| Abstract |
Worker exposures to airborne fibers and trace metals were surveyed at the Rockwool Industries (SIC-3296) in Pueblo, Colorado and Belton, Texas on September 18 and 19, 1974. The company employed 87 workers at Pueblo and 174 at Belton. A first aid program was implemented and local physicians were retained as consultants. Environmental matters were handled by an industrial hygiene consultant, and safety equipment was available for use by workers. Airborne fiber concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 0.60 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) at Pueblo. The highest concentration at Belton was 0.13f/cc. A total of 74 and 90 percent of the fibers were respirable at Pueblo and Belton, respectively. The author concludes that there was significant exposure to respirable slagwood fibers at the facilities and recommends that exposure be kept at a minimum by implementing good work practices, engineering controls, exhaust ventilation systems, vacuum cleaning, respiratory protection and a medical surveillance program. |
