Characterization of Occupational Exposures to Respirable Silica and Dust in Demolition, Crushing, and Chipping Activities.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respirable dust (RD) were investigated during demolition, crushing, and chipping at several Massachusetts construction sites.

Methods

Personal breathing zone samples (n = 51) were collected on operating engineers working at demolition and crushing sites, laborers performing miscellaneous tasks at demolition sites, crushing machine tenders at crushing sites, and chipping workers at substructure bridge repair sites. Area samples (n = 33) were collected at the perimeter of demolition and crushing sites to assess potential bystanders' exposures. Exposures 'with' and 'without' the use of dust suppression methods were compared when possible. RD samples were analyzed for crystalline silica content with Fourier Transfor

SUBMITTER: Bello A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6937621 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature