Evaluation of Beryllium, Total Chromium and Nickel in the Surface Contaminant Layer Available for Dermal Exposure After Abrasive Blasting in a Shipyard
Abstract
Abrasive blasting is conducted at naval shipyards to prepare surfaces for paintingand protection. This study used analyzed results from air and surface samples todetem1ine if there is a skin exposure avenue for beryllium, total chromium and nickelthrough the surface contaminant layer after abrasive blasting. Areas exposed and notexposed to abrasive blasting were sampled to determine if there was a difference betweenthese two areas.Surface samples were collected using wipes in the areas where abrasive blastingwas conducted and in adjacent non-exposed areas. Blasting areas were chosen becauseprior air sampling surveys determined these metals of interest were present. The blastingareas were both aboard submarines and in the building used for abrasive blasting withcoal grit. Equipment surfaces that were not exposed to abrasive blasting were sampled todetermine the background amounts of beryllium, nickel and total chromium. The sampleswere sent to the Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Lab Norfolk for analysis of Be, Ni,and total Cr.All surface sample results from the exposed and unexposed areas were belowlevel of detection for beryllium. Results determined that a greater concentration of totalchromium and nickel was found in exposed area samples than the non-exposed areasamples. Data determined there was a greater amount of metals of interest from samplestaken aboard submarines than sample taken from Building 286.A potential dermal exposure route for total chromium and nickel does existthrough the surface contaminant layer after abrasive blasting. It has been demonstratedthat the location of blasting has an influence on the amount of metals of interest availablefor exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1013000
Entities
People
- Jason W. Krantz
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences