Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (한국산업보건학회지)

Korean Industrial Hygiene Association (한국산업보건학회)
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Case study of Hexavalent Chromium and Silica Exposure Assessment and Respiratory Fit-test for Paint Manufacturing Worker

페인트 제조 작업자의 6가 크롬 및 실리카 노출평가와 호흡보호구 밀착도 검사 사례

  • Lee, Hyun Seok (Department of Preventive Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Kim, Boowook (Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University)
  • 이현석 (부산대학교 의과대학 예방의학과) ;
  • 김부욱 (서울대학교 보건환경연구소)
  • Received : 2021.09.09
  • Accepted : 2021.12.13
  • Published : 2021.12.30
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Abstract

Objective: Paint manufacturing industry workers are exposed to various lung cancer carcinogenic substances including hexavalent chromium and crystalline silica. Studies have been conducted on lung cancer in Paint manufacturing industry workers and the concentration of hexavalent chromium in paint industry; however, the concentration of crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium and cases of lung cancer in a single Paint factory has never been reported in Korea. Methods: To determine whether the cancer was related to his work environment, we assessed the level of exposure to carcinogens during pouring and mixing talc and pigment. In addition, a mask fit test was performed for the worker. Results: Analysis of talc and silica bulk powder materials showed that crystalline silica (quartz) was 5% in talc and 100% in silica. The green and yellow pigments contained 87% and 92% of lead chromate, respectively. Our quantitative analysis of pigment powder samples showed that the hexavalent chromium contents quantified in the green and yellow pigment samples were 87% and 92%, respectively. In order to estimate his exposure level of hexavalent chromium, we measured a personal exposure level of hexavalent chromium for a worker in accordance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health #7605 method. The results showed that the worker was exposed to the high level of hexavalent chromium (0.033 mg m-3). In addition, the talc powder also contained 5% quartz, and the worker's exposure level to respirable quartz exceeded OEL. As a result of the respiratory protection fit test for workers, the overall Fit Factor was '15' when wearing a second-grade mask and '25' when wearing a first-grade mask, significantly lower than the US Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) pass value of "100". Conclusion: Workers who pouring and mixing powder materials such as talc or colored pigments in paint manufacturing company may be exposed to high concentrations of carcinogenic substances. These findings indicate that it is necessary to local ventilation system inspection, safety and health education for employers and workers, and periodically monitoring and manage the working environment.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구에서 Fit test에 도움을 준 (주)APM엔지니어링과 (주)미세먼지연구소에 감사드립니다. 더불어 직업환경연구원 김대호, (주)삼성전기 이경민 님에게도 감사의 마음을 전합니다. (저자기여도: 논문작성 및 밀착도 검사 이현석, 연구설계 및 작업환경평가/밀착도 검사 김부욱)

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