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Nanoparticle emissions from traditional pottery manufacturing
Aristeidis Voliotis1, Spyros Bezantakos, Maria Giamarelou
1Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene 81100, Greece. biskos@aegean.gr.
Environmental Science. Processes & Impacts
|April 23, 2014
Summary
Traditional pottery kilns release harmful nanoparticles, especially above 600°C. These fine particles, containing lead, pose health risks, necessitating emission control measures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Materials Science
Background:
- Traditional pottery firing in kilns generates airborne particles.
- These particles pose significant risks to human health due to their concentration and composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate particle size, concentration, and elemental composition during ceramic firing.
- To assess health risks associated with traditional pottery manufacturing emissions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and Optical Particle Counter (OPC) for particle analysis.
- Conducted elemental analysis using Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy.
- Measured particles ranging from 10 nm to 20 μm in a pottery studio.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle mode ( < 100 nm) dominated above 600°C.
- Peak concentrations reached 6.5 × 10^5 cm⁻³ (unpainted) and 1.2 × 10^6 cm⁻³ (painted/glazed).
- Emitted nanoparticles contained significant amounts of lead, particularly during painted/glazed stages.
Conclusions:
- Pottery firing releases hazardous nanoparticles, with lead content posing a major health concern.
- Findings highlight the urgent need for emission control strategies in traditional pottery production.
- Further research into health impacts and mitigation techniques is warranted.
