Arsen i jego związki nieorganiczne. Metoda oznaczania w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy

Abstract

Arsenic is a chemical element classified as metalloids (semi-metals). Some arsenic compounds have been classified (according to CLP) as carcinogens, causing cancers of skin, respiratory system, liver and leukemia. In the industry, workers are exposed to arsenic and its compounds in its extraction, in metallurgy of non-ferrous metal ores, in metal refining processes, in the production of alloys, semiconductors, pigments and insecticides. In Poland, binding value of the hygienic standard (NDS) at workplace air, for the inhalable fraction of arsenic aerosol and its inorganic compounds, converted into As is 0.01 mg/m3 . A determination method has been developed that enables the determination of this substance in the air of 0.1 − 2 values of the hygiene standard, in accordance with the requirements of Standard PN-EN 482. Arsenic is determined with the atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization (ET-AAS), in the concentration range of 5.00 − 100.0 μg/l which allows the determination of arsenic and its compounds in workplace air in the range of 0.0010 − 0.021 mg/m3 (for 480-L air sample). The presented procedure enables the determination of this substance with the use of individual dosimetry. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.