Air quality in workplace of an aluminum wheel production plant

The aim of this study was investigating workplace air quality in an aluminum wheel industry plant. Aluminum smelting and shaping process plant (wheel factory) was chosen for this study. We performed particulate matter (PM10 and occupational dust), gases (VOC) and trace elements sampling at 7 sampling points in the plant. Ventilation system of a part of the plant was renewed during the study. Therefore, the sampling could be conducted before/after the modification. PM mass concentration and metal concentrations were measured. Metal to be studied were chosen according to literature and raw materials and ingredients in the production, included Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Mg, Pb, Sb, Sr, Sn, As, Cr, Cd, Se, Al in PM phase. Results are compared to WHO, NIOSH, OSHA limit values and the literature.Si, Fe and Al concentrations in PM were shown to come into prominence from other elements. Also PM10 concentrations were measured to bounded of limit concentration but all of the results were shown lower than limit values.