Title: | Used tire recycling to produce granulates: evaluation of occupational exposure to chemical agents |
Address: | "Institut National de Recherche et de Securite (INRS), Departement de Metrologie des polluants, rue du Morvan, CS60027, F-54519 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France. barbara.savary@inrs.fr" |
ISSN/ISBN: | 1475-3162 (Electronic) 0003-4878 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "Exposure was assessed in four facilities where used tires are turned into rubber granulates. Particulate exposure levels were measured using filter samples and gravimetric analysis. In parallel, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) screening was carried out using samples taken on activated carbon supports, followed by an analysis using a gas chromatograph coupled to a spectrometric detector. The exposure level medians are between 0.58 and 3.95 mg m(-3). Clogging of the textile fiber separation systems can lead to worker exposure; in this case, the measured concentrations can reach 41 mg m(-3). However, in contrast to the data in the literature, VOC levels >1 p.p.m. were not detected. The particulate mixtures deposited on the installation surfaces are complex; some of the chemical agents are toxic to humans. The results of this study indicate significant exposure to complex mixtures of rubber dust. Optimizing exhaust ventilation systems inside the shredders, with a cyclone for example, is essential for reducing the exposure of workers in this rapidly developing sector" |
Keywords: | "Air Pollutants, Occupational/*analysis Dust/analysis France Humans Occupational Exposure/*analysis Particulate Matter/*analysis *Recycling *Rubber Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis;" |
Notes: | "MedlineSavary, Barbara Vincent, Raymond eng England 2011/08/11 Ann Occup Hyg. 2011 Oct; 55(8):931-6. doi: 10.1093/annhyg/mer059. Epub 2011 Aug 9" |