[Exposure to silicon carbide fibers in the production of carborundum].
Recent reports have shown that not only silicon carbide dusts but also fibres are liberated into the working environment during the various phases of silicon carbide production (using Acheson furnaces), thus creating a further potential health hazard. An environmental hygiene survey was conducted in a silicon carbide production plant with the aim of quantifying airborne dusts and fibres. Although dust levels were below 50% of the TLV, high concentrations of fibres were observed (analyzed via optical microscopy using the criteria for asbestos fibres), which in some locations reached levels of 2000 fibres/litre with means (GM) between 100 and 780 fibres/litre according to department. These results are assessed in the light of the growing interest of researchers in the experimental effects of silicon carbide fibres.
Betta
A
A
Servizio di Medicina del Lavoro, CPA, Trento.
Maranelli
G
G
D002244:Carbon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017554:Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; D004391:Dust; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009790:Occupations; D011791:Quartz / Q000009:adverse effects; D012825:Silicon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017655:Silicon Compounds; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D017554:Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; D004391:Dust; D017655:Silicon Compounds; C517455:carborundum; D011791:Quartz; D002244:Carbon; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; C022088:silicon carbide; D012825:Silicon
Esposizione a fibre di carburo di silicio nella produzione del carborundum.