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) 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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less)
(1980) Sterling Faucet Company, Sabraton, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on March 7 and 8, 1979 and on June 27, 1979 at the Sterling Faucet Company (SIC-3432) in Sabraton, West Virginia to investigate possible hazards of a graphite (7782425) lubricant and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Authorized representatives of the employees' union, United Steelworkers of America Local 6214, requested the surveys to evaluate the health effects of the graphite lubricant and PAH exposures in drop forge operators. Analyses o... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on March 7 and 8, 1979 and on June 27, 1979 at the Sterling Faucet Company (SIC-3432) in Sabraton, West Virginia to investigate possible hazards of a graphite (7782425) lubricant and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Authorized representatives of the employees' union, United Steelworkers of America Local 6214, requested the surveys to evaluate the health effects of the graphite lubricant and PAH exposures in drop forge operators. Analyses of personal and area samples for total and respirable synthetic graphite dust, refined petroleum solvents and PAH indicated that concentrations were below current environmental criteria or were undetectable for these substances. Nondirected medical questionnaire interviews with the exposed employees revealed a high incidence of skin and upper respiratory irritation. The authors conclude that although air concentrations of measured substances were within acceptable limits, there was skin and vapor respiratory irritation associated with industrial exposure. They recommend the implementation of safety measures such as the use of protective gloves, the placement of a splash shield, the use of safety goggles, and the utilization of local exhaust ventilation.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, Indoor Firing Range, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) An evaluation was made of the ventilation system and design of an indoor firing range located in the District Court Building, in Washington, D.C. As this facility had been closed almost 2 years earlier, sampling for lead (7439921) concentrations was not possible. The evaluation was needed so that the facility could be reopened for handgun qualifying of U.S. Marshals. The range was 108 feet long, 12 feet wide and 9 feet high with three firing booths. The ventilation system supplied about 1300 cub... (Click to show more)An evaluation was made of the ventilation system and design of an indoor firing range located in the District Court Building, in Washington, D.C. As this facility had been closed almost 2 years earlier, sampling for lead (7439921) concentrations was not possible. The evaluation was needed so that the facility could be reopened for handgun qualifying of U.S. Marshals. The range was 108 feet long, 12 feet wide and 9 feet high with three firing booths. The ventilation system supplied about 1300 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm) and exhausted 3700cfm. Air entered through 12 ceiling diffusers and exited through three ceiling diffusers, one above each shooting station. The range was under negative pressure with regard to the rest of the building. Ventilation was acceptable at the shooting stations, but the air became stagnant further down range. The air supply to the range officer needed to be redesigned to avoid drafts and to increase the efficiency of lead dust removal. The author recommends modifications which would render this facility operational. The sand pit at the end of the range used to trap spent bullets should be replaced with a water trap. The author recommends that reflecting walls be covered with high efficiency sound absorbing material and that the back sides of the trap plates be covered with an epoxy resin to reduce noise levels.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) U.S. Precision Lens, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken and affected employees were interviewed to determine whether exposures to polymethyl-methacrylate (9011147) methyl-methacrylate-vapor (80626) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), magnesium- fluoride (7783406) isopropyl-alcohol (67630), iron-oxide (1345251), and oil mist were posing a health hazard to massive optics (M.O.) and tool grinding room (T.G.) employees of U.S. Precision Lense Incorporated (SIC-307) in Cincinnati, Oh... (Click to show more)Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken and affected employees were interviewed to determine whether exposures to polymethyl-methacrylate (9011147) methyl-methacrylate-vapor (80626) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), toluene (108883), magnesium- fluoride (7783406) isopropyl-alcohol (67630), iron-oxide (1345251), and oil mist were posing a health hazard to massive optics (M.O.) and tool grinding room (T.G.) employees of U.S. Precision Lense Incorporated (SIC-307) in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 17 and 18, 1980. The evaluation was requested by the company. The facility employs 250 workers with an unspecified number working in the M.O. and T.G. rooms. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were taken and analyzed of each for the contaminants. Bulk samples were analyzed for silica content. Sample results for the contaminants ranged up to 20 percent of the recommended exposure limits. Bulk samples did not contain silica. The authors conclude that the exposures to the sampled substances were not hazardous to the employees at the time of the investigations.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) U.S. Steel Tubing Specialists Center, Gary Indiana. (Click to open report) Environmental samples were analyzed for the presence of chromium (7440473), hexavalent chromium, iron-oxide (1332372), particulate fluoride manganese (7439965), lead (7439921) welding fumes, gaseous fluorides, nickel (7440020), molybdenum (7439987), and carbon- dioxide (124389) at the U.S. Steel Tubing Specialities Center (SIC- 3312) in Gary, Indiana, on May 23 and 24, and September, 1979, and on January 30 and February 1, 1980. The evaluation request was by the United Steelworkers of America, L... (Click to show more)Environmental samples were analyzed for the presence of chromium (7440473), hexavalent chromium, iron-oxide (1332372), particulate fluoride manganese (7439965), lead (7439921) welding fumes, gaseous fluorides, nickel (7440020), molybdenum (7439987), and carbon- dioxide (124389) at the U.S. Steel Tubing Specialities Center (SIC- 3312) in Gary, Indiana, on May 23 and 24, and September, 1979, and on January 30 and February 1, 1980. The evaluation request was by the United Steelworkers of America, Local 2697 on behalf of 34 welders to evaluate a high rate of cardiovascular disease among workers. Concentrations of total chromium, hexavalent chromium and particulate fluoride were 0.02, 0.006, and 0.003 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), respectively; and their corresponding OSHA permissible exposure concentrations were 1.0, 1.0 and 2.5mg/CuM. Concentrations of iron-oxide, manganese, lead, and welding fumes ranged from 0.1 to 2.9, 0.004 to 0.19, 0.01 to 0.57 and 0.59 to 9.6mg/CuM, respectively, and their corresponding OSHA permissible exposure concentrations were 10.0, 5.0, 0.05, and 5.0mg/CuM. Gaseous fluorides, nickel, molybdenum and vanadium were not detected. Concentrations of carbon-monoxide ranged from less than 2 to 73.8 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the OSHA standard of 50ppm. The medical survey indicated an excess incidence of cardiovascular disease and increased respiratory symptoms. Blood lead and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin results were normal. The authors conclude that a health hazard due to overexposure to lead, carbon-monoxide and welding fumes and an excess of cardiovascular disease and respiratory symptoms exists. They recommend measures for the protection of workers and the reduction of hazards.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1980) Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. (Click for full summary) Worker exposures to metal dusts or fumes or acrylic vapors were determined at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Dental Laboratory (SIC-8070) in Washington, D.C., from May 27 to 30, 1980. The evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2 on behalf of about 52 affected workers. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for beryllium (7440417), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), molybdenum (7439987), and methyl-meth... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to metal dusts or fumes or acrylic vapors were determined at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Dental Laboratory (SIC-8070) in Washington, D.C., from May 27 to 30, 1980. The evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2 on behalf of about 52 affected workers. Personal breathing zone air samples were analyzed for beryllium (7440417), nickel (7440020), chromium (7440473), molybdenum (7439987), and methyl-methacrylate (80626). Medical questionnaires were given to 17 workers. Air concentrations of all of the elements were well below OSHA standards of 0.002, 1.0, 5.0, 1.0, and 351 milligrams per cubic meter for beryllium, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and methyl methacrylate, respectively. Two employees reported chronic lung conditions which they attributed to past dust exposure. Ventilation measurements indicated that air flow rates were sufficient to remove metal and porcelain dusts, and acrylic vapors. The author concludes that the workers are not exposed to chemical hazards. Recommendations include the repair of certain components of the ventilation system, worker education, measures to minimize dust generation, and the prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking when working in the laboratory.
(Click to show less)
Contact us to obtain a copy of report TA-80-60-756.
(1980) Western Gypsum Company, Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted on April 24, 1979 at the Western Gypsum Company (SIC-3275) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. An authorized representative of the American Federation of Labor/Congress of Industrial Occupations United Cement, Lime and Gypsum Workers International Union requested the evaluation to investigate possible hazards to workers involved in gypsum wallboard production. Environmental samples were collected to determine airborne concentrations of gypsum dust. Four pr... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted on April 24, 1979 at the Western Gypsum Company (SIC-3275) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. An authorized representative of the American Federation of Labor/Congress of Industrial Occupations United Cement, Lime and Gypsum Workers International Union requested the evaluation to investigate possible hazards to workers involved in gypsum wallboard production. Environmental samples were collected to determine airborne concentrations of gypsum dust. Four production area workers were interviewed to identify medical symptoms. Exhaust velocities of the ventilation system were measured at various work stations. Four personal breathing zones and two general area samples indicated gypsum concentrations ranged from standard of 15mg/m3 for an 8 hour time weighted average. Employee interviews failed to identify and work related health problems. Exhaust velocities ranged from 175 to 200 feet per minute. The authors conclude that a hazard from exposure to gypsum dust did not exist in the wallboard production area.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1979) American Concrete Division, Union Metal Company, Waukegan, Illinois. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of toluene (108883), mineral-spirits (8030306), naptha (8030306), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), total particulates, respirable particulates, respirable free silica (7631869), iron- oxide-fume, chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), copper (7440508), and aluminum (7429905), at the American Concrete Division of the Union Metal Company (SIC-2819) in Waukegan, Illinois on March 30, July 5, and October 20, 1978. An evaluation req... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of toluene (108883), mineral-spirits (8030306), naptha (8030306), methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), total particulates, respirable particulates, respirable free silica (7631869), iron- oxide-fume, chromium (7440473), nickel (7440020), copper (7440508), and aluminum (7429905), at the American Concrete Division of the Union Metal Company (SIC-2819) in Waukegan, Illinois on March 30, July 5, and October 20, 1978. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the approximately 60 affected workers. The airborne concentrations of respirable free silica in three personal samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), and ranged from 0.013 to evaluation criteria. The author recommends reducing crystalline silica by using engineering controls, institution of a respiratory protection program, enclosure of the mold spinning machines, and the control of peak exposures to air contaminants by the installation of local ventilation systems on respiratory protection equipment.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)