Characterization of Total and Size-Fractionated Manganese Exposure by Work Area in a Shipbuilding Yard

摘要

Abstract Background Shipbuilding involves intensive welding activities, and welders are exposed to a variety of metal fumes, including manganese, that may be associated with neurological impairments. This study aimed to characterize total and size-fractionated manganese exposure resulting from welding operations in shipbuilding work areas. Methods In this study, we characterized manganese-containing particulates with an emphasis on total mass (n?=?86, closed-face 37-mm cassette samplers) and particle size-selective mass concentrations (n?=?86, 8-stage cascade impactor samplers), particle size distributions, and a comparison of exposure levels determined using personal cassette and impactor samplers. Results Our results suggest that 67.4% of all samples were above the current American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists manganese threshold limit value of 100?μg/m3 as inhalable mass. Furthermore, most of the particles containing manganese in the welding process were of the size of respirable particulates, and 90.7% of all samples exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of 20?μg/m3 for respirable manganese. Conclusion The concentrations measured with the two sampler types (cassette: total mass; impactor: inhalable mass) were significantly correlated (r?=?0.964, p?