US EPA

1514469 

Journal Article 

Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-94-0417-2505, Tennant Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Echt, A; Tepper, A; Topolski, S 

In response to a request from employees at the Golden Valley facility of the Tennant Company (SIC-3589), Minneapolis, Minnesota, a health hazard evaluation was conducted. Concern had been expressed over indoor environmental quality in offices and exposure to welding fumes. The company manufactured floor sweepers, scrubbers, and scarifiers. Headaches, sneezing, burning eyes, fatigue, depression, and mood swings were reported among office workers. Overall, 58% of those surveyed had one or more symptoms that occurred at work one or more days a week. Exposures to welding fume and most metals were below the applicable evaluation criteria. Eight hour time weighted average welding fume concentrations ranged from 0.33 to 1.6mg/m3. Titanium-dioxide (13463677) was present in greater than trace amounts in two of five samples; NIOSH has recommended that titanium-dioxide exposures be reduced to the lowest feasible concentration. Total chromium (7440473) exposure ranged from 0.003 to 0.01mg/m3, indicating that potential exposures to hexavalent chromium among frame welders should be evaluated. Manganese exposures ranged from 0.083 to 0.27mg/m3. The authors conclude that exposures to titanium-dioxide, chromium, and manganese were a cause for concern. Although no apparent cause for symptoms in office workers was found, ventilation system deficiencies were present. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposures and improve working conditions. 

DCN-227310; NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Author; NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation; NIOSH Technical Assistance Report; HETA 94 0417 2505; Region 5; Hazard Unconfirmed; Welders; Welding industry; Occupational exposure Airborne particles; Metalworking industry; Office workers; 13463-67-7; 7440-47-3