Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foundries

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Foundries utilize organic additives in molding sand, potentially releasing hazardous compounds.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are a class of chemicals known for their carcinogenic and cocarcinogenic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify PAH in iron foundry environments.
• To assess the relationship between organic additives, specific work phases, and PAH levels.
• To evaluate the mutagenic activity of dust samples and compare it to Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of air and dust samples using glass capillary gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thin-layer chromatography.
• Quantitative measurement of Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P).
• Ames assay for mutagenic activity of dust samples.

Main Results:

• Fifty PAH compounds were identified, including known carcinogens.
• Highest B[a]P concentrations were found in foundries using coal tar pitch, during shake-out, casting, and molding phases.
• Dust samples exhibited mutagenic activity, generally lower than predicted by B[a]P levels.

Conclusions:

• Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) can serve as a reliable hygienic marker for PAH exposure in industrial settings.
• Coal tar pitch is a significant source of B[a]P in iron foundries.
• Further monitoring is recommended for industries with potential PAH contamination.