Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory

Gabriele Marcias, Jacopo Fostinelli, Simona Catalani, Michele Uras, Andrea Maurizio Sanna, Giuseppe Avataneo, Giuseppe De Palma, Daniele Fabbri, Matteo Paganelli, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Giorgio Buonanno and Marcello Campagna
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Gabriele Marcias: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Jacopo Fostinelli: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Simona Catalani: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Michele Uras: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Andrea Maurizio Sanna: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Giuseppe Avataneo: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Giuseppe De Palma: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Daniele Fabbri: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Matteo Paganelli: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Luigi Isaia Lecca: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
Giorgio Buonanno: Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, I-03043 Cassino, Italy
Marcello Campagna: Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: Background: The characteristics of aerosol, in particular particle size and chemical composition, can have an impact on human health. Particle size distribution and chemical composition is a necessary parameter in occupational exposure assessment conducted in order to understand possible health effects. The aim of this study was to characterize workplace airborne particulate matter in a metallurgical setting by synergistically using two different approaches; Methodology: Analysis of inhalable fraction concentrations through traditional sampling equipment and ultrafine particles (UFP) concentrations and size distribution was conducted by an Electric Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI+™). The determination of metallic elements (ME) in particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Results: Inhalable fraction and ME concentrations were below the limits set by Italian legislation and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, 2017). The median of UFP was between 4.00 × 10 4 and 2.92 × 10 5 particles/cm 3 . ME concentrations determined in the particles collected by ELPI show differences in size range distribution; Conclusions: The adopted synergistic approach enabled a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the particles in steelmaking factories. The results could lead to a better knowledge of occupational exposure characterization, in turn affording a better understanding of occupational health issues due to metal fumes exposure.

Keywords: ultrafine particles; metallic elements; occupational exposure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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