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HHE Search Results
283 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
(1995) Sacramento Army Depot, Sacramento, California. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, Local 1681 an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Sacramento Army Depot (SIC-7629), Sacramento, California. Workers in Building 555 reported light headedness, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin rashes, upper respiratory illness, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Workers in a small computer module in Warehouse 3 were concerned about air quality. Samples monitored for aceto... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the American Federation of Governmental Employees, Local 1681 an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at the Sacramento Army Depot (SIC-7629), Sacramento, California. Workers in Building 555 reported light headedness, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin rashes, upper respiratory illness, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Workers in a small computer module in Warehouse 3 were concerned about air quality. Samples monitored for acetone (67641), ethanol (64175), and isopropyl-alcohol (67630) showed all levels were below the NIOSH recommended levels. Lead (7439921) was not detected in the personal breathing zone samples taken. Air heating units inspected did not show any evidence of a microbiologic reservoir. Levels of carbon-dioxide (124389) as well as the temperature and relative humidity readings were all in the acceptable and normal ranges. All activities at the facility ceased with the closing of the Depot in 1995. The authors conclude that the symptoms found among employees could not be attributed to a particular compound. The authors indicate that the anticipated routine use of various organic solvents and the application of Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paint during touch up operations at other facilities may require the use of engineering controls to keep levels down.
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(1994) 3M Company, Little Rock, Arkansas. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' Union, an investigation of reported heart problems, lung disease and hearing loss in workers at 3M Company (SIC-3295), Little Rock, Arkansas. The company employed about 235 workers in the production of roofing granules from nepheline-syenite. The air concentration of crystalline silica (14808607) was above the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Air concentrations of trace metals were below the relevant ex... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' Union, an investigation of reported heart problems, lung disease and hearing loss in workers at 3M Company (SIC-3295), Little Rock, Arkansas. The company employed about 235 workers in the production of roofing granules from nepheline-syenite. The air concentration of crystalline silica (14808607) was above the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Air concentrations of trace metals were below the relevant exposure limits. Noise exposures in excess of the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 85 decibels-A as an 8 hour time weighted average were recorded. Heart disease was reported by ten and lung problems were reported by four of the 35 employees. The substances used at the site were not associated with heart disease. Lung disease could not be conclusively related to occupational exposure. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from noise exposure. The authors recommend that exposures to dust, silica, and noise be reduced.
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(1994) Alumax of South Carolina, Inc., Goose Creek, South Carolina. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation was conducted in response to a request from employees at Alumax of South Carolina (SIC-3334) Mt. Holly aluminum reduction facility, Goose Creek, South Carolina concerning exposure to welding fumes, airborne dust and other hazards associated with pot change out, cruse cleaning and pure bath activities. The facility was a two potline primary aluminum company which employed about 650 workers. The highest exposures to gaseous and particulate fluorides were limited mostly t... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation was conducted in response to a request from employees at Alumax of South Carolina (SIC-3334) Mt. Holly aluminum reduction facility, Goose Creek, South Carolina concerning exposure to welding fumes, airborne dust and other hazards associated with pot change out, cruse cleaning and pure bath activities. The facility was a two potline primary aluminum company which employed about 650 workers. The highest exposures to gaseous and particulate fluorides were limited mostly to workers involved in pot change out and sweeping operations. Potential overexposures could also exist during the knock out of cruse and cruse lid refractory. Airborne metal concentrations were only significant during the cathode repair welding operation. Arsenic (7440382) was not detected in any samples. Static magnetic field levels were as high as 673 gauss (G) at worker's locations but the time weighted average ranged from 150 to 160G. The authors conclude that overexposures to fluorides were possible during pot change out, replacing anodes and sweeping activities. Respirable crystalline silica (14808607) overexposures may occur during removal of the spent refractory liner. The authors recommend specific measures, including air monitoring for gaseous and particulate fluorides and total welding fumes, and monitoring electric and magnetic fields produced at various points in the facility.
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(1994) Asbury Graphite Mills, Inc., Asbury, New Jersey. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the New Jersey Department of Health, environmental and medical surveys were conducted at Asbury Graphite Mill (SIC-1499), Asbury, New Jersey to investigate exposure to pneumoconiotic dusts. A case of pneumoconiosis had been reported in a former employee of the facility. One of 35 personal samples and 19 area samples taken and analyzed for respirable graphite (7782425) had a concentration that exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 2mg/m3. The potential for over... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the New Jersey Department of Health, environmental and medical surveys were conducted at Asbury Graphite Mill (SIC-1499), Asbury, New Jersey to investigate exposure to pneumoconiotic dusts. A case of pneumoconiosis had been reported in a former employee of the facility. One of 35 personal samples and 19 area samples taken and analyzed for respirable graphite (7782425) had a concentration that exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 2mg/m3. The potential for overexposure to respirable crystalline silica (14808607) was demonstrated for several samples. Of the 34 personal breathing zone and 230 area samples collected for total dust, one personal and two area samples had levels which exceeded the TLV of 10mg/m3 for total particulate, not otherwise classified. The inadequacy of the local exhaust ventilation system was noted. Of the 54 current employees, 47 participated in medical studies. Chest X-rays consistent with pneumoconiosis were detected in three of the workers. Symptoms of chronic cough and chronic phlegm were reported more frequently among workers whose jobs included a higher potential for exposure to dust. Pulmonary function was inversely related to exposure. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from exposure to silica containing dusts. The authors recommend that local exhaust ventilation systems be improved, formal respiratory protection programs be developed, and a medical surveillance program be instituted.
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(1994) Blaw Knox Rolls, Inc., Wheeling, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3096, an investigation was begun into workplace exposures at the Blaw Knox facility (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The foundry produced rolls for both ferrous and nonferrous rolling mills. One of the major hazards found at the site was exposure to free crystalline silica (14808607). Of all personal and area samples taken, 42% exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level for respirable quartz and 23% exceeded the OSHA ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3096, an investigation was begun into workplace exposures at the Blaw Knox facility (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The foundry produced rolls for both ferrous and nonferrous rolling mills. One of the major hazards found at the site was exposure to free crystalline silica (14808607). Of all personal and area samples taken, 42% exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level for respirable quartz and 23% exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit. Overexposures were also noted to nickel (7440020), lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), sulfur-dioxide (7446095) and isopropyl-alcohol (67630). The respiratory health of 70% of the workers was examined, and pneumoconiotic changes with a median profusion reading of 1/0 or greater on the 12 point International Labor Organization scale were considered to be present on the chest x-rays of two of the workers. Obstructive lung function abnormalities were noted in 23% of the participants. No restrictive lung function abnormalities were noted. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to elevated levels of nickel, lead, chromium, sulfur-dioxide, isopropyl-alcohol and respirable free silica dust. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce these exposures. Medical surveillance should be provided for the workforce.
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(1994) Boise Cascade, Timber and Wood Products Division, Kettle Falls, Washington. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request from employees at Boise Cascade, Timber and Wood Products Division (SIC-2436), Kettle Falls, Washington, an evaluation was conducted of exposure to fly ash and smoke emissions from veneer dryers at the facility and around two fluidized bed combustors located adjacent to the site. A case of manganese (7439965) poisoning had been reported in a worker. Bulk samples of residue collected on the inside and outside surfaces of veneer dryers indicated manganese was ... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request from employees at Boise Cascade, Timber and Wood Products Division (SIC-2436), Kettle Falls, Washington, an evaluation was conducted of exposure to fly ash and smoke emissions from veneer dryers at the facility and around two fluidized bed combustors located adjacent to the site. A case of manganese (7439965) poisoning had been reported in a worker. Bulk samples of residue collected on the inside and outside surfaces of veneer dryers indicated manganese was present in concentrations ranging from 1,900 to 6,600 micrograms per gram (microg/g). Fly ash collected near the fluidized bed combustors ranged in manganese concentration from 3,300 to 5,200microg/g. One sample of a kaolin clay based refractory sand used in a fluidized bed combustor contained 30,000microg/g manganese. Twelve personal breathing zone exposures to respirable dust ranged from 0.09 to 6.7mg/m3. Respirable silica (14808607) concentrations exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.05mg/m3. The source of manganese was from manganese containing wood ash generated by the combustion of hogging fuel. Bulk samples of sawdust and hogging fuel ranged from 46 parts per million (ppm) for sawdust from peeled timber to 310ppm for predominantly bark sample. The authors conclude that a potential occupational health hazard existed for workers exposed to manganese and silica. The authors recommend specific measures to improve working conditions and health and safety practices at this facility.
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(1994) Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility, Chester, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns inc... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Delaware County Resource Recovery Facility (SIC-4053), Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility was a waste to energy incinerator employing 91 persons. The facility incinerated municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel to produce electrical power. The request was made in response to concern regarding exposure to lead (7439921), incinerator ash dust, and heat stress. Health concerns included ear, nose and throat problems, eye irritation, and skin rash. During the initial visit, lead and other metals were found in settled dust throughout the facility. Lead, chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), and nickel (7440020) were present on lunch tables and on workers' hands. During a follow up visit, full shift personal air monitoring was conducted. The greatest concentrations of lead were found in bulk, wipe and air samples. Personal breathing samples taken showed that lead concentrations were well below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter. A potential for excessive heat exposure was found on the fifth and sixth floor of the facility. Safety hazards cited during this visit included improper practices regarding personal protective equipment and inadequate personal hygiene practices such as handwashing. The authors conclude that a possible occupational health hazard existed due to heat exposure in some areas of the facility. The presence of metal in dust on workers' hands and surfaces presented a risk of ingestion.
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(1994) Hardy Road Landfill, Akron, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from management at the City of Akron and the Akron City Employees Local 1360, a study was made regarding potential exposures of employees to toxic dusts from empty containers and packaging materials landfilled at the Hardy Road Landfill (SIC-4953). The Landfill was a 215 acre waste disposal site in the northwest portion of Akron, Ohio. The landfill accepts wood, paper, plastic and metal from businesses and residences; industrial solid waste byproducts such as foundry san... (Click to show more)In response to a request from management at the City of Akron and the Akron City Employees Local 1360, a study was made regarding potential exposures of employees to toxic dusts from empty containers and packaging materials landfilled at the Hardy Road Landfill (SIC-4953). The Landfill was a 215 acre waste disposal site in the northwest portion of Akron, Ohio. The landfill accepts wood, paper, plastic and metal from businesses and residences; industrial solid waste byproducts such as foundry sand, rubber scrap, and nonuseable materials; exempt solid wastes such as construction debris and incinerator ash waste from an energy recycle station. Three heavy equipment operators, three mechanics, and a laborer participated in a 2 day monitoring period of personal air and noise dosimetry measurements. These workers were exposed to noise in excess of the OSHA standard of 90 decibels-A. Hearing protective devices were used. Full shift air sampling for asbestos (1332214), respirable dust, respirable silica (14808607), and metals indicated that three equipment operators were exposed to excess levels of respirable silica. Half mask respirators were available for use at the discretion of the employees. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed due to exposure to respirable silica. Workers were also exposed to noise. The authors recommend that comprehensive hearing conservation and respiratory protection programs be instituted.
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(1994) Lasko Metal Parts, Inc., R and S Manufacturing, Inc., Columbia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a management request, an investigation was conducted of a new epoxy powder recycling process and epoxy powder exposures at R and S Manufacturing (SIC-3634), Columbia, Pennsylvania, a division of Lasko Metal Parts. The company produced electric motors used in oscillating fans. An epoxy powder was sprayed onto the motors and heat cured. Eight employees worked in the epoxy powder room. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for C7 to C11 naphthas and 1,1,1-trichloroethane ... (Click to show more)In response to a management request, an investigation was conducted of a new epoxy powder recycling process and epoxy powder exposures at R and S Manufacturing (SIC-3634), Columbia, Pennsylvania, a division of Lasko Metal Parts. The company produced electric motors used in oscillating fans. An epoxy powder was sprayed onto the motors and heat cured. Eight employees worked in the epoxy powder room. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for C7 to C11 naphthas and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556) (TCE). General area air samples were analyzed for fiber identification, content of respirable dust, and crystalline silica (14808607). Only trace concentrations of wollastonite (13983170) were identified in the general air samples taken. Respirable dust general area air samples ranged from 0.20 to 0.24mg/m3. Results for crystalline silica were below the minimum detectable concentrations. Deficiencies were noted during a visual inspection of the local exhaust ventilation system. These deficiencies may have contributed to the minor symptoms of heat stress which were reported by employees. Potential lead (7439921) exposure was identified for workers in the wire department due to an inadequate exhaust hood design and poor work practices. Welding fumes from a manual spot welding station were exhausted into the factory. The authors conclude that exposures to epoxy powder were below nuisance dust criteria; however, exposures should be minimized. The authors recommend that exhaust ventilation deficiencies be corrected.
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(1994) LTV Steel-Tundish Yard, East Chicago, Indiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1011, a study was undertaken of exposures to refractory dust at the Steel Producing Tundish Repair Yard at LTV Steel (SIC-3312), East Chicago, Indiana. At the yard, tundishes used on the continual casting line were deskulled, repaired, and coated with refractory material. Personal breathing zone samples and area samples taken showed respirable dust concentrations were well below the evaluation criteria for occupational expo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1011, a study was undertaken of exposures to refractory dust at the Steel Producing Tundish Repair Yard at LTV Steel (SIC-3312), East Chicago, Indiana. At the yard, tundishes used on the continual casting line were deskulled, repaired, and coated with refractory material. Personal breathing zone samples and area samples taken showed respirable dust concentrations were well below the evaluation criteria for occupational exposures of 5mg/m3. Silica (14808607) was not detected in any of the air or bulk samples. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was identified as a potential hazard. A walk through survey identified several potential hazards, including welding without protective screening, no eye hazard warning signs, and large dust clouds during hopper filling. The author concludes that workers were not overexposed to respirable dust or silica at the time of the survey. Environmental tobacco smoke was identified as a potential hazard. The author recommends that engineering controls and improved safety practices be instituted.
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