If you cannot find anything that addresses your concerns, please contact us to see how we can help.
All NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation reports and other NIOSH publications are available at no cost.
You can either download a copy of the publication from the website or contact us for a copy.
For HHE reports, please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov.
Information about all other NIOSH publications is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/.
We carefully review our reports prior to publication, but we do make errors from time to time.
We regret any typographical or other minor errors that you might find. If you find a substantive factual or data-related error, let us know.
Please send an email to HHERequestHelp@cdc.gov with the report number (ex. HHE 2013-0500-7500),
the authors' names, the error you are reporting, and the page number of the error. We will look into your comments,
fix confirmed errors, and repost the report. Thank you for your interest in the HHE Program.
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) 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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(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.
(Click to show less)
(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.
(Click to show less)
(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.
(Click to show less)
(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.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
