Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 86-438-1795, HETA 86-534-1795, Bondar-Clegg, Lakewood, Colorado, Sparks, Nevada

Technical Report · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5675231

Gunter, B J; Richardson, F; Anderson, K E

In response to requests from management of Bondar-Clegg located in Lakewood, Colorado and Sparks, Nevada, evaluations were made of exposure to lead in two fire-assay laboratories. Breathing zone and general room air concentrations of lead were measured at each facility. All eight samples taken at Lakewood exceeded the evaluation criteria of 0.05mg/cu m with the range being from 0.1 to 0.6mg/cu m. Of 14 samples taken at Sparks, nine exceeded the criteria, ranging from 0.01 to 0.49mg/cu m. Improvements were needed in the exhaust ventilation systems at each location. Medical evaluations of ten employees at Sparks showed blood lead levels within the OSHA regulatory limits. However, three workers were over 40 micrograms/deciliter, the limit for returning to a job that involves lead exposure. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from overexposure to lead at these facilities. The authors recommend improvements in the ventilation system and an upgraded respirator program. All workers should be advised of the toxic properties of lead exposure. Workers in the assay department should shower and change clothes and shoes at the end of the day to prevent lead contamination from entering the home. Personal hygiene should be improved. Medical monitoring of workers should continue.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5675231
• Report Number(s): PB-88-126453/XAB; HETA-86-438-1795
• 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
AIR QUALITY
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
LABORATORIES
LEAD
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
METALS
MONITORING
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
POLLUTION
TOXICITY
VENTILATION