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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) Main Post Office, Cleveland, Ohio. (Click for full summary) Environmental dust samples were analyzed, workers were interviewed and given dermatological examinations, building facilities were inspected, and work practices were observed on August 8 and 9 and September 11, 1978, to determine the cause of an outbreak of dermatitis among workers at the Main Post Office (SIC-4311), Cleveland, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by the Assistant Postmaster General, United States Postal Service, on behalf of about 30 affected workers operating Zip Mail Translator... (Click to show more)Environmental dust samples were analyzed, workers were interviewed and given dermatological examinations, building facilities were inspected, and work practices were observed on August 8 and 9 and September 11, 1978, to determine the cause of an outbreak of dermatitis among workers at the Main Post Office (SIC-4311), Cleveland, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by the Assistant Postmaster General, United States Postal Service, on behalf of about 30 affected workers operating Zip Mail Translator (ZMT) machines on the 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. Optical and transmission electron microscopy of dust samples obtained at the time of the outbreak revealed no elements or contaminants known to cause skin irritation of the type observed. The dermatitis was not linked to any substances used in facility maintenance or during work operations. Epidemiological analysis of the time and place of work did not help to determine the cause of the outbreak. Physical examination of the affected workers did not reveal a common physical, chemical, or biological cause of the outbreak. Worker interviews revealed that a number of stress factors were associated with operating the ZMT machine. The investigators conclude that the outbreak of dermatitis may be a psychogenic component brought on by psychological conflict, anxiety, stress, and other factors. They recommend that management identify the underlying psychological factors which could create a susceptible work force.
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(1979) Midwest Stock Exchange, Chicago, Illinois. (Click for full summary) Radiation hazards from video display terminals and automatic stock quote display boards and health hazards from cigarette smoke on the options and equity trading floors of the Midwest Stock Exchange (SIC- 6231), in Chicago, Illinois were evaluated on June 5 and October 11, 1978. The stock exchange management requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of floor workers. Breathing zone atmospheric samples were analyzed for total airborne particulates, carbon-monoxide (630080), and ... (Click to show more)Radiation hazards from video display terminals and automatic stock quote display boards and health hazards from cigarette smoke on the options and equity trading floors of the Midwest Stock Exchange (SIC- 6231), in Chicago, Illinois were evaluated on June 5 and October 11, 1978. The stock exchange management requested the evaluation on behalf of an unspecified number of floor workers. Breathing zone atmospheric samples were analyzed for total airborne particulates, carbon-monoxide (630080), and selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs). PNAs were not detected, and carbon-monoxide concentrations were well below the OSHA standard of 50 parts per million time weighted average. Total airborne particulate matter was well below the OSHA standard for nuisance dust of 15,000 micrograms per cubic meter of air but exceeded EPA community air quality standards for suspended particulate matter. The investigators note that radiation measurements were not made because NIOSH had determined in a 1977 survey of video display terminals that radiation emissions were well below the OSHA standard of 2.5 milliroentgens per hour for X-rays and well below threshold limits set by other groups for ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and radio frequency radiations. They conclude that neither video display terminals nor cigarette smoke on the stock exchange equity trading floor constituted an occupational health hazard.
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(1979) National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. (Click for full summary) Environmental and personal air samples and ceiling, wall, and floor dust bulk samples were analyzed for the presence of asbestos (133221A) at the National Zoological Park Reptile House (SIC-8421), Washington, D.C. on November 9, 1978. The evaluation was requested by the Office of Police and Safety at the zoo on behalf of an unspecified number of workers and the general public. The visitor and service areas had no detectable airborne asbestos fibers. The ceiling sample contained 70 percent chryso... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples and ceiling, wall, and floor dust bulk samples were analyzed for the presence of asbestos (133221A) at the National Zoological Park Reptile House (SIC-8421), Washington, D.C. on November 9, 1978. The evaluation was requested by the Office of Police and Safety at the zoo on behalf of an unspecified number of workers and the general public. The visitor and service areas had no detectable airborne asbestos fibers. The ceiling sample contained 70 percent chrysotile-asbestos (12001295), but no asbestos was detected in wall and floor samples. The investigators note that the OSHA standard for asbestos is an 8 hour time weighted average airborne concentration not to exceed 2,000,000 asbestos fibers longer than 5 microns per cubic meter (Cu m) of air, with ceiling concentrations never to exceed 10,000,000 fibers longer than 5 microns/Cu m. They conclude that airborne asbestos fibers are not a potential health hazard to workers or to the public in the Reptile House. They recommend that roof leaks and damaged hot water pipes covered with asbestos be repaired, the asbestos ceiling be removed completely when the building is renovated, and bulk samples of floor sweepings be analyzed every 6 months until renovation is completed.
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(1979) Neville Chemical Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) A medical and environmental evaluation was conducted among the workers at Neville Chemical Company. The purpose of this study was to assess the concentrations of air contaminants in the work environment, as well as to detect the potential for acute or chronic health problems resulting from suspected exposure to respirable dust (containing resin), hydrogen chloride, benzene, toluene, styrene, xylene and oil mist. Also, of concern were the suspected health hazards to various chemicals that we were... (Click to show more)A medical and environmental evaluation was conducted among the workers at Neville Chemical Company. The purpose of this study was to assess the concentrations of air contaminants in the work environment, as well as to detect the potential for acute or chronic health problems resulting from suspected exposure to respirable dust (containing resin), hydrogen chloride, benzene, toluene, styrene, xylene and oil mist. Also, of concern were the suspected health hazards to various chemicals that we were unable to evaluate environmentally due to the infrequency of the operation (e.g. maintenance-filter changes, kettle repairs, etc.) and/or the operation was closed down e.g. TBC-pyrocatechol. Breathing zone and area samples were taken for respirable and total dust, hydrogen chloride, benzene, toluene, styrene, xylene, and oil mist. In a number of those jobs considered to be at risk, that is, occupations where operators were working at a site where an obvious problem existed (e.g., flaker packaging operations) exposure levels did exceed the recent hygienic standards. Medical questionnaires, which included occupational history, past medical history, current symptoms, alcohol and smoking history, and respiratory questions were administered; Physical examinations including: eye, nose, throat, skin, blood pressure, respiratory and cardiovascular system were performed; Pulmonary function tests; Chest X-ray; and laboratory tests (urine and blood) were also performed. A total of 155 individuals were interviewed and examined. The medical data show that 32% of the controls were less than 30 years of age and 47% of the exposed group were under 30 years of age. For the control group, 67% had been employed less than 10 years and for the exposed group 90% had been employed less than 10 years. There appeared to be no association between reported respiratory symptoms in the exposed group with or without controlling for smoking history. The only association between reported respiratory symptoms and length of employment was seen within the control group but not the exposure group. The symptom "wheezing" was associated with exposure groups within the employed ≤10 year category. No association between reported past illnesses and exposure group was found. An association between reported allergies and exposure group was due to an excess in the control group reporting asthma and food allergies. An association between the reported physical symptom "tired and weakness" and the exposure group was due to excessive positives in the resin and maintenance departments. This excess of positives was present for under 40 years but not over 40 years of age. The symptom "chest tightness or difficulty breathing" appeared to be in excess in the resin department again in the ≤10 year age group. The symptoms "eye irritation", "nose irritation" and "dry or sore throat" were reported to a greater extent (as compared to controls) in the resin department. The physician's physical exam showed an association of skin abnormalities with the exposure group. It appears that the maintenance, shipping, labor and resin departments showed a greater prevalence of skin abnormalities as compared to the control group. Based on the results of this survey it appears that a potentially toxic situation existed and may still exist for those workers considered to be at high risk, e.g., flaker-packaging operators. This conclusion is based on the following evidence: elevated air concentration of respirable and total dust present in the packaging operations; the higher incidence of various physical symptoms e.g., tired, weakness, chest tightness (difficulty breathing), eye and nose irritation, dry or sore throat, and skin abnormalities in the resin-flaker packaging operators.
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(1979) Northpark Millwork LTD., Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for toxic concentrations of wood dust, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), and other chemical constituents of Lacquer thinner at the Northpark Millwork LTD, (SIC- 2851) Colorado Springs, Colorado on August 28 and 29, 1978. The evaluation request was made from an authorized representative of approximately 15 affected employees. Four of six samples for wood dust exceeded the evaluation criteria of 5 milligrams per cubic meter, while the average wood dust concentr... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for toxic concentrations of wood dust, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), and other chemical constituents of Lacquer thinner at the Northpark Millwork LTD, (SIC- 2851) Colorado Springs, Colorado on August 28 and 29, 1978. The evaluation request was made from an authorized representative of approximately 15 affected employees. Four of six samples for wood dust exceeded the evaluation criteria of 5 milligrams per cubic meter, while the average wood dust concentration was more than double the evaluation criteria. Although none of the samples for the Lacquer thinner vapors exceeded the evaluation criteria, the author concludes that the cabinet makers were exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and other Lacquer thinner constituents. Employees who worked with stationary power woodworking equipment were exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of wood dust. He recommends monitoring wood dust concentrations, various exhaust ventilation modifications and the use of respirators by appropriate workers, and other safety measures.
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(1979) Novamont Corporation, Kenova, West Virginia. (Click to open report) Environmental sampling was conducted and medical questionnaires were distributed to workers at the Novamont Corporation (SIC-2821) in Kenova, West Virginia on February 7 to 9, and June 11 to 13, 1979 to determine if exposures to polypropylene (9003070) powder, methanol (67561), and heptane (142825) were related to chronic neurologic disease among 13 employees. The evaluation request came from an authorized employee representative. Heptane and methanol were undetected in liquid bulk samples. A po... (Click to show more)Environmental sampling was conducted and medical questionnaires were distributed to workers at the Novamont Corporation (SIC-2821) in Kenova, West Virginia on February 7 to 9, and June 11 to 13, 1979 to determine if exposures to polypropylene (9003070) powder, methanol (67561), and heptane (142825) were related to chronic neurologic disease among 13 employees. The evaluation request came from an authorized employee representative. Heptane and methanol were undetected in liquid bulk samples. A portion of the polypropylene powder was of respirable size (less than 10 microns in size). Heptane and methanol in personal and area air samples were below OSHA standards of 500 and 200 parts per million for an 8 hour time weighted average, respectively. Predominant health complaints were of hypertension, and numbness and stiffness of the limbs. Neurologic symptoms varied among the workers. One man reported a 7 year history of blurred vision following methanol exposure. Deficiencies in noise control and respiratory protection were noted. The authors conclude that the neurologic symptoms were probably unrelated to toxic exposure, but the case of impaired vision was related to methanol exposure. Pigments used to color the product may have neurotoxic effects. The authors recommend control of solvent vapors, improved housekeeping, respiratory protection, and noise control; evaluation of color pigment exposures; and medical surveillance.
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(1979) Orlando Fire Department Station Number 6, Orlando, Florida. (Click for full summary) Personal air samples were analyzed to determine the asbestos (1332214) exposure resulting from the use of proximity suits made of aluminized asbestos fabric at the Orlando Fire Department Training Center (SIC-9224), Orlando, Florida, on November 27, 1978. The evaluation was requested by the fire chief on behalf of an unspecified number of fire fighters, paramedics and fire officers. Samples were collected on membrane filters. All samples are analyzed by phase contrast microscopy techniques. Fibe... (Click to show more)Personal air samples were analyzed to determine the asbestos (1332214) exposure resulting from the use of proximity suits made of aluminized asbestos fabric at the Orlando Fire Department Training Center (SIC-9224), Orlando, Florida, on November 27, 1978. The evaluation was requested by the fire chief on behalf of an unspecified number of fire fighters, paramedics and fire officers. Samples were collected on membrane filters. All samples are analyzed by phase contrast microscopy techniques. Fiber counts in all samples were below detectable limits. Average fiber size could not be measured since so few were collected. The investigators note that the OSHA standard for asbestos is a time weighted average concentration of 2.0 fibers greater than 5 microns long per cubic centimeter of air with a peak concentration of 10.0 fibers greater than 5 microns in length per cubic centimeter of air. They conclude that an asbestos hazard did not result from the wearing of aluminized asbestos clothing. They recommend that asbestos lined clothing be replaced, wherever feasible, by other materials with lower chronic toxicities, and occasional air sampling for asbestos exposure.
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(1979) Poole Construction Company, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were collected on June 25, 1979, at a construction site of the Poole Construction Company (SIC-2661) in Denver, Colorado, to determine asbestos (1332214) exposure to three workers who were handling and sawing asbestos sheetboards. Breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos content. Concentration levels of fibers greater than 5 microns in length were shown to be 0.90 fibers per cubic centimeter to levels too high to analyze. These levels exceeded the OSHA standard... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were collected on June 25, 1979, at a construction site of the Poole Construction Company (SIC-2661) in Denver, Colorado, to determine asbestos (1332214) exposure to three workers who were handling and sawing asbestos sheetboards. Breathing zone samples were analyzed for asbestos content. Concentration levels of fibers greater than 5 microns in length were shown to be 0.90 fibers per cubic centimeter to levels too high to analyze. These levels exceeded the OSHA standards of two fibers per cubic centimeter for fibers greater than 5 microns in length in all but two instances. The results show that an asbestos hazard does exist. The proper use of respirators and the education of employees about the dangers of asbestos exposure are recommended. Worker hygiene practices also are suggested.
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(1979) Portec Incorporated, Paducah, Kentucky. (Click for full summary) Environmental noise was studied in the weaving department of Portec, Incorporated in Paducah, Kentucky, on February 27 to March 1, 1978, to determine employee exposure to potentially excessive noise levels. The evaluation was requested by the production superintendent on behalf of about 45 employees. The employees were monitored with a dosimeter, and a noise classifier monitored the looms. Nine of the 13 loom operators monitored were potentially exposed to noise levels exceeding the OSHA standar... (Click to show more)Environmental noise was studied in the weaving department of Portec, Incorporated in Paducah, Kentucky, on February 27 to March 1, 1978, to determine employee exposure to potentially excessive noise levels. The evaluation was requested by the production superintendent on behalf of about 45 employees. The employees were monitored with a dosimeter, and a noise classifier monitored the looms. Nine of the 13 loom operators monitored were potentially exposed to noise levels exceeding the OSHA standard of 90 decibels relative to the A-weighted scale (dBA) for an 8 hour exposure. Sound pressure measurement at loom platforms ranged from 93 to 101dBA. Personal dosimetry measurements ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 times the permissible limit. Earplugs provided to workers had sufficient attenuation capabilities based on a comparison of their mean attenuation to the octave band sound pressure levels generated by the looms. The investigators conclude that noise in the weaving department potentially could exceed permissible limits. They recommend reducing employee exposure to noise by engineering controls, using ear protectors until effective engineering controls are implemented and audiometric testing of personnel assigned to high noise areas. They also recommend environmental sampling to evaluate cotton dust and asbestos (1332214) exposure, if the weaving room ceiling is composed of asbestos.
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(1979) Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) A total of six area and breathing zone air samples were collected on March 19, 1979 at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, (SIC-8062) Washington, D.C., to determine if dust emitted during the installation of fire alarms and smoke detectors could present an asbestos (1332214) exposure potential. Bulk samples of ceiling and wall boards also were collected for qualitative analysis. Sampling was prompted by a request from the safety manager at the hospital. Air samples were analyzed using phase contrast mic... (Click to show more)A total of six area and breathing zone air samples were collected on March 19, 1979 at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, (SIC-8062) Washington, D.C., to determine if dust emitted during the installation of fire alarms and smoke detectors could present an asbestos (1332214) exposure potential. Bulk samples of ceiling and wall boards also were collected for qualitative analysis. Sampling was prompted by a request from the safety manager at the hospital. Air samples were analyzed using phase contrast microscopy, and bulk samples were analyzed using electron microscopy. All sample analyses resulted in fiber counts below detectable limits, and, consequently, less than OSHA standards (2.0 fibers greater than 5 microns in length per cubic centimeters of air). It is recommended that eye protection equipment be used to prevent injury from flying particles, chips, and other debris. Helmets should be used in situations in which workers are subjected to impact from falling or flying objects. The OSHA noise standard should be adhered to when using power drills and pneumatic drills. NIOSH approved respiratory protection also should be provided when this equipment is used.
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