Exposure to Manufactured Nanostructured Particles in an Industrial Pilot Plant

Abstract

Objectives: Nanomaterial production and the number of people directly in contact with these materials are increasing. Yet, little is known on the association between exposure and corresponding risks, such as pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress.Methods: Condensation Particle Counters, a DustTrakä and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizerä quantified real-time size, mass and number concentrations in a nanostructure particle pilot-scale production facility, using a high-temperature gas-phase process, over a 25-day period. Temporal and spatial analysis of particle concentrations and sizes was performed during production, maintenance and handling. Number-based particle retention of breathing mask filters used under real-time production and exposure conditions in the workplace was quantified.Results: The results demonstrate elevated number concentrations during production, which can be an order of magnitude higher than background levels. Average concentrations during production were 59 100 cm 23 and 0.188 mg m 23 for submicron particles. Mask filters decreased particle number concentrations by >96%.Conclusions: This study demonstrates real-time worker exposure during gas-phase nanoparticle manufacturing. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of emission sources and concentration levels in a production plant is accomplished. These results are important for workers, employers and regulators in the nanotechnology field as they provide information on encountered exposures and possibilities for mitigation measures.

Intercomparison of a portable and two stationary mobility particle sizers for nanoscale aerosol measurements

“…To date, few studies have measured the total PN concentrations and particle number size distributions by using the above mentioned methods/instruments in a variety of settings and environments such as ambient air (Wehner et al 2002;Costabile et al 2009;Watson et al 2011;Reche et al 2011;Asmi et al 2011;Cusack et al 2013;Beddows et al 2014;Brines et al 2015;G omezMoreno et al 2015), indoor air (Morawska et al 2009a;Buonanno et al 2010;Zhang et al 2010;Buonanno et al 2013;Voliotis et al 2014) and industrial and nanotechnology-related workplaces (Demou et al 2008;Brouwer 2010;Kuhlbusch et al 2011;Koivisto et al 2012;Koivisto et al 2014;Fonseca et al 2015a, b).…”

Nanoparticles, human health hazard and regulation

“…With respect to non-fibrous particles, one study at a pilot scale 'nanostructured particle' gas phase metal oxide production facility showed elevated number concentrations during production rising to an order of magnitude higher than background levels (Demou et al 2008). Another assessed airborne NP exposures associated with manual handling of small quantities (15 and 100 g) of nano-alumina and nanosilver in fume hoods (Tsai et al 2009).…”

Occupational Release of Engineered Nanoparticles: A Review

“…The primary size of these particles (often 10-50 nm) is largely a function of the generating conditions (i.e. production in open [5] or closed [6,7] process). Following their release, the particles coagulate at different rates, based on their concentration, as well as other less significant factors, such as type of material and activity.…”

“…2.2. For example, Fujitani et al [10] and Bello et al [58] used time series analysis, whereas Demou et al [5] and Tsai et al [22] used a spatial analysis approach. In most cases, the obtained results, either in terms of number concentration or size distribution, were used as a base for comparison.…”