Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HHE-80-036-922, Lithium Corporation of America, Bessemer City, North Carolina

摘要

On November 28, 1979, NIOSH received a Health Hazard Evaluation request from the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers (OCAW) Union, Local 3-802, to investigate potential chemical exposures in production of lithium compounds at the Lithium Corporation of America (LithCOA), Bessemer City, North Carolina. LithCOA produces lithium compounds from spodumene ore (lithium aluminum silicate). NIOSH conducted an initial survey on February 4-7, 1980, and a follow-up medical and industrial hygiene investigation on August 25-27, 1980. Personal and area samples were collected for measurement of total and respirable dust with specific analysis for lithium content. The pH of bulk dust samples was measured to determine alkalinity. Total and respirable dust samples taken in the ball mill building were analyzed for percent free silica by X-ray diffraction. The Butyl Lithium and Special Products R and D areas were sampled for n-hexane. A medical questionnaire was administered to 21 exposed and 23 less exposed workers (workers with jobs outside the main plant) regarding symptoms or adverse health effects. Blood specimens were obtained from 21 exposed and 6 less exposed workers to determine blood lithium levels.