Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 91-006-2193, M and J Painting Company, Covington, Kentucky
In response to a request from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Resources, an evaluation was undertaken of occupational health hazards experienced during repainting of the Brent Spence Bridge, a double level highway bridge over the Ohio River between Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. M and J Painting Company (SIC-1622) was responsible for removal of the existing lead (7439921) based paint and corrosion with abrasive blasting within containment structures. Six NIOSH visits were made to the site. Ranges for personal exposures to airborne lead were 3,690 to 29,400 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/cu m) for abrasive blasters and 5 to 6720microg/cu m for other job categories. Respirators in use were not sufficiently protective. Personal exposure to noise expressed as 8 hour time weighted averages ranged from 89.6 decibels-A. to 106.4 decibels-A. The mean blood lead level increased from 29 micrograms/deciliter to 36 micrograms/deciliter among eight workers after approximately 1 month of work on the bridge. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed during paint removal on the bridge due to overexposure to lead and noise. The authors recommend specific measures for reducing the lead and noise exposures including improved engineering controls, work practices, respiratory protection program and personal hygiene facilities.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 7029082
- Report Number(s):
- PB-92-205202/XAB; HETA--91-006-2193
- 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
ANIMALS
COATINGS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INHALATION
INTAKE
KENTUCKY
LEAD
MAMMALS
MAN
MEDICINE
METALS
MONITORING
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NOISE POLLUTION
NORTH AMERICA
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PAINTS
PERSONNEL
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
US NIOSH
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
VERTEBRATES