Assessment of Worker Exposure in the Processing of Ultraviolet Radiation-Cured Acrylate Lacquer-Coated Wood Products

Abstract

Abstract Manufacturing of wood products coated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation-curable acrylate coatings has increased in recent years and, to our knowledge, an assessment of worker exposure has not been conducted. To assess worker exposure we identified manufacturing plants in Sweden using this technology and evaluated work force and production by questionnaire. From this database we selected eight plants that we believed were representative of the industry. At each plant, an industrial hygiene survey was conducted. Worker exposure to acrylate vapors and aerosols, dust, solvents, ozone, UV radiation (including operational performance of UV lamps), and work practices were investigated. We found that ∼350 of the 8500 production workers are potentially directly exposed to acrylates and UV radiation. Although dust levels were low (∼0.4 mg/m3, 8-hour time-weighted average), ∼30 percent of dust particles were respirable (< 5 μm diameter). Exposure to potential sensitizing agents (acrylates and photoinitiators)...