HEAVY METAL CONTENTS OF ABRASIVES

Abstract

 This study reports heavy metal contents of abrasives of silica sand, fused alumina, garnet, ferro-nickel slag, cupper slag and stainless cut wire. These abrasives are commonly used for the blasting of the steel bridge repairing. Silica sand contained extremely small amount of heavy metals, while garnet, ferro-nickel slag and cupper slag contained several to several tens of thousands ppm of heavy metals. Heavy metal contents of stainless cut wire corresponded to original content of stainless. Considering the heavy metals contents of abrasives and dust amount during blasting, contractees and contractors should select the appropriate method of construction and create the safe work environment.