| Publication Date |
1981 |
| Personal Author |
Zumwalde, R. D.; Ludwig, H. R.; Dement, J. M. |
| Page Count |
278 |
| Abstract |
Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for fibrous materials, arsenic (7440382), radon (10043922) daughters, and trace metals at the Homestake Gold Mine (SIC-1041), Lead, South Dakota in July, 1977. The survey was prompted by an excess of malignant and nonmalignant respiratory diseases found in a previous NIOSH study. Arsenic concentrations were 0.10 to 11.62 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m3) underground and 0.60 to 6.45 microg/m3 in the surface crushing mills. Fiber exposures for underground workers were 0.2 to 4.01 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) for fibers longer than 5 micrometers (microm) and 0.12 to 5.34 f/cc in the crushing mills. About 84 percent of the fibers were identified as amphibole asbestos (1332214) by electron microscopy. Other fibers were non asbestos materials or were not identified. Seventy to 80 percent of the fibers were shorter than 5microm. Radon daughter concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 0.169 working level. Trace metal concentrations were negligible. The authors conclude that based on the current exposure data, no single etiologic agent can be implicated in causing respiratory disease at the facility. Recommendations include reducing dust exposures in the surface crushing mills and establishing a continuing educational program on job hazards and cleanup methods. |
| Keywords |
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| Source Agency |
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| NTIS Subject Category |
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| Corporate Authors |
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH. Div. of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies. |
| Document Type |
Technical Report |
| Title Note |
Final rept. |
| NTIS Issue Number |
198525 |
