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Micro-environmental factors impact breathing zone exposures: A simulated petrochemical manufacturing facility task.

Mohamed EturkiKermit G DavisMelissa VincentSusan F ArnoldAndrew Maier
Published in: Archives of environmental & occupational health (2024)
This study investigates the impact of micro-environmental factors on worker breathing zone exposure levels in petrochemical facilities. A laboratory simulation study evaluated near-field exposure to methane for a typical maintenance task. Individual and combinations of micro-environmental factors significantly affected methane exposure. Airflow direction and speed were significant determinants of exposure concentration reduction. A side airflow direction at medium to high speed produced the lowest gas concentration in the breathing zone. Worker body orientation relative to the methane emission point was also a critical factor affecting gas concentration in the worker's breathing zone. The study provides insights into how variations in airflow and small changes in position impact near-field exposures for petrochemical tasks, guiding industrial hygiene professionals' training on qualitative exposure estimation and providing input for near-field exposure modeling to guide quantitative exposure and risk assessment.
Keyphrases
  • risk assessment
  • high speed
  • high resolution
  • heavy metals
  • working memory
  • climate change
  • oral health
  • ionic liquid