Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. 78-26-560, Mallory Battery Company, Lexington, North Carolina

摘要

Airborne concentrations of inorganic mercury were measured at the Mallory Battery Co., in Lexington, NC on January 10 and February 13-15, 1978. The evaluation was requested by the employer for approximately 100 employees. A medical questionnaire and physical examination were administered. Mercury exposure ranged from 0.07 to 2.25 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m) with all but 2 of 42 questionnaire responses showed several symptoms (irritability, backache, and muscle twitch) that occurred more frequently than in a control group not exposed to mercury. A significant difference was found between the higher rate of miscarriages among employees and the lower rate (0%) of a control group. Analysis of semen from employees showed no harmful effects due to mercury. There was evidence of mercury absorption as indicated by elevated urine mercury concentrations. The investigators conclude that there was a significant mercury exposure to employees at the facility. The investigators recommend that positive pressure respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus be supplied to employees until engineering controls are installed to reduce mercury exposure. A written respirator program should be developed, hazards should be pointed out, employee exposure monitored, spills quickly and thoroughly cleaned up, and periodic physical examinations and biological monitoring should be continued.