Characterization of Total and Size-Fractionated Manganese Exposure by Work Area in a Shipbuilding Yard.
10.1016/j.shaw.2015.12.003
- Author:
Jee Yeon JEONG
1
;
Jong Su PARK
;
Pan Gyi KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yong In University, Yongin, Republic of Korea. jyjung@yongin.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
exposure;
manganese;
particle size;
shipbuilding;
welding fume
- MeSH:
Humans;
Manganese*;
Particle Size;
Welding
- From:Safety and Health at Work
2016;7(2):150-155
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Shipbuilding involves intensive welding activities, and welders are exposed to a variety of metal fumes, including manganese, that may be associated with neurological impairments. This study aimed to characterize total and size-fractionated manganese exposure resulting from welding operations in shipbuilding work areas. METHODS: In this study, we characterized manganese-containing particulates with an emphasis on total mass (n = 86, closed-face 37-mm cassette samplers) and particle size-selective mass concentrations (n = 86, 8-stage cascade impactor samplers), particle size distributions, and a comparison of exposure levels determined using personal cassette and impactor samplers. RESULTS: Our results suggest that 67.4% of all samples were above the current American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists manganese threshold limit value of 100 μg/m3 as inhalable mass. Furthermore, most of the particles containing manganese in the welding process were of the size of respirable particulates, and 90.7% of all samples exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of 20 μg/m3 for respirable manganese. CONCLUSION: The concentrations measured with the two sampler types (cassette: total mass; impactor: inhalable mass) were significantly correlated (r = 0.964, p < 0.001), but the total concentration obtained using cassette samplers was lower than the inhalable concentration of impactor samplers.
