An air quality study of nanomaterials in a manufacturing setting

Nanotechnology has been the subject of much recent controversy in both a positive and negative direction. The promise of nano-products is a better world. But amidst all the anticipation of the new products some are skeptical due to some of the controversial health effects. Some researchers have been investigating the toxicological effects of certain nano-products for years. Very few people to date have investigated the actual exposures. In this study air concentrations were measured to asses the extent a worker is being exposed to nano-materials in the workplace. Based on observations certain areas were hypothesized to have high nano-particle concentrations and those areas were selected for sampling. Equipment ranging from basic air pumps to a newer piece called a condensation particle counter was used in the determination of the exposures. The results were consistent in showing the worker exposure to nano-sized products was well below OSHA regulated and NIOSH recommended personal exposure limits (PEL). This is one of the first studies; obviously more field research needs to be done. In addition, the toxicology, other exposure mechanisms, and life cycle issues with products also need to be investigated.