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
474 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
(2000) The Children's Hospital of Denver, Denver, Colorado. (Click to open report) On August 11, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the management of The Children's Hospital of Denver (TCH), to evaluate employees' potential health hazards encountered during inhaled nitric oxide (INO) therapy. NIOSH investigators conducted two site visits to meet with management and observe the use of INO during therapy. During a third visit, personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples and general area (... (Click to show more)On August 11, 1999, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) from the management of The Children's Hospital of Denver (TCH), to evaluate employees' potential health hazards encountered during inhaled nitric oxide (INO) therapy. NIOSH investigators conducted two site visits to meet with management and observe the use of INO during therapy. During a third visit, personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples and general area (GA) samples were collected for nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitric acid (HNO3). The ventilation system was assessed in the two closets where the NO cylinders are stored, and in the treatment area. All of the PBZ and GA samples collected for NO, NO2, and HNO3 were well below the relevant evaluation criteria for occupational exposures. The respiratory care storage closet and the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) had adequate ventilation in controlling the low concentrations of NO produced from INO therapy. The PICU had 8-10 air exchanges per hour. A need for ventilation was identified in the NO compressed gas storage closet, which had only a duct leading to the outside of the building. The industrial hygiene sampling data indicate that employees were not overexposed to NO, NO2, or HNO3 at The Children's Hospital of Denver during inhaled nitric oxide therapy. Ventilation was adequate in the pediatric intensive care unit and the respiratory care closet. Recommendations for improved ventilation in the compressed gas storage closet are given in the recommendations section of this report.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2000) Thyssen-Dover Elevator, Middleton, Tennessee. (Click to open report) On March 14, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a joint management/union request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Thyssen-Dover Elevator facility in Middleton, Tennessee. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems that some employees have experienced. Specific areas of concern identified in the request included both traditional welding and laser metal cutting processes. Reported symptoms were... (Click to show more)On March 14, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a joint management/union request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the Thyssen-Dover Elevator facility in Middleton, Tennessee. The request asked NIOSH to determine if workplace exposures are related to health problems that some employees have experienced. Specific areas of concern identified in the request included both traditional welding and laser metal cutting processes. Reported symptoms were muscle weakness, tingling fingers, weight loss, and diverticulitis. On May 1-3, 2000, NIOSH researchers conducted a site visit at the Thyssen-Dover Elevator facility. During the site visit, integrated personal air sampling was conducted to evaluate employee exposure to welding fume during the first and second work shifts in Departments 544, 543, 591, 597, and at the Bystronic laser. Instantaneous air samples were collected for carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and ozone (O3) at various locations in the manufacturing area. Bulk samples for asbestos analysis were obtained from ceiling insulation and the Department 544 oven. Company accident and illness records were reviewed. Confidential interviews were conducted with 24 first and second shift employees. The laser cutting operation was reviewed. The personal air sampling results showed that employees in Department 544 were exposed to total welding fume, above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m 3 ). Full shift time-weighted average (TWA) exposures for the two employees in this department were 5.44 mg/m3 and 6.10 mg/m3 . NIOSH recommends controlling welding fume to the lowest feasible concentration and meeting the exposure limit for each welding fume constituent. Element-specific analyses of the welding fume components showed that manganese exposure for the two Department 544 workers exceeded the ACGIH TLV of 0.2 mg/m3 on the day of the monitoring. TWA concentrations measured were 0.23 mg/m3 and 0.31 mg/m3 . The NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for manganese fume is 1.0 mg/m3 . One sample from a Department 544 welder found exposure to lead in excess of the 30 micrograms per cubic meter Action Level established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. No other samples indicated the presence of lead above the limit of quantification. The source of the lead was not determined. In general, air contaminant concentrations were lower during the second (evening) work shift. General dilution ventilation is the primary ventilation control at this facility. Carbon monoxide concentrations of 8-12 parts per million (ppm) were measured at various locations of the manufacturing area during the first shift. The NIOSH REL for CO is 35 ppm and the ACGIH TLV for CO is 25 ppm. The primary source of the CO is likely the propane-powered lift trucks. Low concentrations of NOx were measured at some welding stations and ozone was not detected in any of the samples. No asbestos was found in any of the bulk samples. A limited review of the laser cutting operation indicated that protective shielding to prevent eye exposure to beam radiation may not be adequate. Worker complaints were grouped into three general categories; gastro-intestinal symptoms, neurological symptoms, and chronic sinusitis. Symptoms that were reported appeared to be associated with the work (i.e., symptoms appeared after reporting for work and improved or resolved after the employee left work). However, no work exposures could be found that would be the primary cause of chronic sinusitis or gastrointestinal symptoms. Welders complained of neurologic symptoms that were suggestive of manganese poisoning. Manganese exposure levels measured during this site visit would not be expected to result in manganese poisoning, but higher past exposure levels, or chronic exposure to elevated manganese levels, may account for the symptoms described by welders at this plant. Industrial hygiene monitoring found Department 544 worker exposure to total welding fume and manganese in excess of established criteria. One sample from this department showed lead exposure in excess of regulatory criteria. Because the facility is an open manufacturing environment, incorporates numerous processes, and relies on general dilution ventilation as the primary control, the worker exposure profile in the manufacturing area is complex. Contaminant concentrations were generally lower on the second shift. Shielding to prevent eye exposure to beam radiation on a high power laser cutter may have been altered. Workers reported gastro-intestinal symptoms, neurological symptoms, and chronic sinusitis. The temporal pattern for the gastrointestinal and chronic sinusitis was consistent with a workplace exposure, however, no workplace exposures were found that would explain these symptoms. Manganese levels measured at this site would not be expected to result in the neurologic symptoms observed and/or reported, however, higher past exposures or chronic exposures over time may account for these symptoms. Recommendations to provide respiratory protection as an interim measure, improve ventilation, conduct additional monitoring, utilize welding shields, review and modify the laser cutter, and reduce carbon monoxide emissions are in the Recommendations section of this report.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(2000) Whitepath Fab Tech, Ellijay, Georgia. (Click to open report) On April 5, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request to investigate potential hazards at the Whitepath Fab Tech Old Boardtown and New Assembly facilities in Ellijay, Georgia. Health concerns identified in the request included stagnated pneumatic air, dust, ergonomic issues, and oil spills. NIOSH investigators conducted an initial walk-through on May 17, 2000, and identified noise, lead, and tin as potential hazards. Sampling for thes... (Click to show more)On April 5, 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request to investigate potential hazards at the Whitepath Fab Tech Old Boardtown and New Assembly facilities in Ellijay, Georgia. Health concerns identified in the request included stagnated pneumatic air, dust, ergonomic issues, and oil spills. NIOSH investigators conducted an initial walk-through on May 17, 2000, and identified noise, lead, and tin as potential hazards. Sampling for these potential hazards was done on August 3, 2000. All of the personal breathing zone (PBZ) and general area (GA) samples collected for lead and tin were well below the relevant evaluation criteria for occupational exposures. Lead wipe sample results suggest that lead from the soldering area is contaminating other non-lead areas of the facility. Only one noise exposure approached the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) action level (AL) while two noise exposures were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL). The industrial hygiene sampling data indicate that employees were not overexposed to lead or tin at the Whitepath Fab Tech soldering stations. Noise exposures for one employee approached the OSHA AL. Recommendations for continued monitoring are given in the recommendations section of this report.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) Astoria Metal Corporation, Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California. (Click to open report) On May 7, 1997, the (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Astoria Metal Corporation (AMC) located at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California. The request, which was submitted jointly by AMC management and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, raised concerns about repetitive motion injuries and metal exposures during welding, torch cutting, grinding, and abrasive blasting operations. Due to an ongoing OSHA investigation, NIOSH did not condu... (Click to show more)On May 7, 1997, the (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Astoria Metal Corporation (AMC) located at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California. The request, which was submitted jointly by AMC management and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, raised concerns about repetitive motion injuries and metal exposures during welding, torch cutting, grinding, and abrasive blasting operations. Due to an ongoing OSHA investigation, NIOSH did not conduct a site visit until April 1998. On April 1, 1998, NIOSH researchers conducted an industrial hygiene and ergonomic evaluation on ships being repaired or dismantled on Dry Dock #4, to identify specific work areas and job tasks and to devise an air sampling and ergonomic evaluation plan. On April 2 and 3, 1998, personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples and bulk paint chip samples were collected for metals analysis. NIOSH investigators also reviewed the lead and respiratory protection programs, and the OSHA 200 Log and Summary of Occupational Illnesses and Injuries. An ergonomic evaluation was conducted on selected employees performing welding tasks on Dry Dock #4, and on three office workers performing administrative duties that involved the use of personal computers. PBZ air samples were collected from AMC workers performing job tasks involving welding, grinding, and torch cutting. In the process area, three workers were monitored while torch cutting (with oxygen and propane) large metal structures (gimbal assembly) removed from the superstructure of the Glomar Explorer. In the dry dock, five workers were monitored while retrofitting and repairing two barges; two workers were underneath the barges and three were inside the barge tanks. Work activities included stick and metal inert gas (MIG) welding of new materials onto the barge. Also in the dry dock, two workers onboard the U.S.S. Ashtabula were monitored while torch cutting and removing non-ferrous materials such as brass, copper, and aluminum from the engine room. PBZ air sample results (8-hr, time -weighted averages (TWAs)) are separated into four work areas: the U.S.S. Ashtabula, the process area, inside the barge tank, and under the barge. On the U.S.S. Ashtabula, all four PBZ air sample lead concentrations exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL), OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), and the ACGIH threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), with lead concentrations ranging from 253 to 435 ug/m3. Cadmium concentrations ranged from 10 to 61 ug/m3: all four PBZ air sample concentrations exceeded the PEL of 5 ug/m3 and TLV of 10 ug/m3. NIOSH considers cadmium to be a potential occupational carcinogen, and recommends that exposures be reduced to the lowest feasible levels. The highest lead and cadmium concentrations were collected from the worker torch cutting and removing non-ferrous materials. Nickel concentrations ranged from 14 to 55 ug/m3, with three of four PBZ air sample concentrations exceeding the REL of 15 ug/m3. Copper concentrations ranged from 168 to 362 ug/m3, with all four PBZ air sample concentrations exceeding the REL and the PEL of 100 ug/m3. The highest nickel and copper concentrations were collected from the firewatcher. In the process area, lead concentrations ranged from 41 to 399 ug/m3; four of five PBZ air sample concentrations exceeded the REL, PEL, and TLV of 50 ug/m3. Cadmium concentrations ranged from less than concentrations ranged from 1 to 43 ug/m3; three of five PBZ air samples exceeded the REL of 15 ug/m3. Copper concentrations range from 6 to 63 ug/m3; all five PBZ air sample concentrations were below the REL and the PEL. In the barge tank, lead concentrations ranged from 79 to 356 ug/m3; all five PBZ air sample concentrations exceeded the REL, PEL, and TLV. Nickel concentrations ranged from less than 0.6 to 3 ug/m3; all PBZ air sample concentrations were below relevant evaluation criteria. Manganese concentrations ranged from 82 to 873 ug/m3; four of five PBZ air sample concentrations exceeded the TLV of 200 ug/m3. Copper concentrations ranged from 11 to 19 ug/m3; all five PBZ air sample concentrations were below relevant evaluation criteria. Under the barge, lead concentrations ranged from less than 0.6 ug/m3 to 2.5 ug/m3; all four PBZ air sample concentrations were below relevant evaluation criteria. All nickel concentrations were below the minimum detectable concentrations (MDC) of concentrations ranged from 46 to 75 ug/m3; all PBZ air sample concentrations were below relevant evaluation criteria. Copper concentrations ranged from 2 to 5 ug/m3 and were below all relevant evaluation criteria. Workers performing tasks that involved welding, grinding, or torch cutting wore NIOSH-approved half-face, air-purifying respirators equipped with organic vapor and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. NIOSH has given these respirators an assigned protection factor (APF) of 10. Therefore, the maximum use concentration (MUC) for these respirators for lead is 500 ug/m3 as an 8-hr TWA (OSHA PEL of 50 ug/m3 x APF of 10 = 500 ug/m3). The MUC for cadmium is 50 ug/m3 as an 8-hr TWA. Based on this information, if the respirators are properly fitted to the workers and used in conjunction with a comprehensive respiratory protection program, personal exposures to lead, nickel, copper, and manganese would be expected to be below the occupational exposure limit. However, two of four PBZ air sample concentrations collected from workers on the ship exceeded the MUC of 50 ug/m3 for cadmium for these respirators.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) Eagle-Picher Industries, Joplin, Missouri. (Click to open report) On October 20, 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc., in Joplin, Missouri. The request was submitted by a representative of the United Steelworkers of America Rubber/Plastic Industry Conference, in Akron, Ohio. The request concerned potential employee exposures to a number of chemical hazards, particularly lithium, mercury, and lead chromate, in various operations at the fac... (Click to show more)On October 20, 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc., in Joplin, Missouri. The request was submitted by a representative of the United Steelworkers of America Rubber/Plastic Industry Conference, in Akron, Ohio. The request concerned potential employee exposures to a number of chemical hazards, particularly lithium, mercury, and lead chromate, in various operations at the facility. Following a walkthrough survey at the plant on December 12-13, 1995, the NIOSH investigators focused on lithium exposures in the process room, pill room, and dry room 108; mercury exposures in the pit and pasting room; identifying an orange substance on the walls in the potting area; and investigating the cause of eye irritation in the solder room. NIOSH investigators returned to the plant on April 17, 1996, and conducted another walkthrough survey to plan for two full days of industrial hygiene and biological monitoring of employee exposures to lithium and mercury, which took place on April 18-19, 1996. For lithium, NIOSH investigators conducted an exposure assessment for all day-shift employees working in the process room, the pill room, and dry room 108. The exposure assessment was comprised of biological monitoring, full-shift personal breathing zone air monitoring, and hand-wipe sampling. In addition, a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess other factors that could affect serum lithium concentrations. Collection of serum specimens from 41 participants giving informed consent was conducted near the end of the day shift at the end of a work week, when serum lithium concentrations are expected to be at or near steady state. The geometric mean serum lithium concentration was 1.75 micrograms per liter (ug/l), with a range of "not detected" to 11.2 ug/l. These serum lithium concentrations were well below therapeutic and toxic concentrations established for patients taking lithium medication. Serum lithium concentrations, however, differed by work area, showing that occupational exposure was occurring. Workers in the process room (5.59 ug/l) and pill room (4.14 ug/l) had higher mean concentrations than workers in the dry room (1.09 ug/l). Over a 2-day period, NIOSH industrial hygienists collected full-shift personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples for lithium among 39 employees in the process room, the pill room, and dry room 108. The overall geometric mean concentration of lithium in air was 1.79 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), with a range of "not detected" to 121.8 ug/m3. As with the serum concentrations, the air sampling indicated higher mean exposures for process room (25.9 ug/m3) and pill room workers (15.3 ug/m3) compared with dry-room workers (0.45 ug/m3). On the second day of sampling, hand -wipe samples for lithium were collected from 10 employees in the pill room and 14 employees in dry room 108. Samples were collected as employees left their work to go to lunch. The geometric mean of lithium on the wipe samples was 61.7 g, with a range of 9 to 649 g. The mean result among pill room workers (174.9 g) was higher than those among dry -room workers (29.3 g). Additional environmental samples were collected to address other issues raised in the request. Analysis of a bulk sample of dust collected from a diffuser in the potting area showed that the majority of the sample was composed of a variety of phthalate esters. Bis-phenol A and some of its derivatives, which are consistent with the presence of epoxy resins, were also major components. The presence of the constituents of the potting compounds on the diffuser may indicate that these substances are being recirculated in the workroom air. A wipe sample was collected from the exterior of a duct near the diffuser. The sample was analyzed for metals. Results showed the presence of aluminum, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, lead, phosphorous, silver, titanium, vanadium, yttrium, zinc, zirconium. Two short-term PBZ air samples were collected to assess employee exposure to rosin solder flux decomposition products, specifically aldehydes and formaldehyde. The results indicated that none of these products were present in amounts greater than the limits of detection for the method. Mercury (Hg) exposure monitoring and urine Hg concentrations were determined among workers in the Hg treatment and negative pasting areas. The overall average Hg full-shift time weighted average (TWA) exposure concentration was 18.3 ug/m3, and the TWA exposure concentrations ranged from 3.5 to 48.3 ug/m3. Only 2 of 17 full-shift TWA Hg exposure measurements exceeded the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) TLV for Hg of 25 ug/m3, and both of these were from processors in the negative pasting area. In general, Hg exposures in the negative pasting area were slightly higher than those in the Hg treatment area. No Hg over-exposures were found during short-term, task-based air sampling. Only 1 of 17 workers had a urine Hg concentration above the ACGIH Biological Exposure Index, and the reasoning behind this high level could not be determined in this survey.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) Forest Park Police Department, Forest Park, Ohio. (Click to open report) On June 30, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) request from an employer representative of the Forest Park Police Department (FPPD). The requester was concerned for potential exposure to lead among range users. NIOSH investigators originally assigned to this HHE request conducted a walk-through evaluation on July 14, 1997, and a more thorough industrial hygiene evaluation on July 29, 1997. In November 1998, this HHE wa... (Click to show more)On June 30, 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) request from an employer representative of the Forest Park Police Department (FPPD). The requester was concerned for potential exposure to lead among range users. NIOSH investigators originally assigned to this HHE request conducted a walk-through evaluation on July 14, 1997, and a more thorough industrial hygiene evaluation on July 29, 1997. In November 1998, this HHE was reassigned because of personnel changes within NIOSH. Subsequently, a walk-through survey of the police firing range was conducted by the new hygienist on November 4, 1998, and further evaluations were conducted on December 10th and 21st, 1998.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) Oakes and Parkhurst Glass, Winslow, Maine. (Click to open report) On November 10, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request from Oakes and Parkhurst Glass in Winslow, Maine, to evaluate tasks and tools involved in the aftermarket installation of automotive windshields. There was concern that vibration exposure from some of the new power tools available to perform the task might lead to long term musculoskeletal and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HVAS) problems among the workers. The company also was see... (Click to show more)On November 10, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a management request from Oakes and Parkhurst Glass in Winslow, Maine, to evaluate tasks and tools involved in the aftermarket installation of automotive windshields. There was concern that vibration exposure from some of the new power tools available to perform the task might lead to long term musculoskeletal and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HVAS) problems among the workers. The company also was seeking help in developing an accident and injury prevention program. The use of vibrating tools to cut through windshield adhesive was associated with awkward postures of the arm, shoulder, and wrist, and with acceleration levels restricting the amount of time the vibrating tools could be used daily. Lifting and setting windshield glass in place without the assistance of another worker was determined to be beyond the capabilities of all but the strongest workers.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) San Francisco Municipal Railway, Flynn Facility, San Francisco, California. (Click to open report) The Director of Public Transportation for the City and County of San Francisco, California, requested that the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the San Francisco Municipal Railway's Flynn Facility. This facility serves as a base of operations for approximately 123 diesel -powered buses, leading to employee exposures to diesel-engine exhaust emissions in the workplace air. The requester, concerned about the potential adverse ... (Click to show more)The Director of Public Transportation for the City and County of San Francisco, California, requested that the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conduct a health hazard evaluation (HHE) at the San Francisco Municipal Railway's Flynn Facility. This facility serves as a base of operations for approximately 123 diesel -powered buses, leading to employee exposures to diesel-engine exhaust emissions in the workplace air. The requester, concerned about the potential adverse effects of these exposures on workers' health and about the apparent ineffectiveness of the facility's ventilation systems and other exposure-control measures, asked that NIOSH evaluate workplace exposures along with the ventilation system and other control measure and recommend appropriate improvements.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1999) Yankton Sioux Tribe-Marty Indian School, Marty, South Dakota. (Click to open report) On February 25, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from management at the Yankton Sioux Tribe-Marty Indian School in Marty, South Dakota. The request concerned worker exposures to various contaminates (i.e., metals) contained in fly ash from burning used motor oil in the school's boilers. Additional concerns regarded the possibility of lead contamination in the plumbing and machine shop areas adjacent to... (Click to show more)On February 25, 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from management at the Yankton Sioux Tribe-Marty Indian School in Marty, South Dakota. The request concerned worker exposures to various contaminates (i.e., metals) contained in fly ash from burning used motor oil in the school's boilers. Additional concerns regarded the possibility of lead contamination in the plumbing and machine shop areas adjacent to the boiler room. An initial evaluation at the Mary Indian School was conducted on March 6, 1998, to become familiar with the boiler cleaning process and to investigate the possibility of lead contamination in the boiler room, plumbing shop, and machine shop areas.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
(1998) Avondale Shipyards, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Click to open report) In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on July 9, 1997, from the Machinist Union, New Orleans Metal Trades Council, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an initial site visit on August 27, 1997, and a follow-up survey on October 21-23, 1997, at the Avondale Shipyards in Avondale, Louisiana. Dust from sandblasting, welding fumes, contaminants from burning paint, and various solvents associated with fiberglass work were potenti... (Click to show more)In response to a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE) received on July 9, 1997, from the Machinist Union, New Orleans Metal Trades Council, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an initial site visit on August 27, 1997, and a follow-up survey on October 21-23, 1997, at the Avondale Shipyards in Avondale, Louisiana. Dust from sandblasting, welding fumes, contaminants from burning paint, and various solvents associated with fiberglass work were potential exposures listed on the request. Health problems reported in the request included breathing problems and nose bleeds. An interim report describing the actions taken by NIOSH during the initial site visit, and providng preliminary findings and recommendations, was issued on September 23, 1997.
(Click to show less) (Click to open report)
