Currently, widely available three-dimensional (3D) printers are very popular with the public. Previous research has shown that these printers can emit ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Several studies have examined the emissivity of filaments from 3D printing, except glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) and styrene free co-polyester (NGEN) filaments. The aim of this study was to evaluate UFP and VOC emissions when printing using a commonly available 3D printer (ORIGINAL PRUSA i3 MK2 printer) using PETG and NGEN. The concentrations of UFPs were determined via measurements of particle number concentration and size distribution. A thermal analysis was carried out to ascertain whether signs of fiber decomposition would occur at printing temperatures. The total amount of VOCs was determined using a photoionization detector, and qualitatively analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total particle concentrations were 3.88 × 1010 particles for PETG and 6.01 × 109 particles for NGEN. VOCs at very low concentrations were detected in both filaments, namely ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene. In addition, styrene was identified in PETG. On the basis of our results, we recommend conducting additional measurements, to more accurately quantify personal exposure to both UFPs and VOCs, focusing on longer exposure as it can be a source of potential cancer risk.
This article presents the results of experimental determination of temperature fi eld and heat fl ux density in a fl ashover container used for the training of fi refi ghters. Experimental measurements were carried out in a chamber No. 1 of a fi refi ghting trainer of Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic at Zbiroh. The article describes the design and equipment of this chamber, used method of measurement and test procedure. Measured values of temperature fi eld and heat fl ux density are stated and discussed. In conclusion, recommendations for further measurements in this chamber aimed at acquiring other fi ndings concerning thermal loads on fi refi ghters in the course of training are presented.
Background: Nanomaterials are virtually ubiquitous as they are created by both natural processes and human activities. The amount of occupational exposure to unintentionally released nanoparticles can, therefore, be substantial. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of incidental nanoparticles that workers can be exposed to during welding operations and to assess related health risks. The specific focus on welding operations was determined based on the fact that other case studies on the manufacturing industry confirm significant exposure to incidental nanoparticles during welding. In the Czech Republic, 92% of all industrial workers are employed in the manufacturing industry, where welding operations are amply represented. Material and Methods:The particle number concentrations of particles in the size range of 20-1000 nm and particle mass concentrations of inhalable and PM 1 fractions were determined via meas ure ments carried out at 15-minute intervals for each welding operation by static sampling in close proximity to the worker. Measurements were obtained using the following instruments: NanoScan SMPS 3910, Optical Particle Sizer OPS 3330, P-TRAK 8525 and DustTrak DRX 8534. The assessed operations were manual arc welding and automatic welding. Results: The observed average particle number concentrations for electric arc welders ranged 84×10 3 -176×10 3 #/cm 3 , for welding machine operators 96×10 3 -147×10 3 #/cm 3 , and for a welding locksmith the obtained average concentration was 179×10 3 #/cm 3 . The determined average mass concentration of PM 1 particles ranged 0.45-1.4 mg/m 3 . Conclusions: Based on the conducted measure ments, it was confirmed that there is a significant number of incidental nanoparticles released during welding operations in the manufacturing industry as a part of production and processing of metal products. The recommended occupational exposure limits for nanoparticle number concentrations were exceeded approximately 4-8 times for all assessed welding operations. The use of local exhaust ventilation in conjunction with personal protective equipment, including FFP2 or FFP3 particle filters, for welding is, therefore, recommended. Med Pr. 2021;72(3)
Integral part of risk assessment of workplaces includes detailed characterization of airborne aerosols in case of such a considerable risk present in workplace atmosphere. Size, particle size distribution and chemical characterization of ultrafine particles in various industrial workplaces are systematically studied by set of techniques including the wide range size resolving sampling system Nano-ID® Select followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) exploited for chemical analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fast Mobility Particle Sizing (FMPS) and Lung Deposited Surface Area Monitoring (LDSA). Results obtained from expertise on particle fractionated mass and the calculated deposition fraction in various compartments of the respiratory system using the ICRP lung deposition model suggest suitability of size-selective sampling and size-related assessment not only for engineered nanoobjects and their aggregates and agglomerates, but also for inadvertently produced emissions of present-day technologies.
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