If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
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) Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco, California. (Click to open report) Exposures to dust and irritants were investigated on August 12 to 14, 1982 at Embarcadero Subway Center of the Public Utilities Commission (SIC-4111), San Francisco, California. Evaluation was requested by the General Manager of San Francisco's Public Utilities Commission for about 200 light rail vehicle workers, after several workers complained of periodic dust irritations. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for total dust, particulates, and exhaust fumes. Temperature and humidity were... (Click to show more)Exposures to dust and irritants were investigated on August 12 to 14, 1982 at Embarcadero Subway Center of the Public Utilities Commission (SIC-4111), San Francisco, California. Evaluation was requested by the General Manager of San Francisco's Public Utilities Commission for about 200 light rail vehicle workers, after several workers complained of periodic dust irritations. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for total dust, particulates, and exhaust fumes. Temperature and humidity were also measured. Concentrations of total dust, asbestos (1332214), ozone (10028156), nitrogen- dioxide (10102440), nitrogen-oxide (10024972), carbon-monoxide (124389), iron-oxide (1309371), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), vanadium (7440622), cadmium (7440439), calcium (7440702), and formaldehyde (50000), were all below respective recommended NIOSH or California-OSHA standards of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), 25ppm, 200ppm, 1mg/m3, 0.05mg/m3, 0.05mg/m3, 0.04mg/m3, 2mg/m3, and lowest feasible limit. Dry and wet bulb temperature were 76 and 63 degrees-F, respectively; relative humidity was 49 percent. The author concludes that no exposure hazards exist. He recommends improved workplace design and hygiene, and increased ventilation.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1982) PVC Container Corporation, Eatontown, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an employee representative, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the PVC Container Corporation (SIC-3079), Eatontown, New Jersey. Concerns included skin contact with polyvinyl-chloride (9002862) (PVC) pellets, dust and coloring agents; inhalation of gases during heating, manual pulling, and blow molding of PVC; and inhalation of PVC dust. PVC bottles were produced at this facility through a blow molding process. Personal samples for res... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an employee representative, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the PVC Container Corporation (SIC-3079), Eatontown, New Jersey. Concerns included skin contact with polyvinyl-chloride (9002862) (PVC) pellets, dust and coloring agents; inhalation of gases during heating, manual pulling, and blow molding of PVC; and inhalation of PVC dust. PVC bottles were produced at this facility through a blow molding process. Personal samples for respirable dusts indicated levels ranging from not detectable to 0.14 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Benzene (71432) was detected at the extruder head at concentrations of 0.02 parts per million. Organotin levels of 0.13, 6, and 10, respectively. Noise exposures ranged from 88 to 102 decibels-A (dBA) at the face of the blow molding units. Noise levels ranged from 85 to 92dBA at inspection stations for packers. Headaches, nausea and dry skin were noted among employees, probably as a result of exposure to volatilized organotins and other decomposition products such as coloring agents and hydrochloric-acid (7647010). Symptoms were most common when workers were pulling parison from extruder heads during minor maintenance activities when automatic hot melt grinders were inoperative. The authors conclude that headaches, nausea and dry skin may have been caused by exposures to volatilized organotins and other decomposition products while pulling parison. Some workers were also overexposed to noise. The authors recommend that a preventive maintenance program for hot melt grinders be used, to eliminate the need to manually pull the plastic parison from the extruder head. Noise reduction schemes should be continued until the noise levels are reduced to acceptable levels.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1982) Ralston Purina Company, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Reports of skin rash and possible respiratory impairment were investigated among workers performing cleaning and disinfection procedures associated with production of pet food at Ralston Purina Company (SIC-2047), Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The workers requested the study, which was performed on March 3 and 4, 1981. These workers were specifically involved in cleaning and disinfecting procedures. The company employs about 280 workers; about 200 are hourly employees. Process information and emp... (Click to show more)Reports of skin rash and possible respiratory impairment were investigated among workers performing cleaning and disinfection procedures associated with production of pet food at Ralston Purina Company (SIC-2047), Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The workers requested the study, which was performed on March 3 and 4, 1981. These workers were specifically involved in cleaning and disinfecting procedures. The company employs about 280 workers; about 200 are hourly employees. Process information and employee health data were collected. Of 50 workers interviewed, 10 percent had dermatic. Some workers may have experienced direct skin irritation from food ingredients or cleaning agents used at the facility. The author concludes that while some workers were experiencing dermatitis, this could not be attributed to specific exposures. The author suggests that some dermatitis may have been caused by allergic contact sensitivity or by cross sensitivity reactions. The author recommends steps to protect the skin from potentially irritating cleaning agents and grain dust.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1982) Rexall Drug Company, St. Louis, Missouri. (Click to open report) Chemical exposures at the Rexall drug manufacturing facility (SIC- 2834), St. Louis, Missouri were investigated. The study was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union because of employee reports of nosebleeds, discolored urine, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties. The survey was performed in February, April, and July 1981. Environmental and medical evaluations were conducted. Total particulate concentrations in personal breathing zones ranged from 0.4 to 32... (Click to show more)Chemical exposures at the Rexall drug manufacturing facility (SIC- 2834), St. Louis, Missouri were investigated. The study was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union because of employee reports of nosebleeds, discolored urine, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties. The survey was performed in February, April, and July 1981. Environmental and medical evaluations were conducted. Total particulate concentrations in personal breathing zones ranged from 0.4 to 32.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) compared to an American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value (TLV) of 5.0mg/m3. Ferrous-sulfate (10028225) concentration peaked at 7.83mg/m3 (TLV: 1mg/m3). Methylene-chloride (75092) concentrations peaked at 361mg/m3 (NIOSH criteria: 261mg/m3). Isopropyl-alcohol (67630) concentrations peaked at 1180mg/m3 (NIOSH criteria: 984mg/m3). Five of seven ferrous-sulfate workers reported cough, nose, throat, or skin irritation, or headache. All four employees who worked with ferrous-sulfate on 2 consecutive days had increases both in serum iron concentrations and percent saturation of iron binding capacity. Eleven of 13 niacin workers reported skin symptoms. The authors conclude that a health hazard did exist due to high exposure to total dust, ferrous-sulfate, isopropyl-alcohol, and methylene-chloride. The authors recommend a respirator program and engineering controls.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1982) Roofing Sites, Rochester and Buffalo, New York. (Click to open report) Exposure to coal-tar (8007452) tearoff and asphalt roofing applications were investigated on October 12 to 14, 1981 in Rochester and Buffalo (SIC-1761), New York. Evaluation was requested by the Director of Safety and Health, United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers. Fourteen workers were employed. Personal and area air samples were collected to determine concentrations of cyclohexane soluble coal-tar products, polynuclear aromatics (PNAs), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xy... (Click to show more)Exposure to coal-tar (8007452) tearoff and asphalt roofing applications were investigated on October 12 to 14, 1981 in Rochester and Buffalo (SIC-1761), New York. Evaluation was requested by the Director of Safety and Health, United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers. Fourteen workers were employed. Personal and area air samples were collected to determine concentrations of cyclohexane soluble coal-tar products, polynuclear aromatics (PNAs), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), and hexane (110543). Dust exposures during tearoff procedures were 1.8 to 6.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Respirable particles were 0.67 to 1.7mg/m3, compared to ACGIH exposure limits of 10 and 5mg/m3, respectively. Exposures to cyclohexane solubles ranged up to 0.51mg/m3. NIOSH recommended upper limit is 0.1mg/m3. Several PNAs were identified with concentrations as high as 27 micrograms per cubic meter. No safe exposure limit is known. Highest cyclohexane soluble and PNA exposures were found in workers exposed during tearoff. Concentrations of organic solvents for workers applying adhesives were less than 13 percent of their respective evaluation standards. The author concludes that workers are exposed to excessive amounts of coal-tar pitch dust, but not to solvent vapor. Recommendations to improve work practices and avoid exposures are made.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1982) Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, Santa Cruz, California. (Click to open report) Exposures to diesel and gasoline exhaust fumes were investigated on August 19 and 20, 1981. The survey was requested by the vehicle maintenance supervisor for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SIC-4172). Fourteen workers are employed in vehicle maintenance. They reported dizziness, headaches and nausea. During diesel servicing, carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) concentrations peaked at 8 parts per million (ppm), well below the NIOSH criteria of 35ppm. Carbon-dioxide (124389), nitrogen-di... (Click to show more)Exposures to diesel and gasoline exhaust fumes were investigated on August 19 and 20, 1981. The survey was requested by the vehicle maintenance supervisor for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SIC-4172). Fourteen workers are employed in vehicle maintenance. They reported dizziness, headaches and nausea. During diesel servicing, carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) concentrations peaked at 8 parts per million (ppm), well below the NIOSH criteria of 35ppm. Carbon-dioxide (124389), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) were either below detection limits or barely detectable. Total particulate concentrations peaked at 1.12 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) (the NIOSH criteria for nuisance dust is 10mg/m3). Formaldehyde (50000) concentrations peaked at 1.4ppm. During gasoline bus startup, peak CO concentrations did not exceed the NIOSH recommended time weighted average of 35ppm. Reported symptoms were consistent with exposure to diesel and gasoline fume exhaust, and formaldehyde exposure. The authors conclude that workers were not overexposed to airborne pollutants except formaldehyde. Significant short term exposure to formaldehyde occurred depending on job task, the time of the shift, and the mechanical condition of the bus. The authors recommend various steps to reduce diesel exhaust fume exposure.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1982) Sherwin Williams Company, Coffeyville, Kansas. (Click to open report) Excess kidney and prostate problems and hypertension at the Sherwin Williams Company (SIC-2816), Coffeyville, Kansas were investigated in August, 1981 and in February and April, 1982. The survey was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union. In 1976, NIOSH had found an excess of hypertension and abnormal serum creatinine concentrations. Personal air samples collected in the oxide bagging operation greatly exceeded the OSHA recommended standards for barium (7440393) (... (Click to show more)Excess kidney and prostate problems and hypertension at the Sherwin Williams Company (SIC-2816), Coffeyville, Kansas were investigated in August, 1981 and in February and April, 1982. The survey was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union. In 1976, NIOSH had found an excess of hypertension and abnormal serum creatinine concentrations. Personal air samples collected in the oxide bagging operation greatly exceeded the OSHA recommended standards for barium (7440393) (standard of 0.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3)), lead (7439921) (standard of 50mg/m3 as an 8 hour time weighted average) and zinc (7440666) (standard of 5mg/m3). Comparative samples from the blending area showed 20 percent exceeding lead and zinc standards. Eighty six percent of personal samples for barium exceeded standards in the area for grinding and mixing of barium containing ores. Total dust ranged from 29 to 64mg/m3, exceeding OSHA standards in all three areas; respirable dusts exceeded the standard of 5mg/m3 in one process area. Thirty six percent of hourly workers had high blood pressure. Seven of 94 serum creatinine and 10 blood lead concentrations were abnormal. The authors conclude that workers are being exposed in various process areas to excessive lead, barium, zinc, and dust. They recommend respirators.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1982) Simmons, U. S. A., Columbus, Ohio. (Click for full summary) Environmental sampling to assess employee exposure to cotton dust was conducted at Simmons, U.S.A. (SIC-2515) in Columbus, Ohio, on October 29 and November 30 through December 3, 1981. The evaluation was requested by management on behalf of 15 affected employees. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for cotton dust is 500 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). Average concentrations detected ranged from 110 to 455microg/m3. The authors conclude that exposures do not exceed the present OSHA stand... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling to assess employee exposure to cotton dust was conducted at Simmons, U.S.A. (SIC-2515) in Columbus, Ohio, on October 29 and November 30 through December 3, 1981. The evaluation was requested by management on behalf of 15 affected employees. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for cotton dust is 500 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). Average concentrations detected ranged from 110 to 455microg/m3. The authors conclude that exposures do not exceed the present OSHA standard for cotton dust. They recommend repairs and replacements in processing machinery, enclosure of open dumpsters, a reduction of blowdown operations, the use of respirators for nonroutine activities, and modifications to work practices.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report HETA-81-406-1150.
(1982) Supplement, Colorado River Indian Reservation, Cotton Gin Study, Colorado River Gin, Poston, Arizona. (Click for full summary) Results and conclusions of initial and followup evaluations conducted on one of three cotton gins on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in Poston, Arizona were presented. Cotton dust levels in the Colorado River Gin exceeded the NIOSH and OSHA recommended standards in all but one sample. Pesticide residues were identified in samples of first picked cotton, cotton bolls, trash cotton, seeds, motes, waste/bract cotton, finished cotton, and rafter samples. Levels of nuisance dust ranged from 2.6... (Click to show more)Results and conclusions of initial and followup evaluations conducted on one of three cotton gins on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in Poston, Arizona were presented. Cotton dust levels in the Colorado River Gin exceeded the NIOSH and OSHA recommended standards in all but one sample. Pesticide residues were identified in samples of first picked cotton, cotton bolls, trash cotton, seeds, motes, waste/bract cotton, finished cotton, and rafter samples. Levels of nuisance dust ranged from 2.60 to 6.79mg/m3. A noise evaluation demonstrated noise levels ranging from 83.8 to 101 decibels-A in different areas of the gin. The equipment was old and in need of repairs, and the housekeeping was found to be very poor. Excessively low cholinesterase levels were not seen in workers. Few symptoms were reported by the workers. Recommendations on improved housekeeping and the use of personal protective devices for respiratory and ear protection were included.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-80-245-1210.
(1982) Supplement, Colorado River Indian Reservation, Cotton Gin Study, Parker Valley Gin, Parker, Arizona. (Click for full summary) Results and conclusions of initial and followup evaluations conducted on one of three cotton gins on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in Arizona were presented. Cotton dust levels at the Parker Valley Gin exceeded NIOSH and OSHA recommended levels in all but one sample. Pesticide residues were identified in samples of first picked cotton, cotton bolls, trash cotton, seeds, motes, waste/bract cotton, finished cotton, and rafter samples. Levels of nuisance dust ranged from 2.0 to 10.5mg/m3. N... (Click to show more)Results and conclusions of initial and followup evaluations conducted on one of three cotton gins on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in Arizona were presented. Cotton dust levels at the Parker Valley Gin exceeded NIOSH and OSHA recommended levels in all but one sample. Pesticide residues were identified in samples of first picked cotton, cotton bolls, trash cotton, seeds, motes, waste/bract cotton, finished cotton, and rafter samples. Levels of nuisance dust ranged from 2.0 to 10.5mg/m3. Noise measurements ranged from 84.5 to 98 decibels-A in the gin. The equipment appeared to be new and in excellent condition and the housekeeping was considered to be good. An excessively low cholinesterase level was identified in one worker and three of seven employees reported symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and/or throat. Recommendations on maintaining the level of housekeeping and the use of personal protective devices for respiratory and ear protection were made.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-80-247-1210.
