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A proposal of method for evaluating airborne MWCNT concentration
Mariko Ono-Ogasawara1, Toshihiko Myojo
1Work Environment Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kawasaki, Japan. ono@h.jniosh.go.jp
Industrial Health
|October 25, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a method to measure worker exposure to multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by analyzing elemental carbon (EC) in airborne particles. The technique distinguishes MWCNT aerosols from other particulate matter for accurate workplace monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Increasing production of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) leads to higher potential worker exposure.
- Accurate monitoring of MWCNT aerosols in workplaces is crucial for health and safety.
- Existing methods may not effectively distinguish MWCNTs from other airborne particulate matter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for evaluating MWCNT aerosol concentration based on elemental carbon (EC) levels.
- To differentiate MWCNT aerosols from general atmospheric particulate matter in workplace air.
- To provide a reliable approach for measuring MWCNT concentrations in occupational settings.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Sioutas cascade impactor (SCI) to collect size-segregated respirable dust samples.
- Employed carbon analysis, specifically high-temperature oxidation (920°C) of elemental carbon (EC).
- Proposed a three-step procedure leveraging EC in particles >1 μm to index MWCNT presence, accounting for MWCNT aggregation.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed a method to quantify MWCNT aerosols based on EC concentration.
- The method distinguishes MWCNT aerosols from other particulate matter using EC as an index.
- The approach is designed for measuring MWCNT concentrations in workplace air.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method offers a distinct way to evaluate MWCNT aerosol concentrations using elemental carbon.
- This technique aids in differentiating MWCNTs from background particulate matter in occupational environments.
- Accurate measurement of MWCNT exposure is achievable through this EC-based approach.
