Walk-Through Survey Report, Aluminum Company of America-Alcoa, Badin, North Carolina

摘要

The Badin facility of the Aluminum Company of America-Alcoa (SIC-3334) was evaluated on July 13, 1978, for inclusion in a NIOSH retrospective case control study of worker exposures to particulate polycyclic organic matter. The number of workers was not provided. The facility was originally built in 1916, but was completely redesigned in 1962. Potlines were operated continuously 7 days per week. Prebaked anodes were prepared in the carbon area with petroleum and coal tar pitch. Cathodes were produced from anthracite coal and coal tar pitch. Aluminum was produced by electrolytic reduction of alumina in molten cryolite to form aluminum and oxygen. The oxygen was converted to carbon dioxide and was released. Molten aluminum settled to the bottom of the pot and was periodically siphoned off. All potroom workers were required to wear respirators, safety glasses and shoes, and long sleeved clothing. Three part time physicians and one full time nurse were employed. Preemployment and periodic medical examinations were provided. Medical records were retained for 20 years. The author concludes that past exposures at this facility would be difficult to evaluate, since the facility was recently redesigned. This site is not recommended for inclusion in the NIOSH study.