Exposure Hazard to Bisphenol A for Labor and Particle Size Distribution at Polycarbonate Molding Plants

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.