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M. Environmental Setting P g, Impacts, and Miti ations L. Public Health and Safety Although ingestion of toxic substances should be a less significant route of exposure in a solid- waste-handling facility,personal habits, such as chewing tobacco or gum,drinking coffee,or eating on-site, may provide a route of entry for chemicals. The last primary route of exposure is injection,whereby puncture wounds introduce chemicals into the body. Abrasions and cuts from nails or sharp pieces of metal could occur at the workplace,leading to exposure via this route. One of the most significant risks from exposure to the workers at the expanded landfill would probably be through inhalation of waste material in the form of dust. The effect of dust inhalation on workers who would be exposed daily at the project site is uncertain. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists(ACGIH)publishes Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)for airborne concentrations of substances representing conditions under which it believes nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse health effects. These TLVs are listed for time-weighted averages(TWAs). The TWA for particulates (not otherwise specified)is 10 mg/m3 (ACGIH, 1991). While this level represents relatively dusty conditions, it is possible that dust levels at the site could occasionally exceed this safety standard if dust control measures are not continually taken. There are also TLVs for various metals and organic compounds. The TLV for lead dust for example is 0.05 mg/m3. Exceeding worker safety standards,if it occurred, would be considered a significant impact of the project. Workers could be exposed to corrosive material through direct skin and eye contact. In any case, the pH would be high and physical contact would be irritating. Although exposure to toxic metals and organic compounds would probably have no acute effects, such exposure could conceivably result in chronic health problems. Workers could also take material off-site if they were allowed to leave the facility wearing contaminated clothing. People off-site,including children,could then be exposed to substances in the waste. Because the waste material may have relatively high levels(close to the hazardous waste standard)of lead and other metals that are known to be harmful to children,the potential for exposure to this dust is considered significant. Title 14,Section 17642,requires that employees are "adequately trained in subjects pertinent to the site operation and maintenance,with emphasis on safety,health,environmental controls and emergency procedures. In addition,the legally-required Injury and Illness Prevention Program (required by SB 198)provides for the training of personnel working with potentially toxic substances. Adequate personal protective equipment and monitoring programs are required by law. III.L.14