Occupational Exposure to Fine Particles and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Foundry

Several studies have shown an increased mortality rate for different types of tumors, respiratory disease and cardiovascular morbidity associated with foundry work. Airborne particles were investigated in a steelmaking foundry using an electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI+(TM)), a Philips Aerasense Nanotracer and traditional sampling equipment. Determination of metallic elements in the collected particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median of ultrafine particle (UFP) concentration was between 4.91 x 10(3) and 2.33 x 10(5) part/cm(3) (max. 9.48 x 10(6) part/cm(3)). Background levels ranged from 1.97 x 10(4) to 3.83 x 10(4) part/cm(3). Alveolar and deposited tracheobronchial surface area doses ranged from 1.3 x 10(2) to 8.7 x 10(3) mm(2), and 2.6 x 10(1) to 1.3 x 10(3) mm(2), respectively. Resulting inhalable and respirable fraction and metallic elements were below limit values set by Italian legislation. A variable concentration of metallic elements was detected in the different fractions of UFPs in relation to the sampling site, the emission source and the size range. This data could be useful in order to increase the knowledge about occupational exposure to fine and ultrafine particles and to design studies aimed to investigate early biological effects associated with the exposure to particulate matter in the foundry industries.