ABSTRACT
There are several factors which make the establishment of threshold limit values for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in work atmospheres a difficult task. In gas and coke works, large amounts of PAH are released from the ovens in which coal is pyrolyzed. Major exposures to workers occur during charging operations, or result from leakage around the lids or pipes at the top of the ovens or from the oven doors due to incomplete sealing. It is apparent from the study by Bjorseth et al. that nonhomogeneous distribution of PAH in the atmosphere of an aluminum plant potroom may give rise to significant variation in occupational exposure, even for workers doing the same job. The PAH exposure problems in foundries are principally of the same type as in the iron and steel industry. The PAH measurements from all types of workplaces have been reviewed and evaluated by Lindstedt and Sollenberg who also ranked the occupations according to the degree of exposure.
