Field Sampling was conducted for volatile chemicals and for particles generated from laser-machining of various graphite-composite materials. We collected gaseous samples in a liquid-nitrogen trap. Chemical species were isolated and identified by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy; we also performed quantitative analysis of the identified chemicals. Particles collected on filters from air sampling during the machining process were chemically extracted and analyzed to determine if significant absorption of the volatile species had occurred onto these particles. Portions of this extract were also evaluated for mutagenicity using the Ames test. The majority of the chemical species we identified were aromatic compounds, ranging from single-ring to polynuclear species. Exposure limits have been established for only a few of these identified compounds, and a toxicological review reveals various acute and chronic effects, ranging from irritation to carcinogenicity. The Ames test indicates that extracts of the particulates are mutagenic.

Topics
Laser beam effects, Chemical elements, Gas chromatography, Composite materials, Mass spectrometry, Carbon based materials
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1991
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