RESUMO
In this study, the lead (Pb) levels in the air surrounding a battery repair shop were measured before and after installation of an exhaust system. Samples were collected in six and four points located at approximately 25 m and 500 m, respectively, from the battery repair shop. The limit of 1.5mg Pb.m-3 air was exceeded in 50% of the samples, ranging from 0.07 to 183.3mg Pb.m-3. After changes in the battery repair shop's interior layout and use of the exhaust system, three points were selected, corresponding to the highest concentrations found previously. The new levels ranged from 0.8 to 17.6 mg Pb.m-3, demonstrating a significant decrease in the lead content discharged into the environment after meeting the exhaust requirements.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Poluição do Ar/análise , Fontes de Energia Elétrica , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Chumbo/análise , Poluição do Ar/prevenção & controle , Brasil , Humanos , ManufaturasRESUMO
Lead levels in the air surrounding a battery repair shop (BRS) located in the Olaria neighborhood (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were monitored from April to July 1999. Most of the samples collected within 25 meters of the BRS exceeded the limit of 1.5 micro g.Pb.m-3 established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These results were published in a previous article (Quiterio et al., 2001). In the current study, installation of a Venture ventilation system and some changes in the operational procedure were proposed. After the modifications in the BRS, a new monitoring campaign was performed (August and September, 2000). Three points were selected for air collection, corresponding to the most critical points found in the previous assessments. The new concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 17.6 micro g.Pb.m-3, showing that lead emissions into the environment had decreased adequately. However, concentration at the chimney exhaust was still higher than EPA limits, and further improvements in the installations and procedures are definitely needed.