NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Industrial hygiene report, Homestake Mining Company, Lead, South Dakota.
Authors
Zumwalde RD; Ludwig HR; Dement JM
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, IWS 32-54, 1981 Jan; :1-255
NIOSHTIC No.
00111212
Abstract
Worker exposures to free silica (7631869), radon (10043922) daughters, arsenic (7440382), and asbestos (1332214) fibers were determined at the Homestake Mining Company (SIC-1041) in Lead, South Dakota from July 12 to 23, 1977. The mining operation was being investigated due to an elevated incidence of deaths from malignant and nonmalignant respiratory diseases in the mining population. About 968 employees worked in the underground operations on 35 levels from 1700 to 8000 feet. Approximately 170 employees representing 90 percent of the job titles were sampled for an entire work shift using personal filters. Data for free silica was used from a survey conducted in 1976 for the mine. Midget impinger samples were collected for dust. Samples were collected from 448 miners during an entire work shift with each crew over a two week period. Work practices were documented. The authors conclude that mean exposures for free silica, radon daughters, arsenic, and asbestos fibers are within OSHA standards for most job classifications. They suggest that the potentiating effect of the contaminants could predispose some workers to respiratory diseases. They recommend a continuing education program for job hazards, maintenance procedures, and cleanup methods, and to ensure that they understand how to use respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing. They suggest sealants to contain radioactive contamination from rock, and reduction of dust concentrations.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Region-8; Health-surveys; Workplace-studies; Air-contamination; Industrial-processes; Occupational-health-programs; Mining-industry; Silicates; Asbestos-dusts
CAS No.
7631-86-9; 10043-92-2; 7440-38-2; 1332-21-4
Publication Date
19810130
Document Type
Field Studies; Industry Wide
Fiscal Year
1981
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-243640; PB82-179961
NTIS Price
A13
Identifying No.
IWS-32-54
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
1041
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
SD
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division