(주)에이피엠엔지니어링

페인트 제조 작업자의 6가 크롬 및 실리카 노출평가와 호흡보호구 밀착도 검사 사례

Case study of Hexavalent Chromium and Silica Exposure Assessment and Respiratory Fit-test for Paint Manufacturing Worker

ABSTRACT

Objective: Paint manufacturing industry workers are exposed to various lung cancer carcinogenic substances including hexavalent chromium and crystalline silica. Studies have been conducted on lung cancer in Paint manufacturing industry workers and the concentration of hexavalent chromium in paint industry; however, the concentration of crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium and cases of lung cancer in a single Paint factory has never been reported in Korea. 

Methods: To determine whether the cancer was related to his work environment, we assessed the level of exposure to carcinogens during pouring and mixing talc and pigment. In addition, a mask fit test was performed for the worker. 

Results: Analysis of talc and silica bulk powder materials showed that crystalline silica (quartz) was 5% in talc and 100% in silica. The green and yellow pigments contained 87% and 92% of lead chromate, respectively. Our quantitative analysis of pigment powder samples showed that the hexavalent chromium contents quantified in the green and yellow pigment samples were 87% and 92%, respectively. In order to estimate his exposure level of hexavalent chromium, we measured a personal exposure level of hexavalent chromium for a worker in accordance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health #7605 method. The results showed that the worker was exposed to the high level of hexavalent chromium (0.033 mg m–3). In addition, the talc powder also contained 5% quartz, and the worker's exposure level to respirable quartz exceeded OEL. As a result of the respiratory protection fit test for workers, the overall Fit Factor was ‘15’ when wearing a second-grade mask and ‘25’ when wearing a first-grade mask, significantly lower than the US Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) pass value of “100”. 

Conclusion: Workers who pouring and mixing powder materials such as talc or colored pigments in paint manufacturing company may be exposed to high concentrations of carcinogenic substances. These findings indicate that it is necessary to local ventilation system inspection, safety and health education for employers and workers, and periodically monitoring and manage the working environment.

Key words

crystalline silica, fit test, hexavalent chromium, lung cancer, paint industry

▶출처 : 한국산업보건학회지, 제31권 제4호