Application of quantitative mineralogy to determine sources of airborne particles at a European copper smelter.

Copper processing operations, such as smelters and refineries, can produce airborne particles that may impact the health of workers. At these operations, worker exposure to chemicals are regularly monitored to ensure that regulatory compliance with occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) are maintained. Determining the type of airborne particles present is important for characterizing the composition of dust exposures and better understanding the relationship between worker exposure and health.

Uranium: an overview of physicochemical properties, exposure assessment methodologies, and health effects of environmental and occupational exposure.

Uranium is chemo- and radiotoxic element which can cause multifactorial health hazards. Natural and anthropogenic uranium contamination raises concerns about potential public health problems. Natural contamination plays a significant role with regard to uranium exposure in the general population, whereas anthropogenic contamination leads to occupational uranium exposure, particularly in nuclear industry workers.

Comparison of quantitative mineralogy and sequential leaching for characterization of Ni in workplace dust collected at a stainless steel operation.

Based on epidemiological records of workers at Ni operations, regulatory guidelines commonly target specific Ni compounds for setting exposure limits. Thus, reliable methods of Ni speciation in airborne dust samples are required for effective monitoring of workplace exposure. Zatka sequential leaching has been routinely performed industry-wide since the 1990s for characterization of Ni in dust samples; however, limitations related to leaching kinetics have been identified, and optimization of the methodology is required to improve accuracy of data.