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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
(1982) Federal correctional institution, La Tuna, Texas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Prison System, an evaluation was made of potentially hazardous conditions at the Federal Correctional Institution (SIC- 9999), La Tuna, Texas. Concern was expressed over employee/inmate exposures to isopropyl-alcohol (67630), toluene (108883), methylene- chloride (75092), nuisance particulate matter, wood dust, iron-oxide (1309371), and welding fumes from furniture refinishing. Furniture refinishing necessitated stripping, san... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Prison System, an evaluation was made of potentially hazardous conditions at the Federal Correctional Institution (SIC- 9999), La Tuna, Texas. Concern was expressed over employee/inmate exposures to isopropyl-alcohol (67630), toluene (108883), methylene- chloride (75092), nuisance particulate matter, wood dust, iron-oxide (1309371), and welding fumes from furniture refinishing. Furniture refinishing necessitated stripping, sanding, painting and general refurbishing. Airborne concentrations of isopropyl-alcohol ranged from 42 to 160 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); respirable nuisance particulate matter, 0.4 to 1.6mg/m3; total nuisance particulate matter, 2 to 82mg/m3; and iron-oxide, below detection to 1mg/m3. The only evidence of a potential hazard was in the exposure to concentrations of total wood dust. The author concludes that a potential health hazard might exist to persons exposed to wood dust; the other exposures were not considered to be hazardous. The author recommends that efforts be made to reduce dust concentrations in sanding and grinding operations. A low volume, high velocity exhaust system is recommended which uses small volumes of air at high velocities to control dust from portable hand tools.
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(1982) Ferro Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental air sampling was conducted, blood specimens collected, and medical surveys performed, to determined employee exposures to lead (7439921) and cadmium (7440439) at the Ferro Corporation (SIC- 2810) in Cleveland, Ohio on May 23 and 24, 1980 and March 16 to 20, 1981. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1170, requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of workers in the Coatings and Color Divisions of the Company. In the Coatings Division, perso... (Click to show more)Environmental air sampling was conducted, blood specimens collected, and medical surveys performed, to determined employee exposures to lead (7439921) and cadmium (7440439) at the Ferro Corporation (SIC- 2810) in Cleveland, Ohio on May 23 and 24, 1980 and March 16 to 20, 1981. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1170, requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of workers in the Coatings and Color Divisions of the Company. In the Coatings Division, personal exposure to airborne lead ranged from 0 to 359 micrograms per cubic meter, compared with the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. All cadmium samples taken in the Coatings Division were below the OSHA recommended standard of 200 micrograms per cubic meter. In the Color Division, cadmium exposures ranged from 0 to 384 micrograms per cubic meter. Twenty three of 109 workers tested had blood lead concentrations of 40 micrograms per deciliter or above. Smelter operators in the Coatings Division had the highest blood lead concentrations. Twenty one workers had blood cadmium concentrations of 0.7 micrograms per deciliter or above. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations were elevated in 18 of 109 workers, serum creatinine concentrations were elevated in 8 workers, and serum uric acid concentrations were elevated in 12 workers. Thirty five workers had one or more abnormal kidney function test results. Three workers with a history of exposure to silica dust had chest radiographs with evidence of mild pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that health hazards existed at this facility as a result of excessive exposures to airborne lead, cadmium, and silica dust. They recommend the establishment of an industrial health program, reduction of lead and cadmium exposures, several engineering control measures, medical follow up of affected workers, and medical screening.
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(1982) Forest Service, USDA, Spokane, Washington. (Click for full summary) In response to a request from the U.S. Forestry Service (SIC-0851), an investigation was conducted by NIOSH to evaluate the exposure of Forest Service personnel to volcanic ash after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Forest workers in southwestern Washington State were monitored in June and September, 1980 for exposure to airborne dust, total dust, and trace metals. Respirable crystalline silica (14808607) dust exposure was estimated by sieving bulk samples to particles less than 10... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Forestry Service (SIC-0851), an investigation was conducted by NIOSH to evaluate the exposure of Forest Service personnel to volcanic ash after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Forest workers in southwestern Washington State were monitored in June and September, 1980 for exposure to airborne dust, total dust, and trace metals. Respirable crystalline silica (14808607) dust exposure was estimated by sieving bulk samples to particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter. Nine of 40 measurements obtained from forestry workers exposed to respirable dust were greater than 1.00mg/m3 during the first survey. The NIOSH recommended exposure level to respirable dust containing 5.5% crystalline silica was 0.91mg/m3. No respirable dust measurements obtained in late summer were above the NIOSH recommended exposure level. The author concludes that forestry workers exposed to dust concentrations below the recommended levels have little risk in developing chronic respiratory impairment from this exposure; however, the recommended exposure levels may have certain limitations and future volcanic activity may increase risk. The author recommends that working conditions should be reassessed in future volcanic eruptions.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-000-105.
(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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