Reduction of exposure to solvents and formaldehyde in surface-coating operations in the woodworking industry

A 1-year study has been performed at a company which manufacturers office furniture, and can be subdivided into three phases: measurement of exposure prior to remedial measures; remedial measures whose purpose was to reduce exposure; and new measurements after remedial measures. Remedial measures concentrated on changes which would reduce exposure to solvents. These measures fall into two categories: (i) the training of employees about the way airborne pollutants spread and ways of avoiding exposure; and (ii) locating and eliminating important sources of emission. Employees were trained mainly by the PIMEX (PIcture Mix EXposure) method for showing them how exposure depended on methods of work and conditions at the workplace. The most important sources of solvent emissions were pin-pointed by the GridMap method. The results show that exposure can be greatly reduced through training, adjustment of existing equipment and minor technical measures. This is the case even when exposure is initially at a concentration which is clearly below hygienic limit values. This approach should also reduce exposure to formaldehyde, though this could not be evaluated because the raw materials used changed during the study.