Plainfield electronics recycling employees were exposed to toxic metals, OSHA officials say

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- A suburban Plainfield electronics recycling facility now faces fines after officials say some of its workers were overexposed to high concentrations of toxic heavy metals.

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials say workers separating circuit boards at Kuusakoski US LLC were exposed to high airborne concentrations of lead and cadmium - heavy toxic metals that in large quantities can cause long-term damage to the central nervous, urinary, blood and reproductive systems.

Officials say the company has received 26 health citations - worth $114,800 - after it allegedly failed to monitor employee exposure and implement engineering controls. The company has 15 days to respond.