Occupational exposure to arsenic and cadmium in thin-film solar cell production

Introduction: Workers involved in the production of Cd/As-based photovoltaic modules may be routinely or accidentally exposed to As- or Cd-containing inorganic compounds. Methods: Workers’ exposure to As and Cd was investigated by environmental monitoring following a worst-case approach and biological monitoring from the preparation of the working facility to its decommissioning. Workplace surface contamination was also evaluated through wipe-test sampling. Results: The highest mean airborne concentrations were found during maintenance activities (As = 0.0068 µg m−3; Cd = 7.66 µg m−3) and laboratory simulations (As = 0.0075 µg m−3; Cd = 11.2 µg m−3). These types of operations were conducted for a limited time during a typical work shift and only in specifically suited containment areas, where the highest surface concentrations were also found (laboratory: As = 2.94 µg m−2, Cd = 167 µg m−2; powder containment booth: As = 4.35 µg m−2, Cd = 1500 µg m−2). The As and Cd urinary levels (As_u; Cd_u) were not significantly different for exposed (As_u = 6.11±1.74 µg l−1; Cd_u = 0.24±2.36 µg g−1 creatinine) and unexposed workers (As_u = 6.11±1.75 µg l−1; Cd_u = 0.22±2.08 µg g−1 creatinine). Conclusion: Despite airborne arsenic and cadmium exposure well below the threshold limit value (TLV) when the operation is appropriately maintained in line, workers who are involved in various operations (maintenance, laboratory test) could potentially be at risk of significant exposure, well in excess of the TLV. Nevertheless, the biological monitoring data did not show significant occupationally related arsenic and cadmium intake in workers and no significant changes or differences in arsenic and cadmium urinary level among the exposed and unexposed workers were found.