Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 89-213-1992, Blue Range Engineering Co. , Butte, Montana
In response to a request from the Blue Range Engineering Company, Butte, Montana, an evaluation was undertaken of employee exposure to lead in the fire assay operations. One stage in fire assay involved separating noble metals in ore samples from lead in a process called cupellation. An 8-hour time-weighted average lead concentration of 170 micrograms/cubic meter of air (microg/m{sup 3}) was noted for the personal breathing zone sample for the assayist, which exceeded the limit of 50 microg/m{sup 3} recommended by OSHA. The actual exposure may have been less since the employee was wearing respiratory protection. The result of area air sample analysis indicated that no other metals were present in significant amounts when compared to their environmental criteria. A medical survey indicated that workers were experiencing increased frequencies and intensities of symptoms consistent with lead poisoning compared to nonassay laboratory workers. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in assay laboratory workers than in other workers; one of two assay laboratory workers had a blood lead level about 50 micrograms/deciliter. The study concludes that a potential for lead exposure did exist at the time of the study and provides recommendations for lowering this exposure.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6898857
- Report Number(s):
- PB-90-193186/XAB; HETA--89-213-1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION VIII
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
LEAD
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
METABOLISM
METALS
MONTANA
NORTH AMERICA
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PERSONNEL
POLLUTION
RESPIRATION
SAFETY
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
USA