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HHE Search Results
1063 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) Leeds and Northrup Corporation, Expendable Devices Division, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on December 13-15 at the Leed and Northrup Corporation, Expendable Devices Division, Ellwood City, Pa., a facility engaged in the manufacture of carbon analysis and temperature determination devices (SIC-2865). The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the approximately 20 affected employees to determine whether any substance found in the work place has potentially toxic effects in such concentrations... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on December 13-15 at the Leed and Northrup Corporation, Expendable Devices Division, Ellwood City, Pa., a facility engaged in the manufacture of carbon analysis and temperature determination devices (SIC-2865). The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the approximately 20 affected employees to determine whether any substance found in the work place has potentially toxic effects in such concentrations as used or found. The airborne concentrations of formaldehyde (50000) and ammonia (7429905) were low enough to prevent respiratory injury but not the subjective upper eye and respiratory irritation reported by some of the workers. Workers involved in cement mixing presented dermatitis which could be minimized by use of protective equipment and other measures. The operator of a large mixed was exposed to potentially toxic levels of respirable crystalline silica (7631869). Recommendations are made for measures that can help minimize dermal and respiratory effects apparent to the manufacturing processes evaluated.
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(1977) Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co., Copley, Ohio. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the chromic-oxide (1308389) producing area (SIC-2819) of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Copley, Ohio, on November 29-30, 1976. The investigation was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of employees to evaluate the potential hazard associated with employee exposure to chromate pigments. Seven affected employees were interviewed and an environmental survey was conducted by obtaining time weighte... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH at the chromic-oxide (1308389) producing area (SIC-2819) of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Copley, Ohio, on November 29-30, 1976. The investigation was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of employees to evaluate the potential hazard associated with employee exposure to chromate pigments. Seven affected employees were interviewed and an environmental survey was conducted by obtaining time weighted average and ceiling measurements of employee exposure to hexavalent chromium (7440473) and trivalent chromium. Based on environmental samplings, evaluation of ventilation systems, observations of employee work practices, and available toxicity information it is concluded that employee exposures to noncarcinogenic hexavalent chromium contained in sodium-bichromate (10588019), as measured during the survey, did not constitute a health hazard. All atmospheric levels of hexavalent chromium were below evaluation criteria. Although no standards exist from trivalent chromium, recommendation are made for preventing the release of trivalent chromium dust in the air. Certain employees who had experienced nosebleeds and other hexavalent chromium related problems in the past had not experienced such problems for at least 1.5 to 2 years of work, probably as a result of the installation of local exhaust ventilation to prevent exposure.
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(1977) New York State Police Scientific Laboratories. (Click for full summary) A Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance survey was conducted by NIOSH on May 2-5, 1977, at the New York State Police Scientific Laboratories (SIC-8071), Albany, New York. The survey was prompted by a request from the management to determine whether exposure to laboratory chemicals were such as to adversely affect the health of the approximately 50 laboratory workers. Based on air sampling and work practice observations, it was determined that the levels of acetone (67641), ammonia (7664417)... (Click to show more)A Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance survey was conducted by NIOSH on May 2-5, 1977, at the New York State Police Scientific Laboratories (SIC-8071), Albany, New York. The survey was prompted by a request from the management to determine whether exposure to laboratory chemicals were such as to adversely affect the health of the approximately 50 laboratory workers. Based on air sampling and work practice observations, it was determined that the levels of acetone (67641), ammonia (7664417), benzene (71432), 1,2- dichloroethane (107062), and ethyl-acetate (141786) in the air were below potentially toxic concentrations, while the concentration of chloroform was potentially toxic. Swipe samples for inorganic lead (7439976) indicated that there was lead contamination throughout the weapon testing area. Ventilation measurements revealed that the laboratory had inadequate exhaust ventilation for control of toxic chemicals. Recommendations are made for controlling toxic materials in the laboratories.
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(1977) Owens-Illinois Glass Plant, Hapeville, Georgia. (Click to open report) A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on March 14-18, 1977, in the Forming and Selecting Departments of the Owens-Illinois Glass Container plant (SIC-3221) in Hapeville, Georgia. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the approximately 500 affected employees contending that a previous NIOSH evaluation completed in April 1974 has considered sulfur-dioxide (7446095) exposure, but not sodium- sulfate (7757826) and other sulfur-dioxide dec... (Click to show more)A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on March 14-18, 1977, in the Forming and Selecting Departments of the Owens-Illinois Glass Container plant (SIC-3221) in Hapeville, Georgia. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the approximately 500 affected employees contending that a previous NIOSH evaluation completed in April 1974 has considered sulfur-dioxide (7446095) exposure, but not sodium- sulfate (7757826) and other sulfur-dioxide decay products, and raising questions about the possibility of chronic lung damage resulting from airborne exposures of employees. Environmental sampling failed to detect unacceptable levels of sulfur-dioxide, sulfate, tin (7440315) compounds, chlorides and respirable particulates. Medical interviews and respiratory function tests did not demonstrate any increased risk of adverse symptoms or adverse health effects, due to exposure to airborne contaminants. No radiological abnormalities associated with occupational exposure were detected during the medical tests.
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(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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