128 Exposure to soot, Measured as Black Carbon and PAH, in Swedish Chimney Sweeps

Abstract The overall aim of our research is to study chimney sweeps exposure to soot to be able to give recommendations on how to effectively reduce the exposure. To do this a suitable method to study soot exposure is required. In this study we use a new method to study the personal airborne exposure to soot measured as black carbon (BC). BC is measured with a AethLabs MA200 micro aethalometer with a flow rate of 100 mL/min and sampling time of 1 min. By using a direct-reading instrument we aim to identify variability in exposure levels during the workday, and potential work tasks contributing to elevated exposure to soot. The study includes 20 chimney sweeps performing black sweeping in Sweden and BC is measured for eight workdays for each individual. During these days individuals also fill out a diary of work tasks performed. To assess the value of the BC levels, airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) is also measured with personal sampler for particulate- and gas phase PAH. PAH is measured in parallel with BC during one workday. Preliminary results show variability of BC levels between different individuals as well as different workdays for the same individual. We are also able to link BC levels with work tasks from the diaries. Significantly elevated PAH levels and especially the particle-bound PAHs, including the carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene, were observed in most samples.