Title: Development of emission factors for the control of lead and other metals during bridge construction work

Authors: Emmanuel A. Iyiegbuniwe, Lorraine M. Conroy

Addresses: Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA. ' Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, 440 SPHW M/C 922, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Abstract: This study was conducted to develop emission rates and emission factors for lead and other metals during abrasive blasting and power tooling operations. Emission factors are useful in controlling process emissions since it allows for the extrapolation of emissions from one process to another related process. Area samples were collected inside the bridge containments and emission rates were calculated. Emission factors were determined using mass balance models. Power tooling resulted in lower emission rates and emission factors than abrasive blasting. Emission factors determined in this study are necessary to effectively design a general ventilation system or choose appropriate respiratory protection.

Keywords: emission rates; emission factors; abrasive blasting; power tooling; lead concentrations; mass-balance models; bridge construction; heavy metals; process emissions; ventilation systems; respiratory protection; lead based paint; leaded paint; worker exposure; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2010.035065

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2010 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.309 - 326

Published online: 02 Sep 2010 *

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