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Avaliação da exposição profissional a partículas metálicas em oficina de manutenção de veículos
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Resumo(s)
Welding is a widely used industrial process that exposes millions of workers to potentially toxic metal fumes. This study assessed occupational exposure to metal particles from welding fumes, identifying the metals present in the air, concentrations, and compliance with exposure limit values, as well as the adequacy of preventive measures. The study was conducted in the civil metalworking area of a Mechanical Maintenance and Repair Workshop of the Lisbon City Council, with technical and scientific support from the Air and Occupational Health Unit (UASO) of the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge. A total of 98 air samples were collected at seven static sampling points and four personal samples (welder) over five non-consecutive days, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monitoring included total and respirable dust, manganese, chromium, nickel, copper, iron, and zinc, applying NIOSH methods 0500, 0600, and 7303. The results showed that, although most concentrations remained below legal limits, manganese exceeded the limit value in both fractions, followed by nickel in the respirable fraction with concentrations extremely close to the legal limit, both at the welder's station. Exposure to these metals is associated with serious neurological effects and lung and nasal cancers. Exposure to different chemical agents combined to increase overall toxicity, even when individual concentrations were within legal limits, particularly at the welder's workstation. Regarding protective measures, the PPE available was adequate, but its use was irregular. At the collective level, there were mobile localized extraction systems, used only in specific situations, and partially operational ventilation, compromising air quality control. The medical survey revealed only nonspecific symptoms, reinforcing the need for continuous monitoring and improvement of preventive measures.
Descrição
Tese de Mestrado, Biologia Humana e Ambiente, 2026, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências
Palavras-chave
Occupational exposure Welding fumes Metal dust Environmental monitoring Manganese