[Silicosis. Current problems. Evaluation of dust in the occupational environment].
The evaluation of airborne dust in the occupational environment is one of the most important tasks of the industrial hygienist. The topic is reviewed in three parts. First, the main properties of the hazard to be evaluated (in this case airborne particulates) are outlined, a knowledge of these being a basic prerequisite. A few aspects of this wide field are described. The second part deals with the sampling problem, which is extremely tricky due to the difficulty of sampling airborne particulates without altering their initial state in some way (size distribution, chemical composition etc.). The problem of sampling representativity is illustrated by a few examples. Thirdly, actual evaluation (including methods of detection and analysis, and interpretation of results) is dealt with in the same way, i.e. by demonstrating its complexity with the aid of a few examples. In conclusion, assessment of exposure to airborne solid or liquid contaminants, to determine, for example, whether a health hazard exists, can only be carried out by a specialist with the necessary knowledge and experience.
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D008722:Methods; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D010316:Particle Size; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust
Evaluation des poussières dans l'environnement professionnel.