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Resuspension of dust from work clothing as a source of inhalation exposure

Journal Article · · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

Workshirts which had been worn by employees at a beryllium refinery were tested to assess whether wear significantly affects the amount of resuspended Be containing dust. Sections of six work shirts--three ''new'' (one washed, two unwashed) and three ''old'' (one washed, two unwashed)--were analyzed to measure the concentration of Be in the fabric. Additional swatches were agitated to resuspend Be particles inside a closed steel glove box. Air samples were taken with filter cassette monitors. After sampling, the fabric and filter samples were analyzed for beryllium. As a group, the old shirts resuspended significantly higher quantities of Be to the air than did the washed and unwashed new shirts. A considerable fraction of the Be measured in air was respirable.

Research Organization:
New York Univ. Medical Center, NY
OSTI ID:
5338299
Journal Information:
Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 5; ISSN AIHAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English