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Kiln emissions and potters' exposures
B Hirtle1, K Teschke, C van Netten
1University of British Columbia, Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Vancouver, Canada.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|October 30, 1998
Summary
Pottery kiln emissions in British Columbia were mostly below safety limits, with rare exceptions for acrolein and sulfur dioxide. Proper ventilation, like exhaust hoods, is crucial for potter safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Safety
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pottery studios in British Columbia may pose risks due to unregulated kiln emissions.
- Concerns exist regarding potential exposures to harmful substances from pottery kilns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pottery kiln emissions in various British Columbia settings.
- To compare measured pollutant levels against occupational exposure limits.
Main Methods:
- Emissions were monitored at 50 diverse pottery sites, including studios and schools.
- Breathing zone concentrations of numerous pollutants (gases and metals) were measured.
- Personal exposure monitoring was conducted at 24 selected sites.
Main Results:
- Most measured emissions were below British Columbia and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) TLVs (Threshold Limit Values).
- One acrolein measurement near an electric kiln and one sulfur dioxide measurement near a gas kiln exceeded guidelines.
- Higher concentrations were found in small, ventilated kiln rooms, suggesting risks in unventilated spaces.
Conclusions:
- Pottery kiln emissions generally pose low risk, but specific instances require attention.
- Effective ventilation systems, such as custom exhaust hoods, are vital for mitigating exposure.
- Unventilated small kiln rooms may present significant contamination risks for potters.