Occupational exposure to nanoparticles originating from welding - case studies from the Czech Republic

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nanomaterials are prevalent in both natural and industrial settings.
• Occupational exposure to unintentionally released nanoparticles is a significant concern.
• Welding operations in the manufacturing industry are identified as a major source of nanoparticle exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify incidental nanoparticle concentrations during welding operations.
• To assess the associated occupational health risks for workers.
• To provide data relevant to the manufacturing industry in the Czech Republic.

Main Methods:

• Measurements of particle number concentrations (20-1000 nm) and PM1 mass concentrations.
• Static sampling near workers during manual arc and automatic welding.
• Utilized NanoScan SMPS 3910, OPS 3330, P-TRAK 8525, and DustTrak DRX 8534 instruments.

Main Results:

• Average particle number concentrations ranged from 84x10^3 to 179x10^3 #/cm^3.
• Average PM1 mass concentrations were between 0.45-1.4 mg/m^3.
• Occupational exposure limits for nanoparticle number concentrations were exceeded 4-8 times.

Conclusions:

• Welding operations significantly release incidental nanoparticles.
• Current occupational exposure limits are frequently exceeded during welding.
• Recommendations include local exhaust ventilation and FFP2/FFP3 respiratory protection.