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HHE Search Results
282 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
(1992) The Mueller Company, Decatur, Illinois. (Click to open report) In response to a request from an authorized employee representative at the Mueller Company (SIC-3362), Decatur, Illinois, an evaluation was undertaken of formaldehyde (50000) exposures to employees in the core making room and pour deck areas. The Mueller Company is a grey iron and brass foundry producing valves for water and gas distribution service. Formaldehyde levels of 0.32 to 0.65 parts per million were recorded. Three of seven readings exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 1 part... (Click to show more)In response to a request from an authorized employee representative at the Mueller Company (SIC-3362), Decatur, Illinois, an evaluation was undertaken of formaldehyde (50000) exposures to employees in the core making room and pour deck areas. The Mueller Company is a grey iron and brass foundry producing valves for water and gas distribution service. Formaldehyde levels of 0.32 to 0.65 parts per million were recorded. Three of seven readings exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 1 part per million. Respirable dust sampling measured 4.34mg/m3 in the breathing zone of the muller operator and 1.46mg/m3 at a location 10 feet from the front of the muller at breathing zone height. Silica (14808607) content in these samples was 60.2% and 50.0%, respectively. Exposure to cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), and zinc (7440666) on the pour deck exceeded one or more of the evaluation criteria; appropriate respiratory protection was used by workers in this area. Symptoms reported by the workers included headache, sinus pain, nausea, and eye irritation. Silicosis was verified in one worker. Formaldehyde related dermatitis was diagnosed in another. The authors conclude that there was a hazard from exposures to formaldehyde and silica. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce these hazardous exposures.
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(1992) U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Gallatin National Forest, Montana. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposure to forest fire smoke at Gallatin National Forest, Montana. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected for carbon- monoxide (630080) (CO), sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2), aldehydes, respirable particulate matter (RPM), and respirable crystalline silica (14808607). The CO exposure ranged up to 17 parts per million (ppm) which was below the NIOSH Recomme... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposure to forest fire smoke at Gallatin National Forest, Montana. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected for carbon- monoxide (630080) (CO), sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2), aldehydes, respirable particulate matter (RPM), and respirable crystalline silica (14808607). The CO exposure ranged up to 17 parts per million (ppm) which was below the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 35ppm. SO2 concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 3.0ppm; three samples were above the recommended limit of 2ppm. Aldehyde concentrations were an order of magnitude or more below the evaluation criteria. Of the 14 samples analyzed for silica, one sample was above the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for quartz of for SO2. Suggestions were made for the collecting of data during the current fire fighting season.
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(1992) U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, New River Gorge National River, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service a study was undertaken to characterize the exposure of forest fire fighting crews (SIC-0851) to chemical contaminants during the suppression of fires. Data were collected during the Gauley Mountain Fire at the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. Eight hour time weighted average exposures ranged up to 9 parts per million (ppm) for both carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2).... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service a study was undertaken to characterize the exposure of forest fire fighting crews (SIC-0851) to chemical contaminants during the suppression of fires. Data were collected during the Gauley Mountain Fire at the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. Eight hour time weighted average exposures ranged up to 9 parts per million (ppm) for both carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) and sulfur-dioxide (7446095) (SO2). Of the 40 personal breathing zone measurements of SO2 exposure, 23 were at or above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 2ppm. Formaldehyde concentrations up to 0.10ppm were determined. No levels of silica (14808607) were detectable. Naphthalene (91203) measurements ranged up to 6.1 micrograms per cubic meter. The author concludes that fire fighters were overexposed to SO2 during wildfire suppression activities. The author recommends that SO2 exposures be reduced.
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(1992) William Powell Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of lead (7439921) exposures at the William Powell Company (SIC-3366), Cincinnati, Ohio. The company manufactured brass valves. At the time of the visit there were 44 workers at the foundry. Airborne lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for three personal breathing zone samples and constituted a potential hazard to employees working in the pouring and cut of... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Ohio Department of Health, an evaluation was made of lead (7439921) exposures at the William Powell Company (SIC-3366), Cincinnati, Ohio. The company manufactured brass valves. At the time of the visit there were 44 workers at the foundry. Airborne lead concentrations exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for three personal breathing zone samples and constituted a potential hazard to employees working in the pouring and cut off saw areas. Low concentrations of respirable quartz (14808607) were detected. Cadmium (7440439) was also present. The highest concentrations for both the stationary and continuous pouring operations occurred during the transport of the unventilated full ladle. The cumulative aerosol exposures from the continuous operation task were far greater than those from the stationary operation due to the greater amount of time the worker spent doing continuous pouring. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from lead levels in the pouring and cut off saw areas. The authors recommend several measures to reduce the exposure levels including a more efficient ventilation system and a redesign of some of the equipment in use.
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(1991) ASARCO New Market/Young Mines, Mascot, Tennessee. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Akron, Ohio, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at two American Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-1031) zinc mines (New Market and Young) in Mascot, Tennessee. Specifically, exposures to asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), and diesel emissions were determined. At both mines overexposures were found to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2) and coal-tar pitch volatiles. Twenty four percent of ... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, Akron, Ohio, an investigation was made into possible hazardous working conditions at two American Smelting and Refining Company (SIC-1031) zinc mines (New Market and Young) in Mascot, Tennessee. Specifically, exposures to asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), and diesel emissions were determined. At both mines overexposures were found to nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) (NO2) and coal-tar pitch volatiles. Twenty four percent of the NO2 measurements taken were above the NIOSH recommended ceiling of 1 part per million (ppm), but none exceeded the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) ceiling of 5ppm. Exposure to diesel particulates ranged from 0.24 to 1.06mg/m3. None of the 52 respirable dust samples collected exceeded the calculated MSHA limits for free silica exposure. A medical evaluation was offered and 83 of the 400 current employees and one retired employee participated. Seven underground employees were found with small opacity readings of greater than 1/0. Pulmonary function tests indicated that four employees had moderate airway obstruction, 17 had mild obstruction and two had mild restriction of lung volume. Three with obstructive lung disease pattern also had positive radiographs for pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that workers were overexposed to coal-tar pitch volatiles and NO2; radiographic and pulmonary function test results suggest that a chronic respiratory health effect may be related to cumulative workplace exposures. The authors recommend measures for lowering the exposures and the development of a medical surveillance program.
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(1991) Flexfab, Inc., Hastings, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a confidential request, an evaluation was made of possible adverse health effects related to workplace exposures at Flexfab, Inc. (SIC-3052), Hastings, Michigan. Flexfab manufactured lightweight, flexible, nonmetallic parts for the automotive, trucking, aircraft, aerospace, and other industries as well as for the government and military. These products included flexible hose, ducts, and connectors made of silicones, neoprenes, and other elastomers. A workforce of approximately 285... (Click to show more)In response to a confidential request, an evaluation was made of possible adverse health effects related to workplace exposures at Flexfab, Inc. (SIC-3052), Hastings, Michigan. Flexfab manufactured lightweight, flexible, nonmetallic parts for the automotive, trucking, aircraft, aerospace, and other industries as well as for the government and military. These products included flexible hose, ducts, and connectors made of silicones, neoprenes, and other elastomers. A workforce of approximately 285 hourly employees operated three shifts per day. The results of the study showed that the workers operating the mills in the rubber room were at risk of exposure to crystalline silica (14808607) and that workers applying the sealant to flexible utility dusts were exposed to levels of tetrahydrofuran (109999) near the action limit. There was also a high incidence of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders at this company. The authors conclude that the workers who operated the mills in the rubber room were at risk of exposure to crystalline silica. Workers who applied sealant to flexible utility ducts were exposed to tetrahydrofuran at levels near the action limit. The authors recommend that modifications be made to the ventilation system in an effort to reduce chemical and dust exposures. Specific measures to prevent and control cumulative trauma disorders are recommended.
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(1991) Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority, Mount Clemens, Michigan. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a representative of employees at the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Municipal Refuse Authority (SIC-4953), Mount Clemens, Michigan, an evaluation was undertaken of possible exposures associated with incinerator ash at the incinerator site. Two visits to the site were made. During the first visit it was determined that the weekly clean out operation was the primary source of employee exposures to ash. During the second visit analyses were made of air samples, total dust, res... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a representative of employees at the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Municipal Refuse Authority (SIC-4953), Mount Clemens, Michigan, an evaluation was undertaken of possible exposures associated with incinerator ash at the incinerator site. Two visits to the site were made. During the first visit it was determined that the weekly clean out operation was the primary source of employee exposures to ash. During the second visit analyses were made of air samples, total dust, respirable dust, respirable crystalline silica (14808607), ash and metals. Potential short term exposures to high levels of crystalline silica, lead (7439921), and total dust were noted during the clean out operation. One personal air sample collected for total dust exposure measured 20.5mg/m3 which exceeded the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15mg/m3. The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 0.5mg/m3 for crystalline silica was exceeded for one personal breathing zone air sample. The author concludes that workers were exposed to crystalline silica, lead and total dust during cleanout; personal exposures did not exceed the OSHA PELs because cleanout was completed in less than 2 hours. The author recommends improvements to work practices and provision of better personal protective equipment.
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(1991) Hawaii State Health Department. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the Hawaii State Health Department, an investigation was made of possible hazardous occupational and community exposures to lava and sea water emissions (LAZE) occurring when the lava flow from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano vaporized sea water. Air samples were collected during 4 days. Samples were collected within visible plumes of LAZE on March 13, 14, and 18, 1990. Hydrochloric-acid (7647010) concentrations at this sampling location averaged 7.1 parts per million (ppm... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the Hawaii State Health Department, an investigation was made of possible hazardous occupational and community exposures to lava and sea water emissions (LAZE) occurring when the lava flow from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano vaporized sea water. Air samples were collected during 4 days. Samples were collected within visible plumes of LAZE on March 13, 14, and 18, 1990. Hydrochloric-acid (7647010) concentrations at this sampling location averaged 7.1 parts per million (ppm). Hydrofluoric-acid (7664393) concentrations were less than 1ppm. Acid concentrations decreased with distance from the source. Sulfur-dioxide (7446095) was detected at approximately 1.5ppm. Airborne particulates were comprised largely of chloride salts. Crystalline silica (14808607) concentrations were below detectable limits, approximately centimeter in one sample and were comprised primarily of a hydrated calcium-sulfate (7778189) similar to the mineral gypsum. Glass fibers were detected in some samples. The authors conclude that individuals should avoid exposure to concentrated plumes of LAZE near its origin and thereby avoid exposure to inorganic acids, particularly hydrochloric-acid. Those individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions may be at increased risk and should avoid all contact with LAZE. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposures.
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(1991) Tully Sculpting, Niwot, Colorado. (Click to open report) In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound le... (Click to show more)In response to a request from a sculptor regarding the possible hazards of exposure to silica (7631869) during stone sculpting, a hazard evaluation was undertaken at his studio. The artist was primarily engaged in sculpturing fountains made from granite. Generally the work was done outside on the lawn either at the sculptor's house or at a rented location depending on the size of the stones to be worked. Air samples were collected while as many stone working tools as possible were used. Sound levels were also determined. The total dust samples ranged from 0.2 to 1.2mg/m3 while the respirable dust levels ranged from less than 0.1 to nondetectable to 0.6mg/m3. No measurable levels were noted of respirable quartz, or total or respirable cristobalite (14464461). The highest exposure levels occurred during grinding of stone surfaces with no engineering controls. The short duration of the exposures did not result in any exposures over the time weighted average standards, but could have if the duration lasted 1.5 hours. Noise levels averaged 102 to 104 decibels-A when the stone saw and grinder were in operation. The worker had appropriate hearing protection.
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(1991) West Virginia University Pottery Shop, Morgantown, West Virginia. (Click to open report) In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the wei... (Click to show more)In response to a request from the West Virginia University, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the University Pottery Shop (SIC-3269), Morgantown, West Virginia. The Shop provided classes for university students. The purpose for the evaluation was to consider silica (14808607) exposure during clay mixing operations. There was no local exhaust ventilation provided for the control of dusts generated during either the weighing or mixing of the dry ingredients. Only one of the collected samples showed quantifiable levels of quartz. The sample concentration of respirable quartz was 169.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Exposure to respirable dust, however, was considerable for short durations. The author concludes that a potential health hazard existed at the Pottery Shop. The author recommends that, due to the crystalline silica content of the clay and related products used in the pottery shop, and the potential for high dust exposure, a dust control system should be installed in the mixing room.
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