Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-88-166-1944, Hoeganaes Magnetic Materials, Rancocas, New Jersey

摘要

An evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at Hoeganaes Magnetic Materials (SIC-3499), Rancocas, New Jersey. Dermatitis and gastrointestinal problems were cited in the request. Magnets were produced at the site which contain the pyrophoric rare earth metals dysprosium (7429916) and neodymium (7440008) along with other materials. Personal breathing zone and general area air samples were taken for trace metals. Concentrations of iron-oxide (1309371) ranged from 0.05 to 9.5 mg/cu m. Neodymium concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 5.0 mg/cu m with the highest levels occurring in the powder processing room where the magnetic powders were crushed, blended and milled. Concentrations of dysprosium ranged from 0.002 to 0.53 mg/cu m. Concentrations of thallium (7440280) ranged from 0.02 to 0.16 mg/cu m. Lead (7439921) was detected in two samples at 0.002 to 0.013 mg/cu m. The authors conclude that a hazard existed due to exposures to neodymium and iron-oxide. Thallium exposures may present a hazard if in soluble form. The authors recommend the reduction of worker exposure to neodymium, iron and thallium through engineering controls using local exhaust ventilation at the crushing, blending and jet milling operations. A respirator program should be implemented.