Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 89-136-1991, Blue Range Mining Company, Lewistown, Montana

Technical Report · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:7005242

Daniels, W J; Hales, T R

The Blue Range Mining Company, Lewistown, Montana, was investigated for possible employee exposures to lead in the fire assay process used to separate noble metals from their ores using dry reagents and heat. An 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) lead concentration of 850 microg/cubic meter of air was noted in the personal breathing-zone sample for the assayist, which was above the Mine Safety and Health Administration standard of 150 microg/cubic meter at an 8-hour TWA. The employees in the assay laboratory reported an increased frequency and intensity of symptoms consistent with lead poisoning compared with nonassay laboratory employees. One of the four laboratory employees had a blood lead level of 50 micrograms/deciliter, which was above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration action level of 30 microg/cubic meter. The mean free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels were significantly higher among the assay laboratory employees compared to other employees. The report concludes that a hazard did exist during the fire assay operations. Recommendations to management on measures to reduce this exposure are provided.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7005242
• Report Number(s): PB-90-194598/XAB; HETA--89-136-1991
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
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ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION VIII
INDUSTRY
LEAD
METABOLISM
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MINERAL INDUSTRY
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VENTILATION