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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
(1981) Marble Products of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for styrene (100425), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), dusts, and methyl-ethyl- ketone (78933) at Marble Products of Memphis (SIC-2821 and 3079), in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 18 to 19, 1981. The owners of the facility requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately three affected workers. Styrene concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 83.0 parts per million (ppm), compared with the OSHA 8 hour time weighted average standard of 100ppm. A... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for styrene (100425), acetone (67641), toluene (108883), dusts, and methyl-ethyl- ketone (78933) at Marble Products of Memphis (SIC-2821 and 3079), in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 18 to 19, 1981. The owners of the facility requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately three affected workers. Styrene concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 83.0 parts per million (ppm), compared with the OSHA 8 hour time weighted average standard of 100ppm. Acetone, toluene, and methyl-ethyl- ketone were detected in concentrations well below respective OSHA standards of 1000, 200, and 200ppm. Marble dust concentrations were also well below the OSHA standard of 15.0 milligrams per cubic meter. The author concludes that a health hazard from the sampled substances did not exist at this facility. He recommends that in view of the possible carcinogenicity of styrene, exposure to this chemical be minimized by product substitution, engineering controls, and the use of personal protective equipment.
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(1981) Martin Marietta Aluminum, Lewisport, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for particulate concentrations and chlorine (7782505) at Martin Marietta Aluminum (SIC-3341) in Lewisport, Kentucky on April 7 to 8, 1980. Medical questionnaires were administered to all 23 day shift employees in the cast and remelt department. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 100 workers. Particulate matter sampled was composed almost entirely of aluminum- oxide (1344281). Total airborne particula... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for particulate concentrations and chlorine (7782505) at Martin Marietta Aluminum (SIC-3341) in Lewisport, Kentucky on April 7 to 8, 1980. Medical questionnaires were administered to all 23 day shift employees in the cast and remelt department. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 100 workers. Particulate matter sampled was composed almost entirely of aluminum- oxide (1344281). Total airborne particulate concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 4.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), with a mean of 1.9mg/cu m. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.2 to total nuisance dust and the ACGIH threshold limit values of 10mg/cu m for total nuisance dust, and 5mg/cu m for respirable dust. No chlorine was detected. Twenty two of the 23 workers interviewed reported intermittent exposures to dross dust, or chlorine followed by acute mucous membrane irritation symptoms. The authors conclude that no hazardous exposures to chlorine or dust exist in the cast and remelt department, although intermittent exposures may occur. They recommend the initiation of a medical surveillance program, preventive maintenance of the chlorine flux lines, use of personal protective equipment when appropriate, and good personal hygiene.
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(1981) Metamora Products Corporation, Elkland, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to organic solvents and dust were surveyed on September 17, 1980 at Metamora Products Corporation (SIC-2821) in Elkland, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified number of company employees. Air samples were collected on the injection molding area and were analyzed for total particulates, acrylonitrile (107131), styrene (100425), and 1,3- butadiene (106990) vapor. Workers also were interviewed about work related health disorders. Concentrations of all agents ... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to organic solvents and dust were surveyed on September 17, 1980 at Metamora Products Corporation (SIC-2821) in Elkland, Pennsylvania. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified number of company employees. Air samples were collected on the injection molding area and were analyzed for total particulates, acrylonitrile (107131), styrene (100425), and 1,3- butadiene (106990) vapor. Workers also were interviewed about work related health disorders. Concentrations of all agents were below the environmental criteria of 45, 420, 2,200, and 10 milligrams per cubic meter for acrylonitrile, styrene, 1,3-butadiene, and total particulates, respectively. Two employees reported dryness of nasal mucous membranes. The authors conclude that no health hazard exists at this company. They recommend worker education about the hazards of chemicals used at the workplace, good personal hygiene and work practices, and regular servicing of local exhaust ventilation systems.
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(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.
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(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.
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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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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(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.
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