The measurements were taken from nine areas at different distances from the foundry in the area and according to the direction of the prevailing winds, as deduced from the historical data.
The results of this survey show a statistically significant difference in iron and aluminium levels in the outside air in the geographic areas between the two main periods examined: during August (no foundry activity) v/s July–September (foundry activity). The values recorded are: Aluminium 0.4 ± 0.45 μg/m3 v/s 1.12 ± 1.29 μg/m3 (p < 0.0001); Iron 0.95 ± 0.56 μg/m3 v/s 1.6 ± 1.0 μg/m3 (p < 0.0001).
There were no statistically significant differences between the nine sampling points from the point of view of the sampling sites, climate conditions and wind directions. We found no correlation with car traffic, in terms of the number of vehicles, and metals.
The values of iron tended to be higher in the areas farther away from the foundry site in the areas located along the path of the prevailing winds.