[Evaluation of the exposure to copper and other non-ferrous metals in copper foundries].

Working environment has been evaluated in two copper metallurgy plants by analysis of Cu and other metals (Pb, Cd, Zn) concentrations. At the Charge Preparation Department the greatest concentrations of Cu and Pb were found. Copper concentrations at Metallurgy Department (shaft furnace, converter and anodic furnace) oscillate between 0.1-0.5 mg/m3, and Pb 0.06-0.71 mg/m3. In order to accurately evaluate copper exposure at working places where copper fume may arise (Metallurgy Department) it is necessary to determine Cu concentrations in respirable dust. At other working places Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were low. Cadmium appears in vestigial amounts. The quantitative analysis indicates that airborne copper at the Charge Preparation Department and at the shaft furnace appears as CuS, at converter as Cu2O, and at other working places as metal Cu.