Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-91-073-2165, Carbonnaire Company, Palmerton, Pennsylvania.
Authors
Decker-J; Galson-S
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 91-073-2165, 1991 Dec; :1-32
Abstract
In response to a request from a Carbonnaire Company Representative, an investigation was undertaken of possible exposure to metal dusts at Carbonnaire Company (SIC-2873, SIC-2813), Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The metal dust was thought to be blowing in from an adjacent zinc recycling company. Carbonnaire manufactured synthetic anhydrous-ammonia (7664417) by the Haber-Bosch process. About 29 employees worked three shifts. Air samples, wipe samples and soil samples were collected for analysis of metal content. Blood samples were obtained from 13 workers. Lead (7439921) concentrations in wipe samples ranged from 108 to 432 micrograms/square foot. Surface soil and ventilation filter dust contained up to 4.5% lead. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 4 to 13 micrograms/deciliter. Personal breathing samples detected ammonia concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 122.6 parts per million (ppm). The highest personal exposure was collected over 5 minutes in the east compressor area. The author concludes that a health hazard existed due to ammonia exposure from leaking equipment. A potential health hazard may exist from exposure to lead at this location. The author recommends specific measures to reduce exposures and improve working conditions at this facility.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-91-073-2165; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-3; Environmental-pollution; Industrial-emissions; Heavy-metals; Air-quality-monitoring; Chemical-industry-workers; Occupational-exposure;
CAS No.
7664-41-7; 7439-92-1
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB92-164284
Identifying No.
HETA-91-073-2165
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
