Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-86-348-1756, J'Leen Ltd., Boulder, Colorado.
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 86-348-1756, 1986 Dec; :1-8
Abstract
In response to a request from the owner of J'Leen, Ltd. (SIC-3999), Boulder, Colorado, an evaluation of exposures to lead (7439921) in the copper and lead glazing art studio was carried out. Three workers were involved at the time, and the possibility of hiring more workers prompted the request. Breathing zone and general air samples were analyzed by NIOSH Method P and CAM 173, blood lead was measured by voltammetry, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was measured photofluorometrically. Average airborne lead concentration was 0.08mg/m3, and five of seven samples equaled or exceeded the OSHA time weighted average limit of 0.05mg/m3. Blood lead concentrations were 7, 16, and 33 micrograms/deciliter (microg/dl), which were all below the OSHA limit of 40microg/dl for returning to a job involving lead exposure. One free erythrocyte protoporphyrin sample was 59microg/dl, which was above the normal limit of 50microg/dl. Ventilation was found to be inadequate for removing airborne lead resulting from use of lead dust and furnaces. The author concludes that the high environmental lead levels present a health hazard, and recommends improved exhaust ventilation, continued use of ultra filter respiratory protection, and education of new employees on clean work habits.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; HETA-86-348-1756; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Region-8; Hazard-Confirmed; Lead-compounds; Humans; Occupational-exposure; Lead-dust; Blood-analysis; Air-sampling; Lead-fumes;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB87-189528
Identifying No.
HETA-86-348-1756
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
