Suchergebnisse

Abstract

Introduction
Clusters of silicosis cases related to the fabrication of quartz conglomerate products and accessories for the furnishing of kitchens and bathrooms are recently reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to airborne respirable dust and crystalline silica (RCS) in a company specialized in the production of quartz conglomerates countertops and to investigate the effectiveness of introduced preventive measures (wet finishing, increasing of exhaust ventilation, closing in cabins some of the sanding and finishing operations).


Materials and Methods
The study was carried out on 51 workers involved in cutting and finishing operations in four facilities. Exposure to respirable dust was evaluated using GS3 cyclones positioned at the breathing zone level for the entire duration of the work shift. RCS content was measured by X-ray diffractometric analysis.


Results and Discussion
Respirable dust levels were in the range 0.046-1.154 mg/m3 (mean 0.160 mg/m3) with RCS levels within the range <0.003-0.098 mg/m3 (mean 0.022 mg/m3). All RCS levels were lower than the Italian OEL of 0.100 mg/m3 and the 22% above the more restrictive ACGIH-TLV of 0.025 mg/m3. Statistically higher levels were found in correspondence with finishing operations than in cut operations (p<0.05) and during dry operations than in wet (p=0.02). RCS levels were lower than those found in the past before the introduction of preventive technical measures where RCS levels were up to 0.744 mg/m3. Although there was a decisive reduction in exposure levels compared to what was observed in the past, the data still showed a risk condition for some activities. Board of the Italian Association of Industrial Hygienists (AIDII). Her scientific activity is documented by over 80 printed publications both as articles in Journals and contributions to National Congresses.

The adverse effects associated with exposure to flour dust have been known since the 1700s. The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to flour dust in Italian facilities, identify the activities characterized by the highest exposure, and provide information to reduce workers' exposure. The study was performed in different facilities such as flourmills (n = 2), confectioneries (n = 2), bakeries (n = 24), and pizzerias (n = 2). Inhalable flour dust was assessed by personal and area samplings (n = 250) using IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine) samplers. The results showed personal occupational exposure to flour dust over the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene (ACGIH) and the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limit (SCOEL) occupational limits (mean 1.987 mg/m(3); range 0.093–14.055 mg/m(3)). The levels were significantly higher for dough makers in comparison to the dough formers and packaging area subjects. In four bakeries the industrial hygiene surveys were re-performed after some control measures, such as installation of a sleeve to the end of pipeline, a lid on the mixer tub or local exhaust ventilation system, were installed. The exposure levels were significantly lower than those measured before the introduction of control measures. The exposure level reduction was observed not only in the dough making area but also in all bakeries locals.