Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 91-077-2160, Pilot Industrial Batteries, Kankakee, Illinois

Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5325554

Clark, N J; Montopoli, M

In response to a request from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Pilot Industrial Batteries (SIC-3691), Kankakee, Illinois. The company employed 41 workers, manufacturing custom lead/acid batteries. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected and analyzed for lead (7439921), arsenic (7440382), and 29 other metals. General air samples for lead analysis were collected in the lunch room and in the changing room adjacent to the pasting area. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of lead ranged from below 10 to 846 micrograms/cubic meter. One personal breathing zone sample had a time weighted average arsenic concentration of 3.8 micrograms/cubic meter. Blood lead levels ranged from 12 to 66 micrograms/deciliter. The authors conclude that employees were at risk for lead exposure at levels that constitute a health hazard. Half mask respirators did not provide adequate protection in some areas of the facility. The authors recommend measures to reduce exposures, including better use of existing local engineering controls, improved respiratory protection practices, and the establishment of a formal biological monitoring program.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5325554
• Report Number(s): PB-92-176841/XAB; HETA--91-077-2160
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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AIR POLLUTION
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ARSENIC
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WORKING CONDITIONS