title: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foundries.
abstract: Air and dust samples from iron foundries were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by glass capillary gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thin-layer chromatography. Fifty compounds were identified as PAH, among them known carcinogens and cocarcinogens. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) was measured quantitatively. The results were grouped according to the types of organic additives in the molding sand. The B[a]P concentrations were highest in foundries using coal tar pitch and in the work phases of shake-out, casting, and molding. In the Ames assay the dust samples showed mutagenic activity, but in most cases lower than that calculated from the concentration of B[a]P. It is suggested that B[a]P can be used as a hygienic marker in branches of industry with PAH problems.
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D001580:Benzopyrenes / Q000032:analysis; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D008669:Metallurgy; D008670:Metals; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D001580:Benzopyrenes; D008670:Metals; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds