Potential for exposure to engineered nanoparticles from nanotechnology-based consumer spray products

Abstract

The potential for human exposure to engineered nanoparticles due to the use of nanotechnology-based consumer sprays (categorized as such by the Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory) is examined along with analogous products, which are not specified as nanotechnology-based (regular products). Photon correlation spectroscopy was used to obtain particle size distributions in the initial liquid products. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine particle size, shape, and agglomeration of the particles. Realistic application of the spray products near the human breathing zone characterized airborne particles that are released during use of the sprays. Aerosolization of sprays with standard nebulizers was used to determine their potential for inhalation exposure. Electron microscopy detected the presence of nanoparticles in some nanotechnology-based sprays as well as in several regular products, whereas the photon correlation spectroscopy indicated the presence of particles <100 nm in all investigated products. During the use of most nanotechnology-based and regular sprays, particles ranging from 13 nm to 20 μm were released, indicating that they could he inhaled and consequently deposited in all regions of the respiratory system. The results indicate that exposures to nanoparticles as well as micrometer-sized particles can be encountered owing to the use of nanotechnology-based sprays as well as regular spray products.

Release of airborne particles and Ag and Zn compounds from nanotechnology-enabled consumer sprays: Implications for inhalation exposure

“…While this database might not describe all relevant consumer products due to a very dynamic nature of the market, it does provide an excellent idea about the wide-spread application of nanoparticles in consumer markets. In addition, recent research indicated that nanosized materials might even be present in consumer products not labeled as nanotechnology-based (Nazarenko et al, 2011;Nazarenko et al, 2012b). Among the nanomaterials introduced into the consumer products, Ag, TiO2, ZnO, Pt and SiO2 nanoparticles seem to be the most commonly used (Frohlich and Roblegg, 2012).…”

Comparative modeling of exposure to airborne nanoparticles released by consumer spray products

“…Other studies found varying contents of NPs in sprays. Advertising the use of nanotechnology did not necessarily mean the presence of NPs, and a number of sprays without reference to nanotechnology contained NPs (Nazarenko et al, 2011, Quadros & Marr, 2011.…”

Toxicity effects of four typical nanomaterials on the growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Agrobacterium tumefaciens

“…These nanotechnology-based consumer sprays are now leading to increased risk of exposure to humans and other organisms (Nazarenko et al 2011). The consequent concerns have resulted in considerable researches on their toxicity (Nel et al 2006;Larese et al 2009;Song et al 2009).…”