Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foundries

Air and dust samples from iron foundries were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by glass capillary gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thin-layer chromatography. Fifty compounds were identified as PAH, among them known carcinogens and cocarcinogens. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) was measured quantitatively. The results were grouped according to the types of organic additives in the molding sand. The B[a]P concentrations were highest in foundries using coal tar pitch and in the work phases of shake-out, casting, and molding. In the Ames assay the dust samples showed mutagenic activity, but in most cases lower than that calculated from the concentration of B[a]P. It is suggested that B[a]P can be used as a hygienic marker in branches of industry with PAH problems.