Influence of fluoride recovery alumina on the work environment and the health of aluminum potroom workers

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Abstract
Dust exposure of health complaints were recorded by personal samplers and a questionnaire for potroom workers in a primary Al plant situated at the west coast of Norway. The study revealed a higher dust exposure and a higher prevalence of acute health complaints when fluoride recovery alumina from a dry-cleaning process was used compared to when pure alumina was used. Weather conditions and work conditions were otherwise similar during the 2 periods. The use of recovery alumina increased the pollution of the work atmosphere and caused more health complaints. The study revealed a higher prevalence of pulmonary symptoms of a chronic recurrent nature than expected, in spite of the thorough selection which took place before and during employment and may indicate that potroom workers were under the risk of developing chronic pulmonary disease.

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