Assessment of Levels and Health-Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter in Mining, Metal Refining and Metal Working Industries Using Nuclear and Related Analytical Techniques

This publication provides an overview of studies carried out on the assessment of exposure to toxic elements in airborne particulate matter in various workplaces in eleven countries. The targeted industrial activities included mining, metal refining and metal working industries, and the overall aim of the project was to improve competence in research on workplace monitoring. Techniques included personal monitoring of the exposed workforce as well as ambient monitoring of the airborne particulate matter in workplaces. Nuclear and related analytical techniques, including the application of proton microbeams, were used to generate trace element concentration profiles in various biomarker tissues of exposed workers. Data generated have been used to establish correlations between measured occupational exposure and the magnitude of the biological response. The results presented in this report will thus contribute to the development of strategies to reduce exposure to pollutants in the workplace environment.