title: Used tire recycling to produce granulates: evaluation of occupational exposure to chemical agents.
abstract: Exposure was assessed in four facilities where used tires are turned into rubber granulates. Particulate exposure levels were measured using filter samples and gravimetric analysis. In parallel, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) screening was carried out using samples taken on activated carbon supports, followed by an analysis using a gas chromatograph coupled to a spectrometric detector. The exposure level medians are between 0.58 and 3.95 mg m(-3). Clogging of the textile fiber separation systems can lead to worker exposure; in this case, the measured concentrations can reach 41 mg m(-3). However, in contrast to the data in the literature, VOC levels >1 p.p.m. were not detected. The particulate mixtures deposited on the installation surfaces are complex; some of the chemical agents are toxic to humans. The results of this study indicate significant exposure to complex mixtures of rubber dust. Optimizing exhaust ventilation systems inside the shredders, with a cyclone for example, is essential for reducing the exposure of workers in this rapidly developing sector.
authors.affiliation: Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), Département de Métrologie des polluants, rue du Morvan, CS60027, F-54519 Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France. barbara.savary@inrs.fr
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Savary
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vincent
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D059027:Recycling; D012408:Rubber; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; D052638:Particulate Matter; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds; D012408:Rubber