In 1987, the California Department of Health Services Occupational Health Program (COHP) conducted a study of workers' exposures to toxic substances in the Los Angeles precious jewelry manufacturing industry. To assess which hazards were m ost serious, COHP conducted on-site surveys of fourteen randomly selected precious jewelry manufacturing companies and one fashion jewelry company. Overexposures to several toxic substances were identified in the companies surveyed. The most serious of these were overexposures to cadmium (from solder) and silica (from investment); both can cause disabling or fatal illness and are suspected of causing cancer. In over half the companies, unsafe handling of cyanide and of hydrofluoric acid created a risk of serious injury. Neither managers nor employees were aware of the most serious hazards, or of appropriate control methods. Because of the hazards identified, jewelry workers are at risk for occupational illnesses and injuries; however, actual illness and injury rates were not measured.

For each of the principal hazards, feasible control methods were being used by at least one of the companies surveyed. Complete elimination from the workplace is recommended for cadmium, hydrofluoric acid, and cyanide, since alternative products or processes are available. If use of these continues, strict precautions should be followed to limit employee exposures. Comprehensive health and safety programs should be established to identify and control other hazards.

Author: Jim Bellows