NIOSH study spots serious health and safety dangers in US e-scrap firms

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): A federal report released today cites several occurrences of serious health and safety dangers that exist at the e-scrap firms in the US. The study was conducted by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) between 2012 and 2013. The federal agency had conducted extensive site surveys and employee interviews during this period. The conclusions were arrived at by conducting necessary study and analysis of air, surface and blood samples collected during site visits.

The report notes that 7 out of 26 employees interviewed had reported serious health issues. NIOSH assumes that the health concerns could be closely connected with over exposure to lead particles. Two company employees working in the CRT processing area had elevated blood lead levels. While conducting the survey, NIOSH officials detected lead on the clothing and skin of employees. Lead particles were also found on surface areas throughout the e-scrap facilities.

The survey found that a good number of employees working in e-scrap de-manufacturing facilities were exposed to high noise levels.7 out of 13 employees surveyed were exposed to noise levels above the national workplace standard noise levels. A few employees were also spotted working in potentially dangerous circumstances.

The NIOSH report concludes by placing a list of recommendations in order to ensure workers safety at work locations. The report recommends several safety measures including updating the ventilation system, segregating CRT glass breaking areas and a remodeling of facility work stations.