Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report HHE 82-000-004, Ideal Cement Company, Florence, Colorado.

摘要

In response to a request from the United Steelworkers of America Union, Local 14482, a general health hazard evaluation was conducted at the Ideal Cement Company (SIC-3241), Florence, Colorado. Worker exposure to personal respirable and total dust samples were determined, as well as exposure to crystalline silica 14808607), toxic metals, nitrogen-dioxide (10102440), and carbon-monoxide (630080). Employees working in raw materials or masonry cement areas were exposed to low levels of quartz. Six worker personal breathing zone samples exceeded th 10 mg/cu m threshold limit value for nuisance dusts recommended by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The level of metals in dusts to which workers were exposed was below hazardous concentrations. No nephrotoxic substances were found either in the facility atmosphere or community drinking water. The author concludes that dust exposure may be irritating to the nose, throat, and upper airways, but no serious body tissue damage should occur to workers since exposure to crystalline silica and metals were below recommended concentrations. The author recommends that engineering controls should be implemented to minimize worker dust exposure.