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
(1981) Munsingwear, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at Munsingwear, Incorporated. Minneapolis, Minnesota, in April 1980. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the pulmonary effects of cotton dust exposure in knitting department personnel. The evaluation consisted of a site visit, review of medical and environmental surveillance programs and limited vertical elutriator dust sampling. Systematic vertical elutriator (VE) dust samp... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at Munsingwear, Incorporated. Minneapolis, Minnesota, in April 1980. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the pulmonary effects of cotton dust exposure in knitting department personnel. The evaluation consisted of a site visit, review of medical and environmental surveillance programs and limited vertical elutriator dust sampling. Systematic vertical elutriator (VE) dust sampling by Munsingwear showed no knitting department work area exceeding a mean time weighted average (TWA) of 0.220 mg/m3 since the program was initiated in spring 1980. NIOSH VE sampling in the two dustiest knitting areas demonstrated mean TWA's of 0.110 mg/m3 and 0.140 mg/m3, confirming the generally low level of dust exposure. Review of company medical surveillance data revealed 63% of shift pulmonary function tests unacceptable by American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria (6) in either or both preshift and postshift spirometry. Among ATS acceptable spirograms, baseline lung function was normal in 92% and shift drops in FEV1 10% occurred in 14% of smokers and 7% of non-smokers. Chest tightness, work-related cough, dyspnea and asthma were not found in the knitting department population. Chronic cough and chronic phlegm were present only in smokers with prevalence rates of 20.4% and 16.7% respectively. These findings are not interpretable owing to methodologic problems encountered (refer section Discussion & Recommendations) and the absence of a control population. Based on these findings, it is difficult for NIOSH to assess accurately the prevalence of respiratory morbidity among workers at this knitting site. Diminished operation and imminent closure of the facility preclude additional NIOSH evaluation. Respiratory morbidity data for the knitting industry would require a controlled, medical and environmental study of a random sample from the industry. Recommendations for improving similar surveillance systems are contained in the section Discussion & Recommendations.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky. (Click for full summary) Environmental samples were analyzed and noise levels were measured at the Department of Art, Murray State University (SIC-8221) in Murray, Kentucky. The survey was conducted at the request of the Physical facility department of the University to assess potential hazards to art students and faculty in the art studios. Surveys were conducted on August 3 and 4, 1979, and from April 20 to April 25, 1980. Respirable free silica (7631869) concentrations from sandblasting equipment in an unventilated p... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed and noise levels were measured at the Department of Art, Murray State University (SIC-8221) in Murray, Kentucky. The survey was conducted at the request of the Physical facility department of the University to assess potential hazards to art students and faculty in the art studios. Surveys were conducted on August 3 and 4, 1979, and from April 20 to April 25, 1980. Respirable free silica (7631869) concentrations from sandblasting equipment in an unventilated painting room were 30 to 50 times greater than the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) divided by percentage of silicon-dioxide. Wood dust concentrations in the design materials studio were 29mg/cu m above the OSHA standard of 15mg/cu m due to lack of ventilation. Noise levels in the design materials studio and the ceramics studio varied from 87 to 120 decibels, which exceeded the OSHA permissible limit of 90 decibels. Toluene (108883) and methyl-cellusolve-acetate (51065953) concentrations in the sculpture studio and foundry were high due to lack of ventilation. The author concludes that a hazard exists due to exposure to noise, silica, wood dusts, and solvents in the art department. Recommendations include use of ear and clothing protection, improvement of ventilation and exhaust systems, discontinuance of sand blasting procedures, and installation of an eye wash fountain.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-79-047-825.
(1981) New England Telephone Company, Manchester, New Hampshire. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples and wipe samples were analyzed for contaminants responsible for reported adverse health reactions among 16 employees at the New England Telephone Company (SIC-4811) in Manchester, New Hampshire, on July 25, 1980. A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 2320, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 300 workers. Workers had complained of skin rash, itching, eye irritation, and dry throat. Environmental analysis usi... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples and wipe samples were analyzed for contaminants responsible for reported adverse health reactions among 16 employees at the New England Telephone Company (SIC-4811) in Manchester, New Hampshire, on July 25, 1980. A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 2320, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 300 workers. Workers had complained of skin rash, itching, eye irritation, and dry throat. Environmental analysis using colorimetric detector tubes revealed no unusual chemical exposure. Wipe samples of dust revealed particles of sodium (7440235), silica (7631869), chlorine (7782505), calcium (7440702), sulfur (7704349), iron (7439896), mineral wool, fibrous glass, cotton fibers, wood cellulose fibers, and chrysotile-asbestos (12001295). Direct reading total dust concentrations in air indicated low concentrations on the order of 0.15 milligram per cubic meter. The authors concludes that no causative agent responsible for reported health complaints could be identified, although the onset of symptoms may have been related to the construction of a computer room. He recommends that the ventilation system be balanced after any modification of the building, isolation of the construction process, and thorough clean up of materials and residues after construction is completed.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Newton Public Schools, Newton, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for ozone (10028156) chlorinated hydrocarbons carbon-monoxide (630080), alcohol (64175), and respirable dust in the printing room of the Newton Public Schools Administration Building (SIC-8211) in Newton, Massachusetts on November 20, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the Director of Technical Vocational Education on behalf of three female employees with reported ovarian cysts. No appreciable concentration of any of the sampled substances were found. T... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for ozone (10028156) chlorinated hydrocarbons carbon-monoxide (630080), alcohol (64175), and respirable dust in the printing room of the Newton Public Schools Administration Building (SIC-8211) in Newton, Massachusetts on November 20, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the Director of Technical Vocational Education on behalf of three female employees with reported ovarian cysts. No appreciable concentration of any of the sampled substances were found. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at this facility, and that the presence of ovarian cysts was not related to occupational exposure.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Our Lady of Visitation Elementary School, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for fibrous glass, general organics, metals, asbestos (1332214), and polychlorinated-biphenyls (1336363) (PCBs) at Our Lady of Visitation Elementary School (SIC- 8210), in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 9 to 20, 1981. Medical interviews and examinations were also conducted. The principal of the school requested the evaluation in response to an outbreak of skin rash, watery eyes, and breathing problems among students and teachers. Air sampling revealed no de... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for fibrous glass, general organics, metals, asbestos (1332214), and polychlorinated-biphenyls (1336363) (PCBs) at Our Lady of Visitation Elementary School (SIC- 8210), in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 9 to 20, 1981. Medical interviews and examinations were also conducted. The principal of the school requested the evaluation in response to an outbreak of skin rash, watery eyes, and breathing problems among students and teachers. Air sampling revealed no detectable concentrations of asbestos, PCBs, or fibrous glass. Samples analyzed for organics showed only carbon-tetrachloride (56235) at concentration of 0.04 to 65mg/cum. Metal concentrations in dust samples were considered normal for settled dust. Skin symptoms reported were generally described as a burning or itching. There was no consistent association between time of day, activity, or weather and there was no obvious clustering of symptomatic students within the classrooms. The authors conclude that the cause of the adverse health reactions could not identified and that the symptoms and physical findings present were not typical of any known environmental exposure.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Palmer Industrial Coatings Incorp. Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental and bulk samples were analyzed for acetone (67641), isopropanol (67630), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve-acetate (111159), trichloroethylene (79016), epichlorohydrin (106898), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), butanol (71363), abrasive blasting materials, and petroleum distillate at Palmer Industrial Coatings, Incorporated (SIC-1799) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania during April and September, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the company... (Click to show more)Environmental and bulk samples were analyzed for acetone (67641), isopropanol (67630), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), cellosolve-acetate (111159), trichloroethylene (79016), epichlorohydrin (106898), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), butanol (71363), abrasive blasting materials, and petroleum distillate at Palmer Industrial Coatings, Incorporated (SIC-1799) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania during April and September, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the company's president on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Of the organic solvents sampled, only epichlorohydrin exceeded the OSHA standard of 19 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), although a potential hazard to paint sprayers from overexposure from organic solvents was noted. Crystalline silica concentrations in personnel breathing zone air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.11mg/cu m. Health complaints were primarily related to acute reversible central nervous system symptoms, and to eye and skin irritation. The authors conclude that a hazard from organic solvents and silica containing dust exposures existed at this facility. They recommend methods to control exposure to the organic solvents and silica containing dusts, implementation of a medical monitoring program and an environmental air monitoring program.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Pennex Pharmaceuticals, Verona, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental, personal and bulk samples were analyzed for talc dust, asbestos (1332214) and free silica (7631869) at Pennex Pharmaceuticals (SIC-2834), in Verona, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 1980 and February 23, 1981. An employee requested the evaluation on behalf of about three affected employees. Sixty percent of the respirable personal and environmental air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum) for nuisance particulates. Samples for respirable talc dus... (Click to show more)Environmental, personal and bulk samples were analyzed for talc dust, asbestos (1332214) and free silica (7631869) at Pennex Pharmaceuticals (SIC-2834), in Verona, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 1980 and February 23, 1981. An employee requested the evaluation on behalf of about three affected employees. Sixty percent of the respirable personal and environmental air samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum) for nuisance particulates. Samples for respirable talc dust containing no fibers ranged from 0.14 to 1845mg/cum, compared with the OSHA standard of 5mg/cum. Talc analysis of the raw and finished products revealed that it was nonasbestiform, contained no cristobalite or tridymite, and contained less than 1 percent quartz. Two of seven workers interviewed reported mild pruritis in the neck and face or a dry cough. The author recommends several engineering modifications to increase the ventilation capacities and to reduce dust exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Pilgrim Glass Company, Ceredo, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at the Pilgrim Glass Company (SIC-3559) in Ceredo, West Virginia, on March 19, 1981. A representative of the American Flint Glass Workers, Local 708, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately six workers. The time weighted average (TWA) asbestos exposure concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.13 fibers per cubic centimeter (F/cc), based on a count of fibers greater than 5 micrometers in length. All TWA exposures ... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at the Pilgrim Glass Company (SIC-3559) in Ceredo, West Virginia, on March 19, 1981. A representative of the American Flint Glass Workers, Local 708, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately six workers. The time weighted average (TWA) asbestos exposure concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.13 fibers per cubic centimeter (F/cc), based on a count of fibers greater than 5 micrometers in length. All TWA exposures were below the current OSHA standard of 2.0F/cc. The author concludes that an asbestos health hazard does exist at this facility, and recommends the substitution of asbestos with a different material, improved hygienic practices, worker education, maintenance of exhaust ventilation systems, periodic air sampling, and the implementation of an industrial medical surveillance program.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Port of Sacramento, Sacramento, California. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to coke dusts and fertilizers were surveyed on May 13 and November 25 and 26, 1980 at the Port of Sacramento (SIC-9999) in Sacramento, California. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the International Longshoreman's and Warehousemen's Union, Local 17, on behalf of a variable number of port workers. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected along with bulk samples. Workers were questioned about work related health symptoms. Coke dust exposures to the trac... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to coke dusts and fertilizers were surveyed on May 13 and November 25 and 26, 1980 at the Port of Sacramento (SIC-9999) in Sacramento, California. The evaluation was requested by a representative of the International Longshoreman's and Warehousemen's Union, Local 17, on behalf of a variable number of port workers. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected along with bulk samples. Workers were questioned about work related health symptoms. Coke dust exposures to the track mobile operators were below California OSHA standards of 10 milligrams per cubic meter. Exposures to car door openers exceeded OSHA standards, but no hazard was evident since the workers used protective equipment. No air sampling was conducted for fertilizers. Bulk warehouse workers reported respiratory difficulties and nausea when handling coke fertilizer. Warehouse workers reported various symptoms depending on the type of fertilizer handled. The authors conclude that no hazardous coke exposures exist at this facility; worker health complaints can be alleviated by unclogging or replacing clogged respirator cartridges. Symptoms related to fertilizer exposure can be reduced by the use of protective equipment. The development of sampling and analytical methods for assessing fertilizer exposure is recommended.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1981) Public School 397, Brooklyn, New York. (Click to open report) Environmental measurements of temperature, relative humidity, air movement, carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon-dioxide (124389), formaldehyde (50000), and organic vapors were taken on March 31,1981 at Public School 397 (SIC-8211) in Brooklyn, New York. A representative of the United Federation of Teachers, Local 2, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 550 teachers and students. Employee medical interviews were also conducted. All measured concentrations of carbon-monoxide, carbon-di... (Click to show more)Environmental measurements of temperature, relative humidity, air movement, carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon-dioxide (124389), formaldehyde (50000), and organic vapors were taken on March 31,1981 at Public School 397 (SIC-8211) in Brooklyn, New York. A representative of the United Federation of Teachers, Local 2, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 550 teachers and students. Employee medical interviews were also conducted. All measured concentrations of carbon-monoxide, carbon-dioxide, and formaldehyde were substantially below the OSHA standards of 50, 500, and 3 parts per million (ppm), respectively. No hydrocarbons were detected. Overall air supply was adequate although air movement at desk top level was low. Relative humidity was slightly below the comfort level. Medical interviews indicated widespread complaints of stale air and respiratory irritation due to dust from classroom carpets. The authors conclude that a health hazard from toxic substances did not exist at this facility. They recommend the vacuuming of classroom rugs, modifications to increase air circulation, and extension of the school's chimney to increase dispersion of the chimney's effluents.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
