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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
(1982) Fulflex Rubber Company, Bristol, Rhode Island. (Click to open report) The high prevalence of pulmonary disability, rashes, and nose bleeds at the Fulflex Rubber Company (SIC-3060), Bristol, Rhode Island was investigated. Local 474 of the United Rubber Workers Union requested the survey which took place in November, 1979 and March, 1980. Bulk, general, and personal breathing zone samples were analyzed. Medical examinations of 63 out of 89 employees were conducted. Bulk samples contained a high concentration of talc, very little silica, and no asbestos. General airb... (Click to show more)The high prevalence of pulmonary disability, rashes, and nose bleeds at the Fulflex Rubber Company (SIC-3060), Bristol, Rhode Island was investigated. Local 474 of the United Rubber Workers Union requested the survey which took place in November, 1979 and March, 1980. Bulk, general, and personal breathing zone samples were analyzed. Medical examinations of 63 out of 89 employees were conducted. Bulk samples contained a high concentration of talc, very little silica, and no asbestos. General airborne dust contained 0 to 1.2 milligrams per cubic meter of dust. Nitrosomorpholine (59892) and nitrosodiethylamine (55185) in heated rubber stock ranged from 0.92 to 5.9 micrograms per cubic meter, and nondetectable to 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. Twenty one percent of 108 workers had signs of pneumoconiosis and another 22 percent had obstructive lung disease. Skin rashes occurred more often in the rubber milling area than in the finishing area and nose bleeds were reported by 13 workers. The authors conclude that evidence of respiratory impairment and decreased pulmonary function are due to past excessive exposures to airborne talc. Improvements in ventilation and engineering controls account for the reduction in talc exposure. The authors suggest that protective clothing, controlled handling of rubber additives, and routine cleaning and repair of ventilation equipment should decrease dermatological irritation.
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(1982) General Telephone Company, York, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from Local 1451, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a survey was conducted of working conditions at the General Telephone Company (SIC-4811) in York, Pennsylvania. On May 12, 1981, a walk through survey and medical interviews with 21 employees were conducted: air samples were collected for total dust. On May 13 and 14, 28 employees received patch tests. Elicited health complaints included sinus, skin, and respiratory problems; eye and nose itching and burni... (Click to show more)In response to a request from Local 1451, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a survey was conducted of working conditions at the General Telephone Company (SIC-4811) in York, Pennsylvania. On May 12, 1981, a walk through survey and medical interviews with 21 employees were conducted: air samples were collected for total dust. On May 13 and 14, 28 employees received patch tests. Elicited health complaints included sinus, skin, and respiratory problems; eye and nose itching and burning; dry throat; and headaches. Airborne dust concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 0.20 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) compared to an OSHA standard of 3.6mg/m3. Patch tests were negative and there was a general lack of findings consistent with allergic contact dermatitis. The authors conclude that a health hazard from overexposure to dust and formaldehyde did not exist. The authors suggest that certain individuals may be allergic to certain pieces of equipment used at the work site.
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(1982) Harbison-Walker Refractories, Fairfield, Alabama, Bessemer, Alabama. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Sub District Director of the Thirty Sixth District of the United Steelworkers of America, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at the Harbison- Walker Refractories (SIC-3255) facilities, located in Fairfield and Bessemer, Alabama. Refractory bricks for use by the steel industry were manufactured at these locations. Airborne dusts were examined for aluminum-oxide (1344281) and free silica (7631869) contents. Personal and general area air sample... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Sub District Director of the Thirty Sixth District of the United Steelworkers of America, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at the Harbison- Walker Refractories (SIC-3255) facilities, located in Fairfield and Bessemer, Alabama. Refractory bricks for use by the steel industry were manufactured at these locations. Airborne dusts were examined for aluminum-oxide (1344281) and free silica (7631869) contents. Personal and general area air samples were taken. The results at the Fairfield facility were as follows: total dust concentrations ranged from 0.22 to 2.92 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); aluminum-oxide concentrations, 0.1 to 0.7mg/m3; respirable dust levels, 0.04 to 0.87mg/m3; and respirable free silica, 4.2 to 91 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). At the Bessemer facility the following conditions existed: total dust concentrations ranged from 1.47 to 50.63mg/m3; aluminum-oxide, 0.1 to 7.9mg/m3; and respirable dust exposures, 0.1 to 9.04mg/m3. Respirable free silica may have exceeded recommended exposure limits for two workers: the worker stacking castables, about 77microg/m3, and the larry car operator, about 143microg/m3. The workers were suffering from many respiratory complaints caused by irritation of the respiratory membranes. No indication of silicosis or other definitely work related respiratory diseases were identified on x-ray or pulmonary function tests. The authors conclude that the larry car operator and workers packaging refractory castables at the Bessemer facility were overexposed to dust and aluminum-oxide. The authors recommend that dusty conditions at Bessemer be cleaned up, and that the dust control systems be repaired. The occurrence of oil acne due to exposure to the oil which coats the freshly formed bricks can be lessened through the use of barrier creams and conscientious personal hygiene. Better coordination is suggested for the medical screening program to insure adequate follow up of workers with abnormalities.
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(1982) Hatfield's Ferry Power Station, Masontown, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were evaluated for coal dust, fly ash dust, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), benzene (71432) solubles, and asbestos (1332214) at the Hatfield's Ferry Power Station (SIC- 4911) Masontown, Pennsylvania, on December 11, 1980, February 26 and 27, 1981, and September 26, 1981. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Local 102, on behalf of 117 workers. Medical evaluation of 71 workers included: an occupational ... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were evaluated for coal dust, fly ash dust, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), benzene (71432) solubles, and asbestos (1332214) at the Hatfield's Ferry Power Station (SIC- 4911) Masontown, Pennsylvania, on December 11, 1980, February 26 and 27, 1981, and September 26, 1981. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Local 102, on behalf of 117 workers. Medical evaluation of 71 workers included: an occupational history and respiratory symptom questionnaire, chest examination, and blood pressure measurement. NIOSH standards for total dust (coal) and respirable coal dust are 3.9 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) and 2.0mg/m3, respectively. The ranges for the air samples were 0.4 to 4.5 4.5mg/m3 for total dust and 0.06 to 2.6mg/m3 for respirable coal dust. Air samples for fly ash dust ranged from 0.4 to 56mg/m3, with a NIOSH standard of 10mg/m3. Sulfur-dioxide, sulfates, and asbestos samples were well below NIOSH criteria. The authors conclude that there are potential overexposures to coal dust and fly ash dust. They recommend wet or vacuum cleanup methods and the mandatory use of respirators in dusty environments. Preplacement, periodic medical examinations and air monitoring for coal dust and fly ash are recommended.
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(1982) Ideal Cement Company, Florence, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America Union, Local 14482, a general health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Ideal Cement Company (SIC-3241), Florence, Colorado. Worker exposure to personal respirable and total dust samples were determined, as well as exposure to crystalline silica (14808607), toxic metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and carbon-monoxide (630080). Employees working in raw materials or masonry cement areas were exposed to low levels of quartz. Six... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America Union, Local 14482, a general health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Ideal Cement Company (SIC-3241), Florence, Colorado. Worker exposure to personal respirable and total dust samples were determined, as well as exposure to crystalline silica (14808607), toxic metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and carbon-monoxide (630080). Employees working in raw materials or masonry cement areas were exposed to low levels of quartz. Six worker personal breathing zone samples exceeded the 10mg/m3 threshold limit value for nuisance dusts recommended by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The level of metals in dusts to which workers were exposed was below hazardous concentrations. No nephrotoxic substances were found either in the facility atmosphere or community drinking water. The author concludes that dust exposure may be irritating to the nose, throat, and upper airways, but no serious body tissue damage should occur to workers since exposure to crystalline silica and metals were below recommended concentrations. The author recommends that engineering controls should be implemented to minimize worker dust exposure.
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(1982) Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, Charlestown, Indiana. (Click to open report) Worker exposure to dibutyl-phthalate (84742) (DBP) at the Indiana Army Ammunition facility (SIC-3483) Charlestown, Indiana, was evaluated. The study was requested by Local 692 of the International Chemical Worker Union and was performed on July 9, and September 4, 1981. Management and employees were interviewed about health effects and the production process. Air and dust samples were collected in four areas. The work force of 1567 employees was 50 percent women and the median age was about 50 y... (Click to show more)Worker exposure to dibutyl-phthalate (84742) (DBP) at the Indiana Army Ammunition facility (SIC-3483) Charlestown, Indiana, was evaluated. The study was requested by Local 692 of the International Chemical Worker Union and was performed on July 9, and September 4, 1981. Management and employees were interviewed about health effects and the production process. Air and dust samples were collected in four areas. The work force of 1567 employees was 50 percent women and the median age was about 50 years. Dust concentrations in the packing room were 3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Except in one area where it reached 0.08mg/m3, DBP was nondetectable. About 20 percent of the dust sampled was of respirable size. Total dust, respirable dust, and DBP were well under OSHA standards of 15, 5 and 5mg/m3, respectively. The authors conclude that it is highly unlikely that the concentrations of DBP in the work area present an environmental hazard, but suggest attempts should be made to further reduce exposure.
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(1982) Industrial Plastics, Valley City, Ohio. (Click to open report) Due to reports of eye irritation, labored breathing, and chest pains, a survey was requested by Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union and was performed in November, 1980 and March and April, 1981 at Industrial Plastics (SIC-3079) Valley City, Ohio. The facility employs 100 workers. Exposures to noise, isocyanates, methylene-chloride (75092), benzoic-acid (65850), 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), trichloroethylene (79016), styrene (100425), fibrous-glass, carbon-monoxide (630080), and org... (Click to show more)Due to reports of eye irritation, labored breathing, and chest pains, a survey was requested by Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union and was performed in November, 1980 and March and April, 1981 at Industrial Plastics (SIC-3079) Valley City, Ohio. The facility employs 100 workers. Exposures to noise, isocyanates, methylene-chloride (75092), benzoic-acid (65850), 1,1,1- trichloroethane (71556), trichloroethylene (79016), styrene (100425), fibrous-glass, carbon-monoxide (630080), and organic vapors were measured. Questionnaires, pulmonary function tests, and carboxyhemoglobin concentrations were obtained. Carbon-monoxide measurements were 1 to 98 parts per million (ppm); 9 samples were above the 35ppm NIOSH recommended criteria. Methylene-chloride concentrations were 2 to 310ppm; 12 samples exceeded the 75ppm NIOSH criteria. Styrene concentrations were 12 to 140ppm; 2 samples exceeded the 100ppm OSHA criteria. Toluene-diisocyanate (26471625) (TDI), was below the recommended criteria, but appeared to affect pulmonary function. Noise measurements were 82 to 93 decibels, exceeding the 85 decibel NIOSH criteria. All other measurements were within recommended limits. Carboxyhemoglobin concentrations were increased in the foam room as the work shift progressed. Skin irritations were high in fibrous glass workers. The authors conclude that workers are overexposed to carbon-monoxide, methylene- chloride, styrene, noise, and possibly TDI. Recommendations are made to reduce exposure.
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(1982) Keokuk Steel Castings, Incorporated, Keokuk, Iowa. (Click to open report) Health problems among workers at Keokuk Steel Castings (SIC-3321), Keokuk, Iowa were investigated. Survey was requested by the United Steelworkers of America. Environmental and medical studies were performed in March, 1981. A followup medical survey was conducted in March, 1982. Two personal breathing zone samples in the metal pouring area indicated exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) at 58 and 94 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The NIOSH standard is 39mg/m3. Personal breathing zone sa... (Click to show more)Health problems among workers at Keokuk Steel Castings (SIC-3321), Keokuk, Iowa were investigated. Survey was requested by the United Steelworkers of America. Environmental and medical studies were performed in March, 1981. A followup medical survey was conducted in March, 1982. Two personal breathing zone samples in the metal pouring area indicated exposure to carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) at 58 and 94 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The NIOSH standard is 39mg/m3. Personal breathing zone samples for formaldehyde (50000) indicated exposures of 0.18 to 0.50mg/m3. NIOSH classifies formaldehyde as a potential carcinogen and recommends exposures be kept to a minimum. Exposures to respirable free silica (14808607) were 0.10 to 0.12mg/m3, in excess of the NIOSH standard of area who had worked there prior to the implementation of engineering controls indicated the frequent occurrence of hazy vision and respiratory irritation during earlier work experience. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from overexposure to free silica and CO. Exposure to formaldehyde should be minimized. The authors suggest that earlier exposure to aliphatic amines caused complaints of hazy vision and respiratory problems.
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(1982) Kwik Kold, Kay Laboratories, Moberley, Missouri. (Click to open report) An industrial hygiene and medical survey to determine airborne concentrations of total and respirable dust, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2), nitrous-oxide (10024972) (NO), and carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) was conducted. Employees at the Kwik Kold, Kay Laboratories (SIC-3842), Moberley, Missouri requested the survey which was conducted on April 15 and 16, and May, 1, 1981. Fifty two line workers reported concerns about respiratory and skin symptoms. Exposures for respirable particulate concent... (Click to show more)An industrial hygiene and medical survey to determine airborne concentrations of total and respirable dust, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2), nitrous-oxide (10024972) (NO), and carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) was conducted. Employees at the Kwik Kold, Kay Laboratories (SIC-3842), Moberley, Missouri requested the survey which was conducted on April 15 and 16, and May, 1, 1981. Fifty two line workers reported concerns about respiratory and skin symptoms. Exposures for respirable particulate concentrations ranged from 0.10 to 0.45 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) of air over an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA). Total particulate concentrations were particulates is 15mg/m3. With the exception of one peak NO2 measurement, all CO, NO2 and NO samples were well below NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Workers on production lines using ammonium-nitrate (6484522) were more likely than nonline production personnel to report skin or mucous membrane irritation. The authors conclude that a health hazard of systematic toxicity did not exist at the time of the survey. The authors suggest that exposure to ammonium-nitrate may cause skin and mucous membrane irritation. The recommend engineering controls, protective clothing and proper maintenance procedures to reduce exposures.
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(1982) Louisiana-Pacific, Mellen, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to veneer dryer emissions were surveyed on September 24 to 26, 1981 at Louisiana-Pacific (SIC-2435) in Mellen, Wisconsin. Evaluation was requested by the International Woodworkers of America, Local 4-335, for 68 workers. Air samples were analyzed for alpha-pinene (80568), beta-pinene (127913), abietec-acid (514103), pimaric-acid (127275), and tannic-acid (1401554). Drying area workers completed preshift and postshift medical symptom questionnaires. During oak drying, mean concen... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to veneer dryer emissions were surveyed on September 24 to 26, 1981 at Louisiana-Pacific (SIC-2435) in Mellen, Wisconsin. Evaluation was requested by the International Woodworkers of America, Local 4-335, for 68 workers. Air samples were analyzed for alpha-pinene (80568), beta-pinene (127913), abietec-acid (514103), pimaric-acid (127275), and tannic-acid (1401554). Drying area workers completed preshift and postshift medical symptom questionnaires. During oak drying, mean concentrations of pinenes, abietic-acid, primaric-acid, and tannic- acid were 0.10, 0.014, 0.014, and 0.013 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. During pine drying, respective mean concentrations of pinenes, abietic-acid, and primaric-acid were 1.47, 7.0, and 0.034mg/m3. Tannic-acid does not occur in pine wood. No exposure standards exist for any of the test agents. Among the 68 workers, 28 reported eye, nose and throat irritation during oak drying operations. Symptom frequency was less during pine drying operations. The authors conclude that exposure to veneer emissions can cause mild, short term irritation symptoms in workers. They recommend elimination of potential leak areas as well as medical monitoring and education of exposed workers.
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