Particle exposure scenarios for research and production activities involving nanomaterials

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_CE143D8FA690
Type
Inproceedings: an article in a conference proceedings.
Publication sub-type
Abstract (Abstract): shot summary in a article that contain essentials elements presented during a scientific conference, lecture or from a poster.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Particle exposure scenarios for research and production activities involving nanomaterials
Title of the conference
American Thoracic Society 2009 International Conference, May 15-20, 2009, San Diego, California
Author(s)
Riediker Michael, Meyer Thierry, Schmid Kaspar
ISBN
1073-449X
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2009
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
179
Series
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Pages
A5262
Language
english
Notes
SAPHIRID:80478
Abstract
Nanomaterials with structures in the nanoscale (1 to 100 nm) often have chemical, physical and bioactive characteristics different from those of larger entities of the same material. This is interesting for industry but raises questions about the health of exposed people. However, little is known so far about the exposure of workers to inhalable airborne nanomaterials. We investigated several activities in research laboratories and industry to learn about relevant exposure scenarios. Work process analyses were combined with measurements of airborne particle mass concentrations and number−size distributions. Background levels in research settings were mostly low, while in industrial production, levels were sometimes elevated, especially in halls near busy roads or in the presence of diesel fork lifts without particle filters. Peak levels were found in an industrial setting dealing with powders (up to 80,000 particles/cm³ and up to 15 mg/m³). Mostly low concentrations were found for activities involving liquid applications. However, centrifugation and lyophilization of nanoparticle containing solutions resulted in very high particle number concentrations (up to 300,000 particles/cm³), whereas no increases were seen for the same activities conducted with nanoparticle−free liquids. No significant increases of particle concentrations were found for processes involving nanoparticles bound to surfaces. Also no increases were observed in laboratories that were visualizing properties and structures of small amounts of nanomaterials. Conclusion: When studying exposure scenarios for airborne nanomaterials, the focus should not only be on processes involving nano−powders, but also on processes involving intensively treated nanoparticle−containing liquids. Acknowledgement: We thank Chantal Imhof, MSc and Guillaume Ferraris, MSc for their contributions.
Keywords
Nanoparticles , Industry , Safety , Data Collection , Occupational Exposure , Occupational Health
Create date
27/01/2010 13:20
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:48
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