[Risk assessment and toxicity effects of materials used during additive manufacturing with FDM technology]. / Ocena zagrozen i dzialanie toksyczne materialów stosowanych podczas drukowania przestrzennego w technologii FDM.

This paper discusses the potential of additive printing, the risks it poses to users' health (including 3D printer operators) and the effects of chemical substances released during the printing based on the available in vitro and in vivo studies. It was shown that substances emitted during printing with the commonly used acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament in additive manufacturing might have carcinogenic, hepatotoxic and teratogenic effects, as well as toxic effect on the respiratory system. The latest research on the mechanism of formation of particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during 3D printing, the parameters affecting their potential emission, and trends in reducing these hazards are indicated. The need for the design of more environmentally friendly and less emissive printing materials, as well as strategies for prevention and individual and collective protection measures are emphasized. Users of 3D printers should be familiar with all possible aspects of the threats associated with the printing process. Insufficient data on direct exposure to chemicals and particles released during the use of filaments makes it difficult to build awareness of safe working practices. Of particular concern is the health impact of emitted chemicals and particles from thermally treated materials in one of the most popular technologies for 3D printing, i.e., fused deposition modelling. Exposure of the users to, for example, plasticizers added to filaments occurs through a variety of routes, by absorption through the skin, by inhalation or ingestion. Available epidemiological data, as well as current experimental works, indicate that such exposure is a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis in adults, and cardiac problems and metabolic disorders in children. This review, by identifying potential risk factors, may contribute to reducing the health loss of printer users and improving working conditions and safety, especially in enterprises where additive manufacturing technology is used. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2).

[Assessment of occupational exposure to elemental carbon in plants using diesel machinery and equipment]. / Ocena narazenia zawodowego na wegiel elementarny w zakladach stosujacych maszyny i urzadzenia z silnikami wysokopreznymi.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents and discusses the results of the determination of elemental carbon emitted in diesel engine exhaust into the air of workplaces where machines and equipment with diesel engines are used. In order to assess occupational exposure to elemental carbon (EC) as a marker of exhaust gases emitted by diesel engines, 51 ground-based workplaces where people who operate or maintain equipment with this type of engine work were measured. Measurements were also carried out at 9 workplaces in non-coal mines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For air sampling at workplaces of diesel exhaust emitting machines and equipment located on the surface, a cartridge sampler without an impactor with a quartz filter was used for elemental carbon determination, while for measurements in non-coal mines the Higgins-Dewell Cyclone FH022 respirable fraction sampler was used. The thermo-optical carbon analysis method using a flame ionisation detector was used to determine elemental carbon. RESULTS: Analysis of the results of the determined elemental carbon concentrations at workplaces located on the ground, i.e., in car repair shops, and in the steelworks where combustion forklifts are operated, showed that the highest concentrations of elemental carbon were determined at the old forklift workplaces in the steelworks. The determined EC concentrations at these workstations were 353 µg/m3 and 78 µg/m3, respectively. In the non-coal mines, elemental carbon concentrations were in the range of 7.5-50 µg/m3. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure assessment at the surveyed workplace in the steelworks showed the highest 7-fold exceedance of the maximum admissible concentration (MAC) at the position of the combustion forklift operator. At the other surveyed workplaces in the car repair shop the marked concentrations were in the range of 0.1-0.5 MAC or <0.1 MAC. In non-coal mines, the determined concentrations ranged 0.12-1 times the MAC. Med Pr. 2023;74(2):93-102.

[Method for the determination of tetrachloromethane, trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, and tetrachloroethene in the air at workplaces]. / Metoda oznaczania tetrachlorometanu, trichloroetenu, 1,1,2-trichloroetanu i tetrachloroetenu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy.

BACKGROUND: Chemical substances from the halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons group are used in industry, e.g., as intermediates in syntheses, auxiliaries, solvents in degreasing processes, and laboratory tests. Due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment, their use is often banned or limited to certain industrial uses only. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sorbent tube containing 2 layers (100/50 mg) of coconut shell charcoal was used as a sampler for air sampling. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique and the use of HP-5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm), an oven temperature ramp program from 40°C to 250°C and selected ion monitoring mode were chosen for the determination. RESULTS: The established chromatographic conditions enable the simultaneous determination of tetrachloromethane, trichlorethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and tetrachloroethene in the concentration range 2-100 µg/ml. The average desorption coefficients obtained were: 0.97 for tetrachloromethane, 0.96 for trichloroethene, 0.96 for 1,1,2-trichloroethane and 0.96 for tetrachloroethene. CONCLUSIONS: The calculation of the substance concentration in the analyzed air requires the determination of the amount of substances trapped by the sorbent tube, the desorption coefficient and the air sample volume. Adequate dilution of the extract makes it possible to determine tetrachloromethane, trichloroethene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and tetrachloroethene in ranges corresponding to 0.1-2 times the maximum admissible concentrations in the workplace air. This article discusses the issues occupational safety and health, which are the subject matter of health sciences and environmental engineering research. Med Pr. 2023;74(1):53-62.

[The use of ion chromatography for the determination of volatile inorganic acids in workplace air]. / Zastosowanie chromatografii jonowej do oznaczania lotnych kwasów nieorganicznych w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy.

BACKGROUND: The presence of inorganic acids in the air poses a threat to the health of workers. Volatile inorganic acids, e.g., hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid and nitric acid, may cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. The presented method uses ion chromatography to determine the concentrations of hydrochloric, hydrobromic and nitric acids in air samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The method is based on the collection of airborne volatile acids on impregnated quartz fiber filter, extraction of acids with deionized water, and analysis by ion chromatography with conductivity suppression. The separation was performed on the Dionex IonPac™ AS22 (4 × 250 mm) column for trace anion analysis. The carbonate/bicarbonate eluent was maintained at an isocratic flow rate of 1.2 ml/min. The calibration standard solutions have been covering the range of 0.2-5 mg/l of chloride, bromide and nitrate. RESULTS: The specified chromatographic conditions enable selective measurement of chloride, bromide and nitrate anions. The obtained mass concentration of each anion, having factored in the sample dilution, the conversion factor (to convert anion concentration to acid) and the volume of the air sample, allows the calculation of acid concentrations in the analyzed air. CONCLUSIONS: This method makes it possible to determine the concentration of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid and nitric acid in the workplace air within the concentration range corresponding to 0.1-2 times the exposure limit value in Poland. The method meets the criteria for the performance of procedures for the measurement of chemical agents, listed in PN-EN 482. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering. Med Pr. 2022;73(4):337-47.

Exposure to chemical substances and particles emitted during additive manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing is an innovative technology that allows the production of three-dimensional objects replicating digital models. The aim of this study was to identify whether the use of this technology in a room without mechanical ventilation system may pose a health risk to its users due to the emission of chemical compounds and fine particles. Measurements were conducted in a furnished space with natural ventilation only, during additive manufacturing on a fused deposition modeling printer with 9 different filaments. Both chemicals and particles were sampled. Volatile organic compounds and phthalic acid esters were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection. Carbonyl compounds were determined using the high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection method. Fine particle emission studies were carried out using a DiSCmini particle counter (Testo). In the air samples, numerous chemical substances were identified including both the monomers of the individual materials used for printing such as styrene and other degradation products (formaldehyde, toluene, xylenes). Moreover, 3D printing process released particles with modal diameters ranging from 22.1 to 106.7 nm and increased the number concentration of particles in the workplace air. The results of analyses, depending on the type of material applied, showed the presence of particles and chemical substances in the working environment that may pose a risk to human health. Most of the identified substances can be harmful when inhaled and irritating to eyes and skin.

Hazard of chemical substances contamination of protective clothing for firefighters - a survey on use and maintenance.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the work was to analyze the impact of selected factors concerning the use and maintenance of firefighters' protective clothing worn during rescue operations on the hazard of contamination by chemical substances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants were firefighters (N = 688) from rescue and firefighting units of the State Fire Service in Poland, aged <30, 31-40, 41-50 or >60 years, with different seniority: up to >21 years of service. The survey questionnaire developed by the authors was used. The questionnaire was available online. The Statistica 10.0 statistical package using the χ2 test was applied in the analysis of the significance of the results. RESULTS: As reported by the vast majority (>60%) of the firefighters, the maintenance was carried out after recording an average or a high level of contamination. It was pointed out that removal of the contaminants from protective clothing was difficult (83%). The surfaces of the legs and sleeves of protective clothing were the most contaminated areas. A feeling of discomfort was observed (90%) after returning from firefighting operations due to fire, smoke, or combustion residues. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to conduct training and information actions concerning the use and maintenance of protective clothing and the harmfulness of chemicals contaminating the garments used by firefighters. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):235-48.

State of the art in additive manufacturing and its possible chemical and particle hazards-review.

Additive manufacturing, enabling rapid prototyping and so-called on-demand production, has become a common method of creating parts or whole devices. On a 3D printer, real objects are produced layer by layer, thus creating extraordinary possibilities as to the number of applications for this type of devices. The opportunities offered by this technique seem to be pushing new boundaries when it comes to both the use of 3D printing in practice and new materials from which the 3D objects can be printed. However, the question arises whether, at the same time, this solution is safe enough to be used without limitations, wherever and by everyone. According to the scientific reports, three-dimensional printing can pose a threat to the user, not only in terms of physical or mechanical hazards, but also through the potential emissions of chemical substances and fine particles. Thus, the presented publication collects information on the additive manufacturing, different techniques, and ways of printing with application of diverse raw materials. It presents an overview of the last 5 years' publications focusing on 3D printing, especially regarding the potential chemical and particle emission resulting from the use of such printers in both the working environment and private spaces.

Determination of phthalates in particulate matter and gaseous phase emitted in indoor air of offices.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are endocrine disrupters and can disrupt the functioning of different hormones, causing adverse effects on human health. Due to the potential exposure to phthalates in office rooms, their concentrations in the air of these premises after their renovation and furnishing were determined. The aim of the study was to determine the content of these compounds in the gas phase and adsorbed on the particles. Thus, the combined sampler with filters and adsorption tube was used for air sampling. Samples were analyzed by GC-MS. The gas fraction was dominated by dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and the inhalable fraction by dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and 2-(diethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The total concentration of phthalates in the respirable fraction in the furnished rooms was as much as 92% of the phthalates determined in the inhalable fraction. In the rooms immediately after renovation and those arranged and used by employees for 7 months, their concentration in the respirable fraction did not exceed 25% of the phthalates in the inhalable fraction. Phthalate concentration in the renovated rooms after 7 months of their usage dropped by 84% in relation to PAEs concentration in newly arranged rooms and by 68% in relation to the phthalate concentration in empty rooms.

Exhaust emissions from diesel engines fueled by different blends with the addition of nanomodifiers and hydrotreated vegetable oil HVO.

Diesel emissions have a significant impact on the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution, smog and global warming. As a result, diesel exhaust is dangerous to human health. While emissions reduction efforts have often focused on changing engine design or improving aftertreatment, diesel fuel modifications can also play an important role in improving engine efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. The aim of this work was to examine the potential for emissions reductions under real-world conditions when employing fuel additives. Three different additives were examined, consisting of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and two commercial additives containing nanoparticles of cerium dioxide and ferrocene. HVO was selected as a renewable fuel, an alternative to commonly used biodiesels with competitive advantages. The new European driving cycle (NEDC) procedure was used to measure emissions of regulated compounds: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates (by mass and number) from an 11-year-old passenger car equipped with a diesel engine powered by fuel blends. The fuel blends prepared met the quality requirements for diesel fuel. The results obtained confirm that the application of both HVO and nano-additives to diesel can achieve a significant reduction of carbon monoxide (52%) and hydrocarbon (47%) emissions compared to the B7 base fuel. Particulate emissions (up to 10% by mass of particulates and 7% by number of particulates) were found to be best reduced by adding nanoparticles of cerium dioxide to the B7 fuel (with 30% HVO), while the best results in reducing nitrogen oxide emissions were obtained by adding ferrocene nanoparticles to the B7 fuel with 30% HVO.

Kraft lignin/cubic boron nitride hybrid materials as functional components for abrasive tools.

In this study, the kraft lignin/cubic boron nitride hybrid materials have been obtained and characterized for the first time. The effectiveness of the combination of lignin and boron nitride was evaluated on the basis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the addition of cubic boron nitride (cBN) improved the thermal stability of the inorganic-organic material. Upswing in thermal properties allowed to apply the prepared materials in preparation of model abrasive composites. Beneficial influence of the lignin/cBN filler was also proven by a noticeable decrease in the amount of harmful phenol released from the compositions during headspace gas chromatography analysis. Mechanical properties of the lignin/boron nitride hybrids and resin systems were investigated by the three-point flexural test. The obtained results show that the used additives can be promising materials for abrasive tools combining the good properties of lignin as a plasticizer and of cubic boron nitride as a filler which improves the thermal and mechanical properties of finished products and, at the same time, limits the negative impact on human health and environment.

Resistance of gloves and protective clothing materials to permeation of cytostatic solutions.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the work was to determine the resistance of selected protective clothing and glove materials to permeation of cytostatics such as docetaxel, fluorouracil, and doxorubicin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following glove materials were used: natural rubber latex (code A), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (code B) and chloroprene rubber (code C). In addition, we tested a layered material composed of a non-woven polyester (PES), a polypropylene (PP) film, and a non-woven PP used for protective coats (code D). The cytostatics were analyzed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The tested samples were placed in a purpose-built permeation cell modified to be different from that specified in the standard EN 6529:2001. RESULTS: The tested materials were characterized by good resistance to solutions containing 2 out of the 3 selected cytostatics: doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil, as indicated by a breakthrough time of over 480 min. Equally high resistance to permeation of the third cytostatic (docetaxel) was exhibited by natural rubber latex, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, and chloroprene rubber. However, docetaxel permeated much more readily through the clothing layered material, compromising its barrier properties. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the presence of additional components in cytostatic preparations accelerated permeation through material samples, thus deteriorating their barrier properties. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(3):341-350.

[Assessment of occupational exposure to wood dust in the Polish furniture industry]. / Ocena narazenia zawodowego na pyly drewna pracowników przemyslu meblarskiego w Polsce.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to wood dust can be responsible for many different harmful health effects, especially in workers employed in the wood industry. The assessment of wood dust adverse effects to humans, as well as the interpretation of its concentration measurements carried out to assess potential occupational exposure are very difficult. First of all, it is due to possible occurrence of different kind of wood dust in the workplace air, namely wood dust from dozens of species of trees belonging to 2 kinds of botanical gymnosperms and angiosperms, as well as to its different chemical composition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total dust and respirable wood dust in the workplace air in the furniture industry was determined using the filtration-gravimetric method in accordance with Polish Standards PN-Z-04030-05:1991 and PN-Z-04030-06:1991. Air samples were collected based on the principles of individual dosimetry. RESULTS: Total dust concentrations were 0.84-13.92 mg/m3 and inhalable fraction concentrations, obtained after the conversion of total dust by applying a conversion factor of 1.59, were 1.34-22.13 mg/m3. Respirable fraction concentrations were 0.38-4.04 mg/m3, which makes approx. 25% of the inhalable fraction on average. The highest concentrations occurred in grinding and the lowest during milling processes of materials used in the manufacture of furniture. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the share of respirable fraction in the inhalable fraction of wood dust is considerable. Due to the determination of the threshold limit value (TLV) for the inhalable fraction of wood dust, it is necessary to replace the previously used samplers for total dust with samplers that provide quantitative separation of wood dust inhalable fractions in accordance with the convention of this fraction as defined in PN-EN 481:1998. Med Pr 2017;68(1):45-60.

[Use of personal protective equipment under occupational exposure to cytostatics]. / Stosowanie srodków ochrony indywidualnej w warunkach zawodowego narazenia na cytostatyki.

BACKGROUND: A growing number of cancer cases enhances the usage of cytostatic agents and thereby contributes to the increase in the number of health care workers occupationally exposed to cytostatics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article presents the results of the survey aimed at obtaining data on the reduction of occupational exposure through using personal protective equipment by the medical and pharmaceutical personnel involved in handling cytostatics. The questionnaires were sent by mail or e-mail to oncology hospitals and pharmacies preparing cytostatic drugs. Responses were received from 94 people employed in these workplaces. The main questions concerned the forms of cytostatics; job activities; types of personal protective equipment used and working time under exposure to cytotoxic drugs. RESULTS: The majority (over 90%) of the healthcare personnel declared the use of personal protective equipment when working under conditions of exposure to cytostatic drugs. Depending on the type of protection, 15-35% of people reported that the most frequent time of their single use of the apron, the overalls, the gloves, the cap, the goggles or the respirators did not exceed few minutes. Gloves were changed most frequently. However, half of the responses indicated that the time after which the respondents removed protection equipment greatly differed. CONCLUSIONS: Almost the whole group of respondents applied personal protective equipment when working under exposure to cytostatics. However, personal protective equipment was not used every time in case of exposure. The medical and pharmaceutical staff worked under exposure to cytostatics for a few or even dozen hours during the working day. Med Pr 2016;67(4):499-508.

[Determination of thoracic and inhalable fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) in workplace air]. / Oznaczanie frakcji torakalnej i wdychalnej kwasu siarkowego(VI) w powietrzu srodowiska pracy.

BACKGROUND: The article presents the results of the determination of the inhalable and thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) in 3 workplaces producing or processing this chemical. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To collect thoracic fractions of sulfuric acid(VI) Parallel Particle Impactor (PPI) was used. To isolate inhalable fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) from the air we used a sampler developed at the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), United Kingdom. Parallel Particle Impactor and IOM samplers worked with pumps at a flow of 2 l/min. For the chromatographic determination of the inhalable and thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) in workplace the ion chromatography with conductometric detection was used. RESULTS: Depending on the sampling place the concentration of thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) was: 0.0015-0.01 mg/m3 in workplace A, 0.0019-0.25 mg/m3 in workplace B, and 0.002-0.01 mg/m3 in workplace C. Of 22 tested workstations in workplace B only 7 exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) for the concentration of thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the utility of PPI for sampling the thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI). The studies show that at 22 workstations in the establishments producing or processing sulfuric acid(VI) thoracic fraction of acid is emitted to the work environment. The collected data showed that the thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) represents on average 64% of the inhalable fraction. Med Pr 2016;67(4):509-515.

Emissions of fluorides from welding processes.

The levels of fluoride airborne particulates emitted from welding processes were investigated. They were sampled with the patented IOM Sampler, developed by J. H. Vincent and D. Mark at the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), personal inhalable sampler for simultaneous collection of the inhalable and respirable size fractions. Ion chromatography with conductometric detection was used for quantitative analysis. The efficiency of fluoride extraction from the cellulose filter of the IOM sampler was examined using the standard sample of urban air particle matter SRM-1648a. The best results for extraction were obtained when water and the anionic surfactant N-Cetyl-N-N-N-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were used in an ultrasonic bath. The limits of detection and quantification for the whole procedure were 8µg/L and 24µg/L, respectively. The linear range of calibration was 0.01-10mg/L, which corresponds to 0.0001-0.1mg of fluorides per m(3) in collection of a 20L air sample. The concentration of fluorides in the respirable fraction of collected air samples was in the range of 0.20-1.82mg/m(3), while the inhalable fraction contained 0.23-1.96mg/m(3) of fluorides during an eight-hour working day in the welding room.

Measurements of chlorinated volatile organic compounds emitted from office printers and photocopiers.

Office devices can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) partly generated by toners and inks, as well as particles of paper. The aim of the presented study is to identify indoor emissions of volatile halogenated organic compounds into the office workspace environment. Mixtures of organic pollutants emitted by seven office devices, i.e. printers and copiers, were analyzed by taking samples in laboratory conditions during the operation of these appliances. Tests of volatile organic compound emissions from selected office devices were conducted in a simulated environment (test chamber). Samples of VOCs were collected using three-layered thermal desorption tubes. Separation and identification of organic pollutant emissions were made using thermal desorption combined with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Test chamber studies indicated that operation of the office printer and copier would contribute to the significant concentration level of VOCs in typical office indoor air. Among the determined volatile halogenated compounds, only chlorinated organic compounds were identified, inter alia: trichloroethylene - carcinogenic - and tetrachloroethylene - possibly carcinogenic to human. The results show that daily exposure of an office worker to chemical factors released by the tested printing and copying units can be variable in terms of concentrations of VOCs. The highest emissions in the test chamber during printing were measured for ethylbenzene up to 41.3 µg m(-3), xylenes up to 40.5 µg m(-3) and in case of halogenated compounds the highest concentration for chlorobenzene was 6.48 µg m(-3). The study included the comparison of chamber concentrations and unit-specific emission rates of selected VOCs and the identified halogenated compounds. The highest amount of total VOCs was emitted while copying with device D and was rated above 1235 µg m(-3) and 8400 µg unit(-1) h(-1) on average.

[Occupational exposure to airborne chemical substances in paintings conservators]. / Narazenie konserwatorów malarstwa na substancje chemiczne wystepujace w powietrzu srodowiska pracy.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents the results of the quantitative study of the airborne chemical substances detected in the conservator's work environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The quantitative tests were carried out in 6 museum easel paintings conservation studios. The air test samples were taken at various stages of restoration works, such as cleaning, doubling, impregnation, varnishing, retouching, just to name a few. The chemical substances in the sampled air were measured by the GC-FID (gas chromatography with flame ionization detector) test method. RESULTS: The study results demonstrated that concentrations of airborne substances, e.g., toluene, 1,4-dioxane, turpentine and white spirit in the work environment of paintings conservators exceeded the values allowed by hygiene standards. It was found that exposure levels to the same chemical agents, released during similar activities, varied for different paintings conservation studios. It is likely that this discrepancy resulted from the indoor air exchange system for a given studio (e.g. type of ventilation and its efficiency), the size of the object under maintenance, and also from the methodology and protection used by individual employees. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of organic solvent vapors, present in the workplace air in the course of painting conservation, were found to be well above the occupational exposure limits, thus posing a threat to the worker's health.

[The study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in particulate fractions emitted by office printers and copiers]. / Badanie wielopierscieniowych weglowodorów aromatycznych we frakcjach pylow emitowanych z drukarek i kserokopiarek biurowych.

BACKGROUND: This article presents the study ofpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on fine particles emitted during the simulated operation of office printers and copiers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study three types of printers, and four types of office copiers were used. Measurements were carried out in a closed measuring chamber. Air samples (fractions of particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5) were collected on Teflon filters. The analysis of PAHs was carried out according HPLC/FL. RESULTS: The results of qualitative analysis of filters from PM2.5 and PM10 type samplers indicated the presence of the majority (10-14) of PAH congeners. the highest concentration of total PAHs was determined in the PM10 fraction in the air during the operation of a copier, and amounted to 36.52 µg x g-1. The total content of PAHs as determined in the fraction of line particulates, size of < 2.5 µm, accounts for 48-84% of the PAH content in the < 10 µm fraction for printers and 63-89% for copiers. During the operation of both printers and copiers, benzo(a)pirene (BaP) was identified in both fractions, PM2.5 and PM10. The maximum concentration of BaP in the fraction of < 10 µm particles emitted by a printer amounted to 3.29±0.2 µg x g-1. CONCLUSIONS: The studies showed that the composition of emitted substances and fine particles depends on the type of equipment and technology used. Fine particles emitted to the environment and organic compounds, including PAHs adsorbed on them may pose a threat to people working in such an environment.

[Chemical hazards in the workplace environment of painting restorer]. / Zagrozenia chemiczne w srodowisku pracy konserwatora malarstwa.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents the results of the identification of chemical substances present in the air in the workplace of painting restorer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Identification tests were carried out in university and museum easel paintings conservation studios. Air samples were taken for testing at various stages of restoration works. In the qualitative analysis chemical substances in the air samples were measured by GC-MSD and HPLC-DAD methods. RESULTS: In the air samples collected during the cleaning of paintings, such substances as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, acetone, ethanol and terpenes were mainly identified. While the painting was doubled toluene and while varnished, propan-2-ol, propane, butane and substances derived from turpentine and white spirit were mainly emitted. CONCLUSIONS: During the course of painting conservation numerous chemical substances that may pose a threat to the worker's health were identified in their breathing zone.