Concentração e dimensão de particulados dispersos no ar em ambientes de marcenarias

Abstract

The objective of this research was to characterize the particles of eucalyptus spp. suspended in air in Cabinetmaking. Data collection was conducted through a qualitative environmental risk assessment interviews with workers. The analysis was carried out by concentration using a gravimetric pump and collectors with filters. For the size of airborne particles is used blades microscope and photographs. The sanding machines, circular saw and band saw were analyzed. The study evaluated five Cabinetmaking similar characteristics in the state of Espirito Santo. By measuring the particle, one could infer the site of deposition in the respiratory tract of the same worker. According to the interview results, 76,7% of employees rated as very high and. 23,3% as an average concentration of dust in the atmosphere. The sander had the highest concentrations of airborne particles (3.65 mg.m-3 ), followed by the circular saw (2.1 mg.m-3 ) and band saw (0.4 mg.m-3). The machine that generated particles with larger average size was in order, the circular saw (29.67 µm) band saw (25.55 µm) and sander (18.57 µm). We conclude that the most damaging to human health are particulates from sanding, since achieved the greatest results of concentration of particles suspended in the air and the lowest average particle size, facilitating the deposition on the most damaging parts of the human respiratory tract. Thus, there is a crucial need for change in the workplace, such as the deployment of Personal Protective Equipment and Collective, thus reducing the risk of exposure of workers.