| Abstract |
In response to a confidential request, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at Centre Foundry and Machine Company (SIC-3321), Wheeling, West Virginia. The company employed 52 workers in the manufacture of grey iron castings used in steel production. All seven personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples taken were over the limit for respirable silica (14808607). Several also exceeded the limits for iron (7439896) and manganese (7439965). One carbon-monoxide (630080) sample exceeded the limit of 35 parts per million (ppm). Air concentrations of resorcinol (108463), furfuryl-alcohol (98000), aluminum (7429905), barium (7440393), chromium (7440473), magnesium (7439954), nickel (7440020), phosphorus (7723140), titanium (7440326), and zinc (7440666) were below the respective limits. Levels of p-toluene-sulfonic-acid (104154) ranged from 29 to 125 micrograms/cubic meter. Discussions with workers did not reveal any major health concerns. Some potential safety and health hazards were identified during the walk through inspection such as the use of compressed air to clean loose sand from castings and cluttered walk ways. The author concludes that workers were overexposed to respirable silica, iron, manganese, and carbon-monoxide. Use of respirators would be expected to reduce exposures to silica, iron, and manganese to below exposure limits. The author recommends specific measures to reduce these exposures. |
