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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-86-231-1954, Reade Manufacturing Company, Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Ahrenholz-SH; Bochnak-PM; Goldoft-M

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 86-231-1954, 1989 Mar; :1-37

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1986-0231-1954.pdf

00188717

In response to a request from employees at the Reade Manufacturing Company (SIC-1061), Lakehurst, New Jersey, a site visit was made to determine whether hazardous working conditions existed at this facility. The workers expressed concern over exposures to materials used as part of, or in the course of, manufacturing magnesium (7439954) chips, granules, and powders, and magnesium/aluminum alloy powders. Environmental sampling revealed magnesium dust in concentrations of 0.01 to 17.2mg/m3 in the personal breathing zone samples. Aluminum (7429905) dust exposures ranged from nondetectable to 1.6mg/m3. Analysis of fluorspar and talc (14807966) bulk samples indicated that magnesium and aluminum were the primary metal contaminants with trace amounts of other metals. No asbestos or crystalline silica was detected. A medical evaluation involving 37 of the 66 production and maintenance workers indicated that at least half had experienced nasal symptoms with about one fifth reporting skin rash. All blood magnesium levels were within normal limits. None of the four with an obstructive pattern of pulmonary function had any significantly increased obstruction over the course of the workday. Of 34 chest x-rays reviewed, three demonstrated pleural thickening. The authors conclude that no safety hazards or chemical exposures were identified which would represent a health hazard. The authors recommend specific measures concerning engineering controls and the use of personal protective equipment.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-86-231-1954; Region-2; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Dust-exposure; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Pulmonary-function; Metal-dusts;

7439-95-4; 7429-90-5; 14807-96-6

19890301

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1989

PB89-228738

A04

HETA-86-231-1954

DSHEFS

1061

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NJ; OH