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Document ID (ISN)103935
CIS number 05-166
ISBN(s) 3-86509-176-8
Year 2004
Convention or series no. GA 64
Author(s) Auffarth J., Hebisch R., Johnen A., Linsel G.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin
Title Occupational exposure to hazardous substances during plastics recycling
Original title Stoffbelastungen bei der werkstofflichen Verwertung von Kunststoffen [in German]
Bibliographic information Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 89p. Illus. 39 ref. Price: EUR 11.50.
Abstract Workers' exposure to hazardous substances and biological agents during the recycling of plastics was evaluated in twelve enterprises. Findings indicate that workers are mainly exposed to inhalable dust, with exposure levels in most cases being within occupational exposure limits for inhalable dust and heavy metals in this dust fraction. Exposure to respirable dust is low. Forklift trucks with diesel engines not equipped with particle filters and used in closed shops yield a significant exposure to diesel particulate matter. The concentration found was up to twice the short term exposure limit for diesel exhaust emissions. During the recycling of biologically-contaminated plastics, the mean exposure to endotoxins was found to be approximately 30 times higher than their normal ambient air concentration levels, with peak values of up to a factor of a thousand.
Descriptors (primary) plastics; biological hazards; recycling of materials; harmful substances
Descriptors (secondary) diesel engines; Germany; exposure evaluation; respirable dust; bacterial toxins
Document type E - Books, reports, proceedings
Country / State or ProvinceGermany
Subject(s) Chemicals, plastics and rubber
Dust, aerosols and related diseases
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Biological hazards