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Nano-metal oxides: Exposure and engineering control assessment
Alberto Garcia1, Adrienne Eastlake1, Jennifer L Topmiller1
1a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Public Health Service (PHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Cincinnati , Ohio.
A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study found engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) released during production and cleaning. Installing a local exhaust ventilation system attachment reduced worker exposure potential.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Nanomaterial Exposure Assessment
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) production can lead to airborne particle release.
- Previous studies indicated ENM release during production and reactor cleaning.
- Occupational exposure limits are not established for nanoscale particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate process-specific emissions during ENM production.
- To assess worker exposure to airborne ENMs before and after engineering control implementation.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified local exhaust ventilation system.
Main Methods:
- Field studies conducted in 2007 and 2011 using the Nanoparticle Emission Assessment Technique (NEAT).
- Personal breathing zone and area air sampling for airborne metal concentrations (silver, nickel, iron).
- Utilized filter-based sampling and direct-reading instruments for particle concentration measurements.
Main Results:
- Airborne ENMs, including silver, nickel, and iron, were detected during reactor cleaning in 2007.
- Reactor cleanout increased particle concentrations in the immediate area but not outside the production floor.
- A flanged attachment to the local exhaust ventilation system effectively decreased exposure potential in 2011.
Conclusions:
- Engineering controls, such as modified local exhaust ventilation, can mitigate ENM exposure.
- Nanoparticle concentrations decrease with distance from the source, forming a concentration gradient.
- Given potential increased toxicity of nanoparticles, controlling emissions at the source is crucial.
