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HHE Search Results
1062 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) 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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(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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