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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) Potomac Photo Supply, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) Environmental surveys were conducted on May 18, 1980, to evaluate employee exposures airborne asbestos from the building insulation at Potomac Photo Supply (SIC-3861) in Washington, D.C. The evaluation was requested by an authorized employee on behalf of the 18 affected employees. Airborne asbestos concentrations ranged from undetectable to 0.04 fibers per cubic centimeter (fibers/cc), well below the OSHA standard of 2 fibers/cc. Analysis of a bulk insulation sample indicated the presence of abo... (Click to show more)Environmental surveys were conducted on May 18, 1980, to evaluate employee exposures airborne asbestos from the building insulation at Potomac Photo Supply (SIC-3861) in Washington, D.C. The evaluation was requested by an authorized employee on behalf of the 18 affected employees. Airborne asbestos concentrations ranged from undetectable to 0.04 fibers per cubic centimeter (fibers/cc), well below the OSHA standard of 2 fibers/cc. Analysis of a bulk insulation sample indicated the presence of about 40 to 60 percent amosite asbestos. The author concludes that no hazardous exposure to asbestos existed at the time of the survey. He recommends that periodic monitoring be instituted. If the environmental findings indicated a potential hazard, the insulation should be removed, encapsulated or enclosed.
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(1980) Quoizel, Inc., Hauppauge, New York. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling and medical interviews interviews were conducted on October 19 and November 22, 1979 to determine employee exposures to asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), zinc chloride (7646857), and hydrogen-chloride (7647010) in the Tiffany Lamp (SIC- 3645) assembly area at the Quoizel Company, in Hauppauge, New York. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of 12 company employees. Personal air samples taken for lead and zinc chloride fumes were well below the OSH... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling and medical interviews interviews were conducted on October 19 and November 22, 1979 to determine employee exposures to asbestos (1332214), lead (7439921), zinc chloride (7646857), and hydrogen-chloride (7647010) in the Tiffany Lamp (SIC- 3645) assembly area at the Quoizel Company, in Hauppauge, New York. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of 12 company employees. Personal air samples taken for lead and zinc chloride fumes were well below the OSHA standards of 50 micrograms and 1 milligram per cubic meter, respectively. Area air samples for hydrogen chloride were also below the OSHA standard of 7 milligrams per cubic meter. Nine employees reported episodes of eye, throat, nose, and sinus irritation, and occasional chest tightness. Bulk sample analysis of the top of a work table indicated the presence of 2 to 5 percent chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. NIOSH concluded that the employees were not exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of lead and zinc chloride fumes or hydrogen chloride. They recommend that local exhaust ventilation be installed for the assembly operators and that the worktable surface be replaced with a nonasbestos material.
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(1980) Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Hercules Incorporated, Radford, Virginia. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on February 6 to 23, 1979, and June 18, 1979, to investigate the reported increase in heart disease among workers at Radford Army Ammunition Facility (SIC- 3483) of Hercules Incorporated in Radford, Virginia. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative from Local 3-495 of the Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Ethyl-ether (60297) concentrations ranged from 90 to 712... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on February 6 to 23, 1979, and June 18, 1979, to investigate the reported increase in heart disease among workers at Radford Army Ammunition Facility (SIC- 3483) of Hercules Incorporated in Radford, Virginia. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative from Local 3-495 of the Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Ethyl-ether (60297) concentrations ranged from 90 to 712 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the OSHA standard of 400 ppm; nitroglycerin (55630) ranged from undetectable to 0.89 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), will within the OSHA standard of 2 mg/m3; lead (7439921) ranged from undectable to 0.063 mg/m3, exceeding the OSHA standard of 0.05 mg/m3; and coal tar pitch volatiles ranged from undetectable to 0.1 mg/m3, within the OSHA standard of 0.2 mg/m3. All other samples were below their respective standards. The medical interviews and record review revealed several cases of previously diagnosed asbestosis and heart disease. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed as a result of employee exposure to ethyl ether, nitroglycerin, lead, and coal tar pitch volatiles. He recommends that an educational program be established, that employees be provided with daily changes of protective clothing, that the respirator program be reviewed, that general work practices be improved, that all exhaust systems be reevaluated and systems be periodically maintained, and that a standard operating procedure be established for all employees who handle asbestos.
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(1980) RMI Metals Reduction Plant, Ashtabula, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for titanium (7440326), titanium-tetrachloride (7550450), hydrochloric-acid (7647010), welding fumes, asbestos (1332214), and nuisance particles at RMI Metals Reduction Facility in Ashtabula, Ohio, on January 8 to 9 and June 15 to 28, 1979. A representative of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union requested the evaluation on behalf of 209 workers. Medical examinations, chest X-Rays, and pulmonary function tests were administered to the w... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for titanium (7440326), titanium-tetrachloride (7550450), hydrochloric-acid (7647010), welding fumes, asbestos (1332214), and nuisance particles at RMI Metals Reduction Facility in Ashtabula, Ohio, on January 8 to 9 and June 15 to 28, 1979. A representative of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union requested the evaluation on behalf of 209 workers. Medical examinations, chest X-Rays, and pulmonary function tests were administered to the workers. With the exception of one total particulate and two respirable particulate samples, titanium concentrations were below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended standards of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) for total particulates and 5 mg/CuM for respirable particulates. Three samples that exceeded recommended exposure criteria were 11.6 mg/CuM total nuisance dust, and 6.6 and 7.0 mg/CuM respirable nuisance particulates. Samples for welding fumes and hydrochloric-acid were below OSHA standards of 7mg/CuM and 5mg/CuM, respectively. Airborne asbestos was not detected. The medical study revealed extensive pleural thickening in 16 percent of the 58 nonproduction workers and was most prevalent among those who worked at the company for at least 10 years. Limited pleural thickening was found in 14 percent of the 151 production workers employed between 1957 and 1968. Major pulmonary function changes were found among the titanium-tetrachloride reduction process workers who had restrictive pulmonary changes with a significant yearly loss of lung volume. The author concludes that a health hazard of pulmonary impairment exists.
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(1980) Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey. (Click for full summary) Bulk samples of ceiling tiles were collected on July 3, 1980, to determine the presence of asbestos (1332214), and industrial hygiene and engineering data was evaluated at Smith Hall, Rutgers University (SIC-8221), Newark, New Jersey. The evaluation was requested by the State of New Jersey, Department of Health to determine whether diseases reported among faculty and staff at Smith Hall could be traced to environmental factors within the building. Potential exposures caused by leakages, containi... (Click to show more)Bulk samples of ceiling tiles were collected on July 3, 1980, to determine the presence of asbestos (1332214), and industrial hygiene and engineering data was evaluated at Smith Hall, Rutgers University (SIC-8221), Newark, New Jersey. The evaluation was requested by the State of New Jersey, Department of Health to determine whether diseases reported among faculty and staff at Smith Hall could be traced to environmental factors within the building. Potential exposures caused by leakages, containing animal urine and excrement contaminated with estrogens, enzymes and radioisotopes, were suspected of causing cancer and breast and ovarian cysts among the faculty and staff. Samples of ceiling tiles contained no asbestos. Data provided by the university indicated that samples of Rozol and air samples of asbestos, toluene (108883), benzene (71432), xylene (1330207), trichloroethylene (79016), methylene-chloride (75092), pentane (109660) and hexane (110543) were within OSHA standards. Concentrations of chloroform (67663) ranged from below detection limits to 80 parts per million (ppm) and exceeded the OSHA standard of 50ppm. Samples taken from the third and fourth floors indicated the presence of bacteria. Strong animal odor was noted from the animal area exhaust vents. Faculty and staff complained about ventilation. Plumbing problems resulted in the soiling of ceilings with water possibly containing monkey excrement. Evidence of water damage and flooding was observed. The authors conclude that there is no evidence of environmental overexposure. However, there are deficiencies in the plumbing, mechanical ventilation systems, work practices and animal handling procedures. The authors recommend that water leakage be prevented, the ventilation system be tested and modified to suit the needs, and animal care practices be modified to meet hygienic standards.
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Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-092-769.
(1980) Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, Shoreham, Long Island, New York. (Click to open report) In response to a request from employees at the construction site for the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, Long Island, New York, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions existing at this facility. Concern centered around the use of an asbestos (1332214) product, Novatex. Two area air and one personal air sample were taken along with bulk samples of Novatex. Analysis indicated that Novatex contained chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. Fibers of this asbestos were located in a settled dust... (Click to show more)In response to a request from employees at the construction site for the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, Long Island, New York, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions existing at this facility. Concern centered around the use of an asbestos (1332214) product, Novatex. Two area air and one personal air sample were taken along with bulk samples of Novatex. Analysis indicated that Novatex contained chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. Fibers of this asbestos were located in a settled dust sample. The two area air samples were negative. The one personal air sample was positive for asbestos. This personal air sample was measured in the vicinity where a pipefitter was working. His exposure was determined to be 0.16 fiber/cubic centimeter, which exceeds the NIOSH recommended limit of 0.1 fiber/cubic centimeter. Novatex was used at this facility to wrap stainless steel pipe to protect it from arc strikes, and as an insulating wrap for welded pipe joints during heat stress. Novatex was also used improperly as a drop cloth to keep welding sparks from falling on workers below, as a walkway covering and as a kneepad for workers having to kneel on grate walkways. The author concludes that a hazard of occupational exposure to airborne asbestos fibers exists at this site. The author recommends that asbestos free substitutes be found for the improper uses of Novatex. Users should be instructed to pick up any leftover Novatex and dispose of it properly. All personnel should be informed of the hazards of asbestos and the proper methods of cleanup.
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(1980) Social Security Administration, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Click for full summary) An industrial hygiene survey was conducted at the Grand Rapids, Michigan office of the Social Security Administration (SIC-9199) on April 22 to 24, 1980. The offices' Health and Safety Officer requested technical assistance to evaluate exposure of 102 employees to fibrous glass from deteriorating duct insulation. Ten office and in duct air samples were collected along with several bulk samples. The ventilation system was evaluated and confidential employee interviews using non-direct medical que... (Click to show more)An industrial hygiene survey was conducted at the Grand Rapids, Michigan office of the Social Security Administration (SIC-9199) on April 22 to 24, 1980. The offices' Health and Safety Officer requested technical assistance to evaluate exposure of 102 employees to fibrous glass from deteriorating duct insulation. Ten office and in duct air samples were collected along with several bulk samples. The ventilation system was evaluated and confidential employee interviews using non-direct medical questionnaires were conducted. Bulk sample analysis identified the contents to be entirely composed of mineral wool. Airborne fiber concentrations were below detection limits for each of the air samples. No significant health problems were reported by the employees, although most of them complained of poor air circulation in the office. Ventilation measurements taken while they system was running indicated an air flow rate of 13 cubic feet per minute. The authors conclude that no hazard from mineral wool exposures existed in this office at the time of the investigation. They offer several recommendations for improved ventilation.
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(1980) St. Clair Rubber Company, Marysville, Michigan. (Click to open report) Personal and area environmental samples were analyzed for the presence of carbon-black (1333864), lead (7439921), and antimony (7440360) and total particulates in the compounding area and mill room at the St. Clair Rubber Company, (SIC-3069) in Marysville, Michigan, from May 14 to 16, and November 19 and 20 1979. The evaluation was requested by a vice president of the company. The factory employed about 160 workers. Ten to 16 workers were assigned to the compounding area where raw materials were... (Click to show more)Personal and area environmental samples were analyzed for the presence of carbon-black (1333864), lead (7439921), and antimony (7440360) and total particulates in the compounding area and mill room at the St. Clair Rubber Company, (SIC-3069) in Marysville, Michigan, from May 14 to 16, and November 19 and 20 1979. The evaluation was requested by a vice president of the company. The factory employed about 160 workers. Ten to 16 workers were assigned to the compounding area where raw materials were batched, mixed, milled, and calendered. Total dust particulates ranged from 0.03 to 6.9 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), one lead sample was 9.7 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA), antimony concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.15mg/CuM and carbon- black concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 2.59mg/CuM. Dust particulates, lead, antimony and carbon-black OSHA criteria standards were 10mg/CuM, 30 micrograms/CuM meter for an 8 hour (TWA), 0.5mg/CuM and 3.5mg/CuM for an 8 hour TWA, respectively. The author concludes that there were no hazardous exposures to dust containing carbon-black, lead or antimony under existing conditions. He recommends that work practices be closely monitored to minimize exposure to lead and antimony and that their suggestions for further reducing exposures be implemented.
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(1980) Star Dust Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. (Click to open report) Area air sampling and medical surveys were conducted at the Star Dust Hotel (SIC-7011) in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 26 and July 17, 1979 to investigate complaints of sewer odors associated with nausea, headaches, and upper respiratory symptoms among hotel telephone operators. The evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the Teamster's Union, Local 995 on behalf of 28 telephone operators. Air sampling analysis revealed 0.01 to 0.03 parts per million (ppm) of toluene (108883), 0... (Click to show more)Area air sampling and medical surveys were conducted at the Star Dust Hotel (SIC-7011) in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 26 and July 17, 1979 to investigate complaints of sewer odors associated with nausea, headaches, and upper respiratory symptoms among hotel telephone operators. The evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the Teamster's Union, Local 995 on behalf of 28 telephone operators. Air sampling analysis revealed 0.01 to 0.03 parts per million (ppm) of toluene (108883), 0.02 to 0.05ppm of tetrachloroethylene (127184), and 0.31 to 0.97 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) of total hydrocarbons. The current OSHA standards for toluene and tetrachloroethylene are 20 and 100ppm for an 8 hour time weighted average, respectively. No hydrogen sulfide was detected, however odors were evident at several locations. Ventilation for the air conditioning unit was inadequate. The employees commonly reported eye and throat irritations, an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, and irritations of the skin and lips. The authors conclude that no hazardous exposures existed at the time of the survey, but the poor ventilation system was allowing hydrogen sulfide gas to enter the air conditioning unit. The vapors from the sewer sump tank should be vented to the outside air, and the tank effluent should be regularly treated with chemical enzymes. The air conditioning system should be redesigned, and the unit should be relocated. The room housing the sump tank should be kept under negative pressure.
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(1980) State of Washington and Region X Office of the Department of Health and Human Services. (Click for full summary) Bulk and personal air samples from the Sunnyside, Washington, area (SIC-9431) were analyzed for hazardous concentrations of respirable dust, total dust, and respirable free silica (7631869) due to volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens on June 19 to 26, 1980. The evaluation was requested by state and federal government officials on behalf of an unspecified number of outdoor agricultural workers. All personal exposures were well below the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) for re... (Click to show more)Bulk and personal air samples from the Sunnyside, Washington, area (SIC-9431) were analyzed for hazardous concentrations of respirable dust, total dust, and respirable free silica (7631869) due to volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens on June 19 to 26, 1980. The evaluation was requested by state and federal government officials on behalf of an unspecified number of outdoor agricultural workers. All personal exposures were well below the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM) for respirable dust containing quartz, and the NIOSH criteria of 0.05mg/CuM for respirable free silica. Average exposures were low, except for total dust exposure in onion fields near Moses Lake. The higher Moses Lake exposures were attributed to the small sample size or sample contamination. Bulk and personal samples did not contain significant concentrations of toxic metals. The investigators concluded that workers in the Sunnyside area were not overexposed to respirable dust, total dust, or respirable free silica at the time of the survey. Recommendations are given for monitoring and respiratory protection in the event of future volcanic eruptions or excessively dusty conditions.
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