Exposure assessment of workers in printed electronics workplace

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Industrial Hygiene
• Nanotechnology Safety

Background:

• Printed electronics integrates diverse technologies, introducing novel occupational health and safety (OHS) concerns beyond traditional printing.
• The convergence of printing, nanotechnology, and electronics necessitates a comprehensive risk assessment for emerging workplaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess occupational exposure risks in two printed electronics manufacturing environments.
• To identify potential health and safety hazards associated with printed electronics operations, including nanotechnology and solvent use.

Main Methods:

• Conducted walk-through surveys in two printed electronics facilities.
• Performed personal and area air sampling to measure exposure levels.
• Evaluated the effectiveness of existing engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Main Results:

• No excess exposure to silver nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was detected.
• Organic solvent levels were below occupational exposure limits, but some unlisted solvents were found.
• Inadequate engineering controls (e.g., local exhaust ventilation) and insufficient PPE were observed.
• Cleaning operations, a significant emission source, lacked proper containment and waste disposal procedures.

Conclusions:

• Printed electronics workplaces face OHS risks from both traditional printing practices and novel nanotechnology-based processes.
• There is a critical need for enhanced engineering controls, proper PPE provision, and improved waste management in the printed electronics industry.
• Proactive implementation of established and emerging OHS protocols is essential to mitigate risks in this rapidly evolving field.