Approach to chemical risks in the sector of treating hazardous wood waste

This article takes a panoramic look at the chemical risks run by employees at centres for treating hazardous wood waste. The results show the presence of three main pollutants: wood dust and/or total particulate matter (TPM), chromium VI, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure of employees to wood dust is, on average, greater than the occupational exposure limit value (OELV), and can reach very high values depending on the work done and on the configuration of the site. The chromium VI concentrations and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) concentrations are also causes for concern (50% of the values are higher than the OELVs or than the recommended values) at certain urban centres treating wood from networks (poles and sleepers). However, a major reduction in dust levels during crushing and transfer of matter would make it possible to reduce the exposure of the operators to such chemical pollutants. The study presented in this article shows that crushing chipboard releases formaldehyde in low concentrations only. Similarly, concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are very low during crushing, regardless of the type of wood waste. Conversely, the use of sawdust in recycling organic waste can lead to significant VOC concentrations. The study has also highlighted that filter boxes on vehicles and other plant are ineffective in certain situations.