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

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 collected 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/m(3), which were significantly higher than BPA concentrations (16.16 to 19.39 μg/m(3)) 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.