Objective The essential aim of the research is the characterization and quantification of the particulate mass present at the place of work and includes the determination of the particle size fractions inhaled, a quantitative study of the PAH present - particularly those likely to be carcinogenic - and the examination of the different parameters which determine the representativeness of the personal sample, eg how the particulate matter is collected, oxidation, sublimation and stability of the samples.The study of pollution in the steelwork battery area requires a multifactorial analysis of the toxic charge. The risk of alveolar deposit of carcinogenic agents remains confirmed, and for this reason, the hygienic surveillance requires a suitable strategy for the valuation of the group of substances that are liable of being inhaled. Verification of biologically active agents should be given priority, and its quantification through urinary excretion, should probably be considered an interesting method for establishing the relation exposure/dose.The tests that were made with the AISPAH sampler proved to be very satisfactory. The equipment makes it possible to reliably capture the organic fraction of the PAH and offers more interesting information than using total particle control methodology (MTPS).This research project slots into the general framework of the studies conducted under the second phase of the 5th ECSC Programme and related to pollutant emissions of PAH in coking plant work stations, except that it will focus on evaluating individual exposure with a view to establishing an approach for monitoring the health risk of such exposure. This is a line of research which the ENSIDESA has been pursuing over the last few years.The research will be subdivided into the following phases:- study of the particulates inhaled on the basis of determination of the respirable fraction and total dusts;- study of the stability of the samples, of sublimation and oxidation of the PAH, and of the effects of sampling temperature;- study of continuous and intermittent extraction of particles;- analytical study of the PAH components and other substances of toxicological relevance.The study of particle composition is primarily aimed at establishing the concentration of the various PAH in the respirable and total fractions, by means of personal and static samplers using a filter collector and a cascade impactor. The PAH content will be studied in each of the particle fractions collected.Consideration of the stability of the samples includes studying its conservation and transport, the effects of temperature and the sublimation of the PAH, as well as possible oxidation either due to the oxidizing compounds contained in the pollutant mixture or under the influence of the volume of air sampled.The purpose of the study of particle capture is to evaluate the effects of intermittent respiratory flow on the effectiveness of collection and the possible depositing of PAH in the airways.The analytical study as such will be developed along two separate lines. The first will relate to the quantification and identification of the PAH, particularly those whose carcinogenic action has not been sufficiently clearly established. The method used will be gas chromatography, capillary column and flame ionization (FID) detection, in line with the analysis techniques developed in previous ECSC research projects.In parallel with the above-mentioned studies, a second line of inquiry will focus on seeking out the PAH resultant compounds (hydroxy-PAH and PAH-quinones) as well as other substances: nitrites, amino-derivatives, etc. Programme(s) ECSC-WORKENV 5C - Fifth research programme (ECSC) "Technical control of nuisances and pollution at the place of work and in the environment of iron and steel works", 1985-1989 Topic(s) 3 - Impact studies Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator ENSIDESA EU contribution No data Address Apartado 93 33400 AVILES (Asturias) Spain See on map Total cost No data
