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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
(1980) Jeannette Glass Company, Jeannette, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Personal and area environmental samples were analyzed for arsenic- trioxide (1327533), selenium (7782492), silica (7631869), total and respirable dust, exposed and nonexposed workers were examined by a dermatologist and samples of blood, urine and pubic hair were collected at the Jeannette Glass Company (SIC-3229), in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, on April 8 and 9, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the American Flint Glassworkers of North America, Local 535, on behalf of 35 workers in the mix and... (Click to show more)Personal and area environmental samples were analyzed for arsenic- trioxide (1327533), selenium (7782492), silica (7631869), total and respirable dust, exposed and nonexposed workers were examined by a dermatologist and samples of blood, urine and pubic hair were collected at the Jeannette Glass Company (SIC-3229), in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, on April 8 and 9, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the American Flint Glassworkers of North America, Local 535, on behalf of 35 workers in the mix and melt areas and the batchhouse. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 2 to 11 micrograms per cubic meter (CuM). One of eight samples had an arsenic concentration of 10.77 micrograms/CuM, which exceeded the OSHA criteria of 10 micrograms/CuM. Concentrations of selenium were below the federal standard of 200 micrograms/CuM. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 0.99 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) and the quartz content of bulk dust was 10 percent. Some of the examined workers were afflicted with various presumably non-occupational skin disorders. Blood samples had arsenic concentrations below the detection limit of 1 microgram per 100 grams of blood. The authors conclude a health hazard due to arsenic-trioxide existed in the area surveyed. Since June 1980, arsenic-trioxide is no longer used at the factory. The authors recommend measures to avoid spillage, periodical monitoring of respirable silica, and informing arsenic exposed workers of an increased risk of developing skin and lung cancer.
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(1980) Jewish Vocational Service, Chicago, Illinois. (Click for full summary) Bulk samples of ceiling tiles from the Jewish Vocational Service (SIC-8331) in Chicago, Illinois were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) content on July 12 and 16, 1979. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of persons. No asbestos fibers were detected on any of the sample preparations. The author concludes that no hazard from exposure to asbestos from ceiling tiles exists at this facility.(Click to show more)Bulk samples of ceiling tiles from the Jewish Vocational Service (SIC-8331) in Chicago, Illinois were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) content on July 12 and 16, 1979. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of persons. No asbestos fibers were detected on any of the sample preparations. The author concludes that no hazard from exposure to asbestos from ceiling tiles exists at this facility.
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(1980) Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation, Ravenswood, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys and technological assessments were conducted on July 18 to 20, 1978, and April 3 to 5 and June 11 to 14, 1979, to update environmental conditions and evaluate the ventilation systems in the potrooms at the Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation facility in Ravenswood, West Virginia (SIC- 3341). The evaluation was requested by a union safety and health committee member of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 5668, on behalf of the potroom employees. Person... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys and technological assessments were conducted on July 18 to 20, 1978, and April 3 to 5 and June 11 to 14, 1979, to update environmental conditions and evaluate the ventilation systems in the potrooms at the Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation facility in Ravenswood, West Virginia (SIC- 3341). The evaluation was requested by a union safety and health committee member of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 5668, on behalf of the potroom employees. Personal and area air samples were obtained for determinations of coal-tar pitch (65996932) volatiles (CTPV), polynuclear-aromatic-hydrocarbons (PNA), total particulates, and fluorides. Indicator tube sampling was done for sulfur-dioxide (7446095), carbon-monoxide (630080), and hydrogen- fluoride (7664393). CTPV concentrations ranged from undetectable to of 0.20mg/m3; PNAs were present in 27 of 46 samples; total particulates ranged from 0.3 to 177.0 mg/m3, exceeding the OSHA standard of 150.0 mg/m3; sulfur-dioxide ranged from undetectable to over 25 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the OSHA standard of 5ppm. Medical questionnaires indicated that dust and off gases from the pots may have caused mucous membrane irritation. Ventilation assessment showed that the pothood system was well designed but that deficiencies in maintenance and housekeeping may have reduced its efficiency. The author concludes that potentially hazardous exposures to CTPV, total particulates, and sulfur dioxide existed for certain potroom workers. He recommends that ventilation maintenance be improved, that workers use respiratory protection when necessary, and that anode setters be studied for pot emission exposures.
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(1980) Kawecki Berlyco Industries, Inc., Boyertown, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Personal breathing zone samples were collected for total and respirable dust and titanium-diboride (12045635), workers were given a medical questionnaire, pulmonary function tests a and chest X-ray and concentrations of urinary fluorides were measured at Kawecki Berylco Industries, Incorporated (SIC-2819) in Boyertown, Pennsylvania between December, 1979, and March, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the International Chemical Workers Union, Local 619 alleging adverse health effects from expo... (Click to show more)Personal breathing zone samples were collected for total and respirable dust and titanium-diboride (12045635), workers were given a medical questionnaire, pulmonary function tests a and chest X-ray and concentrations of urinary fluorides were measured at Kawecki Berylco Industries, Incorporated (SIC-2819) in Boyertown, Pennsylvania between December, 1979, and March, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the International Chemical Workers Union, Local 619 alleging adverse health effects from exposure to fluorides and carbides. Urine fluoride concentrations were within the NIOSH recommended limit of 4 milligrams per liter. The combined airborne particulate and gaseous fluoride concentrations ranged from 3,161 to 3,600 micrograms per cubic meter during the pumping of hydrofluoric-acid (7664393) from drums and drum washing, exceeding the OSHA evaluation criteria of 2,500 micrograms per cubic meter. Medical questionnaires and chest X-rays indicated that workers exposed to carbides and diborides had results that were similar to those for other workers. Pulmonary function tests were lower for exposed workers but this was not statistically significant. Production workers employed at the facility for more than 15 years had lower lung capacity than other workers. The authors conclude that workers pumping hydrofluoric-acid from drums and washing drums are exposed to unacceptable concentrations of hydrofluoric-acid and that carbides and diborides could have a chronic effect on lung function. They recommend medical tests for new employees, installation of engineering controls and an educational program for workers handling chemicals.
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(1980) Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc., Boyertown, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Locals 619 and 959, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc., Boyertown, Pennsylvania. Concern was voiced over exposures to titanium-diboride (12045635) (TiB2), which was produced at this facility, carbon-black (1333864), and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs). The process involves the blending of titanium- dioxide (13463677), boron-carbide (12069328) and carbo... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Locals 619 and 959, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc., Boyertown, Pennsylvania. Concern was voiced over exposures to titanium-diboride (12045635) (TiB2), which was produced at this facility, carbon-black (1333864), and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs). The process involves the blending of titanium- dioxide (13463677), boron-carbide (12069328) and carbon-black. Following vacuum sintering, the product, TiB2, was powered through jaw crushing, screening, ball milling, and fine grinding. Analysis of the carbon-black revealed that it had an excessive content of cyclohexane extractables, suggesting that it was contaminated with PNAs. There was also a high total dust exposure at this facility. The author concludes that a potential hazard exists of exposure to carbon-black containing polynuclear aromatics. The author recommends that better exhaust ventilation measures be designed; that the water blending activity be automated, thus reducing contact time with carbon-black; that respiratory protective devices be used which are considered acceptable for this task; and that hygiene facilities be adequate.
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(1980) L.R.I. Industries, Chelsea, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the United Auto Workers, Local 437, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to dusts containing silica (7631869) and other toxic compounds at L.R.I. Industries, Chelsea, Michigan. This facility manufactures ceramic tumbling media for mass finishing of metal parts. General area and personal breathing samples were taken in all areas where dust could settle or be generated. The batchware operator, special refractory operator, and the pug mill operator we... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the United Auto Workers, Local 437, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to dusts containing silica (7631869) and other toxic compounds at L.R.I. Industries, Chelsea, Michigan. This facility manufactures ceramic tumbling media for mass finishing of metal parts. General area and personal breathing samples were taken in all areas where dust could settle or be generated. The batchware operator, special refractory operator, and the pug mill operator were slightly overexposed to respirable free silica. All noise measurements taken exceeded the NIOSH recommended levels of 85 decibels-A (dBA) for an 8 hour workday and the OSHA standard of 90dBA. The author concludes that hazards existed from exposure to noise, free silica and unsanitary eating conditions at this facility. The author recommends that the exhaust ventilation system for the batchware operator be redesigned so as to reduce dust exposure. Housekeeping throughout the facility should be improved, and worn gaskets around duct work should be repaired or replaced. Engineering controls should be utilized to reduce noise in inspection and pug mill areas. The pug mill machine should have rubber gaskets and mufflers installed. The salvage machine has already been isolated from the workers. Medical surveillance should be upgraded. NIOSH approved respirators should be used. An eating facility should be established which is separate from the factory area.
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(1980) Long Island Railroad, Richmond Hill, New York. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples collected from the armature room, battery shop, and paint shop were analyzed for dusts, fumes and chemical pollutants at the Long Island Rail Road Richmond Hill facility, New York, from June 2 to 5, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 589, on behalf of 800 hourly and 40 administrative workers. Breathing zone and general area samples were analyzed for particulates, a... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples collected from the armature room, battery shop, and paint shop were analyzed for dusts, fumes and chemical pollutants at the Long Island Rail Road Richmond Hill facility, New York, from June 2 to 5, 1980. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 589, on behalf of 800 hourly and 40 administrative workers. Breathing zone and general area samples were analyzed for particulates, asbestos (1332214), and metal dusts and fumes, vinyl-toluene (25013154), maleic-anhydride (108316), sulfuric-acid (7664939) mist, arsine (7784421), stibine (7803523), methyl-chloride (74873), isopropanol (67630), methanol (67561), methyl-butyl-ketone (591786), heptane (142825), 1-nitropropane (108032), 2-nitropropane (79469), xylene (1330207), toluene (108883), butanol (71363), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), cellosolve-acetate (111159), butyl-acetate (123864), hexamethylene-diisocyanate (822060), and freon (75456). Analysis of breathing zone and general area samples indicated that all concentrations were well within the limits of the federal evaluation criteria, except for one sample of a nuisance particulate. The sample contained 16.1 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of particulate, which exceeded the OSHA standard of 5mg/kg. Two samples of methylene-chloride were measured at 115.3 and 187.2ppm, exceeding the NIOSH standard of 75ppm. Five samples of hexamethylene-diisocyanate ranged from 0.027 to 0.054ppm, exceeding the NIOSH standard of 0.005ppm. The author concludes that a potential hazard exists from overexposure to nuisance particulates, methylene-chloride and hexamethylene-diisocyanate. He recommends improved exhaust ventilation and provision of respiratory protection to employees.
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(1980) Longmont Turkey Processors, Inc. Longmont, Colorado. (Click to open report) Airborne dust concentrations were measured and employees were interviewed to determine the cause of chest and breathing difficulties at Longmont Turkey Processors (SIC-1541) Inc., in Longmont, Colorado on January 17 and 18, 1980. An evaluation request was received from an authorized representative of the management on behalf of 30 administrative personnel. None of the samples contained dust concentrations greater than the evaluation criteria of 10 milligrams per cubic meter. None of the workers ... (Click to show more)Airborne dust concentrations were measured and employees were interviewed to determine the cause of chest and breathing difficulties at Longmont Turkey Processors (SIC-1541) Inc., in Longmont, Colorado on January 17 and 18, 1980. An evaluation request was received from an authorized representative of the management on behalf of 30 administrative personnel. None of the samples contained dust concentrations greater than the evaluation criteria of 10 milligrams per cubic meter. None of the workers had medical complaints. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist for the workers, however. He notes that some of the workers may have had an allergic reaction to various dusts. The author recommends that the ventilation system be inspected regularly and that workers with a history of allergic sensitization be counseled about their increased risk of sensitization.
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(1980) National Institute for Occupational Safety And Health, technical assistance to OSHA, Johns-Manville Corporation, Waukegan, Illinois, technical assistance report no. TA-78-101-104. (Click to open report) A survey was conducted at Johns Manville Corporation (SIC-3292) in Waukegan, Illinois in September 1978. The survey was made in response to employee complaints regarding the medical surveillance program. Questions addressed included: has the company adhered to medical monitoring requirements of the OSHA asbestos (1332214) standard; do the equipment and procedures used for pulmonary function tests and X-rays meet NIOSH guidelines; is the medical surveillance program detecting pulmonary abnormalit... (Click to show more)A survey was conducted at Johns Manville Corporation (SIC-3292) in Waukegan, Illinois in September 1978. The survey was made in response to employee complaints regarding the medical surveillance program. Questions addressed included: has the company adhered to medical monitoring requirements of the OSHA asbestos (1332214) standard; do the equipment and procedures used for pulmonary function tests and X-rays meet NIOSH guidelines; is the medical surveillance program detecting pulmonary abnormalities at the appropriate times; and is notification being made when abnormalities are detected. A random sample of 101 employees hired before 1970 and exposed to asbestos was selected and dates for pulmonary function tests were examined in medical records. Test equipment was examined and employee testing was observed. Employee notification of abnormal pulmonary function was not routine until 1977. In some cases, employees were sent to hospitals for further pulmonary workup when there was a new diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, pneumoconiosis with impairment, or evaluation for disability. The results of the survey showed that compliance with the pulmonary function portion of the requirement was almost 100 percent, but pulmonary function test equipment and procedures did not meet NIOSH recommended standards.
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(1980) Nevelle Chemical Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click for full summary) An environmental and medical evaluations was conducted at the Nevelle Chemical Company, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to determine employee exposures to respirable dust, benzene (71432), toluene (108883), styrene (100425), xylene (1330207), oil-mist, and hydrogen- chloride (7647010). A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 12046, requested the evaluation on behalf of about 250 affected workers. Total dust particulate values ranged from 3.78 to 150.3 milligram per cubic meter... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical evaluations was conducted at the Nevelle Chemical Company, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to determine employee exposures to respirable dust, benzene (71432), toluene (108883), styrene (100425), xylene (1330207), oil-mist, and hydrogen- chloride (7647010). A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 12046, requested the evaluation on behalf of about 250 affected workers. Total dust particulate values ranged from 3.78 to 150.3 milligram per cubic meter (mg/cu m). All hydrogen- chloride samples were below the threshold limit value (TLV) of 7 mg/cu m. Oil mist sample values ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 mg/cu m; below the TLV standard of 5 mg/cu m. Concentrations of benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene ranged from undetectable to 0.48, 0.49, corresponding evaluation criteria of 10,100,100 and 100 parts million. Clinical examinations revealed a significant relationship between symptoms of chest tightness, eye and nose irritation, and tiredness and exposure to the chemicals among production workers. There was a significant incidence of skin abnormalities among exposed workers. Pulmonary function tests revealed no abnormalities, and x-rays and blood chemistry tests were normal. The author suggests that some of the workers may be exposed to hazardous amounts of respirable dust. Preemployment and periodic medical examinations should be provided, ventilation systems should be improved, respiratory protection equipment and clothing should be used, and good housekeeping practices should be developed.
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