Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. HE 80-44-731, Alaskan Battery Enterprises, Fairbanks, Alaska

摘要

Worker exposure to lead (7439921) (Pb) at Alaskan Battery Enterprises (SIC-3691) in Fairbanks, Alaska were evaluated on January 8 to 10, 1980. An evaluation request came from the owner of the facility on behalf of the employees engaged in the manufacture of lead acid storage batteries. Personal and area air samples were collected, and workers were examined. Breathing zone air concentrations of Pb ranged from 111 to 1053 micrograms per cubic meter. All of the five 8 hour time weighted average atmospheric Pb samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. General area Pb concentrations ranged from 25 to 129 micrograms per cubic meter. Blood Pb concentrations of 8 employees ranged from 43 to 87 micrograms per deciliter; several were greater than the recommended limit of 50 micrograms per deciliter. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin was markedly elevated in all cases. The author concludes that a health hazard existed from exposure to Pb dust and fume. They recommend the implementation of engineering controls, respirator usage, personal hygiene and medical monitoring.