DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXPOSURE MATRIX FOR RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA IN THE BRITISH POTTERY INDUSTRY

Processes associated with occupational exposure to respirable crystall ine silica in the British pottery industry were investigated to develo p estimates of worker exposures from 1930 to 1995. Information was der ived from more than 1300 air samples, published Literature and unpubli shed reports of dust control innovations and process changes. A matrix was developed specifically to support a mortality study of 5115 potte ry workers in North Staffordshire, UK, Matrix values range from 2 mu g /m(3) for pottery support activities performed in the 1990s to 800 mu g/m(3) for firing activities in the 1930s, Although exposure estimates within decade varied, median concentrations for all process categorie s displayed an overall trend towards progressive reduction in exposure during the 65 year span. Potential methods to validate the matrix as well as sources of error are discussed. (C) 1998 British Occupational Hygiene Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.