[Dust exposure assessment among construction workers in Poland, 2001-2005]

Dust emitted during construction and renovation works is one of the most important occupational hazards in the construction branch of industry. A considerable amount of silica-containing dust emission occur during demolition, materials treatment, grinding and polishing, crushing and sieving of loose materials. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the dust exposure among construction workers employed at different workposts.

Based on the data received from voivodship and county sanitary inspection services, including the results of inhalable and respirable dust concentration measurements, performed under the project of workposts hygiene evaluaton, dust exposure in the construction industry was assessed, taking account of different kinds of dust. The results of dust concentration measurements was compared with the currently binding hygiene standards, and the percentage of concentrations exceeding hygiene standards was estimated.

In the years 2001-2005, 3717 dust concentration measurements were performed in the construction industry. The highest exposure levels of inhalable dust were found in workers involved in varnishing (4.76 mg/m3), renovation (3.88 mg/m3) and welding (3.75 mg/m3). For respirable dust, the highest concerned concerning welders (1.82 mg/m3), renovation workers (0.89 mg/m3) and materials treatment workers (0.79 mg/m3). The highest percentage of values (inhalable and respirable fractions) exceeding hygiene standards was also found in the group of welders. CONCLUIONS: Activities performed at individual stages of the construction process are the source of dust emission. Construction workers are exposed to silica dust of varied concentrations, but they often exceed hygiene standards. Works involving intensive dust emission, particularly those inside the buildings, require that the workers wear efficient, individual, respiratory protection devices.