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Title: Health hazard evaluation determination report no. 77-106-469, Fountain Foundry, Inc. , Pueblo, Colorado

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5608973

An investigation to evaluate the potential exposures to lead, free silica and total particulate during the operation of a grey iron foundry has been performed. The foundry takes scrap metal (usually a mixture of cast iron and various other metal parts) and produces a molten metal from a furnace charged with coke and limestone. The molten metal is then poured into various types of sand molds, where products such as manhole covers are formed. Breathing zone air samples were taken for lead, free silica, and total particulate. A medical evaluation of 19 workers was also conducted. This evaluation included a medical history and physical examination with blood and urine biological tests. Two of 19 workers met the case definition for lead toxicity based on blood chemical analysis. Breathing zone air samples for lead exceeded recommended exposure criteria. Considerable exposure to total particulate containing free silica was also detected. It has been determined on the basis of medical and environmental evidence that a potential health hazard existed to workers exposed to lead and possible free silica at the Foundry during this evaluation.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
5608973
Report Number(s):
PB-291659
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English