CONCENTRATION AND SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF AIRBORNE HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM IN ELECTROPLATING FACTORIES

Studies have shown that chromium from electroplating factories can cau se respiratory problems to workers after prolonged exposure. Since Tai wan has a relatively high number of electroplating factories and minim al data regarding chromium's effect on workers, the authors undertook this study focusing on the size distribution of airborne hexavalent ch romium and its concentration levels within the factory. Both area and personal sampling were conducted using a particle fractionating sample r. Samples were analyzed using visible spectrophotometry. A comparison of three types of factories-chromium, nickel-chromium, and zinc-showe d that the highest concentrations were found in chromium electroplatin g factories near the electroplating tank Hexavalent chromium particles obtained from area sampling had mass median diameters between 1.67-6. 38 mu m and 0.75-4.73 mu m for personal sampling. Particles of this hi gh concentration and small size can enter and cause considerable damag e to the respiratory tract.