>
Gordon,

Yes, it was a great conference and thank you for your views.  I

wanted to make one addition on the subject of lead exposure in the

electronics industry.  As a solder paste supplier, Heraeus also

manufactures solder powder.  The people who work in the solder powder

atomization room are exposed to lead and must wear masks and have their

blood lead levels continuously monitored.  Most workers are shining

examples and will not enter the room without the proper equipment.

Our workers undergo extensive lead awareness training and we

try to enforce wearing masks at all times, yet there have been instances

where a worker has been caught without a mask.  There have also been

instances where the blood lead level has increased due to lead exposure.
We also had an example of a person whose level rose to a dangerous level
and had to be switched to a different position til it dropped back down.
And, not surprisingly, there is a greater turnover rate in this position
because they know the dangers and worry about possible long term effects
and would rather work in a safer, healthier environment.  In talking to
these guys that work in the atomization room, one thing is for sure;
they don't like working with lead and and are very excited about the
possibility of lead free solder.
Angela Grusd
Heraeus Inc.

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