Abstract

Some metal finishing operations (grinding, sanding, stripping) expose workers to high levels of dust, and constitute a health hazard. These exposures are currently poorly characterized. This project will characterize metal particles found in actual workplaces as a function of particle size.

The relationship between contaminant concentrations and airborne particle size will be summarized in a table which will provide a starting point for the evaluation of the biological activity of contaminants deposited at various levels of the respiratory tract. Results will be grouped by the type of workstation, nature of exposure, and level of exposure.

Armed with the information from this study on the exposure of metal finishing workers to airborne dusts, toxicologists will be better able to propose causal links between exposure and health effects. Characterization of the aerosol will also help industrial hygienists recommend appropriate ventilation systems.