| Abstract |
In an attempt to determine worker exposure to lead (7439921) in radiator repair shops, area and personal sampling was performed at three locations in Cincinnati, Ohio. Altogether, 129 air samples and 126 wipe samples were collected. The highest air concentrations were near the repair stations where mechanics work with molten lead based solder. Two shops used local exhaust ventilation and had effectively controlled worker exposure to airborne lead. Exposures in a third shop where there was no local ventilation were frequently above the permissible exposure limit (50 micrograms/cubic meter). Lead contamination on work surfaces was as high as 500,000 micrograms/square meter. Lead was also found in lunch areas, on the hands of workers before and after washing, on street shoes and in personal vehicles. The author recommended steps to be taken to reduce the contamination level, including the installation of an effective local exhaust ventilation system, the mandatory use of protective equipment, a strict adherence to personal and environmental hygiene, an enforced prohibition of eating and smoking in all lead contaminated areas, the implementation of routine environmental and medical monitoring programs, and training to increase the awareness of the problems associated with using lead. |
