If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
HHE Search Results
1058 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) 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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Mine Safety and 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.
(Click to show less)
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 (1406059) dust were evalua... (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 (1406059) 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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Public Safety Building, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation was conducted in the Public Safety Building (SIC-9221) in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, on November 2 and 3, 1982. In the previous 2 years there were three cancer related deaths reported among 3 of 16 officers on the detective force. Questionnaires were administered to 17 police officers, a former officer, and the wives of 4 deceased officers who had died of cancer. Medical records confirmed seven cases of cancer among those surveyed through questionnaire. Ventilation sys... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation was conducted in the Public Safety Building (SIC-9221) in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, on November 2 and 3, 1982. In the previous 2 years there were three cancer related deaths reported among 3 of 16 officers on the detective force. Questionnaires were administered to 17 police officers, a former officer, and the wives of 4 deceased officers who had died of cancer. Medical records confirmed seven cases of cancer among those surveyed through questionnaire. Ventilation systems were examined and fingerprinting powders were analyzed. The ventilation systems had capability for adequate volume exchange throughout the building, including the indoor firing range. Fingerprint powders contained carbon-black (1333864) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Gun cleaning solutions contained ammonia (7664417), denatured alcohol, and kerosene (8008206). The authors conclude that the incidence of cancer in general, and cancer of the large intestine, in particular, among police officers may or may not be related to an occupational exposure. They recommend discontinuing the use of fingerprint powders that contain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Dusting should be done under a laboratory hood to avoid dust inhalation. Gloves should be worn when using gun cleaning solutions.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) R And S Manufacturing Company, Columbia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Exposures to epoxy resin were investigated in the summer of 1982 and 1983 at R and S Manufacturing Company (SIC-3621), Columbia, Pennsylvania. Evaluation was requested by an employee on behalf of 190 workers concerned about symptoms of dizziness, chills, fever, joint weakness, and back pain. Air samples were collected and analyzed for trimellitic-anhydride (552307) (TMA), epichlorohydrin (106898) (ECH), total dust, and silica (14808607). Sixteen epoxy room workers completed medical examinations ... (Click to show more)Exposures to epoxy resin were investigated in the summer of 1982 and 1983 at R and S Manufacturing Company (SIC-3621), Columbia, Pennsylvania. Evaluation was requested by an employee on behalf of 190 workers concerned about symptoms of dizziness, chills, fever, joint weakness, and back pain. Air samples were collected and analyzed for trimellitic-anhydride (552307) (TMA), epichlorohydrin (106898) (ECH), total dust, and silica (14808607). Sixteen epoxy room workers completed medical examinations and symptoms questionnaires. Breathing zone TMA concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 0.28 milligrams per cubic meter; no OSHA standard exists, but NIOSH recommends exposures be kept to the lowest feasible limit. None of the samples contained ECH or silica. Total dust concentrations were not reported. Four workers reported an irritant syndrome, three reported a late respiratory systemic syndrome, one reported a combination of both syndromes, and one reported an asthmatic rhinitis syndrome. Three females had peripheral neuropathy in the hand and nine had signs of burns on the forearms and hands. The authors conclude that a TMA exposure hazard previously existed; however, TMA is no longer used as part of the resin system. They recommend proper sizing and padding of the tongs to eliminate nerve compression, thermal insulating gloves, and housekeeping improvements.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1983) Russell-Zuhl, Inc., New York City, New York. (Click to open report) An evaluation of airborne asbestos (1332214) was conducted at Russell Zuhl, Inc. (SIC-3281), New York, New York on December 21, 1982. The survey was requested by management to determine asbestos exposures at the storage and work facilities. Bulk sampling of pipe coverings were collected and analyzed for asbestos. Paint chip samples from walls and ceilings were analyzed for lead (7439921) content. Debris from carpet sweepers were also collected and analyzed. Airborne dust samples were collected o... (Click to show more)An evaluation of airborne asbestos (1332214) was conducted at Russell Zuhl, Inc. (SIC-3281), New York, New York on December 21, 1982. The survey was requested by management to determine asbestos exposures at the storage and work facilities. Bulk sampling of pipe coverings were collected and analyzed for asbestos. Paint chip samples from walls and ceilings were analyzed for lead (7439921) content. Debris from carpet sweepers were also collected and analyzed. Airborne dust samples were collected on atomic adsorption filters at a flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute for about 4 hours and analyzed for asbestos content. Pipe insulation material contained approximately 25 percent asbestos. Paint chip samples contained less than the limit of detection of about a 0.1 percent by weight lead dust content. Exposure to epoxy resins, while not a part of the study, was observed in a worker exhibiting dermatitis from repair work exposure. The author concludes that no exposure hazard to asbestos existed. The rug should be replaced or thoroughly cleaned to remove quartz contamination. A respirator is recommended during grinding and polishing petrified wood slabs operations. Protective gloves should be used when handling epoxy resins.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
