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) 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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report HHE-79-39-604.
(1980) Niagara Steel Finishing Company, Niagara Falls, New York. (Click for full summary) Residual dust samples were analyzed for Mirex (2385855), lindane (58899) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) during decontamination of the Niagara Steel Finishing Company (SIC- 3440) in Niagara Falls, New York, on August 21, 1980. The samples were obtained by vacuuming using a mixed cellulose ester membrane filter and an air pump. Twenty four residual dust samples from structural members, window sills, equipment and various other surfaces were analyzed to determine decontami... (Click to show more)Residual dust samples were analyzed for Mirex (2385855), lindane (58899) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1746016) (TCDD) during decontamination of the Niagara Steel Finishing Company (SIC- 3440) in Niagara Falls, New York, on August 21, 1980. The samples were obtained by vacuuming using a mixed cellulose ester membrane filter and an air pump. Twenty four residual dust samples from structural members, window sills, equipment and various other surfaces were analyzed to determine decontamination effectiveness. No concentrations of mirex, lindane or TCDD were detected. The author concludes that the facility is satisfactorily decontaminated.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-107-772.
(1980) Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, Conroe, Texas. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on November 8, 1978, and July 19 and 20, 1979, to evaluate employee exposure to methylene-chloride (75092), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), styrene (100425), fibrous glass, silica (7631869) and nuisance particulate matter at the Owens Corning Fiberglas Corporation in Conroe, Texas. (SIC-2221) The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the United Paperworkers International Union on behalf of the approximately 157 affected workers.... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on November 8, 1978, and July 19 and 20, 1979, to evaluate employee exposure to methylene-chloride (75092), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), styrene (100425), fibrous glass, silica (7631869) and nuisance particulate matter at the Owens Corning Fiberglas Corporation in Conroe, Texas. (SIC-2221) The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of the United Paperworkers International Union on behalf of the approximately 157 affected workers. All of the environmental air samples were well below current OSHA standards. Methylene-chloride concentrations ranged from 18 to 85 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), below the OSHA standard of 1750mg/m3; methyl-ethyl-ketone ranged from 4 to 20mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 590mg/m3; styrene ranged from 65 to 200mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 420mg/m3; fibrous glass concentrations were less than 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter, below the NIOSH standard of 3.0 fibers per cubic centimeter; silica (quartz/cristobalite) ranged from undetectable to 0.33mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 30mg/m3; and nuisance particulate matter ranged from 0.3 to 4.7mg/m3, below the OSHA standard of 15mg/m3. The author concludes that no hazardous exposures existed at the time of the evaluation. He recommends that fibrous glass and styrene workers have preplacement medical examinations.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Passaic City Hall, Passaic, New Jersey. (Click for full summary) An environmental evaluation of Passaic City Hall, Passaic, New Jersey, was conducted on June 5, 1980, at the request of the New Jersey Department of Health. The request was prompted by outbreaks of eye and skin itching, with occasional rashes, among City Hall employees. Environmental samples were taken for mineral wool, total particulates, carbon-monoxide (630080), ozone (10028156), formaldehyde (50000), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), organics, and hydroquinone (123319). Only three of the five hig... (Click to show more)An environmental evaluation of Passaic City Hall, Passaic, New Jersey, was conducted on June 5, 1980, at the request of the New Jersey Department of Health. The request was prompted by outbreaks of eye and skin itching, with occasional rashes, among City Hall employees. Environmental samples were taken for mineral wool, total particulates, carbon-monoxide (630080), ozone (10028156), formaldehyde (50000), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), organics, and hydroquinone (123319). Only three of the five high volume samples collected in the return air plenum and a mixing box area contained mineral wool, and the concentrations were extremely low, ranging from 940 to 1500 fibers per cubic meter. Settled dust samples contained less than 1 percent mineral wool. The two samples collected for total particulates showed concentrations of nondetectable and 0.12 milligrams per cubic meter, respectively. The carbon-monoxide concentration in the building was about 1 part per million. There were no detectable concentrations of ozone, formaldehyde, hydroquinone, organics, nitrogen-dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, or sulfur-dioxide. The author concludes that no cause for the itching and rash outbreak could be found, and that no additional environmental sampling is warranted unless the medical evaluation indicates an unsuspected or untested environmental contaminant.
(Click to show less)
