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 Province | Germany |
Subject(s) |
Chemicals, plastics and rubber Dust, aerosols and related diseases
|
Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
Browse category(ies) |
Biological hazards
|