鋯粉塵職場暴露現況、健康風險與管理對策分析

Occupational Exposure, Health Risks, and Management Strategies of Zirconium Dust in Taiwan

鋯及其化合物因具有耐高溫、耐腐蝕與高穩定性，廣泛應用於鑄造、陶瓷、耐火材料及電子光學產業。然而，長期吸入鋯粉塵可能對呼吸系統與皮膚健康造成影響。我國雖已將鋯及其化合物列入「職業疾病種類表」，但目前缺乏針對不同產業之暴露現況、共暴露金屬與高風險製程的系統性調查與管理策略。本研究旨在評估國內多產業鋯粉塵暴露情形，分析高風險作業特徵，並提出具體防護建議。
本研究於2024年選取8家使用鋯及其化合物之事業單位，涵蓋金屬製品、非金屬礦物製品、零組件及電子光學製造業。進行現場訪視、製程觀察與作業環境監測，採用《勞動部勞動及職業安全衛生研究所採樣分析參考方法》進行總粉塵（MOL 4002）、可呼吸性粉塵（MOL 4001）及金屬元素（MOL 3017）之區域與個人採樣，並測定鋯、鈷、鎳等金屬濃度。
整體而言，多數測得之鋯粉塵濃度低於我國容許暴露濃度（5 mg/m³），但在泡漿、浸漿、淋砂及震殼等製程中，部分區域與個人採樣結果可呼吸性粉塵與總粉塵濃度偏高（最高可呼吸性粉塵區域採樣值2.15 mg/m³）。此外，震殼與泡漿製程中偵測到鈷與鎳共暴露，部分濃度雖低於容許標準，但仍需進一步研究金屬共暴露的健康風險。
鋯粉塵暴露的高風險作業主要集中於脫蠟及後處理製程，且伴隨金屬共暴露現象。建議針對高風險製程強化局部排氣與通風效能、落實防塵呼吸防護具使用教育，並建立定期作業環境監測制度。未來可結合管理模式與長期健康追蹤，提供更完整的職業暴露防護與政策依據。

Zirconium and its compounds, known for their high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and stability, are widely used in casting, ceramics, refractory materials, and the optoelectronics industry. However, prolonged inhalation of zirconium dust may affect respiratory and skin health. Although zirconium and its compounds have been listed in Taiwan’s Occupational Disease Classification Table, there is currently a lack of systematic investigations and management strategies regarding exposure status, co-exposure to other metals, and high-risk processes across different industries. This study aimed to assess zirconium dust exposure in multiple domestic industries, analyze the characteristics of high-risk operations, and propose specific protective measures.
In 2024, eight workplaces using zirconium and its compounds were selected, covering the metal products, non-metallic mineral products, components, and optoelectronics manufacturing industries. On-site visits, process observations, and work environment monitoring were conducted. According to the Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health sampling and analysis reference methods, total dust (MOL 4002), respirable dust (MOL 4001), and metallic elements (MOL 3017) were measured through both area and personal sampling. Concentrations of zirconium, cobalt, nickel, and other metals were determined.
Overall, most measured zirconium dust concentrations were below Taiwan’s permissible exposure limit (5 mg/m³). However, in processes such as slurry coating, dipping, sand sprinkling, and shell knocking, certain area and personal samples showed higher respirable dust and total dust levels, with the highest respirable dust concentration in area sampling reaching 2.15 mg/m³. Additionally, co-exposure to cobalt and nickel was detected in shell knocking and slurry coating processes. Although concentrations were below permissible standards, further investigation into the health risks of metal co-exposure is warranted.
High-risk zirconium dust exposure primarily occurs in dewaxing and post-processing operations, often accompanied by co-exposure to other metals. It is recommended to enhance local exhaust ventilation and overall ventilation efficiency in high-risk processes, ensure proper use and education on dust respirators, and establish regular work environment monitoring systems. Future efforts may combine management strategies with long-term health surveillance to provide more comprehensive occupational exposure protection and policy support.