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The plastic processing industry is a major player in the US economy. Plastic injection molding is a common practice and is used to make virtually all plastic objects. This process uses heat to melt plastic resins. Doing this causes fumes and smoke to emit into the operator's breathing zone. If not properly captured and filtered, these fumes may become hazardous and result in adverse health effects. Learn more about this process and engineering safety controls you can put in place to reduce exposure.
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Hazards of Plastics Injection Molding
Reducing exposure to harmful fumes, smoke and gases.
A presentation by Sentry Air Systems, Inc.
According to the Plastics Industry Trade Association, in 2011 the U.S. plastics industry
accounted for $380.4 billion in annual shipments and directly employed almost
900,000 people
in over 16,200 facilities.
THERMOSET MATERIALS
Undergo permanent chemical reactions
High degree of rigidity
Superior mechanical properties
High chemical resistance
Can never be re-softened or reshaped
THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS
Can be re-melted and reshaped
Make up the majority of plastic products
Common resins include PVC, ABS and Nylon
2main categories in plastics processing
During the injection molding process, these materials are melted, injected into molds, rapidly cooled and released; all the while emitting hazardous fumes.
Respiratory Hazards during Injection Molding Process
irritation to nose, throat, larynx • cough • choking • dermatitis • laryngeal spasm and pulmonary edema found in animals • headache • weakness • exhaustion • dizziness • confusion • drowsiness • unsteady gait • narcosis • defatting dermatitis • possible liver injury • reproductive effects • anorexia • weight loss • weakness • exhaustion • muscle ache, pain • dark urine • cyanosis • liver, kidney damage • skin burns • dermatitis • ochronosis • tremor • convulsions • twitching • teratogenic • reproductive effects • potential occupational carcinogen • lacrimation • wheezing • decreased pulmonary function • delayed pulmonary edema • chronic resp. disease • central nervous system depression • drowsiness • narcosis • asphyxia
Studies on the constituents found in common plastic fumes revealed a host of hazardous chemicals, each with adverse health effects once inhaled.
Hydrogen
Chloride
STYRENE
phenol
BUTADIENEformaldehyde
acrolein
ACETONE
butane
Source-Capture Fume Extraction Systems
Model 300 Portable Fume Extractor (most
recommended) Model No. SS-300-PFS
Up to 350 CFM
HEPA Filtration [up to 99.97% efficient on particles 0.3 microns and larger]
10lb Activated Carbon Filtration for smelly VOCs and burnt plastic odors
Model 400 Portable Fume ExtractorModel No. SS-400-PFS
Up to 700 CFM
HEPA Filtration [up to 99.97% efficient on particles 0.3 microns and larger]
22lb Activated Carbon Filtration for smelly VOCs and burnt plastic odors
Both models can easily move around the machine to capture fumes at the source, before they reach the operator’s breathing zone.
Ambient Room Air Cleaner
Model 2000 Free Hanging Ambient Air Cleaner Model No. SS-2000-FH
Up to 2000 CFM
MERV 7 Pre-filter [up to 70% efficient at 3 microns and larger]
MERV 14 Main Filter ASHRAE Bag [up to 95% efficient at.3 microns and larger]
Works to remove renegade, ambient particles from the air. This unit is mounted to the ceiling, saving valuable floor space.
For more information, or to receive a free quote contact Sentry Air Systems today.
www.sentryair.com
800.799.4609
