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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
(1979) Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples of airborne dusts, metals, gases, vapors, and fumes were collected, and a medical evaluation was conducted on November 29, 30, and December 1, 1978 and February 12 to 14, 1979 at the Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc. (SIC-3361), in Englewood, Colorado. The evaluation request to identify any potentially toxic workplace exposures for approximately 50 employees came from an employer representative. Concentration of inorganic lead (7439921) ranged from 0.03 to 3.2 m... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples of airborne dusts, metals, gases, vapors, and fumes were collected, and a medical evaluation was conducted on November 29, 30, and December 1, 1978 and February 12 to 14, 1979 at the Arapahoe Aluminum and Brass Foundry, Inc. (SIC-3361), in Englewood, Colorado. The evaluation request to identify any potentially toxic workplace exposures for approximately 50 employees came from an employer representative. Concentration of inorganic lead (7439921) ranged from 0.03 to 3.2 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum) and exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.05mg/cum in 44 percent of the samples. Crystalline silica (14808607) concentrations exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.29mg/cum in 77 percent of the samples. All other sample concentrations were below criteria. Blood lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA standard of 40 micrograms per 100 grams of whole blood in 81 percent of the workers, and 72 percent had free erythrocyte protoporphyrin determinations above the normal range of 356 to 662 micrograms per liter of red blood cells. The investigator concludes that workers were exposed to hazardous concentrations of inorganic lead and crystalline silica, and other toxic exposures could occur if production conditions change without corresponding ventilation improvements. The use of respirators, protective hearing devices and clothing; improvements of workplace hygiene and ventilation systems; and periodic medical surveillance until all exposures are below criteria are recommended.
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(1979) Ashland Petroleum Company, 2nd Avenue, Freedom, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Environmental air sampling was performed and nondirect medical questionnaires were administered on March 6 and 7, 1979 at Ashland Petroleum Company, (SIC-1311) Freedom, Pennsylvania to determine if employees were exposed to bauxite (1318167) dust and unknown toxic substances. The evaluation was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union Local 8-621, for the 15 potentially exposed employees. The benzene (71432) soluble fraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAH... (Click to show more)Environmental air sampling was performed and nondirect medical questionnaires were administered on March 6 and 7, 1979 at Ashland Petroleum Company, (SIC-1311) Freedom, Pennsylvania to determine if employees were exposed to bauxite (1318167) dust and unknown toxic substances. The evaluation was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union Local 8-621, for the 15 potentially exposed employees. The benzene (71432) soluble fraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAH) measured 0.43 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m) and exceeded the OSHA recommended exposure limit of 0.20mg/cu m in one of four sampling periods. Total dust particulates ranged from 1.1 to 8.5mg/cu m, lead (7439921) was undetectable, and sulfur dioxide (7446095) gas measured 3.1 micrograms/cu m. All were below their respective recommended limits of 15mg/cu m, 50 mg/cu m, and 13mg/cu m. Medical reports of acute, intermittent irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, dry skin, occasional headache, sinus congestion, and wheezing with exertion were associated with increased heat and with the burning of certain products that probably contained sulfur dioxide. The authors recommend periodic vacuum cleaning of the burner house, periodic maintenance of the burner and ducts to seal leaks; a program of environmental sampling, preplacement and periodic medical examinations for exposed workers, maintaining medical records on all employees exposed for 1 or more years to sulfur dioxide, and a review of the value of the current preemployment practice of routinely recording lower back radiographs.
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(1979) Associated Grocers, Inc., Seattle, Washington. (Click to open report) Toxic exposure to cleaning chemicals used at Associated Grocers, Inc. (SIC-5411), Seattle, Washington, was evaluated on February 22 and March 23, 1979 in response to a request from an authorized employee representative. Air samples were collected and analyzed for levels of sodium-hydroxide (1310732), isopropyl-alcohol (67630), and butyl cellosolve (111762). All were found to be within OSHA limits (2 milligrams per cubic meter of air, 400, and 50 parts per million parts of air, respectively). Tox... (Click to show more)Toxic exposure to cleaning chemicals used at Associated Grocers, Inc. (SIC-5411), Seattle, Washington, was evaluated on February 22 and March 23, 1979 in response to a request from an authorized employee representative. Air samples were collected and analyzed for levels of sodium-hydroxide (1310732), isopropyl-alcohol (67630), and butyl cellosolve (111762). All were found to be within OSHA limits (2 milligrams per cubic meter of air, 400, and 50 parts per million parts of air, respectively). Toxic levels of sodium hydroxide were measured at a 500 gallon caustic solution tank (6.4 milligrams per cubic meters of air). A review of the medical records of four employees did not reveal any problems conclusively related to work. It is concluded that a hazard exists during use of the caustic solution tank, but not in relation to general environmental levels of chemicals. To reduce exposure to sodium hydroxide dust, it is recommended that a liquid concentrate, and granulated instead of powdered sodium-hydroxide be used. Also recommended is the use of protective clothing and gear, and the labeling of contents in the caustic tank.
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(1979) Cedar Rapids School District, Bureau of Labor, State of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa. (Click to open report) A site visit was made on March 21 and 22, 1979 to the Cedar Rapids School District (SIC-7349) in Des Moines, Iowa to investigate reported cancer deaths among custodial and maintenance workers. The Bureau of Labor, State of Iowa, Des Moines requested technical assistance to determine if the cancer deaths were occupationally related. Worker exposure to a variety of chemical cleaners and asbestos (1332214) was noted, but only asbestos was identified as a known carcinogen. Exposures to asbestos were... (Click to show more)A site visit was made on March 21 and 22, 1979 to the Cedar Rapids School District (SIC-7349) in Des Moines, Iowa to investigate reported cancer deaths among custodial and maintenance workers. The Bureau of Labor, State of Iowa, Des Moines requested technical assistance to determine if the cancer deaths were occupationally related. Worker exposure to a variety of chemical cleaners and asbestos (1332214) was noted, but only asbestos was identified as a known carcinogen. Exposures to asbestos were always found to be infrequent and of short duration. No sampling or analyses were performed. Biology and chemistry laboratories were inspected. It is concluded that the cancer deaths were not occupationally related or greater in number than those found in the general population. Recommendations are made for adherence to safety and hygiene practices concerning the use and handling of asbestos, pesticides, and chemical cleaning agents. Toxic chemicals used in the laboratories should be controlled and disposed of properly. Further investigation is not recommended.
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(1979) Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center, Aurora, Illinois. (Click for full summary) Environmental and personal air, dust, and bulk samples of aerosol attic insulation material were analyzed at the request of the Federal Air Surgeon, Department of Aviation Administration, to determine if 700 employees in the Chicago Air Route Traffic Center in Aurora, Illinois were exposed to hazardous airborne asbestos (1332214) concentrations. All samples were collected on membrane filters and analyzed by phase contrast microscopy. Bulk samples were tested by polarizing and dispersion staining... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air, dust, and bulk samples of aerosol attic insulation material were analyzed at the request of the Federal Air Surgeon, Department of Aviation Administration, to determine if 700 employees in the Chicago Air Route Traffic Center in Aurora, Illinois were exposed to hazardous airborne asbestos (1332214) concentrations. All samples were collected on membrane filters and analyzed by phase contrast microscopy. Bulk samples were tested by polarizing and dispersion staining techniques. The insulation material contained either 2 percent or 50 to 80 percent asbestos. Air samples of less than 11,792 asbestos fibers per cubic meter were below OSHA criteria of 2 million asbestos fibers per cubic meter. Dust samples did not contain asbestos. The authors conclude that a hazard from asbestos did not exist for employees at the time of this study, except in nonroutine functions such as maintenance work in the attic or during renovations. They recommend that anyone entering the attic wear disposable protective equipment, and any renovations be performed in a manner acceptable to OSHA.
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(1979) Commonwealth Trading Company, Stoughton, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on August 16 and 17, 1978, to evaluate the potential for employee exposure to formaldehyde (50000) or other toxic substances in the workplace at the Commonwealth Trading Company (SIC-5137) in Stoughton, Massachusetts. The evaluation was requested by the employer on behalf of the approximately 225 affected employees. Airborne formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.73 parts per million (ppm), well below the 3ppm OSHA standard, but exceedi... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on August 16 and 17, 1978, to evaluate the potential for employee exposure to formaldehyde (50000) or other toxic substances in the workplace at the Commonwealth Trading Company (SIC-5137) in Stoughton, Massachusetts. The evaluation was requested by the employer on behalf of the approximately 225 affected employees. Airborne formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.73 parts per million (ppm), well below the 3ppm OSHA standard, but exceeding the irritative symptoms were compatible with the known effects of formaldehyde exposure. The authors conclude that employees were not exposed to a health hazard from chemicals during the survey. They also conclude that the pattern of results obtained from a detailed human factors questionnaire is indicative of stress induced mass psychogenic illness, triggered by low concentrations of formaldehyde vapor escaping from permanent press clothing. The authors recommend that engineering controls be implemented and work practices be changed to reduce the chance of employee exposure, that the temperature difference between the office area and the warehouse area be reduced on hot days, that the shipping doors be kept open whenever possible on hot days, that employees who experience problems be allowed to perform other jobs, that periodic wet mopping or vacuuming be done to reduce dustiness, and that sensitized employees not be allowed to become exposed to formaldehyde.
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(1979) Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Michigan. (Click to open report) Breathing zone and general area samples were collected at the Detroit Free Press (SIC-2711), Detroit, Michigan on March 30 and 31, 1979. An authorized representative of approximately 80 employees from Local Number 13, International Printing and Graphic Communication Union and Newspaper Printing and Graphic Communication requested the evaluation to determine worker exposures to paper dust, oil mist, and inorganic lead (7439921) in the press and reelroom. Forty three employees completed medical qu... (Click to show more)Breathing zone and general area samples were collected at the Detroit Free Press (SIC-2711), Detroit, Michigan on March 30 and 31, 1979. An authorized representative of approximately 80 employees from Local Number 13, International Printing and Graphic Communication Union and Newspaper Printing and Graphic Communication requested the evaluation to determine worker exposures to paper dust, oil mist, and inorganic lead (7439921) in the press and reelroom. Forty three employees completed medical questionnaires and 18 received blood lead tests. All blood samples for lead were in the normal range (40 micrograms of lead per 100 grams of blood). All environmental samples were at or below the OSHA standard for lead of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cum), oil mist (5mg/cum), and total particulates (15mg/cum). Noise levels were between 100 and 105 decibels throughout the pressroom. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the survey, but there is evidence of a potential noise hazard. Recommendations resulting from the survey include institution of a lead monitoring program, installation of sound absorbing and baffling devices in the pressroom, provision of audiometric testing and preemployment physical examinations, and development of health and safety programs. Ventilation systems should be serviced regularly, and worker and workplace hygiene practices should be improved.
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(1979) Du Co Ceramics Company, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Interviews, preliminary and follow up medical examinations of 150 persons, and area air sampling were conducted on September 8 and 9, 1977 and March 14 to 17, 1978 to determine ceramic worker exposures to free crystalline-silica (14808607), asbestos (1332214), and total respirable dust at the Du Co Ceramics Company (SIC-3292) in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. The request came from an authorized representative of Local 8042, United Steelworkers of America to evaluate potential health problems. Several ... (Click to show more)Interviews, preliminary and follow up medical examinations of 150 persons, and area air sampling were conducted on September 8 and 9, 1977 and March 14 to 17, 1978 to determine ceramic worker exposures to free crystalline-silica (14808607), asbestos (1332214), and total respirable dust at the Du Co Ceramics Company (SIC-3292) in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. The request came from an authorized representative of Local 8042, United Steelworkers of America to evaluate potential health problems. Several samples in each area of the facility exceeded OSHA standards for acceptable exposures to respirable crystalline-silica (10 milligrams per cubic meter divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2) and respirable dust (5 milligrams per cubic meter). Four out of five asbestos samples exceeded the recommended OSHA limit of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter. Chest x-rays revealed few cases of radiologic abnormalities, a low incidence of chronic bronchitis and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction, and some obstructive ventilatory dysfunction. Bronchitis occurred primarily in women, and smokers were vulnerable to ventilatory dysfunction. A potential health hazard was confirmed for workers in granule mixer, batch scale, lancaster mill, rouse mill, and blow off operations. The authors' recommendations include annual medical examinations that include x-rays and pulmonary function tests; reassignment of workers with suspected abnormalities; ventilation and other engineering improvements in the mixing ball mill, spray dry cutting, sagger filling, and machining departments; use of respiratory and personal protective clothing and goggles; and provision of shower facilities.
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(1979) Dulles International Airport, Washington National Airport, Washington, D.C. (Click for full summary) Exposure to asbestos (1332214) fibers at Dulles International Airport (SIC-4582) and at Washington National Airport were measured from January 15 to 17 1979. The survey was requested by the Federal Air Surgeon. Bulk samples of ceiling material, floor sweeping and direct insulation were analyzed for presence of asbestos fibers. Twenty five general area air samples were taken at Dulles airport and 12 at Washington National Airport. The ceiling material at Dulles contained 40 to 50 percent chrysoti... (Click to show more)Exposure to asbestos (1332214) fibers at Dulles International Airport (SIC-4582) and at Washington National Airport were measured from January 15 to 17 1979. The survey was requested by the Federal Air Surgeon. Bulk samples of ceiling material, floor sweeping and direct insulation were analyzed for presence of asbestos fibers. Twenty five general area air samples were taken at Dulles airport and 12 at Washington National Airport. The ceiling material at Dulles contained 40 to 50 percent chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. Material at National contained 1 to 2 percent chrysotile-asbestos. No asbestos fibers in bulk samples of sweepings and no detectable concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers were found at either Dulles or National. One ventilation duct contained 40 percent chrysotile amosite (12172735) asbestos. The authors conclude there is no health hazard from exposure to asbestos fibers at either airport. They recommend monitoring air and dust at Dulles and dust at National to detect future deterioration of the ceilings. The asbestos containing duct wrapping should be covered and consideration be given to replacement.
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(1979) Federal Office Building No. 6, Washington, D.C. (Click for full summary) Temperature and humidity, and carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon- dioxide (124389), and dust concentrations were measured, air handling systems were monitored and interviews were conducted with occupants and operating engineers of Federal Office Building number 6, Washington D.C. The evaluation was requested by the Health, Education, and Welfare Office of Education, on behalf of an unspecified number of occupants to determine whether harmful airborne contaminants were present. Nuisance particulate... (Click to show more)Temperature and humidity, and carbon-monoxide (630080), carbon- dioxide (124389), and dust concentrations were measured, air handling systems were monitored and interviews were conducted with occupants and operating engineers of Federal Office Building number 6, Washington D.C. The evaluation was requested by the Health, Education, and Welfare Office of Education, on behalf of an unspecified number of occupants to determine whether harmful airborne contaminants were present. Nuisance particulate concentrations were less than 0.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), carbon-dioxide was present in only trace amounts, and carbon- monoxide was undetectable. All were within the acceptable OSHA criteria of 10mg/cu m, 30,000 parts per million (ppm), and 200ppm, respectively. Several deficiencies were observed in the operation, maintenance, and equipment of the air handling system and the occupants reported numerous complaints of illness and discomfort. NIOSH determined that no hazardous chemical concentrations were present during the test period. They recommend that the air handing system be improved, and that clinical reports of illness be periodically reviewed. The basement garage also should be monitored as a potential carbon-monoxide source.
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