Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 90-0149-2522, Intalco Aluminum Corporation,Ferndale, Washington

摘要

In response to a request from three employees at the Intalco Aluminum Corporation(SIC-3334), Ferndale, Washington, an investigation was begun into the prevalence of neurological disorders in potroom workers. A progressive neurological disease characterized by tremor, balance problems, bone and joint aches and memory loss had been reported among aluminum potroom workers. Data collection included a questionnaire, neurologic exam, tremor testing using a hand held device (arm/hand) and a Kondraske frame (leg), and tests of postural stability, reaction time, and vocabulary. The authors conclude that objective measures of neurologic function did not support the finding of increased neurologic symptom prevalences. The findings do not support the idea that neurologic effects among potroom workers at this facility are related to the working environment in the potrooms.