Blootstelling aan stof, geraas en waterstoffluoriedgas in 'n kunsmisfabriek en die gesondheidsgevare verbonde daaraan

Abstract

In this study three environmental stressors were monitored, namely noise, superphosphate dust and hydrogen fluoride gas. The purpose of the study was to quantify the exposure to superphosphate dust and hydrogen fluoride gas and to investigate the possibility of a correlation between individual concentrations of exposure and the incidence of disease symptoms. Secondly, noise levels were determined in selected areas. All measurements were taken in a fertilizer factory during maximal production. Noise monitoring was done in nine working areas in order to identify noise zones. These areas were those at the granulation drum, scrubbing tower, screening areas, scale area, floor surface of the milling section, boilerhouse, compressor room and the area for the sealing machine. The determination of the concentration of exposure to superphosphate dust was done in the Granulation 1 and Granulation 2 plants and in the milling section of the fertilizer factory. During the determination of the concentration of exposure to hydrogen fluoride gas measurements were taken in the Broadfields plant. All nine areas were identified as noise zones. All the noise zones were determined according to the method stipulated in the SABS code 083. An average noise level was established for each area. The dust concentration was established by means of NOISH method 0050 for nuisance dust. All workers on duty were monitored, and several static samples were taken as well. The concentration of exposure to HF gas was first monitored by means of a Drager tube in order to determine which areas or workers were exposed. Thereafter the areas for HF gas were monitored by means of washed silica gel tubes. Two independent laboratories analyzed the tubes according to the NIOHS method 7903. In the medical data of the workers there were a high incidence of bronchitis, sore throat and fibrositis and this may be caused by the superphosphate dust. The HF gas concentration exceeded the shortterm

occupational exposure limit (STEL OEL-RL) in all the areas and in all the labourers. From the medical data of labourers in this area, complaints such as irritation of the nose, throat, lower bronchi and lungs occurred very often, as well as pharyngitis and sinusitis.