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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) U.S. Secret Service, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) The possible health hazards to United States Secret Service officers of exposure to airborne lead (7439921) during the use of an indoor firing range (SIC-922), Washington, D.C., and Beltsville, Maryland were investigated. The Safety Division of the Department of Treasury requested the study which was performed on May 5, 1982. Four shooters at the Beltsville Range were exposed to an 8 hour average (TWA) lead concentration of 38 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). During a 25 minute period the... (Click to show more)The possible health hazards to United States Secret Service officers of exposure to airborne lead (7439921) during the use of an indoor firing range (SIC-922), Washington, D.C., and Beltsville, Maryland were investigated. The Safety Division of the Department of Treasury requested the study which was performed on May 5, 1982. Four shooters at the Beltsville Range were exposed to an 8 hour average (TWA) lead concentration of 38 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3). During a 25 minute period they were exposed to a mean concentration of 720microg/m3. Two shooters at the Washington range were exposed to concentrations of lead ranging from nondetectable to 18microg/m3. One shooter was exposed to a copper TWA of 33.6microg/m3. The author concludes that a potential hazard from overexposure to lead did exist. However, the officers would rarely shoot on a daily basis, and ventilation design appeared adequate for normal use. Recommendations for limiting the use of lead bullets and improving ventilation are provided.
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(1982) Unistil Corporation, Millville, NJ. (Click for full summary) Silica (7631869) exposure and silicosis among workers at a silica production facility (SIC-2819) were investigated by NIOSH in 1980. Area and personal samples were collected and former and current workers were radiographically screened for silicosis. The median concentration of respirable crystalline silica meter. The range was from undetectable amounts of dust to 350 micrograms per cubic meter. Concentrations in the silo and millroom exceeded NIOSH standards. Out of 47 past and present workers,... (Click to show more)Silica (7631869) exposure and silicosis among workers at a silica production facility (SIC-2819) were investigated by NIOSH in 1980. Area and personal samples were collected and former and current workers were radiographically screened for silicosis. The median concentration of respirable crystalline silica meter. The range was from undetectable amounts of dust to 350 micrograms per cubic meter. Concentrations in the silo and millroom exceeded NIOSH standards. Out of 47 past and present workers, complicated silicosis was diagnosed in 5 of the present workers and 1 of the former workers. All had been exposed to silica prior to 1972 when dirtier industrial processes had been employed in the facility. NIOSH recommends that general housekeeping be made more rigorous, that several leaks be repaired, and that dust concentrations be kept below the NIOSH standard by means of engineering controls. When concentrations exceed the standard respirators should be used. Industrial hygiene monitoring should be performed at least twice a year and medical records should be kept for at least 30 years after the termination of a worker's employment.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report MTA-80-103-4.
(1982) United States Main Post Office, Columbus, Ohio. (Click to open report) Exposure to airborne dust at the United States Main Post Office (SIC- 3579), Columbus, Ohio was investigated. The study was requested by the Postmaster and was conducted on August 28 and October 22, 1981. A total of 160 workers were potentially exposed while operating mail sorting machines. Ten bulk dust and personal breathing zone samples were collected and analyzed. The bulk settled dust samples contained no asbestos (1332214). Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.13 to 4.71 milligra... (Click to show more)Exposure to airborne dust at the United States Main Post Office (SIC- 3579), Columbus, Ohio was investigated. The study was requested by the Postmaster and was conducted on August 28 and October 22, 1981. A total of 160 workers were potentially exposed while operating mail sorting machines. Ten bulk dust and personal breathing zone samples were collected and analyzed. The bulk settled dust samples contained no asbestos (1332214). Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.13 to 4.71 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3). The OSHA recommended exposure limit is 15mg/m3 for an 8 hour time weighted average. The author concludes that workers were not overexposed to total particulate concentrations, nor were they exposed to asbestos.
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(1982) Valley Station Post Office, Valley Station, Kentucky. (Click to open report) The Valley Station mail sorting are (SIC-4311) in Valley Station, Kentucky was evaluated for airborne dust exposure. The managing postmaster requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of employees who developed medical problems. Evaluation was performed on August 3, 1981. The facility employed 31 workers. Environmental sampling indicated that all air and dust samples contained trace amounts of various metals. Nuisance dust concentrations of 0.02 and 0.04 milligrams per cubic met... (Click to show more)The Valley Station mail sorting are (SIC-4311) in Valley Station, Kentucky was evaluated for airborne dust exposure. The managing postmaster requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of employees who developed medical problems. Evaluation was performed on August 3, 1981. The facility employed 31 workers. Environmental sampling indicated that all air and dust samples contained trace amounts of various metals. Nuisance dust concentrations of 0.02 and 0.04 milligrams per cubic meter were both well below the current (15 milligrams per cubic meter) nuisance dust standard. Carbon-monoxide and organic vapor concentrations were at normal background values. A fibrous glass and mineral wool combination was found in the ceiling tile. No asbestos or fibrous glass could be confirmed in any of the air or bulk dust samples. The author concludes that no health hazard existed at the facility. The author recommends good housekeeping procedures to keep airborne dust exposure to a minimum.
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(1981) Alaska Smelting & Refining Company, Wisilla, Alaska. (Click to open report) Environmental air sampling was conducted and medical evaluations performed to determine employee exposures to lead (7439921), silver (7440224), dust, and other contaminants at the Alaska Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-3339) in Wisilla, Alaska on April 28 to May 1, 1981. Management requested the evaluation on behalf of two workers. Four of six 12 hour breathing zone air samples exceeded the NIOSH standard for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and ranged from 5 to 295 micrograms per cubic ... (Click to show more)Environmental air sampling was conducted and medical evaluations performed to determine employee exposures to lead (7439921), silver (7440224), dust, and other contaminants at the Alaska Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-3339) in Wisilla, Alaska on April 28 to May 1, 1981. Management requested the evaluation on behalf of two workers. Four of six 12 hour breathing zone air samples exceeded the NIOSH standard for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and ranged from 5 to 295 micrograms per cubic meter. Five of seven 12 hour breathing zone samples and one 2 hour sample exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists standard for silver of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. All iron-oxide fume, nitric-acid (7697372), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and sulfuric-acid (7664939) concentrations were substantially below the applicable evaluation criteria. Blood lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin results were all within acceptable limits. The author concludes that a health hazard due to lead and silver existed at this facility. He recommends the use of local ventilation systems, use of respirators, appropriate cleanup procedures, and medical monitoring of exposed workers.
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(1981) American Standard, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Personal and environmental air samples were analyzed for metal fumes, respirable dust and silica (7631869), carbon-monoxide (630080), and environmental temperatures were measured at American Standard, Incorporated (SIC-3479) in Louisville, Kentucky on July 14 to 16 and September 22 to 24, 1980. In addition, medical questionnaires were administered and blood lead (7439921) concentrations were analyzed. The potential threat of Legionnaires Disease was also stressed. An authorized employee represen... (Click to show more)Personal and environmental air samples were analyzed for metal fumes, respirable dust and silica (7631869), carbon-monoxide (630080), and environmental temperatures were measured at American Standard, Incorporated (SIC-3479) in Louisville, Kentucky on July 14 to 16 and September 22 to 24, 1980. In addition, medical questionnaires were administered and blood lead (7439921) concentrations were analyzed. The potential threat of Legionnaires Disease was also stressed. An authorized employee representative requested the evaluation of behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Atmospheric lead concentrations ranged from 26 to 162 micrograms per cubic meter, compared with the NIOSH recommended standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an eight hour time weighted average. Carbon-monoxide and silica concentrations were not found in toxic concentrations. Heat stress measurements with a wet bulb globe thermometer (WBGT) ranged from 86 degrees F to 102 degrees F WBGT. The NIOSH recommended criteria for occupational exposure to hot environments requires that certain work practices be initiated when the exposure is continuous for one hour and the time weighted average WBGT exceeds 79 degrees F for men or 76 degrees F for women. The clinical presentation of employee symptoms was not typical of Legionellosis. Eight enamelers had blood lead concentrations greater than 39 micrograms per milliliter. The 116 other employees all had blood lead concentrations below 40 micrograms per milliliter, considered the upper limit of normal. The authors conclude that the principle cause of employee symptoms was the extremely hot working environment, and that elevated atmospheric lead concentrations, contributed to increasing blood lead in some enamelers. They recommend several measures to reduce heat stress, a reduction of dust concentrations, implementation of good housekeeping, and medical monitoring of affected workers.
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(1981) ASARCO, Inc., Hayden, Arizona. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to arsenic (7440382) (As), cadmium (7440439) (Cd), copper (7440508) (Cu), lead (7439921) (Pb) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2) were surveyed at ASARCO, Incorporated (SIC-3331) in Hayden, Arizona on April 23 and 24, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the United Steel Workers, Local 886, on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Personal and area air samples were collected in the pug mill department, and workers were tested for blood Pb an... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to arsenic (7440382) (As), cadmium (7440439) (Cd), copper (7440508) (Cu), lead (7439921) (Pb) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2) were surveyed at ASARCO, Incorporated (SIC-3331) in Hayden, Arizona on April 23 and 24, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the United Steel Workers, Local 886, on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Personal and area air samples were collected in the pug mill department, and workers were tested for blood Pb and urinary As concentrations. All four personal samples for As exceeded the OSHA standard of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, one sample exceeded the Cu dust standard of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/cu m), and one sample exceeded the Pb standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Exposures to Cd fume, Cd dust, and SO2 were below the respective OSHA standard of 0.2mg/cu m, 1.0mg/cu m, and 5 parts per million. One worker had a urinary As concentration that exceeded 100 micrograms per liter, and two others had urinary As concentrations greater than 50 micrograms per 100 milliliters. The authors conclude that no excessive Pb exposure exists, but one worker may be exposed to hazardous As concentrations. They recommend that OSHA regulations regarding exposures to As and Pb be consulted, equipment be properly maintained, ventilation be provided, urine sampling be conducted periodically, and workers be educated about the health hazards related to As and Pb.
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(1981) AT and T Longlines, Raggersville, Ohio. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to polychlorinated-biphenyls (1336363) (PCB), asbestos (1332214), contaminated drinking water, and incident nonionizing radiation were surveyed on February 4, 1980 at the AT and T Longlines facility (SIC-4899) in Raggersville, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by the Communication Workers of America, Local 4354, on behalf of the three telecommunications technicians. Survey methods were not reported. No detectable levels of radiation were found, and no asbestos was recovered. Po... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to polychlorinated-biphenyls (1336363) (PCB), asbestos (1332214), contaminated drinking water, and incident nonionizing radiation were surveyed on February 4, 1980 at the AT and T Longlines facility (SIC-4899) in Raggersville, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by the Communication Workers of America, Local 4354, on behalf of the three telecommunications technicians. Survey methods were not reported. No detectable levels of radiation were found, and no asbestos was recovered. Polyisobutylene (9003274) impregnated paper was identified as the PCB containing material. Mutagenicity testing of the drinking water was negative. The author concludes that no asbestos, PCB, radiation, or contamination hazards exist at this facility.
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(1981) Bethelehem Steel Corporation, Chesterton, Indiana. (Click to open report) Personal air samples were analyzed for total particulate concentrations, iron-oxide fumes, and particulate inorganic fluorides, at the Bethelehem Steel Corporation (SIC-3312), in Chesterton, Indiana, on June 3 to 6, 1980. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 6787, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 20 affected workers in the continuous castor shop. Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 2.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), compared with ... (Click to show more)Personal air samples were analyzed for total particulate concentrations, iron-oxide fumes, and particulate inorganic fluorides, at the Bethelehem Steel Corporation (SIC-3312), in Chesterton, Indiana, on June 3 to 6, 1980. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 6787, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 20 affected workers in the continuous castor shop. Total particulate concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 2.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), compared with the OSHA standard of 15mg/CuM. Iron-oxide concentrations were in the range of 0.04 to 1.0mg/CuM, with the OSHA standard being 10mg/CuM. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 1.7mg/CuM, compared with the OSHA standard of 2.5mg/CuM. Seventeen of the 20 workers interviewed reported one or more acute, intermittent work related health problems, predominately respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritation. The authors conclude that a health hazard from particulate or iron-oxide fume did not exist at this facility, although they suggest that workers were exposed to irritant concentrations of fluorides. They recommend that additional environmental monitoring be conducted and that appropriate respiratory protection be provided to all workers during periods of increased dust generation.
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(1981) Bulk Mail Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Worker exposure to noise and asbestos (1332214) were surveyed on July 28 to 30, 1981 at the Bulk Mail Center (SIC-4311) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by the company management on behalf of about 650 employees. Bulk and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos, and noise levels were monitored in the noisiest areas of the facility. Bulk samples of the brake and clutch from the mail conveyor system and of sheet rock from the welding room contained 20 to 75 perce... (Click to show more)Worker exposure to noise and asbestos (1332214) were surveyed on July 28 to 30, 1981 at the Bulk Mail Center (SIC-4311) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by the company management on behalf of about 650 employees. Bulk and breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos, and noise levels were monitored in the noisiest areas of the facility. Bulk samples of the brake and clutch from the mail conveyor system and of sheet rock from the welding room contained 20 to 75 percent chrysotile- asbestos, however no asbestos was detected in personal breathing zone samples. Noise levels at all locations were below the OSHA limit of 90 decibels relative to the A-weighted scale. The author concludes that no asbestos or noise exposure hazards exist at this facility. Recommendations are included for control of potential asbestos and noise hazards.
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