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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-95-0092-2545, Kaiser Aluminum, Mead, Washington.

Daniels W; Kang D

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 95-0092-2545, 1995 Dec; :1-43

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1995-0092-2545.pdf

00231104

In response to a request from a representative of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 329, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at Kaiser Aluminum (SIC-3334), Mead, Washington. Concern was expressed that since the introduction of spent activated alumina (RALF) at the site, potroom employees had experienced increased skin rashes and nasal bleeding. About 300 workers were employed in the potroom at this primary aluminum production facility. Personal and area samples were collected in the potroom, and a medical survey was conducted. The major metallic component in six bulk RALF samples was aluminum (7429905) ranging in concentration from 27.4 to 33.4% by weight. Long term personal breathing zone samples were taken, but no substantial difference was noted in airborne potroom emissions with or without the use of RALF. Medical survey findings were not conclusive regarding any increased skin problems experienced by employees using RALF. The authors conclude that no substantial difference was found in airborne potroom emissions when RALF was used. The authors recommend that ongoing environmental and medical monitoring be used to reduce the potential for adverse health effects from exposure to the potroom emissions.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-95-0092-2545; Region-10; Hazard-Confirmed; Aluminum-foundries; Aluminum-industry; Air-quality-monitoring; Air-sampling; Skin-irritants; Author Keywords: Primary Production of Aluminum; RALF; spent activated alumina; aluminum fluoride substitute; skin problems; dermatitis; nosebleeds; hydrogen fluoride; gaseous fluoride; particulate fluorides; sulfur dioxide; potrooms

7429-90-5

19951201

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1996

PB96-209697

A04

HETA-95-0092-2545

DSHEFS

3334

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

WA; OH