Expositionsermittlungen in Pathologien von 2016 bis 2019 - Schwerpunkt Formaldehyd

摘要

Limit values for inhalative exposure to formaldehyde were frequently exceeded in pathology departments in the past. Owing to the carcinogenic effect of formaldehyde, the setting of a new limit value for the substance and the lowering of certain limit values for solvents, current exposure should be determined and assessed. Workplace measurements were conducted by measuring services of the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions and the German federal states in accordance with the German TRGS 402 Technical Rules for hazardous substances. These measurements determined the inhalative exposure to hazardous substances during routine operations in 57 pathology departments in Germany. The technical protective measures in these departments had subjectively been considered adequate. During tasks of long duration involving exposure to formaldehyde, the eight-hour mean shift value exceeded the permissible occupational exposure limit (OEL) of the TRGS 900 technical rules in up to 30% of cases. During short-term tasks the short-term exposure limit was exceeded in up to 60% of cases, and in as many as 70% of cases during work without local exhaust ventilation. Elevated concentrations of formaldehyde occurred in particular where exhaust facilities were insufficiently effective, and during tasks in which formaldehyde was emitted. The limit values for solvents were not exceeded.