ULTRAFINE PARTICLES AND CHEMICAL RISK IN AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOPS

In automobile repair shops (or garage) activity, it is necessary to undertake a detailed assessment of the health risks (e.g., chemicals for work procedures). The worker may be exposed to welding fumes during assembly procedures (welding operation), and to sanding dust and solvents (e.g., toluene, xylenes, isocyanates, styrene and pigments) contained in grouts. The exposure degree depends on the mode of use, the amount used, the rate of use and personal protective equipment. The staff responsible performs interventions ranging from simple maintenance to repairs. For chemical agent measurements, it is necessary to use standardized methods or appropriate methods; regarding the ultrafine particles, it should be better to obtain information as possible in terms of number and trend.