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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
(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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(1977) Ajax Magnethermic Corporation, Warren, Ohio. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the Ajax Magnethermic Corporation, a manufacturer of induction heating and melting systems (SIC-3567) such as for use in foundries, in Warren, Ohio, on December 6-7, 1976. An authorized employee representative requested the survey because the workers were complaining of headaches in certain areas of the facility. Environmental air sampling, confidential interview of seven of the 50 affected employees, evaluation of work procedure... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the Ajax Magnethermic Corporation, a manufacturer of induction heating and melting systems (SIC-3567) such as for use in foundries, in Warren, Ohio, on December 6-7, 1976. An authorized employee representative requested the survey because the workers were complaining of headaches in certain areas of the facility. Environmental air sampling, confidential interview of seven of the 50 affected employees, evaluation of work procedures, and available toxicity information revealed that employee exposures at the burning table in the weld shop to total dust, iron-oxide (1317619), and manganese (7439965) did not constitute a health hazard, although during certain particular operations adequate ventilation should be provided. Employee exposure to total dust and n-butyl-glycidyl- ether (2426086) from an epoxy resin in the Bluecoat Spray Booth did not constitute a health hazard during the survey, although the workes should wear hand protective equipment to guard against dermatitis. In the Scotchcast Room of the Coil Department, ventilation was sufficient and employees wore skin protection, to the effect that a health hazard is not judged to exist there. For safety reasons, recommendations are made to modify the spray painting process.
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(1977) Allied Chemical Corporation, Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH in the chromium nitrate production (SIC-2819) area of the Allied Chemical Corporation facility in Marcus Hook, Pa., on November 21, 1976. An authorized representative of the employees requested the investigation in order to determine whether any substances normally found in the work areas had potentially toxic effects in the prevailing concentrations. The employee exposure to hexavalent chromium, as measured during the survey, did c... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH in the chromium nitrate production (SIC-2819) area of the Allied Chemical Corporation facility in Marcus Hook, Pa., on November 21, 1976. An authorized representative of the employees requested the investigation in order to determine whether any substances normally found in the work areas had potentially toxic effects in the prevailing concentrations. The employee exposure to hexavalent chromium, as measured during the survey, did constitute a potential health hazard, both samples taken exceeding the OSHA ceiling standards of 100 micrograms of hexavalent chromium per cubic meter of air for chromic-acid (7738945) and chromates, as well as the NIOSH recommended ceiling of 50 micrograms per cubic meter for noncarcinogenic hexavalent chromium. Neither sample exceeded the recommended standard of 25 micrograms per cubic meter of breathing zone. The interview of one "affected" employee failed to reveal any health complaints. Recommended engineering controls to eliminate the potential health hazard include capture velocities of 100 to 200 feet per minute to control the dust release, a lateral local exhaust system around the rim of the material addition porthole, and improved respiratory protection program. A medical surveillance program that will allow the monitoring of chronic diseases, especially cancer, is also recommended.
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