title: Characterization of wood dust from furniture by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis.
abstract: Study characterized and analyzed form factor, elementary composition and particle size of wood dust, in order to understand its harmful health effects on carpenters in Quindío (Colombia). Once particle characteristics (size distributions, aerodynamic equivalent diameter (D(α)), elemental composition and shape factors) were analyzed, particles were then characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXRA). SEM analysis of particulate matter showed: 1) cone-shaped particle ranged from 2.09 to 48.79 µm D(α); 2) rectangular prism-shaped particle from 2.47 to 72.9 µm D(α); 3) cylindrically-shaped particle from 2.5 to 48.79 µm D(α); and 4) spherically-shaped particle from 2.61 to 51.93 µm D(α). EDXRA reveals presence of chemical elements from paints and varnishes such as Ca, K, Na and Cr. SEM/EDXRA contributes in a significant manner to the morphological characterization of wood dust. It is obvious that the type of particles sampled is a complex function of shapes and sizes of particles. Thus, it is important to investigate the influence of particles characteristics, morphology, shapes and D(α) that may affect the health of carpenters in Quindío.
authors.affiliation: Department of Quindío, University of Quindío, Faculty of Health Occupational Health Program, street 12 north, Armenia, Colombia. milenagomez@uniquindio.edu.co
authors.forename: Milena Elizabeth
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Gómez Yepes
authors.forename: Lázaro V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Cremades
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis; D014934:Wood; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D004391:Dust; D052638:Particulate Matter