skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Health hazard evaluation report HETA 90-0329-2482, New York City Department of Sanitation, New York, New York

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:76332

In response to a joint request from the New York City Department of Sanitation and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into possible exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at three waste incineration sites of the New York City Department of Sanitation (SIC-4953), New York City, New York. Six area air samples and five bulk fly ash samples were collected. Greater amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs were present on the fly ash particulates collected from the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). A total of eight personal breathing zone and nine area samples were collected for metals during cleanout operations. Levels approached or exceeded the established criteria for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), lead (7439921), and nickel (7440020). For respirable dust/silica (14808607), the highest sample concentration occurred during ESP cleanout. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit for respirable quartz of 0.05 mg/m3 was exceeded in one sample. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed during cleanout operations. The authors recommend that measures be taken to reduce exposures, including providing more effective respiratory protection, instruction on confined space entry, medical surveillance programs, and the prohibition of tobacco smoking in exposure locations.

Research Organization:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, OH (United States)
OSTI ID:
76332
Report Number(s):
PB-95-220182/XAB; HETA-90-0329-2482; TRN: 51812120
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Jan 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English