Particle size distribution and respiratory deposition estimates of beryllium aerosols in an extraction and processing plant

The mass size distribution of beryllium aerosols generated in the various operational areas of a typical extraction and processing plant was studied using an eight-stage impactor sampler. The total concentration of beryllium in the plant was found to be well below the threshold limit value. The mean...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American Industrial Hygiene Association journal 2003-07, Vol.64 (4), p.522-527
Main Authors: Thorat, D D, Mahadevan, T N, Ghosh, D K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerosols
Beryllium
Fluorides
Occupational hazards
Occupational safety
Particle size
Respiratory diseases
Studies
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The mass size distribution of beryllium aerosols generated in the various operational areas of a typical extraction and processing plant was studied using an eight-stage impactor sampler. The total concentration of beryllium in the plant was found to be well below the threshold limit value. The mean value of mass median aerodynamic diameter of beryllium particles observed for various operations ranged from 5.0-9.5 [mu]m. The alveolar deposition for various operational areas was estimated to be 3-5% for nasal breathing and 9-13% for oral breathing based on the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) human respiratory tract model. Deposition during oral breathing was higher than during nasal breathing by approximately a factor of two to three. This study on exposure characterization was useful for reducing the respirable fraction of beryllium aerosol by optimizing the capture velocity and improving the quality of other control measures. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0002-8894
DOI:10.1202/369.1