Comprehensive particle characterization during four nanotechnology processes

Production and handling of engineered nanomaterials is currently the subject of an increasingly large number of studies addressing workplace exposure; specifically, its quantification and mitigation. This intense focus is the result of an emerging appreciation of the toxicological characteristics of airborne nanoparticles (< 100 nm) following inhalation and their subsequent health effects (Maynard and Aitken, 2007). Efforts addressing this issue have been impeded somewhat by a lack of knowledge regarding the most appropriate instrumental means by which to quantify nanoparticle concentration and exposure (Methner et al., 2010). In order to contribute towards the filling of this knowledge gap, we deployed a comprehensive suite of particle instrumentation during four distinct nanoparticle-generating processes across three workplaces. The aim of this was to assess the relative importance of numerous measurement technologies in terms of quantifying worker exposure