HHE report no. HETA-93-0792-2654, American Tripoli, Inc., Seneca, Missouri.
Source
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 93-0792-2654, 1997 Sep; 1-:37
Abstract
In response to a request for technical assistance from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, an investigation was made into the prevalence of silicosis among active and retired miners at American Tripoli, Inc. (SIC-1446), Seneca, Missouri. A medical evaluation of current workers and former workers was conducted. American Tripoli began operating in 1971. At the time of the study 17 workers were employed at the facility, ten of whom worked in the grinding area of the mill or in areas downstream of the grinding process. Nine of 11 eligible current workers and nine of 28 former workers participated in the study. There was one current worker with a chest X-ray consistent with silicosis, and one case of silicosis in a former worker. Both cases were employed at American Tripoli for over 15 years, and both reported employment at other dusty jobs. Pulmonary function testing revealed that two of 16 participants who performed spirometry had abnormal patterns, both being obstructive. The author concludes that the cases of silicosis can be, at least in part, attributed to exposure at this facility. The author recommends modifications in the preplacement examination and annual medical monitoring offered by the company.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-93-0792-2654; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-7; Dust-exposure; Respiratory-system-disorders; Lung-disease; Mineral-dusts; Mineral-processing; Mine-workers;
Author Keywords: Industrial Sand; Silica; Silicosis; Mineral processing; Ground silica; Silica flour; Tripoli
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB98-137680
Identifying No.
HETA-93-0792-2654
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
