Exposure of auto-mechanic and gas station workers to fine particles, heavy metals and aldehyde

This study analyzed the personal exposure concentrations to fine particulate (PM2.5), heavy metals and aldehydes in an auto-mobile repair shop and a gas station in Ulsan, Korea. The personal air samplings were collected during daytime work, 8 hours (09:00-17:00), at breathing zone of workers. The average exposure concentrations of the auto-mobile repair shop mechanic and the gas station workers to PM_2.5 during the spring period was much higher than those during other seasons. This study analyzed the concentrations of metals in Personal PM_2.5 samples. The average exposure concentrations of the auto-mobile repair shop mechanic and the gas station worker to the metals during spring period was higher than those during summer period. The personal exposure concentrations of the mechanic and the gas station worker to total aldehyde during the summer period were much higher than those during other seasons. The highest daily average concentration of exposure to formaldehyde at mechanicpsilas breathing zone during the summer was 2417 ppb, respectively, which significantly exceeded the ambient or indoor standard of formaldehyde, 0.1 ppm, specified in the WHO(World Health Organization).