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Meeting air quality standards in the foundry industry: a study of four Pennsylvania foundries.

Davis JW; Irwin VC; Knott K

Proceedings of the symposium on occupational health hazard control technology in the foundry and secondary non-ferrous smelting industries, December 10-12, 1979, Chicago, Illinois. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 81-114, 1981 Aug; :188-203

00175066

A study was carried out at four Pennsylvania foundries to evaluate the possible replacement of silica (14808607) based sand in molding operations with silica free sand, in terms of the effect that such a substitution would have on air quality. Studies were also carried out to examine the quality of the air at a shop where free silica was removed by air extraction. Air quality was determined using personal samplers, cascade impactors, and tape samplers. The results of sampling revealed that the levels of silica and particulate matter in the air of the foundries studied were higher than those compatible with suitable working conditions. In effect, 48 percent of all the samples taken during operations using silica based sand were in violation of the prevailing regulations. At a foundry provided with a baghouse and an exhaust ventilation system, 65 percent of the samples were in violation of the regulations. The use of olivine (1317711) in place of silica sand clearly improved the conditions, although it did not eliminate violations. Good results were also obtained with mixtures of olivine and silica sand. Better housekeeping played a role in this improvement. The authors conclude that the use of olivine can improve the quality of the air in foundries by reducing both free silica and respirable particle matter in the air. They also suggest that exhaust ventilation and isolation of dusty areas, such as grinding areas, are probably necessary for further reduction of particulate exposure.

NIOSH-Contract; Air-quality-control; Occupational-exposure; Foundry-workers; Dust-control; Control-methods; Mineral-dusts; Dust-analysis

14808-60-7; 1317-71-1

19810801

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

1981

Contract-210-79-0048

DPSE

Proceedings of the symposium on occupational health hazard control technology in the foundry and secondary non-ferrous smelting industries, December 10-12, 1979, Chicago, Illinois

PA; IL; OH