Inhalation exposure of lead in brass foundry workers: the evaluation of the effectiveness of a powered air-purifying respirator and engineering controls.
The protection that a powered air-purifying respirator afforded to ladle and furnace attendants who were exposed to lead, copper and zinc fumes in a brass foundry was found by measuring metal levels at the lapel and at nose level inside the respirator. Respirator fit was evaluated by use of a hot-wire anemometer at the face/Tyvek seal interfaces, and at the exit of the respirator. Effective protection factors for lead ranged from 1.05 to 67. Ergonomic factors and engineering controls are also discussed.
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008669:Metallurgy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000592:standards; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000592:standards
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational