Author/Authors :
CHAO, Yuchan Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering - National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, Kaohsiung, Taiwan , CHEN, Jinluh Dept. of Occupational Safety and Healthy - Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan , YANG, Weinduo Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering - National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, Kaohsiung, Taiwan , HO, Tsunghan Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering - National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, Kaohsiung, Taiwan , YEN, Fusan Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering - National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Abstract :
Background: This research provides an insight into exposure information and particle size distributions of Bisphenol A (BPA), a common environmental hormone, at polycarbonate (PC) molding plants in southern Taiwan.
Methods: The inhalable dust sampler as IOM and the micro-orifice uniform deposition impactor (MOUDI) were used for samples collection to evaluate the level and particle size distribution of BPA in PC molding plants. All col-lected samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for BPA concentrations.
Results: BPA concentrations detected from the plant using optical grade PC material ranged from 32.28 to 44.97 μg/m3, which were significantly higher than BPA concentrations (16.16 to 19.39 μg/m3) detected from the plant using food grade PC material. Under working environment, the particle size distribution showed a single mode distribution, with a MMAD of 0.84μm and a GSD of 1.97. Emission of BPA increased during heating process and most of BPA particles deposited in the nasal cavity (63.37%), following by alveolus (30.7%), and trachea-bronchus (5.93%).
Discussion: It is of importance that proper personal protection should be taken upon the BPA particulates released during the molding process at PC molding plants.
Keywords :
Bisphenol A , Polycarbonate , Respiratory tract , Particle size distribution
