Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.2478/10004-1254-64-2013-2284
Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica in the Iranian Mazandaran Province Industry Workers
Mahmoud Mohammadyan
; Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Mohammad Rokni
; Quemshahr Health Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Razieh Yosefinejad
; Department of Occupational Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Abstract
This study investigated occupational exposure to silica dust of 48 workers in stone cutting, glass making, ceramic, and sand blasting plants in the north of Iran. Samples were collected from the breathing zone using a personal sampling pump and a size-selective cyclone. Sample filters and blanks were analysed using infrared spectroscopy. The mean sampling period was 4.83 h. Mean exposure of workers to crystalline silica dust in glass making, ceramic, sand blasting, and stone cutting was 0.129 mg m-3, 0.169 mg m-3, 0.313 mg m-3 and 0.318 mg m-3, respectively. As exposure at each of the workplaces is three to 12 times higher than the current national and international thresholds, these workers run a greater risk of lung cancer and mortality. Our findings call for specific ventilation design and personal protection improvements in the four plants as well as stricter enforcement of the existing regulations by the authorities.
Keywords
glass making; sand blasting; stone cutting; worker exposure
Hrčak ID:
98695
URI
Publication date:
20.3.2013.
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