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Physicochemical characterisation of different welding aerosols
B Berlinger1, N Benker, S Weinbruch
1National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway. bbe@stami.no
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|September 17, 2010
Summary
This study characterized welding aerosols, finding significant differences in particle number but not mass distributions. Smaller particles contained metal oxides, while larger ones included volatile elements.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Welding aerosols pose inhalation risks.
- Understanding welding aerosol physicochemical properties is crucial for exposure assessment.
- Different welding techniques produce distinct aerosol characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate physicochemical properties of four welding aerosols.
- To compare particle number and mass size distributions.
- To analyze primary particle size, morphology, and chemical composition.
Main Methods:
- Scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) for number size distributions.
- 11-stage cascade impactor and gravimetric analysis for mass size distributions.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for primary particle analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in particle number size distributions across welding aerosols.
- Similar particle mass size distributions (0.1-1 μm dominant) regardless of welding technique.
- Primary particles (5-40 nm) formed chainlike agglomerates.
- Size-dependent chemical composition in manual metal arc welding aerosol: smaller particles were metal oxides, larger ones contained volatile elements.
Conclusions:
- Welding aerosol characteristics vary significantly, impacting exposure assessment.
- Particle size influences chemical composition, with implications for health effects.
- Further research needed on specific welding aerosol components and their toxicity.
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