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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) McAlpin's Department Store, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) Worker exposure to dust during tearoff operations of old coal-tar pitch and petroleum pitch roofs was investigated. The survey resulted from a request by the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers and was performed on November 2, 1981 at McAlpin's Department Store, Cherry Grove Shopping Center (SIC-1761), Cincinnati, Ohio. About 10 workers were involved in the roof removal. Personal breathing zone total dust samples and a bulk dust sample were collected and analyzed. The bulk ... (Click to show more)Worker exposure to dust during tearoff operations of old coal-tar pitch and petroleum pitch roofs was investigated. The survey resulted from a request by the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers and was performed on November 2, 1981 at McAlpin's Department Store, Cherry Grove Shopping Center (SIC-1761), Cincinnati, Ohio. About 10 workers were involved in the roof removal. Personal breathing zone total dust samples and a bulk dust sample were collected and analyzed. The bulk dust contained bulk material. No polynuclear-aromatic-hydrocarbons (PNAs) were detected in the bulk samples. In the personal breathing zone, the cyclohexane soluble fraction ranged from 0.09 to 2.3 milligrams per cubic meter. Store employees reported no work related health complaints. No recommended exposure value has been established for cyclohexane solubles associated with petroleum pitch. The author concludes that workers were not exposed to PNAs during the petroleum pitch roof tearoff. The authors suggest that exposure to petroleum pitch dust be kept as low as possible until more information is available on possible health effects resulting from exposure.
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(1982) Mid-South Terminals Corporation, Memphis, Tennessee. (Click to open report) Effects of exposures from the coal-tar pitch and petroleum-pitch transfer operations at Mid South Terminals Corporation (SIC-4463), Memphis, Tennessee were evaluated. Survey was requested by Local 1671 of International Longshoremen's Association and was performed in August and October, 1981. Sixty workers were employed at the terminal. Personal and area breathing samples were measured and work practices and equipment were evaluated. All coal-tar-pitch benzene (65996932) soluble exposures approxi... (Click to show more)Effects of exposures from the coal-tar pitch and petroleum-pitch transfer operations at Mid South Terminals Corporation (SIC-4463), Memphis, Tennessee were evaluated. Survey was requested by Local 1671 of International Longshoremen's Association and was performed in August and October, 1981. Sixty workers were employed at the terminal. Personal and area breathing samples were measured and work practices and equipment were evaluated. All coal-tar-pitch benzene (65996932) soluble exposures approximated or exceeded the NIOSH 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) criteria. The pitch operations generated respirable particles with a benzene soluble fraction ranging from 0.09 to 0.18mg/m3. Six polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons ranging from 0.02 to 0.07mg/m3 were identified in two respirable benzene soluble samples. Protective equipment was considered adequate; however, work practices were deficient. Skin and eye irritations were reported almost universally by workers. The authors conclude that working with the pitch without appropriate personal protective equipment is associated with a health hazard. Handling the pitch at night and using personal protective equipment has decreased the health risks, but acute health effects are still occurring. Recommendations are for dust control, minimum contact with pitch dust, protection against ultraviolet light, and medical monitoring.
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(1982) Mine I.D. No. 1800155, Allied Chemical Corporation, Green River Works, Green River, Wyoming. (Click for full summary) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 15320, an evaluation was conducted of possible hazardous working conditions at Allied Chemical Company Green River Works (SIC- 1474), Green River, Wyoming. Trona mining was carried out at the site; the facility employed approximately 1,300 people, with about 1,000 of these being miners and maintenance personnel. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted over three shifts on 2 days. Ambient air samples were collected for tot... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 15320, an evaluation was conducted of possible hazardous working conditions at Allied Chemical Company Green River Works (SIC- 1474), Green River, Wyoming. Trona mining was carried out at the site; the facility employed approximately 1,300 people, with about 1,000 of these being miners and maintenance personnel. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted over three shifts on 2 days. Ambient air samples were collected for total dust, respirable dust, free silica (14808607), trace metals, asbestos (1332214), ammonia (7664417), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), particulate aromatic hydrocarbons and formaldehyde (50000). Trona alkalinity was also measured. Some excessive levels were noted for total dust and ammonia. There was no asbestos or crystalline silica found, and exposures to trace metals, formaldehyde and nitrogen-dioxide were not considered significant. Other contaminant levels were insignificant. The author notes that trona should be considered a primary skin irritant, able to produce contact dermatitis. The author recommends that efforts be made to reduce contact with trona, that cartridge respirators for ammonia should be available during tamping and after blasting, and that ventilation and respirators be used to reduce total dust exposure in underground mining activities.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report MHHE-80-107.
(1982) Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Exposures to chlorthalidone (77361) (CTD) were investigated on May 18, 19, 28 and 29, 1981 at Mylan Pharmaceuticals Company (SIC-2834), Morgantown, West Virginia. Evaluation was requested by a representative of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union for 225 employees. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for CTD, dust, and methylene-chloride (75092) (MC). Medical questionnaires and tests were given to 10 CTD exposed workers and 10 comparisons. Total and respirable dust concentrations ... (Click to show more)Exposures to chlorthalidone (77361) (CTD) were investigated on May 18, 19, 28 and 29, 1981 at Mylan Pharmaceuticals Company (SIC-2834), Morgantown, West Virginia. Evaluation was requested by a representative of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union for 225 employees. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for CTD, dust, and methylene-chloride (75092) (MC). Medical questionnaires and tests were given to 10 CTD exposed workers and 10 comparisons. Total and respirable dust concentrations were 0.6 to 14.4 and 0.1 to exposure standard is given. Exposures to MC ranged from 1 to 25 parts per million (ppm), compared to NIOSH limit of 75ppm. CTD concentrations were from 1.1 to 2.3mg/m3: no exposure standard exists. Compared to comparisons CTD production workers had reduced orthostatic blood pressure, widening of pulse pressure, smaller decrease in serum glucose and no decrease in urinary sodium/potassium ratio. Blood concentrations of CTD were detected in 7 of 10 workers, but did not correlate to exposure concentrations. The authors conclude that workers can absorb CTD, and that some workers may be sensitive to it. They recommend minimizing exposure and establishing exposure standards for CTD.
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(1982) Olin Chemical Corporation, Lake Charles, Louisiana. (Click to open report) Possible health hazards due to worker exposure to chlorinated isocyanurates at Olin Chemical (SIC-286), Lake Charles, Louisiana were investigated. The study was requested by Local 407 International Union of Operating Engineers and was performed on November 3 and 4, 1981. At the time of the survey about 90 workers were employed in production activities associated with packaging trichloroisocyanuric-acid (87901) (TCCA) and sodium- dichloroisocyanurate (2893789) (NaDDC). Personal breathing zone sam... (Click to show more)Possible health hazards due to worker exposure to chlorinated isocyanurates at Olin Chemical (SIC-286), Lake Charles, Louisiana were investigated. The study was requested by Local 407 International Union of Operating Engineers and was performed on November 3 and 4, 1981. At the time of the survey about 90 workers were employed in production activities associated with packaging trichloroisocyanuric-acid (87901) (TCCA) and sodium- dichloroisocyanurate (2893789) (NaDDC). Personal breathing zone sampling and medical interviews were performed. Particulate concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 38 milligrams per cubic meter. About 60 percent of the dust near the packaging areas was within the respirable size range. No OSHA standards for exposure to any chlorinated isocyanurates have been developed. Workers used respirator facepieces with high efficiency particulate filters. All production workers reported one or more work related symptoms. The most common symptoms were eye irritation and cough. Seventy eight percent of the women interviewed reported problems or changes in their menstrual cycle since beginning work in the packaging area. The authors conclude that workers are not adequately protected from the irritant effects of TCCA and NaDDC. Engineering controls, medical surveillance, respiratory protection and improved housekeeping procedures are recommended.
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(1982) Pacific, Gas and Electric-Geyers Facility, San Francisco, California. (Click to open report) Hazardous exposures were investigated at Pacific Gas and Electric, Geysers Facility (SIC-493) in San Francisco, California on August 7, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1245, on behalf of an unspecified number of workers concerned about incidences of heart attacks, colds, and other ailments. Personal and area air samples were analyzed, and medical questionnaires were sent to about 300 employees. Conce... (Click to show more)Hazardous exposures were investigated at Pacific Gas and Electric, Geysers Facility (SIC-493) in San Francisco, California on August 7, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1245, on behalf of an unspecified number of workers concerned about incidences of heart attacks, colds, and other ailments. Personal and area air samples were analyzed, and medical questionnaires were sent to about 300 employees. Concentrations of vanadium-pentoxide (1314621), inorganic-mercury (7439976), inorganic-arsenic (7440382), nuisance dust, sodium-hydroxide (1310732), and acrylamide (79061) were all below NIOSH standards of 0.05, 0.05, 0.002, 15 (CAL-OSHA), 2.0, and 0.3 milligrams per cubic meter, respectively. Asbestos (1332214) concentrations were also below the NIOSH limit of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter. The reported heart attack incidence among the workers was not greater than that for the general population. Lack of a comparison group precluded investigation of the relationship between hypertension, stress, and heart attack. The authors conclude that no health hazard exists. They recommend worker training and education, use of protective equipment, and provision of portable eye wash facilities.
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(1982) Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Montoursville, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Asbestos (1332214) exposures at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District Office (SIC-9621) in Montoursville, Pennsylvania were investigated. The survey was requested by AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Council 13, and was performed on February 2, 1982. Sampling for asbestos was conducted in areas which had a false ceiling or where the ceiling was sealed with three coats of paint. Bulk samples of settled dust, ceiling tile, and insulation were also examined for asbestos content. Area air samples we... (Click to show more)Asbestos (1332214) exposures at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District Office (SIC-9621) in Montoursville, Pennsylvania were investigated. The survey was requested by AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Council 13, and was performed on February 2, 1982. Sampling for asbestos was conducted in areas which had a false ceiling or where the ceiling was sealed with three coats of paint. Bulk samples of settled dust, ceiling tile, and insulation were also examined for asbestos content. Area air samples were below the analytical limit of detection of 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter of air and thus well below OSHA standards of 2 fibers per cubic centimeter of air. Of the settled dust samples, only one contained asbestos (less than 1 percent). Two of five ceiling tile insulations contained asbestos (1 to 2 and 10 to 20 percent, respectively). The author concludes that there is no health hazard due to asbestos exposure during normal working operations; however, there could be exposures to asbestos during housekeeping and maintenance operations. Recommendations are to perform all cleaning and dusting operations using vacuum or wet methods for these operations.
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(1982) Pennsylvania State University, Dubois Campus, Dubois, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Exposures to formaldehyde (50000), excessive humidity, and dust containing fibrous glass were investigated on July 7 and 8, 1981, September 22, 1981, and February 24, 1982 at the Student Learning Center, Pennsylvania State University (SIC-8221), DuBois, Pennsylvania. The University industrial hygienist requested the evaluation for an unspecified number of employees who reported eye and respiratory irritation, nose bleeds, skin rashes, headaches, and nausea. Area air and bulk samples were analyze... (Click to show more)Exposures to formaldehyde (50000), excessive humidity, and dust containing fibrous glass were investigated on July 7 and 8, 1981, September 22, 1981, and February 24, 1982 at the Student Learning Center, Pennsylvania State University (SIC-8221), DuBois, Pennsylvania. The University industrial hygienist requested the evaluation for an unspecified number of employees who reported eye and respiratory irritation, nose bleeds, skin rashes, headaches, and nausea. Area air and bulk samples were analyzed, relative humidity and ventilation were measured, and 12 employees were interviewed. Airborne formaldehyde and dust concentrations ranged from 0.01 to meter (mg/m3), respectively; corresponding NIOSH standards are Lowest Feasible Limit and 5mg/m3. Humidity ranged from 60 to 74 percent. No formaldehyde was found in bulk samples. Nine employees reported that symptoms disappeared after leaving work. After the air conditioning system was readjusted and balanced, eight of the nine workers reported no symptoms. Repeated airborne formaldehyde sampling indicated no measurable contamination. The authors conclude that the workers' symptoms were not related to formaldehyde or dust exposures. They recommend regular balancing of the air conditioning system, and routine health surveillance.
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(1982) Precision Plastics Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Several cases of breast and uterine cancer among female mold operators using polyvinyl-chloride (9002862) (PVC) at the Precision Plastics Company (SIC-3079), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were investigated. The study was requested by Local 837 of the Industrial Workers Union and was performed on June 3 and July 28 and 29, 1981. The company employs 36 workers including 31 production personnel. There were no detectable concentrations of vinyl- chloride (75014) monomer in the personal breathing zone o... (Click to show more)Several cases of breast and uterine cancer among female mold operators using polyvinyl-chloride (9002862) (PVC) at the Precision Plastics Company (SIC-3079), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were investigated. The study was requested by Local 837 of the Industrial Workers Union and was performed on June 3 and July 28 and 29, 1981. The company employs 36 workers including 31 production personnel. There were no detectable concentrations of vinyl- chloride (75014) monomer in the personal breathing zone of two mold operators. Concentrations of PVC dust were below the OSHA standard for nuisance dust. Examination of medical records and insurance claims located three cases of breast cancer and two cases of cervical cancer out of a sample of 125 hourly employees who worked 5 years or longer. These cases represented an incidence rate more than 3 fold in excess of expected numbers for breast cancer and 4 fold for cervical cancer for women who worked more than 5 years. These excess risks were not considered statistically significant. The authors conclude that present exposure concentrations are not in excess of standards. The cancer cases could not be demonstrably due to occupational exposure to PVC or vinyl-chloride. The authors recommend that future cases of cancer be monitored.
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(1982) Public Services Company of Colorado, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Local 111 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers requested an evaluation of fly-ash, silica, and arsenic exposures to workers who repair electrostatic precipitators at the Public Service Company of Colorado (SIC-4911), Pueblo, Colorado. On July 18 and 19, 1981, all eight workers were monitored for crystalline silica, total dust particulates, arsenic (7440382), lead (7439921), selenium (7782492), and cadmium (7440439). Most respirable and total particulate breathing zone air sampl... (Click to show more)Local 111 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers requested an evaluation of fly-ash, silica, and arsenic exposures to workers who repair electrostatic precipitators at the Public Service Company of Colorado (SIC-4911), Pueblo, Colorado. On July 18 and 19, 1981, all eight workers were monitored for crystalline silica, total dust particulates, arsenic (7440382), lead (7439921), selenium (7782492), and cadmium (7440439). Most respirable and total particulate breathing zone air samples exceeded the OSHA standards of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (millig/m3). Arsenic concentrations peaked at 0.01millig/m3, above the evaluation criteria of 0.002millig/m3. One sample for silica exceeded the evaluation criteria of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter. Three workers reported they had skin problems due to fly-ash. One worker had a significant loss of pulmonary function. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard exists from over exposure to particulates, arsenic, and crystalline silica. The exposure to fly- ash during cleanout does not appear to have resulted in pulmonary disease. They recommend shower facilities, a respiratory program, shaving so that respirators will fit properly, and yearly physical examinations.
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