There is an increasing need to characterize nanoparticles generated in the occupational settings due to their negative health effects. This study evaluates and compares the concentration, composition and size of incidental nanoparticles in two indoor industrial workplaces using on-site and off-site techniques. Two occupational settings, a heavy vehicle machining and assembly center and an iron foundry, are selected due to expected concentrations of Fe, Mn and Cu nanoparticles. A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) is used on-site to measure the concentration and size of the particles; simultaneously, a nano micro-orifice uniform-deposit impactor (nano-MOUDI) allows to size-selectively collect particles on polycarbonate substrates that are analyzed on-site with a field portable X-ray fluorescence (FP-XRF) spectrometer to determine metal composition and concentration. The nano-MOUDI stages are also analyzed off-site using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to obtain more precise metal composition and concentration. For both sites, on-site and off-site measurements showed similar particle concentrations, size distribution and metal composition. The analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the nano-MOUDI stages reveals a particle aggregation behavior that shall be considered when analyzing respirable fraction of incidental particles for toxicology implications. This study characterizes the concentration, composition and size of incidental nanoparticles in two indoor industrial workplaces using on-site and off-site technique. Our findings reveal a particle aggregation behavior that shall be considered when analyzing respirable fraction of incidental particles for toxicology implications.

Physicochemical properties and health implications of airborne incidental nanoparticles

256th National Meeting (2018)

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