With the continued inclusion of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products, a detailed understating their release during use is critical in determining their potential effect on human and environmental health. Of particular interests are commercially available NP-based surface coatings including paints, stains, and sealants as they represent an area of direct contact between the product, the consumer, and the surrounding environment. In this study, both Micronized-Copper pressure treated lumber, and a commercially available composite decking were coated with ZnO NPs dispersed in Super-Q Water or wood stain. Coated surfaces were allowed to weather outdoors for a period of 6 months. During weathering, periodic sampling of the surface was completed using a modified method developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to estimate the release of NPs from the surface through dermal transfer. The total concentrations of Zn released throughout weathering was tracked through ICP-OES. The form of released material (particle versus ion) was determined through sequential filtration, Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy. Our results indicate that both the surfaces used in coatings, as well as the matrix used in NP dispersion has a dramatic impact on the potential for release. Finally, we outline the benefits and potential drawbacks of further adoption/modification of the CPSC method for tracking NP release from coated surfaces.

Release and transformation of ZnO nanoparticles from coated surfaces during simulated dermal contact

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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