On the problem of exposure control of nanomaterials at workplace

Abstract

Background. In the present situation, when production and use of nanomaterials are developing very quickly, assessment of risks in the field of nanotechnologies, hygienic regulation, exposure control of nanomaterials at workplace, becomes a tasks of high priority. All these need an assessment of workers' exposure to nanoparticles in occupational settings. Purpose. To determine nanoparticle emissions to the air of the working zone in different work activities and to evaluate modern methods of the exposure control of nanomaterials at workplace. Materials and methods. A concentration of nanoparticles in the air of the working zone was measured by the diffusion aerosol spectrometer DAS-2702. Results. According to levels of nanoparticle emissions to the air of the working zone, the E-beam synthesis in vacuum as well as traditional industrial processes (electric welding, secondary lead melting) are the most potentially dangerous. Conclusions. Nanoparticle emissions to the air of the working zone can occur in both nanotechnological and traditional processes. An exposure control is needed in both situations and requires modern measuring devices and specially developed sampling methods.

Cytotoxicity of nanoparticles of welding aerosols (data from literature and own research)

“…Джерелами ультрадисперсних аерозолів із розміром частинок до 100 нм можуть стати також природні процеси -лісові пожежі, вулканічні викиди та ін. [1,2].…”