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Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriele Marcias

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

  • Jacopo Fostinelli

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Simona Catalani

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Michele Uras

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

  • Andrea Maurizio Sanna

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Avataneo

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

  • Giuseppe De Palma

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Daniele Fabbri

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

  • Matteo Paganelli

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Luigi Isaia Lecca

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

  • Giorgio Buonanno

    (Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, I-03043 Cassino, Italy
    International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane 4001, Australia
    Department of Engineering, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy)

  • Marcello Campagna

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

Abstract

Background: The characteristics of aerosol, in particular particle size and chemical composition, can have an impact on human health. Particle size distribution and chemical composition is a necessary parameter in occupational exposure assessment conducted in order to understand possible health effects. The aim of this study was to characterize workplace airborne particulate matter in a metallurgical setting by synergistically using two different approaches; Methodology: Analysis of inhalable fraction concentrations through traditional sampling equipment and ultrafine particles (UFP) concentrations and size distribution was conducted by an Electric Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI+™). The determination of metallic elements (ME) in particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Results: Inhalable fraction and ME concentrations were below the limits set by Italian legislation and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, 2017). The median of UFP was between 4.00 × 10 4 and 2.92 × 10 5 particles/cm 3 . ME concentrations determined in the particles collected by ELPI show differences in size range distribution; Conclusions: The adopted synergistic approach enabled a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the particles in steelmaking factories. The results could lead to a better knowledge of occupational exposure characterization, in turn affording a better understanding of occupational health issues due to metal fumes exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Marcias & Jacopo Fostinelli & Simona Catalani & Michele Uras & Andrea Maurizio Sanna & Giuseppe Avataneo & Giuseppe De Palma & Daniele Fabbri & Matteo Paganelli & Luigi Isaia Lecca & Giorgio , 2018. "Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:6:p:1192-:d:151100
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ida Teresia Kero & Rikke Bramming Jørgensen, 2016. "Comparison of Three Real-Time Measurement Methods for Airborne Ultrafine Particles in the Silicon Alloy Industry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-14, September.
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    1. Vesna Viher Hrženjak & Andreja Kukec & Ivan Eržen & Dalibor Stanimirović, 2020. "Effects of Ultrafine Particles in Ambient Air on Primary Health Care Consultations for Diabetes in Children and Elderly Population in Ljubljana, Slovenia: A 5-Year Time-Trend Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.

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