Assessment of occupational exposure to arsenic, copper, and lead in a western copper smelter.

A comprehensive industrial hygiene survey was conducted at a western copper smelter and arsenic trioxide production facility. The major contaminants reported are arsenic, copper, and lead. The greatest concern noted was for the arsenic measurements found, 69% of which exceeded the 10 micrograms/M3 permissible exposure limit. The company must use a combination of feasible engineering and administrative controls as well as a sophisticated respiratory protection program, however, the efficacy of that program will require continued study and evaluation.