Maintenance of Low-Pressure Carburising Furnaces: A Source of PAH Exposure.
Ann Work Expo Health
; 61(3): 321-332, 2017 Apr 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28355413
OBJECTIVES: Low-pressure carburising is a new technology used to harden steel; the process has been shown to be a source of considerable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) pollution. Some PAH are carcinogenic, and activities such as furnace maintenance may thus represent a risk to workers. Occupational exposure during these operations should therefore be assessed. METHODS: In this study, the PAH-related carcinogenic risk associated with furnace maintenance was assessed by monitoring atmospheric levels of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a representative marker, alongside urinary levels of 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHBaP), one of its metabolites. PAH exposure levels were monitored during seven sampling campaigns in four different factories specialized in heat-treatment of mechanical workpieces for the automotive and helicopter industries. Two types of furnace were studied, and 37 individuals were monitored. RESULTS: Values up to 20-fold the French regulatory value of 150 ng/m3 for atmospheric BaP, and, for urinary 3-OHBaP values up to 40-fold the French biological limit value (BLV) of 0.35 nmol/mol of creatinine were detected. Very high concentrations of BaP, close to or even exceeding those found in coal-tar pitch (up to about 20 g/kg), were measured in residues (tars, dusts) deposited inside the furnace. Even when adequate and suitable personal protective equipment was used, urinary 3-OHBaP values often exceeded the BLV. We hypothesize that this exposure is linked to insidious and fortuitous dermal contamination through contact with factory equipment and staining.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
12_ODS3_hazardous_contamination
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2_ODS3
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos
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Aço
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Carcinógenos
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Exposição Ocupacional
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Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar
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Manutenção
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Metalurgia
Limite:
Adult
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ann Work Expo Health
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article