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HHE Search Results
1059 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
(1977) Port of Duluth-Superior Grain Elevators, Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. (Click to open report) A health hazard evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the grain elevators (SIC-4221) in the Port of Duluth-Superior in 1975-76, following a request by an authorized workers' representative alleging illness and complaints from a large number of workers due to chemicals and high dust levels. Elevator breathing zone exposures to chemical fumigants were nearly nonexistent; only trace of carbon-tetrachloride (56235) were detected at five of the elevators surveyed. Some elevator workers w... (Click to show more)A health hazard evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the grain elevators (SIC-4221) in the Port of Duluth-Superior in 1975-76, following a request by an authorized workers' representative alleging illness and complaints from a large number of workers due to chemicals and high dust levels. Elevator breathing zone exposures to chemical fumigants were nearly nonexistent; only trace of carbon-tetrachloride (56235) were detected at five of the elevators surveyed. Some elevator workers were exposed to airborne total grain dust at levels exceeding the OSHA nuisance dust standards. Symptoms of eye irritation were reported by a few workers presumably due to excessive dust exposures during the survey. Extensive medical evaluation of the 307 exposed workers lead to the conclusion that the working environment in the grain elevators has caused acute respiratory, eye and nasal symptoms as determined by history from workers and personal observation. Long term effects were also noted by history and respiratory function tests. Smokers were more affected than nonsmokers, but nonsmokers also had a higher incidence of such problems than the general population. A high frequency of skin reactivity to intradermal injection of insect and flax antigen was found among workers; significant correlation with wheezing upon exposure to grain dust and respiratory function abnormalities was also found. Recommendation are made to provide for worker protection, surveillance, and health maintenance.
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(1977) Purex Corporation, London, Ohio. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on December 8, 1976, and February 14 and 15, 1977, to evaluate employee exposure to soap dust from soap impregnated steel wool pads at the Purex Corporation (SIC-3291, SIC-2841) in London, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by an authorized employee representative on behalf of the approximately 85 affected employees. All respirable dust samples were below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard for nuisance d... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on December 8, 1976, and February 14 and 15, 1977, to evaluate employee exposure to soap dust from soap impregnated steel wool pads at the Purex Corporation (SIC-3291, SIC-2841) in London, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by an authorized employee representative on behalf of the approximately 85 affected employees. All respirable dust samples were below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard for nuisance dust of 5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Three of 75 total soap dust concentrations exceeded the ACGIH standard of 10mg/m3 for total nuisance dust. The soap dust, when added to pH 7 water, raised the solution pH to 10.5, which was moderately to severely alkaline. Some of the workers had abnormal pulmonary function test results. The authors conclude that due to the presence of pulmonary function changes among some exposed workers, the high incidence of upper respiratory symptomology and the high alkalinity of the soap dust, this dust should be categorized as more than a nuisance dust. They recommend that the exposure limits be reduced, that the ventilation system be expanded and operated at all times, that employees be provided with appropriate respirators and instructions on their proper use, that proper work procedures and handling methods be presented to all employees, that a vacuum system be used for cleanup, and that a medical surveillance program be instituted.
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(1977) St. Clair Rubber Company, Marysville, Michigan. (Click to open report) Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on April 25 to 28, 1977, and October 26 and 27, 1977, to evaluate employee exposures to ethylene-thiourea (96457) (ETU) at the St. Clair Rubber Company (SIC- 2891, SIC-3069), in Marysville, Michigan. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of United Rubber Workers, Local 47, on behalf of 175 affected employees. Air samples were analyzed, and workers completed medical questionnaires and were given thyroid function tests. Hypoth... (Click to show more)Environmental and medical surveys were conducted on April 25 to 28, 1977, and October 26 and 27, 1977, to evaluate employee exposures to ethylene-thiourea (96457) (ETU) at the St. Clair Rubber Company (SIC- 2891, SIC-3069), in Marysville, Michigan. The evaluation was requested by an authorized representative of United Rubber Workers, Local 47, on behalf of 175 affected employees. Air samples were analyzed, and workers completed medical questionnaires and were given thyroid function tests. Hypothyroidism was confirmed only in one worker, although several reported symptoms consistent with this disease. When powdered ETM was used, airborne dust concentrations ranged up to 77 micrograms per cubic meter. After a nonpowdered dispersion form of ETU was substituted, airborne dust concentrations were significantly reduced. The authors conclude that no hazard existed at the time of the survey; however, a potential hazard is indicated by results of thyroid function tests in two workers that bordered on significance. They recommend that the medical surveillance program be expanded, that the use of the newly introduced solid form of ETU be maintained, that first aid facilities be inspected more frequently, that personal hygiene education be provided to prevent exposure to dangerous chemicals, that the local exhaust ventilation system be replaced and improved, and that workers use gloves when handling ETU compounds.
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(1977) St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D.C. (Click to open report) Environmental air samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Saint Elizabeths Hospital (SIC-8063) in Washington, D.C. on February 16 and 17, 1977. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the hospital on behalf of an unspecified number of construction workers under contract at St. Elizabeths Hospital as well as the general hospital staff. Asbestos concentrations with fibers greater than 5 microns in length ranged from 0.11 to 3.02 fibers per cubic meter (f/cc), compar... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at Saint Elizabeths Hospital (SIC-8063) in Washington, D.C. on February 16 and 17, 1977. An evaluation request came from an authorized representative of the hospital on behalf of an unspecified number of construction workers under contract at St. Elizabeths Hospital as well as the general hospital staff. Asbestos concentrations with fibers greater than 5 microns in length ranged from 0.11 to 3.02 fibers per cubic meter (f/cc), compared with the NIOSH recommended 8 hour time weighted average standard of 0.1f/cc greater than 5.0 microns in length. The author concludes that the construction workers and certain hospital employees are exposed to excessive concentrations of asbestos containing dusts during construction. He recommends use of Local exhaust ventilation at the construction site, use of hazard warning signs, limited access to the construction site, use of full face respirators, and personal and housekeeping hygienic measures.
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(1977) St. Joe Mineral Corporation, Herculaneum, Missouri (includes addendum). (Click to open report) The medical program for lead (7439921) exposed workers at the Lead Smelting Division of the Saint Joe Mineral Corporation (SIC-3332), Herculaneum, Missouri, was evaluated after a request was received from an employee representative of the Teamsters Union Local 688. A NIOSH physician and a NIOSH industrial hygienist surveyed the corporation on July 26 and 27, 1977 and reviewed former OSHA air sampling, results, citations issued, and corporate abatement programs. Interviews were conducted with cor... (Click to show more)The medical program for lead (7439921) exposed workers at the Lead Smelting Division of the Saint Joe Mineral Corporation (SIC-3332), Herculaneum, Missouri, was evaluated after a request was received from an employee representative of the Teamsters Union Local 688. A NIOSH physician and a NIOSH industrial hygienist surveyed the corporation on July 26 and 27, 1977 and reviewed former OSHA air sampling, results, citations issued, and corporate abatement programs. Interviews were conducted with corporate health personnel, labor representatives, and randomly selected employees. A walk-through survey revealed large accumulations of lead dust at the sintering and blast furnace sites. Equipment breakdown and housekeeping problems were common, but procedural changes were frequently made to improve production and reduce health and safety hazards. Workers appeared to be informed about lead hazards, they avoided dust concentrations, ate in areas separate from work processes, and wore respirators. Air samples for lead exceeded proposed OSHA standards of 100 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) and were highest in the sinter, blast furnace and baghouse sites. Many average air lead concentrations exceeded the present standard of 200ug/m3. A review of the medical monitoring program indicated that all 600 workers were examined every 2 to 3 months and all workers with over 80 micrograms percent of lead were transferred to the yards. The transfer rate in the first half of 1977 ranged from 33 to 38 out of 80 yard workers. Chelation therapy was practiced only when withdrawal from exposure failed to restore normal blood lead concentrations. Recommendations were made to continue the medical monitoring program, make medical records accessible to employees, and instruct employees about chelation therapy, lead toxicity, and beneficial personal hygienic practices.
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(1977) Tee Printing, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) An evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Tee Printing Company, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, following a request from an authorized representative of management. Particular attention was given to the presence of vinyl-chloride (75014) monomer in rubber based inks containing polyvinyl-chloride (9002862). At this facility silk screening was done on shirts in a three step operation. The inks used were all approximately equal mixtures of a plasticizer, often dioctylphthalate... (Click to show more)An evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at the Tee Printing Company, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, following a request from an authorized representative of management. Particular attention was given to the presence of vinyl-chloride (75014) monomer in rubber based inks containing polyvinyl-chloride (9002862). At this facility silk screening was done on shirts in a three step operation. The inks used were all approximately equal mixtures of a plasticizer, often dioctylphthalate (117817), polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), and pigments. It was thought that the black ink also contained small amounts of lead (7439921). Personal breathing zone air samples for the three workers involved in silk screening showed total dust concentrations of 1.7 to 2.5mg/m3 with area samples ranging from 1.9 to 5.3mg/m3. The six lead and seven vinyl-chloride samples were below the limits of detection. The author concludes that all exposures are below recommended limits. Since there were complaints of occasional irritation, particularly during cold weather, the author recommends that the ventilation system be upgraded to remove smoke from the oven area.
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(1977) Terminal B, Trans World Airlines, Inc., Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, Missouri. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on August 16, 1977, at Terminal B, Trans World Airlines, Inc., Kansas City International Airport (SIC-4582), in Kansas City, Missouri. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the approximately 250 affected employees regarding potential exposure to airborne asbestos (1332214) fibers. Employees exposure to airborne asbestos fibers was less than allowed by NIOSH's revised recommended standard. However,... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on August 16, 1977, at Terminal B, Trans World Airlines, Inc., Kansas City International Airport (SIC-4582), in Kansas City, Missouri. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the approximately 250 affected employees regarding potential exposure to airborne asbestos (1332214) fibers. Employees exposure to airborne asbestos fibers was less than allowed by NIOSH's revised recommended standard. However, there may be a potential exposure of employees to airborne asbestos during certain operations or after aging of the asbestos since all bulk samples of the insulation obtained in the ramp area showed the insulation used in these areas contained 45 percent asbestos. Recommendations are made to alleviate any potential hazards noted during the survey.
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(1977) The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Plant No. 1, 1144 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation Investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the Plant No. 1, Department 153-G, of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, in Akron, Ohio, on April 9 and September 16, 1975, acting on a request received from an authorized employee representive to the effect that exhaust of dust and paint fumes were polluting the workroom air. Based on environmental measurements, observations, medical studies and interviews with 16 of 30 affected employees it was determined that the solvent va... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation Investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the Plant No. 1, Department 153-G, of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, in Akron, Ohio, on April 9 and September 16, 1975, acting on a request received from an authorized employee representive to the effect that exhaust of dust and paint fumes were polluting the workroom air. Based on environmental measurements, observations, medical studies and interviews with 16 of 30 affected employees it was determined that the solvent vapors, excluding benzene, and air suspended particulates generated from the spray paint application are not toxic to the employees. Two spray painters, one letter painter and one cureman were exposed to benzene vapor concentrations slightly above the recommended concentrations. Recommendations are made for improved work practices, engineering changes to improve spray booth exhaust efficiency or use of water based paint or benzene free paint.
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(1977) U. S. Custom House Indoor Firing Range, Pennsylvania. (Click for full summary) A hazard evaluation and technical assistance survey of an indoor firing range (SIC-9999) at the Department of the Treasury, U. S. Customs House in Philadelphia, was conducted to evaluate both range design and the extent of shooter exposure to inorganic lead (7439921) generated while firing is reported. A total of 30 personal and area air samples were collected. Personal air samples for shooters ranged from 167 to 740 Pb/m3. The range officer was exposed to concentrations from 78 to 198 Pb/m3. Al... (Click to show more)A hazard evaluation and technical assistance survey of an indoor firing range (SIC-9999) at the Department of the Treasury, U. S. Customs House in Philadelphia, was conducted to evaluate both range design and the extent of shooter exposure to inorganic lead (7439921) generated while firing is reported. A total of 30 personal and area air samples were collected. Personal air samples for shooters ranged from 167 to 740 Pb/m3. The range officer was exposed to concentrations from 78 to 198 Pb/m3. All shooters exceeded the standard of 200 pb/m3. Excessive lead concentrations had also migrated from the firing range to adjoining locker areas. High lead concentrations remained around the range from 40 to 50 minutes after firing.
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(1977) UTEFAB, Ltd., Fort Duchesne, Utah. (Click for full summary) Environmental air samples were analyzed for methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), toluene (108883), aliphatic-naphthas, acetone (67641), and wood dust at Utefab, Limited (SIC-2541), in Fort Duchesne, Utah on September 13 to 15, 1976. A representative of the Indian Health Service requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 40 workers. All organic vapor concentrations were well within the OSHA standards of 1000 parts per million (ppm), 100ppm, 100ppm, 200 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), a... (Click to show more)Environmental air samples were analyzed for methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), toluene (108883), aliphatic-naphthas, acetone (67641), and wood dust at Utefab, Limited (SIC-2541), in Fort Duchesne, Utah on September 13 to 15, 1976. A representative of the Indian Health Service requested the evaluation on behalf of approximately 40 workers. All organic vapor concentrations were well within the OSHA standards of 1000 parts per million (ppm), 100ppm, 100ppm, 200 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), and 5mg/cu m for acetone, methyl-isobutyl-ketone, toluene, aliphatic-naphtha, and wood dust, respectively. One sander was exposed to excessive wood dust concentrations. The author recommends hearing protection for table saw workers, implementation of engineering controls to reduce dust concentrations for the sander, cleaning of the paint storage room, and other general safety measures.
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