Short communication, Note
Suspended particulate matter and fluoride content in the air in an aluminium plant
K. Šega
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
N. Kalinić
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to evaluate occupational exposure to suspended particulate matter and fluorides in the air in workers employed in an aluminium plant. The concentration of total suspended particulate matter and the particle size distribution by mass, as well as fluoride content in each particle size fraction were determined using stationary devices located in the electrolysis and foundry sections. Personal exposure to the respirable particle fraction and its fluoride content were determined using personal samplers worn by the workers in the electrolysis section. The concentration of total suspended particulate matter in the electrolysis section was nine times as high as the concentration in the foundry section, but the fluoride content was slightly lower. Particles less than 3 µm in size had a higher fluoride content than the larger ones. The fluoride content in samples collected by personal samplers was higher (8%) compared with those collected by stationary devices (2.6%). This was probably the result of workers' activities in the production section during periods of highest emission of fluoride rich dust (driving vehicles, changing anodes, puncturing electrolytic beds, etc.), The measurement of the settled dust showed that approximately five tons of dust settles each day on the total surface of the production section. Most of this dust is redispersed into the air and highly contributes to the total ,particle concentration in the air. Better housekeeping and enclosure of .furnaces ds recommended.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
153801
URI
Publication date:
30.6.1987.
Visits: 1.333 *