Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-84-038-1513, Kennecott Smelter, Murley, New Mexico.
Authors
Gunter-BJ; Seligman-PJ
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, HETA 84-038-1513, 1984 Oct; :1-22
Abstract
Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for arsenic (7440382), cadmium (7440439), copper (7440508), lead (7439921), sulfuric-acid (7664939), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), and crystalline silica (7631869) at Kennecott Smelter (SIC-3331), Hurley, New Mexico in January, 1984. The survey was requested by the Steelworkers Union due to the death of a worker from lung cancer. Company medical records of 66 employees were reviewed. Nineteen samples for blood lead and 48 for urine arsenic were collected and analyzed. All arsenic, cadmium, copper, sulfuric-acid, and silica concentrations were below their relevant standards. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.006 to 0.06 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The OSHA standard for lead is 0.05mg/m3. None of seven sulfur-dioxide samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 13mg/m3, but six exceeded the NIOSH standard of 1.3mg/m3. No symptoms of acid gas exposure were reported. All blood lead and urinary arsenic concentrations were within normal limits. The authors note that proper respiratory protection was worn in all areas of the smelter. They conclude that there is a potential health hazard due to sulfur-dioxide and lead exposure at the facility. They recommend establishing a stop smoking program and improving the respiratory protection program.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Mining-industry; Region-6; Kidneys; Pulmonary-function; Liver; Pulmonary-congestion; HETA-84-038-1513;
Author Keywords: Copper; Arsenic; Lead; Cadmium; Cancer; Sulfur Dioxide
CAS No.
7440-38-2; 7440-43-9; 7440-50-8; 7439-92-1; 7664-93-9; 7446-09-5; 7631-86-9
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-208361
Identifying No.
HETA-84-038-1513
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
