ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTAMINATION OF AIR INHALED IN WORKING AREAS OF SMOKEHOUSES

When smoking foodstuffs in pyrolytically generated smoke, contaminatio n by hazardous substances can occur in the working areas. measurements of hazardous substances in working areas revealed that contamination can occur in particular as a result of aldehydes, carbon monoxide and organic acids. Particular importance has been attached to possible con tamination by benzo (a)pyrene, with a TLV value of 0.002 mg/m(3). The smoke consists of ultra fine particles. The contamination in the worki ng areas depends on the structural condition of the smoking kilns and the smoke and air routing systems. The smoking kilns must be ventilate d before personnel enter them. Breathing masks must be worn if there i s any danger of personnel being subjected to smoke.