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Gases formed from furan binding agents
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Air monitoring in iron and steel foundries revealed elevated levels of furfuryl alcohol and formaldehyde. These airborne contaminants exceeded occupational exposure limits, raising concerns about potential chronic bronchitis risks when combined with dust and smoking.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Hygiene
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Foundries utilize chemicals like furfuryl alcohol and formaldehyde in coremaking processes.
- Exposure to airborne contaminants in industrial settings is a known occupational health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure concentrations of furfuryl alcohol and formaldehyde in foundry coremaking areas.
- To assess potential health risks associated with these exposures, particularly chronic bronchitis.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling and concentration measurements were conducted in 10 iron and steel foundries.
- Measured concentrations were compared against established Threshold Limit Values (TLVs).
Main Results:
- Mean furfuryl alcohol concentration was 4.3 cm3/m3, with 22% of measurements exceeding the TLV of 5 cm3/m3.
- Mean formaldehyde concentration was 2.7 cm3/m3, with 38% of measurements exceeding the TLV of 2 cm3/m3.
- Phenol and phosphoric acid concentrations were found to be well below their respective TLVs.
Conclusions:
- Significant percentages of furfuryl alcohol and formaldehyde exposures in foundries surpassed occupational limits.
- Further investigation is warranted to determine if combined exposures to these chemicals, dust, and smoking increase chronic bronchitis risk.