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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) 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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(1979) International Harvester Facility, Springfield, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for airborne nuisance dusts and welding fumes at the International Harvester Facility, in Springfield, Ohio, on April 11, May 30, June 1, June 22, and August 28 to 31, 1978. In addition, medical questionnaires were given and employees' work practices and engineering controls were observed. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the approximately 190 affected workers. None of the samples for airborne nuisance particulat... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for airborne nuisance dusts and welding fumes at the International Harvester Facility, in Springfield, Ohio, on April 11, May 30, June 1, June 22, and August 28 to 31, 1978. In addition, medical questionnaires were given and employees' work practices and engineering controls were observed. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the approximately 190 affected workers. None of the samples for airborne nuisance particulate exceeded the OSHA standard of 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/CuM). Only one sample taken for unclassified welding fumes exceeded the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienist's recommended standard of 5.0mg/CuM, and only one sample exceeded the same standard for aluminum welding fumes. Questionnaire results revealed that 66 percent of the 32 respondents occasionally experienced flash burns. The author recommends the use of protective equipment by the welders, installation of ultraviolet radiation barriers, use of fume extracting devices, and reevaluation of the ventilation system in order to achieve optimum performance.
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(1979) Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc., Reading, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) Personal breathing zone samples were collected and analyzed for Beryllium (7440417) (Be) dust, employee medical interviews and conferences with management were held, and work practices, conditions, and exposure controls were observed at the Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc. (SIC-5052) in Reading, Pennsylvania on January 10 to 11, 1978. The request was made by an employees' representative for the Kawecki Berylco Hygiene Assistants regarding exposure of approximately 400 employees to asbestos (1332... (Click to show more)Personal breathing zone samples were collected and analyzed for Beryllium (7440417) (Be) dust, employee medical interviews and conferences with management were held, and work practices, conditions, and exposure controls were observed at the Kawecki Berylco Industries, Inc. (SIC-5052) in Reading, Pennsylvania on January 10 to 11, 1978. The request was made by an employees' representative for the Kawecki Berylco Hygiene Assistants regarding exposure of approximately 400 employees to asbestos (1332214) and Be. Asbestos activities were not observed during this survey. Breathing zone samples for the 3.5 hour morning maintenance activities contained 58 (cu/m3) and 64 micrograms per cubic meter (cu m) of Be dust, and the 3 hour afternoon maintenance activities contained 15 and 4.0 micrograms/cu m, all exceeding the OSHA standard concentration of 2.0 micrograms/cu m. The author recommends that asbestos be replaced with other materials in the reflock activity and respirator protection and decontamination facilities, and that locker rooms and showers be provided to reduce exposure to beryllium dust or contaminated clothing and personnel. Engineering process modifications and other controls to reduce worker exposure to Be also were recommended.
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(1979) Kentile Floors, Inc., Brooklyn, New York. (Click to open report) Environmental air sampling, medical interviews and evaluations, and observations of work practices were conducted at Kentile Floor, Incorporated, (SIC-3292) Brooklyn, New York on July 10, September 25 and 26, and October 23 to 25, 1978 to evaluate exposures to asbestos (1332214), asphalt (8052424), vinyl-chloride monomer (75014), dyes and pigments. The company employed 370 workers, and an authorized employee representative requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 75 affected employees... (Click to show more)Environmental air sampling, medical interviews and evaluations, and observations of work practices were conducted at Kentile Floor, Incorporated, (SIC-3292) Brooklyn, New York on July 10, September 25 and 26, and October 23 to 25, 1978 to evaluate exposures to asbestos (1332214), asphalt (8052424), vinyl-chloride monomer (75014), dyes and pigments. The company employed 370 workers, and an authorized employee representative requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 75 affected employees. Three of 30 environmental air samples for asbestos (0.11, 0.11, and 0.12 fibers per cubic centimeter) exceeded the OSHA recommended criteria of 0.10 fibers per cubic centimeter. All other parameters tested were within recommended exposure limits. The only evidence of work related illness involved one case of contact dermatitis. NIOSH recommendations include proper use of exhaust ventilation, use of safety equipment in all operations, identification of carcinogenic chemicals, proper cleaning of the work clothes of men exposed to asbestos, and elimination of the use of dianisidine.
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(1979) Kentile Floors, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. (Click to open report) Due to suspected worker exposure to asbestos (1332214), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA), vinyl-chloride (75014), talc (14807966), alpha-methyl-styrene (98839), and numerous organic and inorganic dyes and pigments, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at Kentile Floors, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. This company produced vinyl/asbestos and asphalt/asbestos floor coverings. The only contaminant which exceeded limits of exposure was asbestos with eight of 30 samples exceeding 0.10 fibers/cubic cen... (Click to show more)Due to suspected worker exposure to asbestos (1332214), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA), vinyl-chloride (75014), talc (14807966), alpha-methyl-styrene (98839), and numerous organic and inorganic dyes and pigments, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at Kentile Floors, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. This company produced vinyl/asbestos and asphalt/asbestos floor coverings. The only contaminant which exceeded limits of exposure was asbestos with eight of 30 samples exceeding 0.10 fibers/cubic centimeter. No cases of asbestosis were found in past or present workers at this facility. Dyes were not used by the company, and alpha-methyl- styrene was no longer used. The authors recommend that the company review their materials list to determine which chemicals are potentially toxic and monitor these chemicals periodically and that carcinogens be identified and stored away from other chemicals. Employees should be be instructed in the proper use of respirators, and respirators should be worn during filling of drums. Safety glasses and side shields should be worn when working on or near the recycling conveyor belts. The ventilation and exhaust systems should be examined to be certain they are effective. Clothing exposed to possible asbestos contamination should be maintained at the facility and not taken home with the workers.
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(1979) Lenox China, Inc., Pomona, New Jersey. (Click to open report) An environmental and medical survey was conducted on February 28 and March 1, 1979 at Lenox China, Inc. (SIC-3269) Pomona, New Jersey, to evaluate the exposure of approximately 30 employees to hydrochloric- acid (7647010), inorganic lead (7439921), and total particulates. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of Local 236, International Brotherhood of Pottery and Allied Workers. Breathing zone air sample tests revealed that exposures to lead of 0.01 to 0.87 milli... (Click to show more)An environmental and medical survey was conducted on February 28 and March 1, 1979 at Lenox China, Inc. (SIC-3269) Pomona, New Jersey, to evaluate the exposure of approximately 30 employees to hydrochloric- acid (7647010), inorganic lead (7439921), and total particulates. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of Local 236, International Brotherhood of Pottery and Allied Workers. Breathing zone air sample tests revealed that exposures to lead of 0.01 to 0.87 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/cu m) exceeded OSHA standards of 0.05 mg/cu m for 3 to 10 die makers. Plaster mixer operators were exposed to levels of total particulates (1.4 to 16.5 mg/cu m) that exceeded OSHA limits (15 mg/cu m) in four instances. All concentrations of hydrochloric-acid were below OSHA standards of 5 parts per million parts of air. Ten of 25 workers reported health problems that they attributed to work. Blood lead level samples taken for five employees were normal. It is concluded that lead and total particulate exposure levels constituted a potential hazard. Improvements in the company's medical program, increases in the use of protective clothing and equipment, and improvements in engineering controls are recommended.
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(1979) Lever Brothers Company, Pagedale, Missouri. (Click to open report) On April 9 through 12, 1979, employees were given medical interviews and examinations, and environmental samples were analyzed to evaluate complaints of dermatitis, dizziness, and soreness of mucous membranes during detergent manufacturing operations at Lever Brothers Company, (SIC-2844) Pagedale, Missouri. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of 28 affected employees. Results of environmental sampling and determination of total and respirable dusts, and of alkaline in t... (Click to show more)On April 9 through 12, 1979, employees were given medical interviews and examinations, and environmental samples were analyzed to evaluate complaints of dermatitis, dizziness, and soreness of mucous membranes during detergent manufacturing operations at Lever Brothers Company, (SIC-2844) Pagedale, Missouri. An unidentified individual requested the evaluation on behalf of 28 affected employees. Results of environmental sampling and determination of total and respirable dusts, and of alkaline in the form of sodium- carbonate (497198) and bicarbonate (144558), indicated respirable dust concentrations of 0.1 to 0.6 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m) which were well below the OSHA standard of 5.0mg/cu m. Most dusts were in the large particulate or granular, nonrespirable range, but presented contamination problems on hair, skin, and clothing. Sodium-carbonate and sodium-bicarbonate concentrations were 11.13 and 2.89mg/cu m, respectively. Physical examinations confirmed the validity of the workers' complaints. The authors conclude that environmental conditions at this company were potentially toxic and recommend evaluation and modification of the current engineering controls and respiratory protection program, introduction of an improved education program, continued development and enforcement of health and safety programs, prevention of heat stress, and improved maintenance.
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