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
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
(1980) Celestial Seasonings, Boulder, Colorado. (Click to open report) Respiratory hazards associated with exposure to airborne herbal dusts were investigated on November 6 to 19, 1978 at Celestial Seasonings (SIC-2035) in Boulder, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by an authorized company representative on behalf of the 227 employees. Of 206 who participated in the medical evaluation, 173 completed respiratory questionnaires and preshift and postshift spirometric testing, and 129 had posteroanterior chest X-rays. Personal and general area air samples were ana... (Click to show more)Respiratory hazards associated with exposure to airborne herbal dusts were investigated on November 6 to 19, 1978 at Celestial Seasonings (SIC-2035) in Boulder, Colorado. The evaluation was requested by an authorized company representative on behalf of the 227 employees. Of 206 who participated in the medical evaluation, 173 completed respiratory questionnaires and preshift and postshift spirometric testing, and 129 had posteroanterior chest X-rays. Personal and general area air samples were analyzed for total and respirable dust. Dust exposure was correlated with the incidence of chronic cough and bronchitis. Dust exposure was greatest among millers and mixers in Warehouse 3. Small decrements in pulmonary function were found for some dust exposed workers during the work shift, especially among workers who reported the sensation of chest tightness. The authors recommend evaluating tea making and packaging processes to control dust exposures, periodic environmental monitoring, preplacement screening of new workers for asthma and allergies, preplacement and periodic respiratory function testing, and instituting a respiratory protection program for workers in Warehouse 3.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) CF&I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Employee exposures to lead (7439921), solvents, and crystalline- silica (7631869) in the galvanizing department, fence post shop, and the casting foundry at CF and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado, were evaluated on January 25 and 26, 1979. The evaluation request came from United Steelworkers of America Local No. 2102 (SIC-3312). Breathing zone air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) crystalline-silicas, total respirable dust, lead, zinc (7440666), iron (... (Click to show more)Employee exposures to lead (7439921), solvents, and crystalline- silica (7631869) in the galvanizing department, fence post shop, and the casting foundry at CF and I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado, were evaluated on January 25 and 26, 1979. The evaluation request came from United Steelworkers of America Local No. 2102 (SIC-3312). Breathing zone air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) crystalline-silicas, total respirable dust, lead, zinc (7440666), iron (7439896), chromium (7440473), total hydrocarbons, and m-xylene (108383). Medical tests included blood lead levels, free erythrocyte-protoporphyrin (FEP), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), hemoglobin, and a chemistry profile. Casting foundry workers received chest radiographs for the evaluation of pneumoconiosis. Thirty nine percent of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Twenty six percent of breathing zone air samples for total respirable dust exceeded the 1979 Threshold Limit Value of 5mg/m3. Twenty seven percent of the lead samples taken in the galvanizing department exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.05mg/m3. Blood lead levels greater than 40 micrograms per 100 milliliters (micrograms/100 ml), were found in 14 workers; 4 workers had blood lead levels greater than 60 micrograms/100ml. FEP's greater than 870, were noted in 10 workers. The mean blood lead levels of workers in the galvanizing department was twice that observed in the casting foundry workers. Nineteen percent of the casting foundry workers had radiographic abnormalities, including simple pneumoconiosis, pleural changes, cardiac enlargement, and granuloma. NIOSH concluded that a health hazard existed from overexposure to lead and crystalline-silica. Recommendations from the survey included the introduction of improved ventilation, work practices and medical surveillance procedures.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) CF&I Steel Corporation, Pueblo, Colorado. (Click to open report) Occupational exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), total respirable particulates, lead (7439921), iron (7439896), benzo(a)pyrene (50328) (BaP), and coal-tar-pitch (65996932) volatiles were determined at the CF and I Steel Corporation (SIC-3310) in Pueblo, Colorado, on February 13 and April 9 and 10, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local Union 2102. None of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica ... (Click to show more)Occupational exposures to carbon-monoxide (630080), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), total respirable particulates, lead (7439921), iron (7439896), benzo(a)pyrene (50328) (BaP), and coal-tar-pitch (65996932) volatiles were determined at the CF and I Steel Corporation (SIC-3310) in Pueblo, Colorado, on February 13 and April 9 and 10, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the United Steelworkers of America, Local Union 2102. None of the breathing zone air samples for crystalline silica exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Seventeen percent of the breathing zone air samples for total particulates exceeded the 1979 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit value of 5.0mg/CuM. None of the lead and iron breathing zone air samples exceeded the OSHA standards of 0.05mg/CuM and 5.0mg/CuM, respectively. Low concentrations of BaP and coal-tar-pitch volatiles were noted. Preshift and post shift carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) indicated an increase in COHb as employees worked around the furnaces. Complaints of fatigue, headaches, dizziness and sensations of flushing and heat were reported by several workers. The authors conclude that a health hazard from carbon-monoxide and total particulate exposure exists at this facility. They recommend that workers be informed of the additive effects of cigarette smoke and carbon-monoxide, that an alarm system in all blast furnaces be installed, that improvements be implemented in the ventilation system at one furnace, and that eating, drinking and tobacco use in work areas be prohibited.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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)
