The concentration of Cd, Pb and Ni in atmospheric particulate matter collected in the workplace of three foundries located in the municipality of Loanda, Paraná, Brazil, was determined by square wave voltammetry and ICP OES. The results show that workers are being systematically exposed to concentrations of Cd and Pb that are significantly above the Limit of Concentration recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Results obtained by the proposed electroanalytical method do not differ statistically from the results obtained by ICP OES, indicating its potential application to environmental monitoring at much lower cost of installation, operation and maintenance. According to the results obtained, technological changes in the production process were recommended, as well as the use of personal protective equipment in order to keep the health and well being of workers, minimizing damages to the external environment.
foundries; heavy metals; particulate matter; voltammetry; exposure levels
