This presentation will describe the predominant workplace hazards at USDOE's largest former production facility and the medical findings of latent noise induced hearing loss and asbestos and beryllium related pulmonary disease. Over 1500 Occupational Health Surveys have been reviewed from this workforce. Noise, gamma radiation, chlorinated solvents, asbestos, plutonium and beryllium exposures are most notable.
Over 500 workers have completed exams. Almost half of those with chest radiographs have abnormal findings, about 5% are sensitized to beryllium, 42% have abnormal spirometry and nearly 80% have compensable hearing loss. Analyses of job exposure matrix and medical outcomes will be presented along with workers compensation information. These data will contribute to the discussion of future surveillance needs for the USDOE worker population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to: 1) Describe the primary exposure hazards at this large USDOE nuclear weapons production facility 2) Evaluate the initial findings of medical screening for noise induced hearing loss, beryllium sensitization and disease, and asbestos related 3) Discuss the implications from the first two and one half years of the screening program for former workers in DOE vv. workers' compensation and ongoing surveillance
Keywords: Surveillance,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: USDOE
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: USDOE grants:
DE-FC01-95EW55084
DE-FC03-96SF21258/A000