Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 88-354-1955, Lakewood Radiator Shop, Denver, Colorado

Technical Report · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5194574

Gunter, B J; Hammel, R

In response to a request from the owners of three radiator repair shops located in Lakewood, Arvada, and Aurora, Colorado, an investigation was made of lead exposures and worker blood-lead levels. All types of radiators were repaired and cleaned, most being from automobiles. Lead exposure occurred when an oxygen acetylene torch was used to melt the lead-based solder used to attach the top and bottom to the core. Other contact with lead resulted from brushing, producing skin contact with the oxidized lead. Environmental samples for inorganic lead indicated concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.29 mg/m{sup 3} with the average for all ten samples being 0.16 mg/m{sup 3}. Of the eight breathing zone samples taken, six exceeded the recommended criterion of 0.05 mg/m{sup 3}. Of ten workers tested for blood lead levels, three had levels exceeding 40 micrograms/deciliter and four had elevated zinc-protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels. No significant statistical association was noted between breathing zone levels of lead and blood levels of lead. A health hazard existed from overexposure to lead during cleaning and repair of radiators. Specific control measures are recommended.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5194574
• Report Number(s): PB-89-230536/XAB; HETA--88-354-1955
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
ELEMENTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRY
INSPECTION
LEAD
MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
METALS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
POLLUTION
RADIATORS
SAFETY
TOXIC MATERIALS
TOXICITY