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HHE Search Results
1060 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
(1978) Purex Corporation, London, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request by the Purex Corporation, London, Ohio, which manufactures steel wool soap pads (SIC-3291), a follow up study was made of a possible health hazard at the facility. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for total and respirable dust, and 25 workers from the original evaluation were tested for pulmonary function. Eleven workers (ten female, one male, mean age 44 years) had abnormal pulmonary function for at least one tested parameter. No medical or smoking related ex... (Click to show more)In response to a request by the Purex Corporation, London, Ohio, which manufactures steel wool soap pads (SIC-3291), a follow up study was made of a possible health hazard at the facility. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for total and respirable dust, and 25 workers from the original evaluation were tested for pulmonary function. Eleven workers (ten female, one male, mean age 44 years) had abnormal pulmonary function for at least one tested parameter. No medical or smoking related explanation could be found in six. All but two samples of total soap dust measured on three shifts were below the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for total nuisance dust (10mg/m3), and all were below the TLV for respirable nuisance dust (5mg/m3). Total dust samples ranged from 1.1 to 18.9mg/m3 and concentrations of respirable dust ranged from 0.18 to 0.73 mg/m3. The authors conclude, as did the earlier study, that highly alkaline soap dust may cause reactions in susceptible individuals due to irritation. The following recommendations are presented: existing ventilation should be operative at all times with measurements taken continuously to ensure that dust exposure is minimized, ventilation should be revised to allow for air recirculation and filtration, employees should use personal protective equipment appropriately, employees should be educated in work procedures and safety matters, a vacuum system should be used in cleanup rather than sweeping, and a medical surveillance program should be initiated.
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(1978) Redfield Company, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of free silica (7631869) at the Redfield Company (SIC-3832) in Denver, Colorado on September 26 and 27, 1977. The survey was requested by the employer on behalf of about 320 employees. Air samples were analyzed for total nuisance particles, respirable particles, and silica. No exposures exceeded the OSHA criteria of 5 milligrams per cubic meter for respirable or total nuisance particles, and no free silica was detected. High v... (Click to show more)Environmental and personal air samples were analyzed for the presence of free silica (7631869) at the Redfield Company (SIC-3832) in Denver, Colorado on September 26 and 27, 1977. The survey was requested by the employer on behalf of about 320 employees. Air samples were analyzed for total nuisance particles, respirable particles, and silica. No exposures exceeded the OSHA criteria of 5 milligrams per cubic meter for respirable or total nuisance particles, and no free silica was detected. High volume air samples detected silica as 23 percent of total dust and 16 percent of respirable dust, which exceed the OSHA criteria. The author concludes that a potential hazard exists from silica exposure and recommends that a medical and environmental monitoring program be established, the working environment be evaluated every 6 months, and a respirator use and care program be developed. Improved ventilation, housekeeping procedures, and worker protection practices also are recommended.
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(1978) Sidal Aluminum Corporation, Springfield, Massachusetts. (Click to open report) A hazard evaluation and technical assistance report of an industrial hygiene survey conducted at the Sidal Aluminum Corporation in Springfield, Massachusetts, is presented. The company manufactures highway signs (SIC-3993). Personal and area samples were collected for isopropyl-alcohol (67630), benzene (71432), toluene (108883), n- butyl-alcohol (71363), xylene (1330207), cellosolve-acetate (9004357), triethylamine (121448), total dust, and nitric-acid (7697372). The airborne concentrations meas... (Click to show more)A hazard evaluation and technical assistance report of an industrial hygiene survey conducted at the Sidal Aluminum Corporation in Springfield, Massachusetts, is presented. The company manufactures highway signs (SIC-3993). Personal and area samples were collected for isopropyl-alcohol (67630), benzene (71432), toluene (108883), n- butyl-alcohol (71363), xylene (1330207), cellosolve-acetate (9004357), triethylamine (121448), total dust, and nitric-acid (7697372). The airborne concentrations measured for all the contaminants were below the respective environmental criteria. It was concluded that at the time of this survey, employees were not exposed to toxic concentrations of hazardous materials.
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(1978) Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) A hazard evaluation and technical assistance survey of levels of airborne asbestos (1332214) at the Smithsonian Institution's Silver Hill, Maryland, Tract B facilities (SIC-9999) is reported. A total of 36 personal and general area air samples were collected on millipore filters. Samples were taken during separate time periods under three conditions: 1) the undisturbed building; 2) during simulated rain; and 3) after simulated rain. In an undisturbed empty condition, except for one location, the... (Click to show more)A hazard evaluation and technical assistance survey of levels of airborne asbestos (1332214) at the Smithsonian Institution's Silver Hill, Maryland, Tract B facilities (SIC-9999) is reported. A total of 36 personal and general area air samples were collected on millipore filters. Samples were taken during separate time periods under three conditions: 1) the undisturbed building; 2) during simulated rain; and 3) after simulated rain. In an undisturbed empty condition, except for one location, there was no detectable airborne asbestos during a 2 hr sample. However, when a 30 to 45 min rain was simulated by fire hoses, there was a significant increase in airborne asbestos fiber concentrations. Two hours after the simulation, monitoring of routine janitorial tasks showed the employees exposure to be 80 percent of an 8 hr time weighted average daily exposure criteria. It is concluded that a potential health hazard exists for anyone who may have to work in the Smithsonian Institution's Silver Hill buildings.
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(1978) Stearns and Foster Mattress Factory, Lockland and Mason Plants, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on April 4, 5, 18 and 19, 1977 to evaluate employee exposures to cotton-dust at the Stearns and Foster Mattress Factories (SIC-2515) in Lockland and Mason, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified number of factory workers on behalf of the 75 workers employed at the two factories. Dust concentrations in all departments at the Lockland facility were greater than those in the respective departments at the Mason facility. The sorting and ... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on April 4, 5, 18 and 19, 1977 to evaluate employee exposures to cotton-dust at the Stearns and Foster Mattress Factories (SIC-2515) in Lockland and Mason, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified number of factory workers on behalf of the 75 workers employed at the two factories. Dust concentrations in all departments at the Lockland facility were greater than those in the respective departments at the Mason facility. The sorting and quilting departments had lower dust concentrations than the garnetting departments at both factories. One worker complained of byssinosis and experienced an 11 percent decrease in forced expiratory volume (FEV) over the work shift. Sixteen workers had decreases in their FEV that were less than or equal to 5 percent over the work shift, indicating an acute bronchoconstrictor effect. The authors conclude that due to the limited size of the population, the lack of an unexposed control group and questions regarding selection and differential respirator usage, no firm conclusions can be drawn from this study and no generalizations to this segment of the cotton industry should be attempted. They recommend that the one worker with byssinosis be moved to another job with lower dust concentrations, and the other affected workers be given followup spirometry and respiratory questionnaires every 6 months.
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(1978) U.S. Steel South Works, Chicago, Illinois. (Click to open report) An occupational and medical questionnaire, chest examination, and pulmonary function tests, were completed on 70 foundry workers to determine any health hazards caused by exposure to silica dust at U.S. Steel South Works (SIC-3312) in Chicago, Illinois on April 19 to 21, 1978. An unidentified source requested the evaluation to investigate the possible occurrence of silicosis among the workers. Nine cases of silicosis were identified through the medical evaluation. Other disorders included allerg... (Click to show more)An occupational and medical questionnaire, chest examination, and pulmonary function tests, were completed on 70 foundry workers to determine any health hazards caused by exposure to silica dust at U.S. Steel South Works (SIC-3312) in Chicago, Illinois on April 19 to 21, 1978. An unidentified source requested the evaluation to investigate the possible occurrence of silicosis among the workers. Nine cases of silicosis were identified through the medical evaluation. Other disorders included allergic rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, wheezing, repeated chest infections, and shortness of breath. Twenty-seven percent of the chest examinations were positive and pulmonary function tests were abnormal in 33 percent of the workers. Six additional cases of silicosis were identified by review of company records. The author concludes that a health hazard due to overexposure of free silica dust existed at this facility in the past and at the time of this evaluation. The current medical evaluation program for workers exposed to free silica is inadequate. An environmental and medical program should be established, including an industrial hygiene program, work safety practices, proper protective equipment, dust monitoring, preplacement and periodic medical examinations, and medical management of employees with suspected or diagnosed silicosis.
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(1978) United Parcel Service, Latham, New York. (Click to open report) Employee exposures to total and respirable nuisance dust were determined on February 22 and 23, 1978 at United Parcel Service (SIC- 7331) in Latham, New York. The Chief Steward of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 294 requested the evaluation of behalf of approximately eight affected employees. Some workers completed a nondirected medical questionnaire. Environmental total and respirable dust concentrations were well below the respective OSHA standards of 15 and 5 milligrams per c... (Click to show more)Employee exposures to total and respirable nuisance dust were determined on February 22 and 23, 1978 at United Parcel Service (SIC- 7331) in Latham, New York. The Chief Steward of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 294 requested the evaluation of behalf of approximately eight affected employees. Some workers completed a nondirected medical questionnaire. Environmental total and respirable dust concentrations were well below the respective OSHA standards of 15 and 5 milligrams per cubic meter. One worker on the red conveyor belt reported symptoms consisted with the presence of an irritant agent, and the two NIOSH investigators experienced eye and upper respiratory irritations when in this area of the facility. The author concludes that no dust hazard existed at the time of the survey, and suggests that the irritation symptoms may be due to sulfur-dioxide (7446095). The sulfur content of the fuel oil used at the facility should be determined.
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(1978) Welding operations, utilizing asbestos in a strip mining company. (Click to open report) Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) in the use of welding rods and insulation pads were determined at the Consolidation Coal Company (SIC-1111), Egypt Valley Mine, in Cadiz, Ohio, on August 8 and 9, 1978. None of the welding rods in use contained any asbestos. The insulation pads in use were also free of asbestos. The author recommends that nonasbestos materials be used whenever possible, and that a Materials Safety Data Sheet (OSHA 20) be requested on all materials used by the company to asc... (Click to show more)Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) in the use of welding rods and insulation pads were determined at the Consolidation Coal Company (SIC-1111), Egypt Valley Mine, in Cadiz, Ohio, on August 8 and 9, 1978. None of the welding rods in use contained any asbestos. The insulation pads in use were also free of asbestos. The author recommends that nonasbestos materials be used whenever possible, and that a Materials Safety Data Sheet (OSHA 20) be requested on all materials used by the company to ascertain the composition and toxicity of the materials.
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(1978) Weyerhaeuser Co., Longview, Washington. (Click to open report) Worker exposure to wood dusts were evaluated at the shake mill, new planer, old planer, bark, pres-tock, presto-log, plywood and resin areas of the Weyerhaeuser Company (SIC-2435) in Longview, Washington. Environmental samples were collected for analysis, and employees were interviewed and given physical evidence of occupational asthma due to western and red cedar wood dust exposure; the average dust concentration in 85 breathing zone samples was 4.72 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m). Among ... (Click to show more)Worker exposure to wood dusts were evaluated at the shake mill, new planer, old planer, bark, pres-tock, presto-log, plywood and resin areas of the Weyerhaeuser Company (SIC-2435) in Longview, Washington. Environmental samples were collected for analysis, and employees were interviewed and given physical evidence of occupational asthma due to western and red cedar wood dust exposure; the average dust concentration in 85 breathing zone samples was 4.72 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m). Among new planer workers, 3 of 58 had occupational asthma due to exposures to Douglas fir and hemlock wood dusts, and sodium pentachlorophenate (131522). Average dust exposure for these workers was 1.28 mg/cu m. For old planer, bark and pres-tock workers, hazardous exposures to Douglas fir and hemlock, Douglas fir and alder bark, and alder wood dusts, respectively, were identified. No toxic exposures were found for workers in the presto-log, plywood or resin areas. The author suggests that all workers receive preplacement and periodic medical evaluations including pulmonary function tests; individual medical records should be maintained for up to 30 years; and workers should be educated concerning the hazards, symptoms and proper safety precautions associated with wood dust exposure. Exposures to Western red cedar dust should not exceed 2.5mg/cu m, and exposures to alder, fir and hemlock dusts should be maintained below 50mg/cu m. Regular air sampling should be performed. Specific work practices should be established for Shake mill workers, and ventilation systems in all areas should be improved.
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(1977) Airtex Products, Fairfield, Illinois. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on March 2-3, 1977, at the Airtex Products plant, in Fairfield, Illinois, a facility engaged in the manufacture of automobile replacement parts (SIC-3714). The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the about 200 affected employees regarding exposure to solvents. Environmental air samples, employee interviews, evaluation of ventilation systems and available toxicity information lead to the conclusion t... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on March 2-3, 1977, at the Airtex Products plant, in Fairfield, Illinois, a facility engaged in the manufacture of automobile replacement parts (SIC-3714). The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the about 200 affected employees regarding exposure to solvents. Environmental air samples, employee interviews, evaluation of ventilation systems and available toxicity information lead to the conclusion that exposures to monochlorobenzene (108907), isopropyl-alcohol (67630), methyl- ethyl-ketone (78933), toluene (108883), trichloroethylene (79016), sodium-hydroxide (1310732), phosgene (75445), zinc-oxide, cadmium (7440439), fluorides, hydrochloric-acid (7647010), and oil mist did not pose a health hazard at the concentrations measured at the time of evaluation. It is felt that the cause of the problems (such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, breathing difficulties, nose bleeds, etc.) at Airtex is a multifactorial one and involves an inefficient ventilation system which combines with the employees lack of information regarding the materials they use to cause fear and anxiety, and subsequent appearance of the types of problems reported.
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