D2: PEAK Part 2: Occupational Exposure to Particulate Matter and Chemicals
Univ Cincinnati, Environmental & Occupational Hygiene
Cincinnati, OH
USA
Mon, 6/1: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM CDT
Education Sessions
Education Sessions
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Room: 288
CM Credit Hours: 1
Description
Monitoring particulate matter (PM) and contaminants is of importance to maintain workers' health. Organized by the Aerosol Technology Committee, Part 2 of the PEAK session focuses on field studies conducted by researchers, in occupational environments.
Personal and area samples were collected over six days from live fire training exercises, at a Midwestern municipality fire department training building. Most measured contaminants were below occupational exposure limits, except formaldehyde. PM concentrations were ~50% higher on burn days compared to the control. A nearby public services facility was also observed to have elevated aerosol concentrations, which could be a concern to public and workers' health. Another study was conducted at an aviation engine bushing molding and piston manufacturing facility where graphite is extensively used as a lubricant and process material. Although gravimetric dust concentrations were relatively low and below occupational exposure limits, particle number concentrations were substantially elevated, particularly in high-temperature treatment and grinding/honing areas.
Real-time monitoring revealed intense peaks in ultrafine and fine particle counts, suggesting potential respiratory health concerns not captured by mass-based sampling alone. These findings highlight the importance of considering particle number metrics, in addition to traditional mass concentrations, when evaluating graphite exposures in manufacturing environments.
Personal and area samples were collected over six days from live fire training exercises, at a Midwestern municipality fire department training building. Most measured contaminants were below occupational exposure limits, except formaldehyde. PM concentrations were ~50% higher on burn days compared to the control. A nearby public services facility was also observed to have elevated aerosol concentrations, which could be a concern to public and workers' health. Another study was conducted at an aviation engine bushing molding and piston manufacturing facility where graphite is extensively used as a lubricant and process material. Although gravimetric dust concentrations were relatively low and below occupational exposure limits, particle number concentrations were substantially elevated, particularly in high-temperature treatment and grinding/honing areas.
Real-time monitoring revealed intense peaks in ultrafine and fine particle counts, suggesting potential respiratory health concerns not captured by mass-based sampling alone. These findings highlight the importance of considering particle number metrics, in addition to traditional mass concentrations, when evaluating graphite exposures in manufacturing environments.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Explain the use of particle number metrics and mass concentrations in occupational environments.
• Demonstrate the ability to use air samplers and particle counters, to monitor occupational exposures.
• Implement air sampling strategies in different environments, to assess worker exposures.
• Recall skills to integrate monitoring techniques in workplaces and industrial hygiene programs.
• Explain the use of particle number metrics and mass concentrations in occupational environments.
• Demonstrate the ability to use air samplers and particle counters, to monitor occupational exposures.
• Implement air sampling strategies in different environments, to assess worker exposures.
• Recall skills to integrate monitoring techniques in workplaces and industrial hygiene programs.
Content Level
Intermediate
Core Competencies
Chemical Sampling and Instrumental Analysis
Exposure Assessment
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Keywords
Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring
Environmental protection and monitoring
Indoor air quality
Risk assessment and management
Session Availability
In-person
Targeted Audience
Professional
Transfer of Knowledge
Lecture Only