The role of exhaust ventilation systems in reducing occupational exposure to organic solvents in a paint manufacturing factory

Ali Karimi,Mansoorrezazadeh Azari,Mohammadjavad Jafari

doi:10.4103/0019-5278.43266

Abstract

This paper presents the successful design and implementation of several exhaust ventilation systems in a paint manufacturing factory. The ventilation systems were designed based on American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommendations. The duct works, fans, and other parts were made and mounted by local manufacturers. The concentrations of toluene and xylene as the common solvents used in paint mixing factories were measured to evaluate the role of ventilation systems in controlling the organic solvents. Occupational exposure to toluene and xylene as the major pollutants was assessed with and without applying ventilation systems. For this purpose, samples were taken from breathing zone of exposed workers using personal samples. The samples were analyzed using Occupational Safety and Health Administration analytical method No.12. The samples were quantified using gas chromatography. The results showed that the ventilation systems successfully controlled toluene and xylene vapors in workplace, air well below the recommended threshold limit value of Iran (44.49 and 97.73 ppm, respectively). It was also discovered that benzene concentration in workplace air was higher than its allowable concentrations. This could be from solvents impurities that require more investigations.

Highlights

Many industrial sectors use organic solvents widely.[1]
Air density was corrected for barometric pressure, temperature, and static pressure where it was essential
We show that apparently the installed system is not working as Benzene, toluene, P and M-xylene, and O-xylene were detected from personal air samples chromatograms

Summary

Introduction

Many industrial sectors use organic solvents widely.[1]. Nervous system damage (central and peripheral), kidney, and liver damage, adverse reproductive effects, such as sperm changes and infertility, skin lesions, and cancer, are the major health impacts associated with organic solvent exposure.[2]. Solvents are one of the most important components of paint and have the major purpose of reducing (thinning) paints to a suitable handling consistency or viscosity for ease of manufacture and application. Solvents vapors are emitted throughout the manufacturing process. If these emissions are left uncontrolled, high concentrations of organic solvents can build up in the work area, compromising workers’ health and safety. Release of volatile organic solvents to the atmosphere can result in increased levels of tropospheric ozone, a pollutant that causes negative health effects in the human pulmonary system.[3] Modification of equipment and process, improvement of operating practices, and recycling may lead to lower organic solvent emissions from the process. Well-designed capturing (hoods), removing (air cleaning) devices and appropriate execution of ductworks are significant.[4]

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Conclusion