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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) 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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1983) Saft America, Incorporated, St. Paul, Minnesota. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to cadmium (7440439) (Cd) and nickel (7440020) (Ni) dusts were investigated on November 17 to 19, 1981 at Saft America, Incorporated (SIC-3691), in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The evaluation was requested by employee members of Local 110, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, on behalf of about 225 production employees. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected for various operations, and data from the company's biological monitoring records was examined. Five of ... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to cadmium (7440439) (Cd) and nickel (7440020) (Ni) dusts were investigated on November 17 to 19, 1981 at Saft America, Incorporated (SIC-3691), in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The evaluation was requested by employee members of Local 110, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, on behalf of about 225 production employees. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected for various operations, and data from the company's biological monitoring records was examined. Five of 42 samples exceeded the OSHA 8 hour time weighted average standard for Cd of 200 micrograms per cubic meter. Exposures were greatest for workers in the terminal departments and for coiling machine operators. None of the Ni samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 1000 micrograms per cubic meter; however, significant exposures occurred for workers in the sintering, terminal, coiling, and punch press areas. Values for blood Cd, urinary Cd, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary beta 2 microglobulin suggested significant Cd absorption and related kidney damage in workers with heavy Cd exposure. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from exposures to Cd and Ni dusts. Several workers appeared to have early signs of Cd induced kidney disease. The authors recommend increased ventilation, use of respiratory protectors, improved work hygiene and housekeeping practices, and medical monitoring to identify early indicators of kidney damage.
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(1983) Saint Francis High School, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Bulk samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Saint Francis High School (SIC-8211), Morgantown, West Virginia on January 21, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the principal to identify areas where asbestos could be present. A complete survey of the building was conducted and bulk samples were collected. The samples were analyzed by polarized light microscopy. Friable asbestos containing materials were found on some of the ceilings and on the walls above the lockers. Asbestos was also ... (Click to show more)Bulk samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Saint Francis High School (SIC-8211), Morgantown, West Virginia on January 21, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the principal to identify areas where asbestos could be present. A complete survey of the building was conducted and bulk samples were collected. The samples were analyzed by polarized light microscopy. Friable asbestos containing materials were found on some of the ceilings and on the walls above the lockers. Asbestos was also found in insulating materials used in the boiler room and on some of the pipes on the first floor. Most of the material was in good condition and would not be a hazard if undisturbed. The friable materials were well bonded to the ceilings and walls and encapsulated with paint. The author concludes that there is no asbestos hazard at the school, however, the friable material above the lockers is susceptible to contact damage and the paint would not be effective in preventing fiber release if damaged. The author recommends that the material above the lockers be removed because of its accessibility and friability.
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(1983) San Francisco Newspaper Agency, San Francisco, California. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), paper dust, mineral-oil (8012951) mist, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons at the San Francisco Newspaper Agency (SIC- 2711) San Francisco, California in August 1979. The survey was requested by the president of the Web Pressmen and Platemakers Local Union Number 4 on behalf of 246 workers to assess exposures to ink mists and paper dusts. Paper samples were analyzed for asbestos. Six ink samples were analyzed for 31 m... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), paper dust, mineral-oil (8012951) mist, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons at the San Francisco Newspaper Agency (SIC- 2711) San Francisco, California in August 1979. The survey was requested by the president of the Web Pressmen and Platemakers Local Union Number 4 on behalf of 246 workers to assess exposures to ink mists and paper dusts. Paper samples were analyzed for asbestos. Six ink samples were analyzed for 31 metals. One ink was examined for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Air samples were taken for inorganic lead, paper dust, and mineral-oil mist measurements. A respiratory symptom questionnaire was administered. Pulmonary function testing was conducted. No asbestos was found in the paper. Lead was the only metal found in any of the inks at a concentration greater than 1 percent. No polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were detected. No lead was detected in air samples. Paper dust concentrations were 20 percent or less of the OSHA standards. Oil mist concentrations were 33 percent or less of OSHA standards. Pulmonary function tests revealed no difference between pressmen and comparisons. The authors conclude that no overexposure to lead, asbestos, ink mists, or dust exists. Proper safety precautions are recommended.
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(1983) Seth Thomas Division, General Time Corporation, Boscawen, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) In response to a request from five employees of the Seth Thomas Division of the General Time Corporation (SIC-3873), Boscawen, New Hampshire, a study was made of possible exposure to airborne wood dust, spray lacquers and wipe stains used during the manufacturing of grandfather clocks. Workers particularly affected were employed in the finishing area and the mill area. These individuals reported nausea, headaches, dizziness, and light headedness. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.48 t... (Click to show more)In response to a request from five employees of the Seth Thomas Division of the General Time Corporation (SIC-3873), Boscawen, New Hampshire, a study was made of possible exposure to airborne wood dust, spray lacquers and wipe stains used during the manufacturing of grandfather clocks. Workers particularly affected were employed in the finishing area and the mill area. These individuals reported nausea, headaches, dizziness, and light headedness. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.48 to 0.53 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 36mg/m3. The 36mg/m3 was a personal sample collected from a router who worked on a ventilated machine which did not appear to be effective at collecting larger wood particles. Seven personal solvent vapor samples were taken. All measured concentrations of hexane (110543), toluene (108883), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), and xylene (1330207) were below evaluation criteria and OSHA standards. Even taking the health effects of all four solvents as additive, the individual doing lacquer sealing had the highest exposure level, which was still only 22 percent of the limits recommended by NIOSH. The authors conclude that there are potential overexposures to wood dust, and that solvent exposures at the varnishing operation may have exceeded those at other operations. The authors recommend that the local exhaust ventilation be upgraded at the router location. NIOSH approved respirators for wood dust should be available to all workers in the hand sanding room. The use of compressed air for cleaning work areas should be discouraged and a vacuum system used instead. Ventilation systems in spray booths should be upgraded and the booths themselves redesigned for better control of the spray particles. Periodic skin examinations should be performed.
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(1983) US Borax and Chemical Corp, Boron, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Longshoreman's and Warehouseman's Union and the management of US Borax and Chemical corporation, an investigation was begun into respiratory complaints at the borax mine and refining facility in Boron, California. Concern was voiced regarding exposure to dust and resulting respiratory disease. Based on the response of an earlier study, a medical survey was performed at the company. The study population included all mine and refining facility worker... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Longshoreman's and Warehouseman's Union and the management of US Borax and Chemical corporation, an investigation was begun into respiratory complaints at the borax mine and refining facility in Boron, California. Concern was voiced regarding exposure to dust and resulting respiratory disease. Based on the response of an earlier study, a medical survey was performed at the company. The study population included all mine and refining facility workers with at least 5 years tenure plus all workers currently working in the fusing or granulating facility, regardless of tenure. Of the 676 eligible workers, 629 (93%) participated. Symptoms of mucosal and ocular irritation were common and were significantly related to dust exposures. At dust levels of 1mg/m3, the symptoms were largely nonexistent. At dust levels above 4.1mg/m3, the symptoms were present with increasing frequency. Smoking status was not a factor. Evidence of pneumoconiosis was noted in 3.4% of the workers and pleural thickening in 2.6%. It is recommended that the total suspended particle levels be reduced below 4mg/m3 and as close to 1mg/m3 as possible.
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(1983) Warrick Generating Station, Yankeetown, Indiana. (Click to open report) Exposures to boiler gases and coal dust were surveyed in August 1981 at Warrick Generating Station (SIC-4911), Yankeetown, Indiana. Evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 702, on behalf of 165 workers. Air samples were collected for nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), nitric-oxide (10102439), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), coal dust, fly-ash, silica (14808607), and inorganic metals. Boiler units were checked for leaks. Questionnaires and medical examinations w... (Click to show more)Exposures to boiler gases and coal dust were surveyed in August 1981 at Warrick Generating Station (SIC-4911), Yankeetown, Indiana. Evaluation was requested by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 702, on behalf of 165 workers. Air samples were collected for nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), nitric-oxide (10102439), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), coal dust, fly-ash, silica (14808607), and inorganic metals. Boiler units were checked for leaks. Questionnaires and medical examinations were completed. One of 22 personal samples for coal dust exceeded the OSHA standard of 2.4 milligrams per cubic meter. All other substances in the personal samples were within OSHA limits. Boiler leaks were found on the positive pressure boiler unit. Sulfur-dioxide concentrations in the boiler gas samples ranged from 15 to 20 parts per million (OSHA standard is 5 parts per million for an 8 hour time weighted average). Workers complained of cough, breathlessness, or wheezing. No deficits occurred in respiratory function tests. No cases of pneumoconiosis were found. The authors conclude that workers are exposed to high concentrations of sulfur-dioxide, coal dust, and crystalline silica. They recommend respiratory protection, maintenance of boiler units and seals, a heat stress survey for boiler units and dozer operators, and removal of asbestos insulation in the lunchroom oven.
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(1983) Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. (Click for full summary) Hazardous exposures associated with refuse derived fuel were investigated in June, 1982 at a steam generation facility which stored and burned the fuel at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified individual. Air samples were collected for determinations of total and respirable particulates, trace metals, organic vapors, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen- dioxide (10102440), and microbiological agents. In th... (Click to show more)Hazardous exposures associated with refuse derived fuel were investigated in June, 1982 at a steam generation facility which stored and burned the fuel at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified individual. Air samples were collected for determinations of total and respirable particulates, trace metals, organic vapors, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), nitrogen- dioxide (10102440), and microbiological agents. In the fuel storage building, concentrations of total and respirable particulates exceeded the respective OSHA limits of 15 and 5 milligrams per cubic meter. Trace amounts of calcium, iron, and manganese also were found. In the fuel burning building, total and respirable particulate concentrations were within OSHA limits, and trace concentrations of calcium, iron, and manganese were found. Concentrations of organics, hydrocarbons, sulfur-dioxide, nitrogen- dioxide, and PCBs were either not detectable or were within acceptable limits. In both buildings, the microbiological agents Klebsiella-pneumoniae, Enterobacter, and Mucor were isolated. The author concludes that workers are exposed to excessive concentrations of total and respirable particulates and to airborne pathogens. He recommends the use of dust suppressing agents, enclosure and ventilation of overhead conveyors, and the use of half mask respirators with dust filters.
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