[Recycling of electrical and electronic scrap - Problems due to heavy metals and brominated dioxins]

Tischer, M

HERO ID

1876966

Reference Type

Technical Report

Year

2001

Language

German

HERO ID 1876966
Year 2001
Title [Recycling of electrical and electronic scrap - Problems due to heavy metals and brominated dioxins]
Authors Tischer, M
Volume No
Abstract This article is a summary of a study on the exposure to dust and harmful substances in Germany during the disassembly and shredding of discarded electrical and electronic equipment. Dust samples were taken in 16 plants at critical workplaces which had been identified in an earlier study of work procedures. Heavy-metal concentrations were determined in the dust samples. Dust samples taken in the vicinity of the shredder were also analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorinated dioxins and furans, and brominated dioxins. The concentrations of fine dust that penetrates into the alveoles were below the limit of 6mg/m<sup>3</sup> in all plants studied. The 10mg/m<sup>3</sup> recommended limit for total respirable dust was exceeded by 5% of the measurements. The exposure to heavy metals was low when old refrigerators or washing machines were dismantled, but it was extremely high during processing of television tubes. While the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated dioxins complied with exposure limits, those of brominated dioxins were above the limit in one third of the samples.
Report Number CIS/02/01832
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Journal: Amtliche Mitteilungen der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz 2001 ISSN: 0177-3062
Is Public Yes
Language Text German