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HHE Search Results
1063 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) 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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(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.
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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.
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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.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-80-247-1210.
(1982) Supplement, Colorado River Indian Reservation, Cotton Gin Study, Plantation 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 at the Plantation 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 0.25 to 1.6mg/... (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 at the Plantation 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 0.25 to 1.6mg/m3. Noise measurements ranged from 78 to 101 decibels-A in different locations in the gin. The equipment appeared to be in good condition and housekeeping was considered fair. Low cholinesterase levels were seen in one worker and significant decreases in lung function over a work shift were observed in two workers. Nine of 15 workers reported symptoms such as eye or nose irritation or chest symptoms. Recommendations on improved housekeeping and the use of personal protective devices for respiratory and ear protection were made.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-80-246-1210.
(1982) Todd Meadows Gin, St. Clair, Alabama. (Click to open report) Occupational exposure to chemical sprays used on cotton plants prior to cotton ginning was investigated at the Todd Meadows Gin (SIC- who complained of respiratory distress; unconsciousness, chills, memory lapse, and double vision. The study was conducted on February 4, 1982. The ginning and baling of the cotton normally involves five workers. At the time of the study the gin was not operating, so the description of operations and estimates of expected dust exposures were based on judgment and i... (Click to show more)Occupational exposure to chemical sprays used on cotton plants prior to cotton ginning was investigated at the Todd Meadows Gin (SIC- who complained of respiratory distress; unconsciousness, chills, memory lapse, and double vision. The study was conducted on February 4, 1982. The ginning and baling of the cotton normally involves five workers. At the time of the study the gin was not operating, so the description of operations and estimates of expected dust exposures were based on judgment and information provided by the ginner. At the end of the last ginning season, the ginner sent parts of his clothing, his dust mask, and floor dust for analysis. Galecron (6164983), an insecticide, was detected in concentrations of 0.4 to 5.8 parts per million in the apparel and environmental condition was identified as being the direct cause of the health problem. The authors conclude that the ginner has a combination of bronchitis symptoms related to heavy smoking and an atypical byssinosis like syndrome related to cotton dust exposure. Recommendations for a detailed discussion of a follow up survey are provided.
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(1982) U. S. Postal Service, Washington Bulk Mail Center, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) Exposures to asbestos (1332214) and other potential health hazards at the Washington Bulk Mail Center (SIC-4311) in Washington, D.C. were evaluated. The evaluation was requested by the United States Postal Service on behalf of 130 maintenance personnel, and was conducted on August 3 and 4, 1981. Personal air samples for asbestos and respirable particulates were collected and area noise levels were measured. Respirable particulates ranged from 0.03 to standard of 5.0mg/m3. Asbestos concentration ... (Click to show more)Exposures to asbestos (1332214) and other potential health hazards at the Washington Bulk Mail Center (SIC-4311) in Washington, D.C. were evaluated. The evaluation was requested by the United States Postal Service on behalf of 130 maintenance personnel, and was conducted on August 3 and 4, 1981. Personal air samples for asbestos and respirable particulates were collected and area noise levels were measured. Respirable particulates ranged from 0.03 to standard of 5.0mg/m3. Asbestos concentration were below the laboratory limit of detection. Sound pressure levels throughout the facility showed a maximum of 85 to 86 decibels for any one location. OSHA permits a time weighted average (TWA) exposure level 90 decibels while recommending a maximum TWA exposure of 85 decibels. The authors conclude that hazardous exposures to nuisance dusts, asbestos, or noise were not present at the time of the survey. The authors suggest that certain chores should be performed with an industrial type vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency filter system. Workers should be monitored to determine their TWA noise exposures.
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(1982) U.S. Army Research Office, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. (Click to open report) Potential hazardous exposure to chemicals used in operating and cleaning the duplicating equipment at the United States Army Research Office (SIC-2752), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina was investigated. Noise levels were also analyzed. The research office requested the study which was performed in March, April, May, and July of 1982. Two employees normally operate the printing equipment. Seven personal and area samples collected in the printing room were assayed for 20 organic chemicals. ... (Click to show more)Potential hazardous exposure to chemicals used in operating and cleaning the duplicating equipment at the United States Army Research Office (SIC-2752), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina was investigated. Noise levels were also analyzed. The research office requested the study which was performed in March, April, May, and July of 1982. Two employees normally operate the printing equipment. Seven personal and area samples collected in the printing room were assayed for 20 organic chemicals. Up to 0.24 parts per million (ppm) benzene (71432) and 1.34ppm trichloroethylene (79016) were detected. Total dust concentrations in two area samples were 0.35 and 0.56 milligrams per cubic meter. Accumulations of dust on surfaces and use of an open container for disposal of solvent wetted rags were observed. Noise levels ranged from 72 to 89 decibels. The authors conclude that no acute chemical exposure hazard was apparent with current chemicals and handling procedures. During long print runs, operators may be subject to excess noise exposure based on a standard of 85 decibels. Recommendations regarding duplicating facility ventilation, increase of fresh air supply, and housekeeping procedures are provided.
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