• Fire Science and Engineering
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.7-12
• /
• 1999

Thermal properties of EVA dust and its risks of coexisting with oxidizer were investigated by a pressure vessel. The decomposition of EVA dust with temperature using DSC and the weight loss with temperature using TGA were also investigated to find the thermal hazard of EVA dust. Using the pressure vessel which can estimate ignition and explosion of EVA dust coexisting with oxidizer by bursting of a rupture disc, many experiments have been conducted by varying the orifice diameter, heating rate, the weight ratio of the sample coexisting with oxidizer, and the species of oxidizer. According to the results of the thermal analysis of EVA dust, a little change of the decomposition initiation temperature with the heating rate could be found and the decomposition temperature zone of EVA dust was 250 to 50$0^{\circ}C$. The risk of EVA dust coexisting with oxidizer was increased as the orifice diameter was decreased. On the other hand, it was increased as the heating rate and the weight ratio of the sample coexisting with oxidizer were increased. In addition, the risk of EVA dust coexisting with oxidizer was affected by the decomposition temperature of the sample and oxidizer, respectively, at slow heating rate, but it was affected by the oxygen weight percent of oxidizer at fast heating rate.

• Proceedings of the Korea Institute of Fire Science and Engineering Conference
• /
• 1999.11a
• /
• pp.63-66
• /
• 1999

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.518-526
• /
• 2019

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly expanding new technology involving challenges to occupational health. Here, metal exposure in an AM facility with large-scale metallic component production was investigated during two consecutive years with preventive actions in between. Methods: Gravimetric analyzes measured airborne particle concentrations, and filters were analyzed for metal content. In addition, concentrations of airborne particles <300 nm were investigated. Particles from recycled powder were characterized. Biomonitoring of urine and dermal contamination among AM operators, office personnel, and welders was performed. Results: Total and inhalable dust levels were almost all below occupational exposure limits, but inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that AM operators had a significant increase in cobalt exposure compared with welders. Airborne particle concentrations (<300 nm) showed transient peaks in the AM facility but were lower than those of the welding facility. Particle characterization of recycled powder showed fragmentation and condensates enriched in volatile metals. Biomonitoring showed a nonsignificant increase in the level of metals in urine in AM operators. Dermal cobalt and a trend for increasing urine metals during Workweek Year 1, but not in Year 2, indicated reduced exposure after preventive actions. Conclusion: Gravimetric analyses showed low total and inhalable dust exposure in AM operators. However, transient emission of smaller particles constitutes exposure risks. Preventive actions implemented by the company reduced the workers' metal exposure despite unchanged emissions of particles, indicating a need for careful design and regulation of the AM environments. It also emphasizes the need for relevant exposure markers and biomonitoring of health risks.