Research and development, where people are exposed to nanomaterials

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Ressource 1Download: BIB_52156942BB31.P001.pdf (616.58 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Final published version
Serval ID
serval:BIB_52156942BB31
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Research and development, where people are exposed to nanomaterials
Journal
Journal of Occupational Health
Author(s)
Imhof Chantal, Clark Katherine, Meyer Thierry, Schmid Kaspar, Riediker Michael
ISSN
1348-9585 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1341-9145
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
57
Number
2
Pages
179-188
Language
english
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Many nanomaterials (materials with structures smaller than 100 nm) have chemical, physical and bioactive characteristics of interest for novel applications. Considerable research efforts have been launched in this field. This study aimed to study exposure scenarios commonly encountered in research settings. METHODS: We studied one of the leading Swiss universities and first identified all research units dealing with nanomaterials. After a preliminary evaluation of quantities and process types used, a detailed analysis was conducted in units where more than a few micrograms were used per week. RESULTS: In the investigated laboratories, background levels were usually low and in the range of a few thousand particles per cubic centimeter. Powder applications resulted in concentrations of 10,000 to 100,000 particles/cm(3) when measured inside fume hoods, but there were no or mostly minimal increases in the breathing zone of researchers. Mostly low exposures were observed for activities involving liquid applications. However, centrifugation and lyophilization of nanoparticle-containing solutions resulted in high particle number levels (up to 300,000 particles/cm(3)) in work spaces where researchers did not always wear respiratory protection. No significant increases were found for processes involving nanoparticles bound to surfaces, nor were they found in laboratories that were visualizing properties and structure of small amounts of nanomaterials. CONCLUSIONS: Research activities in modern laboratories equipped with control techniques were associated with minimal releases of nanomaterials into the working space. However, the focus should not only be on processes involving nanopowders but should also be on processes involving nanoparticle-containing liquids, especially if the work involves physical agitation, aerosolization or drying of the liquids.
Keywords
Nanoparticles , Powders , Occupational Exposure , Research , Workplace
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
04/05/2015 12:31
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:07
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