The Emission Characteristics of VOCs and Environmental Health Risk Assessment in the Plywood Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study in Shandong Province

Weiyan Du, Huan Xie, Jiao Li, Xu Guan (), Miaomiao Li, Haolin Wang, Xinfeng Wang, Xin Zhang () and Qingzhu Zhang
Additional contact information
Weiyan Du: Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Huan Xie: Shandong Academy for Environmental Planning, Jinan 250101, China
Jiao Li: Shandong Tianwei Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., Zibo 255000, China
Xu Guan: Shandong Academy for Environmental Planning, Jinan 250101, China
Miaomiao Li: Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Haolin Wang: Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Xinfeng Wang: Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Xin Zhang: Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Qingzhu Zhang: Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-13

Abstract: The current emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the plywood manufacturing industry are not yet clearly understood, and their impact on occupational health warrants attention. This study examines VOC concentrations in adhesive-coating and hot-pressing workshops, aiming to discern the emission characteristics and evaluate the health risks to workers. The calculated VOC emission factors range from 1.5 to 3.6 g/m 3 for plywood, and an average total VOC concentration of 954.17 μg/m 3 is observed. Hot pressing (336.63 μg/m 3 ) and adhesive coating (276.24 μg/m 3 ) substantially contribute to organized and unorganized emissions, respectively. Oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) (50.79%) predominate, followed by alkanes (16.22%) and halohydrocarbons (15.81%). Formaldehyde, acetone, and acetaldehyde are most prevalent in organized emissions, while dichloromethane, formaldehyde, and methyl methacrylate are dominant in unorganized emissions. Ozone formation potential (OFP) values range from 905.04 to 1822.35 μg/m 3 , with notable contributions from formaldehyde, methyl methacrylate, and acetaldehyde. Health risk assessments using the total lifetime cancer risk (T-LCR) values suggest potential cancer risks for identified VOCs, particularly formaldehyde in the hot-pressing process. These findings will contribute valuable insights for regional-scale VOC pollution control and offer guidance for minimizing environmental impact and improving occupational health and safety within the plywood manufacturing industry.

Keywords: plywood manufacturing industry; VOC emission characteristics; source profiles; OFP; environmental health risk assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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