Quantitative analysis of heavy metals emission during the combustion and baling of polyvinyl chloride insulated copper wire

Abstract

The purpose of this research was the identification of heavy metals and other potentially harmful elements emitted during the combustion and baling of polyvinyl chloride insulated copper wire. Analysis of the smoke produced during the burning was conducted and compared to the airborne dust samples collected during the baling process. From these results, occupational exposures to heavy metals during the reclamation of PVC insulated copper wire were assessed. Bulk ash and dust samples were ʹaken to compare to each other and to the air samples to examine the similarities and/or differences that existed between the samples. Neutron activation analysis was used to determine the components found in the bulk ash and dust samples. Atomic absorption was used to analyze the air samples collected during the baling and combustion of PVC insulated copper wire. Particle size distributions were measured using an Anderson 2000 cascade impactor. All tests were performed according to existing standards. The air sampling data yielded some surprising results. These results indicated potentially high occupational exposures to lead and copper while antimony, cadmium, and barium were not detected. This was startling considering previous research indicated the potential for antimony, cadmium, and barium, to be found in quantities that could exceed occupational exposures, but not for lead or copper. The combustion samples taken for five minutes in the smoke plume showed lead and copper results exceeding the allowed daily exposure in 5 to 8 minutes. Although the lead and copper samples taken during the baling operation did not exceed the allowed daily exposure, the results did show potentially high exposures to workers if the baling of burned copper wire continued for the duration of the workshift. The bulk ash and dust samples showed antimony, bromine, and chromium in concentrations exceeding 100 ppm by mass. The results of the ash and dust samples suggest many other heavy metals having a potential environmental impact.