IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Feasibility study of the mineralogical and morphological characterisation of respirable dusts present in casting operations

Abstract

Pulmonary disorders are an ongoing problem in Québec. These pathologies (chronic bronchitis, cancer of the respiratory tract, pneumoconioses) are caused by the inhalation of particles of complex composition. This project was undertaken to further our understanding of the nature of dust exposure in ferrous and non-ferrous foundries.

The chemical composition of both the core and surface of particles was found to vary as a function of particle size. Two particularly noteworthy findings were the presence of crystalline silica exclusively on particles with aerodynamic diameters of at least 1 micron, and the contamination of particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 1 micron by metals, including lead. Lead speciation was performed, yielding useful information which must be interpreted bearing in mind the specific toxicity of various forms of lead.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0086-0070
Status: Completed
Team:
  • Marcel Baril (Université Laval)
  • Claude Ostiguy (IRSST)
  • Guy Perrault (IRSST)