RR546 - Real time monitoring and environmental fate of oxides of nitrogen in the construction industry
The UK Workplace Exposure Limits of nitrogen monoxide (nitric oxide, NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are currently under review. In the meantime, both NO and NO2 were subject to a CHAN (Chemical Hazard Awareness Notice) of 1 ppm (8-hr time-weighted average, TWA), significantly lower than the previous occupational exposure standards. Note that all CHANs have now been suspended (from December 2006).
Exposure to these oxides of nitrogen commonly arises in the construction industry from diesel engine exhaust emissions and from the use of explosives. This project addresses (a) the effectiveness of real-time monitors, particularly personal monitors, at these concentration levels and (b) the environmental fate of NO and NO2 in the construction environment by laboratory and field experiments.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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