Health hazard evaluation report HETA 83-222-1631, Metz Metallurgical, South Plainfield, New Jersey

Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5101601

Rosenman, K D; Seixas, N S; Igliewicz, R

Field visits and medical examinations were conducted in response to requests by workers at Metz Metallurgical, South Plainfield, New Jersey concerned about exposure primarily to silver powders. Airborne silver levels were above OSHA standard of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) in 10 of 13 samples. Urine silver levels were elevated in 96% of 27 workers tested; 92% had elevated blood silver levels; 19% had elevated cadmium levels. Symptoms of respiratory irritation were reported in a majority of workers and nose bleeds in 8 of 27. Deposition of silver in the cornea of the eye was detected in 5 of 8 long-term workers and was associated with complaints of decreased night vision. N-acetyl-B-D-glucosaminidase was significantly elevated in 4 individuals and correlated with blood silver levels. Estimated creatinine clearance was significantly lower. Kidney function may have been adversely affected. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists, and that exposure to silver and cadmium dust and fumes are causing respiratory, eye and kidney problems among exposed workers. Exposure is to be reduced to 0.01mg/m/sup 3/ silver and the lowest feasible level for cadmium and a follow-up medical surveillance program initiated.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5101601
• Report Number(s): PB-86-222270/XAB; HETA-83-222-1631
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
CADMIUM
ELEMENTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRY
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
METAL INDUSTRY
METALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NIOSH
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
POLLUTION
SAFETY
SILVER
TOXICITY
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
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