Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 90-361-2112, Associated Press, New York, New York

摘要

In response to a request from an authorized employee representative, an investigation was made of potential inorganic mercury (7439976) exposure to staff working with and around photo laser machines at Associated Press (SIC-2711), New York, New York. Direct mercury vapor measurements were obtained. Four area samples and one personal breathing zone sample for inorganic mercury vapor and dust were also collected. Bulk samples of processed and unprocessed paper dust were collected. Air movement around the photo laser machines was checked using smoke tubes. The highest mercury concentrations were found in the vicinity of ten machines on the fourth floor. These concentrations were well below the currently recommended exposure level of 50 micrograms/cubic meter. The mercury content of bulk paper and paper dust samples was 220 micrograms/gram. The dust collected from the wall behind the photo laser machines on the sixth floor contained a trace level of mercury. Similar dust build up was noted on the supply diffusers and exhaust grills on the sixth floor. The author concludes that mercury levels found around the photo laser machines did not constitute a long or short term health hazard to employees. Direct handling of the paper and dust inside the machine did have a potentially high mercury exposure due to possible skin absorption of mercury.