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Technical assistance report no. TA-76-106, Sherwin Williams, Coffeyville, Kansas.

Thoburn TW; Carnow BW; Conibear SA

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, TA 76-106, 1978 Jul; :1-13

00122608

Medical examinations were conducted to determine lead (7439921) exposures among employees of Sherwin Williams (SIC-2851) in Coffeyville, Kansas, on November 4 and 5, 1976. OSHA requested the evaluation as a follow up survey after the facility had been cited for lead exposure standard violations about 3 years previously. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) tests were administered to 178 workers. Sixty two workers with ZPP concentrations equal to or greater than 90 micrograms percent or workers in high lead exposure jobs were given additional blood, as well as urinary and neurological tests. Sixty one workers had elevated ZPP concentrations. Three workers had histories of elevated blood lead, and 10 percent of the workers had histories of hypertension and kidney disease. Muscle weakness or reduced reflexes were found in 66 percent and elevated systolic, diastolic, or total blood pressure in 50 percent of the workers. Elevated creatinines and blood urea nitrogen and depressed hemoglobins and hematocrits were found in 39, 8, 10 and 11 percent of those examined, respectively. Two workers had blood lead concentrations above 60 micrograms per 100 milliliters of blood. Five percent were above 50 micrograms and 14 percent were above 40 micrograms. The authors conclude that significant numbers of workers show evidence of renal and hematological disorders. They recommend continued biological monitoring of exposed workers, initiation of an antihypertension program, and further investigation into the causes of the elevated creatinines and blood pressures observed in the workers.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; TA-76-106; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Region-7; Paint-manufacturing; Health-surveys; Occupational-medicine; Lead-poisoning

7439-92-1

19780701

Field Studies; Technical Assistance

1978

PB82-174467

A03

TA-76-106

DSHEFS

2851

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

KS; OH