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
(1980) Cissell Manufacturing Company, Louisville, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of ozone (10028156), fluorides, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), iron-oxide (1309371), manganese (7439965), chromium (7440473), total fume, naphtha (8030306), isobutyl-isobutyrate (97858), methyl-n-butyl ketone (591786), isobutyl-acetate (110190), isobutyl-alcohol (78831), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), hydrochloric-acid (7647010), hexavalent-chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), cyanide (57125), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of ozone (10028156), fluorides, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), iron-oxide (1309371), manganese (7439965), chromium (7440473), total fume, naphtha (8030306), isobutyl-isobutyrate (97858), methyl-n-butyl ketone (591786), isobutyl-acetate (110190), isobutyl-alcohol (78831), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), hydrochloric-acid (7647010), hexavalent-chromium (7440473), cadmium (7440439), cyanide (57125), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), and asbestos (1332214) at the Cissell Manufacturing Company in Louisville, Kentucky, a manufacturer of laundry and dry cleaning space equipment and pressing machines for commercial and industrial use (SIC-3582), during July 1978 and January 1979. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of an unspecified number of employees. Only concentrations of asbestos, ranging from exposure limit of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter. Inadequate ventilation and work practices also were noted. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard did exist for workers exposed to asbestos. They recommend measures to reduce employee asbestos exposures, improve exhaust ventilation and institute better work practices.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Clorox Company, Jersey City, New Jersey. (Click to open report) Air samples were analyzed for total dust and proteolytic enzymes, and employees were medically evaluated at the Clorox Company (SIC- 2840) in Jersey City, New Jersey, on April 29 and 30 and May 29 and 30, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, Local 8-406 on behalf of 15 exposed workers. None of the 15 high volume area samples, which ranged from 0.002 to 1.57 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeded the 3.9 micr... (Click to show more)Air samples were analyzed for total dust and proteolytic enzymes, and employees were medically evaluated at the Clorox Company (SIC- 2840) in Jersey City, New Jersey, on April 29 and 30 and May 29 and 30, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, Local 8-406 on behalf of 15 exposed workers. None of the 15 high volume area samples, which ranged from 0.002 to 1.57 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeded the 3.9 micrograms per cubic meter American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists' threshold limit value for enzyme dust. Thirteen percent of the dust samples exceeded the 1.0 milligram per cubic meter dust specification. Medical evaluation of employees revealed the presence of upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms, skin rash and post shift wheezes. Three of the 12 exposed employees showed sensitization to the enzyme. There was a significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second at the end of the work shift. The authors conclude that some workers had become sensitized to the bacterial enzymes. They recommend reduction of the concentration of enzymes in the work environment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Dearborn Rubber Corporation, Westmont, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the employer, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at the Dearborn Rubber Corporation, Westmont, Illinois. This facility warehoused industrial rubber products including rubber hose, metal hose, and conveyor belts. Often these items required special modifications before shipping such as welding or asbestos (1332214) covering. Asbestos was used in sheet form as a wrapping for rubber hoses or as a sleeve which is hand stretched and fitted as a double... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the employer, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions at the Dearborn Rubber Corporation, Westmont, Illinois. This facility warehoused industrial rubber products including rubber hose, metal hose, and conveyor belts. Often these items required special modifications before shipping such as welding or asbestos (1332214) covering. Asbestos was used in sheet form as a wrapping for rubber hoses or as a sleeve which is hand stretched and fitted as a double layer into a section of pipe to be used in a furnace door hose. Personal and area air samples were collected. Two of the three workers involved in the processes using asbestos were exposed to levels of asbestos fibers which exceeded the NIOSH recommended limit of 100,000 fibers over 5 microns in length per cubic meter as an 8 hour time weighted average. Most of the visible fiber emission occurred as a direct result of workers handling the material. These workers were wearing a lightweight nonapproved respirator even though heavier, approved respirators had been made available to them. They workers did not wear protective clothing, and visible fibers were seen hanging on their clothes. Fibers were randomly dispersed through the warehouse and accumulated on materials and equipment stored nearby. The author recommends that a switch to a less toxic material might be considered as the use of engineering controls to control the exposures would be extremely costly. A medical surveillance program should be established for employees regularly working with asbestos.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Defense Logistics Agency, Headquarters Personnel Support Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) The air handling machine room and the ventilation system in use at the Defense Logistics Agency (SIC-9711) Health Clinic and Inspector General's Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were evaluated to determine potential exposure to asbestos (1332214). A walk through survey and bulk residue sampling were conducted on April 3 and 25, 1980 at the request of the Agency. Improper removal of asbestos insulation from an old ventilator was identified as a potential source of asbestos contamination; fibe... (Click to show more)The air handling machine room and the ventilation system in use at the Defense Logistics Agency (SIC-9711) Health Clinic and Inspector General's Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania were evaluated to determine potential exposure to asbestos (1332214). A walk through survey and bulk residue sampling were conducted on April 3 and 25, 1980 at the request of the Agency. Improper removal of asbestos insulation from an old ventilator was identified as a potential source of asbestos contamination; fibers may have entered the new ventilation system and could expose over 5,500 personnel to asbestos within 1 year. Analysis by polarized light and electron microscopy revealed that 10 to 30 percent of the bulk samples were chrysotile- asbestos (12001295), in the form of free fibers and large chunks of material. The current OSHA asbestos exposure standard for an 8 hour time weighted average is 2.0 fibers per cubic centimeter for greater than 5 microns in length, but the authors note that there is no truly safe exposure limit for asbestos. They conclude that a hazard would exist if the new air system at the clinic is put in operation. They recommend a thorough cleaning of the room and the ventilation system, followed by an appropriate air monitoring program.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Defiance Screw Machine, Defiance, Ohio. (Click to open report) An evaluation of skin problems resulting from exposure to cutting oils and coolants was investigated at Defiance Screw Machine (SIC- 3452), Defiance, Ohio in June and October 2, 1979. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified person on behalf of approximately 200 workers. An initial walk through environmental survey was conducted in addition to performing medical evaluations of skin problems. Subjective assessments of personal and work area hygiene were made. Skin regularly contaminated fro... (Click to show more)An evaluation of skin problems resulting from exposure to cutting oils and coolants was investigated at Defiance Screw Machine (SIC- 3452), Defiance, Ohio in June and October 2, 1979. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified person on behalf of approximately 200 workers. An initial walk through environmental survey was conducted in addition to performing medical evaluations of skin problems. Subjective assessments of personal and work area hygiene were made. Skin regularly contaminated from industrial fluids because of machine design or employee work habits were particularly noted. Eighty one employees from one shift were evaluated by a questionnaire and a complete cutaneous examination including past and present skin disorders. No laboratory tests were performed. Morphological patterns and affected sites were noted during cutaneous examination. Eight employees had a history of current skin disease attributed to work; 21 had one or more abnormal skin findings. All but one of the diagnoses were judged by the examiner as being caused by cuts from metal shavings, cuts retained in laundered wiping rags, and incidental trauma to the nails from noncutting oil skin problems. The investigators recommend that several improved work practices be implemented: minimizing skin contact through redesign of machinery, conducting preemployment physical examinations to screen skin disorders, changing and washing clothes frequently, use of barrier creams and disposable towels, and provision of adequate washing facilities.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Detroit Canada Tunnel, Detroit, Michigan. (Click to open report) An environmental survey was conducted at the Detroit Canada Tunnel in Detroit, Michigan on August 18 to 20, 1979. Environmental measurements were made to determine employee exposures to carbon- monoxide (630080), lead (7439921), sulfuric-acid (7664939), total particulates, benzene (71432), and noise. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) tests were given to employees before and after work shifts. OSHA standards for total particulates were 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), 0.1mg/m3 for lead, and 1mg/m3 f... (Click to show more)An environmental survey was conducted at the Detroit Canada Tunnel in Detroit, Michigan on August 18 to 20, 1979. Environmental measurements were made to determine employee exposures to carbon- monoxide (630080), lead (7439921), sulfuric-acid (7664939), total particulates, benzene (71432), and noise. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) tests were given to employees before and after work shifts. OSHA standards for total particulates were 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), 0.1mg/m3 for lead, and 1mg/m3 for sulfuric-acid. For benzene, the OSHA limit was 10 parts per million (ppm) and for noise, 90 decibels on the A-weighted sound scale. All exposure limits were based on an 8 hour time weighted average. Sampling indicated no detectable concentrations of sulfuric-acid and very low concentrations of 0.02ppm benzene. Noise was well within the recommended limit. Total particulate was 0.08mg/m3 and lead was the 2 survey days; in survey smokers, COHb increased by 2 and 1.5 percent on the 2 days tested. Carbon-monoxide exceeded the 35ppm standard on one occasion, but the time weighted 8 hour average was always less than 35ppm. The authors conclude that even though carbon-monoxide exposures are not in excess of standards, the increased COHb employees dictates the rotation of inspectors to avoid potentially high exposures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Detroit Edison Company, Monroe Power Plant, Monroe, Michigan. (Click to open report) Personal breathing zone respirable dust samples were analyzed for coal dust and fly ash and dermatologic medical examinations were conducted at the Monroe power facility of Detroit Edison Company (SIC-4911) in Monroe, Michigan, from January 29 to 31 and May 20 to 22, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the President of the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 223 on behalf of approximately 500 employees to investigate the role of fly ash and coal dust exposure in causing skin problems in wo... (Click to show more)Personal breathing zone respirable dust samples were analyzed for coal dust and fly ash and dermatologic medical examinations were conducted at the Monroe power facility of Detroit Edison Company (SIC-4911) in Monroe, Michigan, from January 29 to 31 and May 20 to 22, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the President of the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 223 on behalf of approximately 500 employees to investigate the role of fly ash and coal dust exposure in causing skin problems in workers. Coal dust concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 23 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Twenty three percent of the respirable coal dust samples exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for 2mg/CuM for respirable coal dust containing less than 5 percent quartz. Concentrations of fly ash ranged from 0.14 to 4.43mg/CuM in 17 personal samples and were all below the TLV of 5mg/CuM for respirable dust. Of the 31 workers who reported skin problems to a dermatologist, 10 attributed skin disorders to fly ash. Examinations showed that 10 of 31 workers had no significant cutaneous eruption. The remaining 21 had a variety of skin complaints which could be classified as common. No dermatologic problems attributable to fly ash or coal dust were observed. The author concludes that a health hazard exists for exposures to coal dust. He recommends that measures related to dust control, education, the use of personnel protective equipment, and extensive use of the company's industrial hygiene services be implemented.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Earl Scheib Auto Painting Inc., Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental surveys were conducted and blood samples collected on August 8, 1979, to evaluate hazards from lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), nuisance dust, and paint solvents at the Earl Scheib Auto Paint Shop (SIC-7535) in Denver, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by the shop manager on behalf of the approximately 10 affected employees. Paint solvent sample concentrations were all below maximum allowable concentrations. Airborne lead concentrations ranged from undetectable to 80 microg... (Click to show more)Environmental surveys were conducted and blood samples collected on August 8, 1979, to evaluate hazards from lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), nuisance dust, and paint solvents at the Earl Scheib Auto Paint Shop (SIC-7535) in Denver, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by the shop manager on behalf of the approximately 10 affected employees. Paint solvent sample concentrations were all below maximum allowable concentrations. Airborne lead concentrations ranged from undetectable to 80 micrograms per cubic meter (/m3), exceeding the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms/m3. Chromium concentrations ranged from 10 to 200 micrograms/m3, which were below the OSHA standard of 500 micrograms/m3. The particulate dust concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 2.7 milligrams (mg)/m3, which were below the OSHA standard of 15mg/m3. All blood test results were within normal ranges indicating no evidence of excessive lead exposure. The author concludes that atmospheric concentrations of chromium were above the evaluation criteria. Due to the infrequency of the exposure and the use of respirators, workers did not suffer from overexposure to lead. He recommends that the painter position himself so that air blows the spray away from him, that employees be discouraged from eating and smoking in the work area, and that clean up operations use devices that will not create additional airborne dust.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, New York. (Click for full summary) Environmental samples were collected for fibrous glass at Ellis Hospital (SIC-8062) in Schenectady, New York, on June 6, 1980, at the request of the Hospital Administration. The request was prompted by employee complaints of itching and rash. High volume, settled dust, and workroom air samples were taken. The presence of fibrous glass in the air was confirmed by polarized light microscopy on the high volume samples. Trace amounts of fibrous glass were also observed in the four settled dust sampl... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were collected for fibrous glass at Ellis Hospital (SIC-8062) in Schenectady, New York, on June 6, 1980, at the request of the Hospital Administration. The request was prompted by employee complaints of itching and rash. High volume, settled dust, and workroom air samples were taken. The presence of fibrous glass in the air was confirmed by polarized light microscopy on the high volume samples. Trace amounts of fibrous glass were also observed in the four settled dust samples. Eight workroom samples contained fibrous concentrations ranging from 2,900 to 18,680 fibers per cubic meter (fibers/m3), will within the NIOSH recommended limit of 3,000,000 fiber/m3. The author concludes that although fibrous glass concentrations are below NIOSH limits, steps should be taken to reduce fibrous glass exposures, and a thorough cleaning of the work environment should be done to remove the fibrous glass residues.
(Click to show less)
(1980) Federal Reserve Branch Bank, Birmingham, Alabama. (Click for full summary) Exposure to lead (7439921) (Pb) was investigated at the Federal Reserve Bank (SIC-9999) in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 30, 1980, in response to a request from the office of the Assistant Vice President of the bank. Personal and general air samples were collected in the firing range room and air velocity was measured. Three employees participated in shooting 38 caliber pistols, a shotgun, and a 44 magnum carbine. Ammunition was analyzed. No Pb was found in any of the samples. Air flow rates ranged ... (Click to show more)Exposure to lead (7439921) (Pb) was investigated at the Federal Reserve Bank (SIC-9999) in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 30, 1980, in response to a request from the office of the Assistant Vice President of the bank. Personal and general air samples were collected in the firing range room and air velocity was measured. Three employees participated in shooting 38 caliber pistols, a shotgun, and a 44 magnum carbine. Ammunition was analyzed. No Pb was found in any of the samples. Air flow rates ranged from 75 and 140 feet per minute, and was adequate to maintain good ventilation. The use of zinc bullets eliminated atmospheric lead in the indoor firing range. The authors conclude use of this type of ammunition is an effective prevention of Pb exposure.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-72-755.