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HHE Search Results
1063 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) 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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(1979) Harbison-Walker Refractories, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Medical and environmental evaluations were conducted from July 10 to 14, 1978 at facilities Numbers 1 and 3 of the Harbison-Walker Refractories (SIC-5085) in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The evaluations were in response to an authorized employee request to determine whether exposures to refractory dust were causing silicosis and other lung problems among approximately 310 employees. Work atmosphere and personal air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) content. Med... (Click to show more)Medical and environmental evaluations were conducted from July 10 to 14, 1978 at facilities Numbers 1 and 3 of the Harbison-Walker Refractories (SIC-5085) in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The evaluations were in response to an authorized employee request to determine whether exposures to refractory dust were causing silicosis and other lung problems among approximately 310 employees. Work atmosphere and personal air samples were analyzed for quartz (14808607) and cristobalite (14464461) content. Medical interviews, chest x-rays, spirometry tests, and chest examinations were performed on 227 workers. Respirable crystalline quartz concentrations (less than 0.5 to 33.0 milligrams per cubic meter) exceeded the OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter divided by the silicon-dioxide (7631869) percentage plus 2 for dust with more than 5 percent silicon-dioxide at operation sites. Respiratory complaints were common, but no evidence of silicosis or reduction of pulmonary function was observed. Recommendations resulting from the evaluation include establishing a periodic ventilation maintenance program; providing medical examinations to all exposed workers; and initiating medical evaluations of employees with respiratory or pulmonary problems to determine possible job re-assignment.
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(1979) Homestake Forest Products, Spearfish, South Dakota. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for wood dust concentrations at Homestake Forest Products (SIC-5031) in Spearfish, South Dakota, on August 1 and 2, 1978. Medical interviews were also conducted with 38 sawmill and planer mill workers. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7044, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 78 affected workers. Wood dust concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.76 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), compared with the American Con... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for wood dust concentrations at Homestake Forest Products (SIC-5031) in Spearfish, South Dakota, on August 1 and 2, 1978. Medical interviews were also conducted with 38 sawmill and planer mill workers. A representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 7044, requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 78 affected workers. Wood dust concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.76 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM), compared with the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists' threshold limit value of 5mg/CuM. Only one nonsmoking worker reported symptoms possibly related to wood dust exposure. The author concludes that a health hazard from wood dust exposure did not exist at this facility and recommends regular environmental monitoring, placing of workers with adverse health effects in jobs with reduced dust exposures, reduction of dust concentrations, and availability of respirators.
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(1979) Illinois Minerals Company, Elco, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to investigate the health of employees exposed to silica (7631869) containing dust at Illinois Minerals Company located in Elco, Illinois, a hazard evaluation was conducted. The silica dust on site was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Median particle size from air sampled in the facility ranged from 2.3 to 4.9 microns which is well within the respirable range. Of the 57 samples taken, 49 were above the NIOSH recom... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to investigate the health of employees exposed to silica (7631869) containing dust at Illinois Minerals Company located in Elco, Illinois, a hazard evaluation was conducted. The silica dust on site was approximately 100% alpha-quartz (14808607). Median particle size from air sampled in the facility ranged from 2.3 to 4.9 microns which is well within the respirable range. Of the 57 samples taken, 49 were above the NIOSH recommended limit of workers with less than one year exposure. Three of the fifteen current workers with one or more years of exposure and 14 of the 24 exworkers studied had radiographic changes indicative of silicosis. In workers and exworkers with one or more years of exposure, 17 of 39 had x-ray evidence of silicosis. This very high prevalence of silicosis is due to the respirable size of the particles. It was recommended that engineering controls be implemented to reduce and maintain free silica dust levels to current acceptable exposure limits. The conclusion of the study was that there is a significant health hazard present at this location and continued worker exposure will cause irreversible harm to such a degree as to shorten life.
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(1979) Interlake Steel, Inc., Wilder, Kentucky. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for manganese (7439965), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide, and total particulates at the Interlake Steel, Inc., (SIC-332) Wilder, Kentucky, on August 30 and 31, 1978. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of employees of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1870, on behalf of about 100 affected workers. Manganese air concentrations were below the OSHA standard of 5.0 milligram per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Calcium-ox... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for manganese (7439965), calcium-oxide (1305788), iron-oxide, and total particulates at the Interlake Steel, Inc., (SIC-332) Wilder, Kentucky, on August 30 and 31, 1978. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of employees of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1870, on behalf of about 100 affected workers. Manganese air concentrations were below the OSHA standard of 5.0 milligram per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Calcium-oxide concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 72.0mg/CuM, compared with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist's (ACGIH) recommended standard of 2.0mg/CuM. Iron oxide concentrations ranged from 0.10 to 5.10mg/CuM, compared with the ACGIH recommended standard of 5.0mg/CuM. Total particulates ranged from 0.37 to 31.8mg/CuM compared with the ACGIH standard of 10.0mg/CuM. The author concludes that the bulldozer operator was exposed to excessive concentrations of calcium-oxide, and nuisance particulate, and the tractor operator was exposed to excessive concentrations of calcium-oxide, iron-oxide, and particulate. Recommendations include the possibility of storing limestone outside the melt shop, the possibility of wetting down all debris, yearly chest X-rays for workers in dusty environments, the use of personal protective equipment, and improved industrial hygiene.
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