Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. HHE-78-95-596, Jonas Brothers Taxidermy Co., Denver, Colorado
At the request of at least three workers at the Jonas Brothers Taxidermy Company (SIC-7699) of Denver, Colorado, breathing zone tests, medical evaluations, and biological tests were performed on July 5 to 7, August 1 to 4, and November 5 to 7, 1978, respectively. Hazardous exposure to arsenic (7440382), asbestos (1332214), phenol (108952), perchloroethylene (127184), toluene (108883), and xylene (1330207) was suspected. Breathing zone air sample tests revealed levels of arsenic (to 0.68 milligrams per cubic meter of air) and perchloroethylene (to 1,546 milligrams per cubic meter of air) that exceeded OSHA standards of 0.01 and 670 milligrams per cubic meter of air, respectively. Medical and biological tests included chest x-rays, blood samples, urinary analysis, and pulmonary function tests. Conclusions from the environmental and medical data suggest that approximately 25 affected workers were exposed to hazardous health conditions. Recommendations resulting from the evaluation include the use of respirators and protective clothing, the improvement of ventilation systems, and the periodic toxicological monitoring of workers.