The history of pulp and paper bleaching: respiratory-health effects

Airflow limitation and changes in pulmonary function among bleachery workers

“…Specifically, it is likely that high exposures accompanied the onset of ozone use prior to the baseline survey. When Mills B and C began to use ozone in the 1990s, they were not prepared for its strong corrosive properties, which led to numerous leaks and pipe breaks [6]. In at least one of the two mills, the workers identified as most exposed to ozone developed chronic bronchiolitis [16].…”

“…Epidemiological studies have found that pulp mill workers with peak exposures to Cl and other irritant gases have an increased risk for reduced lung function [2][3][4][5]. Starting in the early 1990s, some Swedish pulp mills began replacing Cl and ClO 2 with ozone as a bleaching agent [6]. Workers in these settings most likely experience low-level background exposure to ozone, as well as episodic high-level exposure due to accidental gassings.…”

How to promote prevention-economic incentives or legal regulations or both?

“…Most pressure groups, such as consumers' action groups, are active in the field of the external environment, but there are few, if any, examples from the occupational environment. The change of bleaching processes for pulp in the Swedish pulp and paper industry is an example of how public opinion regarding external environmental pressure also affects the work environment (20). During the 1980s there was much public concern about effluents to the sea from pulp mills with chlorine-based bleaching.…”

Exposure to ozone gases in pulp mills and the onset of rhinitis

“…Ozone has been used as a replacement for chlorine and ClO 2 in the pulp bleaching process at mills in Sweden since 1992 (1). Workers are sometimes exposed to these gases at high levels due to accidental leakage.…”