Stoffbelastungen beim Kraftfahrzeugrecycling

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In 13 recycling facilities for old cars, the inhalation and dermal exposure of employees to hazardous substances and the status of safety technology were assessed. During the drying and dismantling of old vehicles, workers are exposed to varying degrees of fuel vapors and dust. Current exposure limits are adhered to, with vapor levels from benzene-containing gasoline potentially reaching about a quarter of the air limit (max. average: 67 mg/m³). In 2001, the permissible benzene content in gasoline was reduced from 5% to 1%, resulting in a significant decrease in benzene exposure at recycling workplaces to approximately half. Dust is not a significant factor during the drying process. During vehicle dismantling, exposure from fuel residues is notably lower, reaching a maximum of 10 mg/m³. The average levels of respirable and inhalable dust fractions were also well below air limits (max. 0.61 mg/m³ and 2.6 mg/m³, respectively). When drying and dismantling occur at the same site, there are proportional exposure levels. Dermal exposure was frequently observed, primarily affecting workers' hands, mainly due to contact with used operational fluids, as well as grease and fats often mixed with street dust and dirt.