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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) 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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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(1982) Roofing Sites, Rochester and Buffalo, New York. (Click to open report) Exposure to coal-tar 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 (1330... (Click to show more)Exposure to coal-tar 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.
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(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.
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(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.
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