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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
(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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(1979) Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, Connersville, Indiana. (Click to open report) Atmospheric, personal, and area sampling evaluations were conducted on March 6 to 8 and September 26 and 27, 1978 at the Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, (SIC-3761) Connersville, Indiana in response to four separate requests from the President, Local 919, International Union of Electrical Workers. The requests were prompted by condenser assembly line worker complaints of throat and eye irritation from excessive smoke and carbon-monoxide (630080), excessive dust and smoke discharged... (Click to show more)Atmospheric, personal, and area sampling evaluations were conducted on March 6 to 8 and September 26 and 27, 1978 at the Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, (SIC-3761) Connersville, Indiana in response to four separate requests from the President, Local 919, International Union of Electrical Workers. The requests were prompted by condenser assembly line worker complaints of throat and eye irritation from excessive smoke and carbon-monoxide (630080), excessive dust and smoke discharged into the work area from Ipsen brazing ovens during controlled burnouts, zinc-chloride (7646857) and methanol (67561) fumes and mist from condenser line brazing ovens, and exposure to dust and smoke during the stripping and burning of paint buildup from conveyor racks and hooks. Results show that concentrations of all substances sampled were less than OSHA standards. It is recommended that carbon-monoxide and trichloroethylene (79016) levels be monitored closely when makeup air systems are adjusted, that these systems be locked to prevent unauthorized adjustments, and that monitoring and alarm systems be installed to detect mechanical breakdowns of condenser line degreasers that might result in spillover of trichloroethylene. Exhaust procedures during controlled burnout of magnesium (7439954) in Ipsen brazing furnaces also should be modified.
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(1979) GAF Corporation, Whitehall, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted on September 14 and 15, 1977 at the GAF Corporation (SIC-3292) in Whitehall, Pennsylvania to evaluate employee exposures to asbestos (1332214), hexavalent chromium (18540299), vinyl-chloride (75014), and a variety of hydrocarbons and alcohols. The request for evaluation was made by an authorized employee representative, and subsequently by OSHA, to investigate the possible work related deaths and illnesses of 43 workers. Air samples were collecte... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted on September 14 and 15, 1977 at the GAF Corporation (SIC-3292) in Whitehall, Pennsylvania to evaluate employee exposures to asbestos (1332214), hexavalent chromium (18540299), vinyl-chloride (75014), and a variety of hydrocarbons and alcohols. The request for evaluation was made by an authorized employee representative, and subsequently by OSHA, to investigate the possible work related deaths and illnesses of 43 workers. Air samples were collected throughout the facility and tested for airborne concentrations of chemicals used in each area. Asbestos concentrations ranged from undetectable to 1.22 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc), which is below the OSHA standard of 2f/cc. Air contaminants at the ink mixing operations, the 9 and 12 foot printers, the resin storage and mixing operations, and the ovens were within acceptable limits. Blood tests, chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, and a review of death certificates revealed no occupationally related illness or death. The authors conclude that, although no hazard was identified at the time of this survey, a potential asbestos exposure hazard exists in the asbestos storage and hydropulper felt mill areas, and that there is a potential short term dust exposure hazard in the ink mixing area. They recommend that exposures in each area be reduced through the use of respirators, workplace hygiene, ventilation systems, and periodic medical monitoring.
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(1979) Greenheck Fan Corporation, Schofield, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical evaluation was performed at the Greenheck Fan Corporation (SIC-3564), Schofield, Wisconsin on November 7 and 8, 1978, and March 6, 1979 at the request of an authorized representative of Local 565, Sheet Metals Workers International Association, AFL/CIO, concerning worker complaints of eye irritations, foul taste, and skin irritations during powdered paint operations. The corporation has 180 production and 100 administrative employees. Chromium (7440473), barium (7440... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical evaluation was performed at the Greenheck Fan Corporation (SIC-3564), Schofield, Wisconsin on November 7 and 8, 1978, and March 6, 1979 at the request of an authorized representative of Local 565, Sheet Metals Workers International Association, AFL/CIO, concerning worker complaints of eye irritations, foul taste, and skin irritations during powdered paint operations. The corporation has 180 production and 100 administrative employees. Chromium (7440473), barium (7440393), lead (7439921), quartz (14808607), cristobalite (14464461), cadmium (7440439), epichlorohydrin (106898), and trimellitic-anhydride (552307) were undetectable in bulk samples, or present only in trace amounts. Personal and area air samples for toluene (108883), benzene (71432), xylene (1330207) and mineral spirits were below the environmental criteria of 375, 3.2, 434, and 350 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), respectively. Two respirable dust samples exceeded 10 mg/m3, and measured concentrations of bisphenol-A (80057) and diglycidyl-ether of bisphenol-A (1675543) (0.173 to 1.063 mg/m3, and 0.087 to 0.2mg/m3 respectively) were considered excessive and potentially toxic. During medical interviews, workers reported symptoms of irritated eyes and throat, episodes of respiratory difficulties, and rashes. Ventilation was considered inadequate. The authors conclude that excessive amounts of airborne contaminants were present in three areas of the facility. They recommend improved work practices and housekeeping, a modified respiratory protection program, adequate personal protective clothing, medical surveillance, and a review of emergency procedures.
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