POLYHALOGENATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS AND DIBENZOFURANS IN THE EXHAUST AIR DURING TEXTILE PROCESSINGS

5 textile finishing processes were investigated for polychlorinated di benzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/F), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/fura ns (PBDD/F) and mixed polychlorinated-brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/fur ans (PBCDD/F). For the purpose of these investigations the complete ba lance - dioxin input from the raw textiles, output over the finished t extiles and output through the air path - was done. In the exhaust air only small PXDD/F concentrations were detected. The textiles contain before and after the process nearly the same PCDD/F-concentrations. Th e concentrations of PBCDD/F arises after the process. Only the chimney depostions contain higher PCDD/F-concentrations up to 1 806.1 ng I-TE /kg, PBDD/F-concentrations up tol 572.6 ng/kg and PBCDD/F-concentratio ns up to 40 801.4 ng/kg. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.