed for respirable crystalline silica. Medical tests including chest X-rays and breathing tests were performed and smoking history questionnaires were completed. Present and former workers were included. Quartz was the only form of crystalline silica identified. Respirable dust containing quartz exposures exceeded Mine Safety and Health Administration standards in 38 percent of the samples. The particles less than 10 microns in diameter comprised from 23 to 46 percent of the samples. Silicosis was found in four workers with less than 5 years of exposure. Two of these developed massive fibrosis. The prevalence rate of pneumoconiosis was 12 percent. The authors conclude that high concentrations of respirable quartz are the cause of accelerated silicosis in workers. It is recommended that engineering controls be instituted to reduce exposure.
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(1983) Pennsylvania Power and Light, Martins Creek Steam Electric Station, Martins Creek, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Personal air samples were analyzed for respirable coal dust and free silica (14808607) at the Martins Creek Steam Electric Station, Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (SIC-4911), Martins Creek, Pennsylvania in January 1982. The evaluation was requested by Local 1600 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in order to determine whether the presence of coal dust presented a health or explosion hazard. Twelve medical interviews were conducted. Respirable coal dust concentrations ra... (Click to show more)Personal air samples were analyzed for respirable coal dust and free silica (14808607) at the Martins Creek Steam Electric Station, Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (SIC-4911), Martins Creek, Pennsylvania in January 1982. The evaluation was requested by Local 1600 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in order to determine whether the presence of coal dust presented a health or explosion hazard. Twelve medical interviews were conducted. Respirable coal dust concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 1.8 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and respirable quartz concentrations ranged from less than 0.04 to 0.05mg/m3. The respective OSHA standards are 2.4 and 2.1mg/m3. Interviews revealed no unusual or significant medical problem. No electrostatic precipitator cleanout or asbestos (1332214) removal activity was observed at the facility. Recommendations include establishing and maintaining the highest order of housekeeping to prevent accumulation of combustible dusts, removal of dust by vacuum cleaning and continuous suction, use of dust tight electrical equipment, and proper grounding of all electrical equipment to prevent build up of static electricity.
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