Utah State Division of Health Report of Environmental Study, Star Brass Foundry and Refining Company, 449 West 8th South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Abstract
Worker exposures to copper (7440508), zinc (7440666), lead (7439921), and free silica (7831869) were determined at the Star Brass Foundry and Refining Company (SIC-3362) in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 6, and December 23, 1968. The survey was part of a NIOSH health study of the foundry industry in Utah, and was requested by the Utah State Industrial Commission. Air samples for copper, zinc, and lead measured 0.13, 0.72, and 0.07 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), respectively, compared with the corresponding threshold limit values (TLV's) of 0.1, 15.0, and 0.2mg/cu m. Respirable mass samples of silica dust ranged from 1.35 to 3.41mg/cu m, and contained free silica concentrations of 5 and 17 percent, respectively. Corresponding TLV's were 1.43 and 0.52mg/cu m. The author recommends wetting mold materials, using respirators for appropriate personnel, and more extensive surveying in the future to evaluate dust exposure.
