Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foundries

Abstract

Air and dust samples from iron foundries were analyzed for poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by glass capillary gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thin‐layer chromatography. Fifty compounds were identified as PAH, among them known carcinogens and cocarcinogens. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) was measured quantitatively. The results were grouped according to the types of organic additives in the molding sand. The B[a]P concentrations were highest in foundries using coal tar pitch and in the work phases of shake‐out, casting, and molding. In the Ames assay the dust samples showed mutagenic activity, but in most cases lower than that calculated from the concentration of B[z]P. It is suggested that B[a]P con be used as a hygienic marker in branches of industry with PAH problems.