Engineered Nanomaterials Exposure and Risk Assessment: Occupational Health and Safety

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2021) | Viewed by 34639

Special Issue Editor

University of Helsinki, Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), Helsinki, Finland; Air Pollution Management, Copenhagen, Denmark
Interests: Source specific exposure and risk assessment; Process emissions; Nanoparticle measurements; Exposure modeling; Nanosafety; Occupational health and safety; Emission controls; Risk management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The titled Special Issue aims to cover all main steps in nanomaterial safety assessment as shown in the Figure. This include aerosol measurements, particle characterization, pollution mass flow analysis, exposure and dose assessment in biologically relevant metrics, and hazard assessment of released particles.

Occupational safety assessment of engineered nanomaterials requires proper knowledge of the exposure scenarios, process emissions, and emitted particles biological responses. Currently, there is plenty of exposure measurement data available that is applicable for personal exposure level assessment for the specific scenario. However, process specific emissions and exposure levels of nanomaterials are still rarely reported. Those are essential for process emission characterization, exposure model parameterization, performance testing and calibration, development of default exposure scenarios, and for better understanding of risk management measures. Majority of occupational exposure studies consider formulation of pristine nanomaterial in matrix because of highest exposure potential. However, exposure scenarios through nano-product life cycle needs to be considered. In post-processing, hazard assessment become more complex because pristine nanomaterials are usually embedded in released substrate fragments that alerts the toxicological responses. We warmly welcome high-quality nanosafety studies addressing risk management based on source specific exposure levels and well justified hazard responses.

text

Dr. Antti Joonas Koivisto
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Nanomaterial
  • Nanoparticle measurements
  • Exposure assessment by modelings and measurements
  • Particle characterization
  • Inhalation toxicology
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Exposure model development

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1024 KiB  
Article
Burden of Disease (BoD) Assessment to Estimate Risk Factors Impact in a Real Nanomanufacturing Scenario
by Antti Joonas Koivisto, Marko Altin, Irini Furxhi, Maxime Eliat, Sara Trabucco, Magda Blosi, Jesús Lopez de Ipiña, Franco Belosi and Anna Costa
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4089; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12224089 - 21 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1737
Abstract
An industrial nanocoating process air emissions impact on public health was quantified by using the burden of disease (BoD) concept. The health loss was calculated in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), which is an absolute metric that enables comparisons of the health impacts [...] Read more.
An industrial nanocoating process air emissions impact on public health was quantified by using the burden of disease (BoD) concept. The health loss was calculated in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), which is an absolute metric that enables comparisons of the health impacts of different causes. Here, the health loss was compared with generally accepted risk levels for air pollution. Exposure response functions were not available for Ag nanoform. The health loss for TiO2 nanoform emissions were 0.0006 DALYs per 100,000 persons per year. Moreover, the exposure risk characterization was performed by comparing the ground level air concentrations with framework values. The exposure levels were ca. 3 and 18 times lower than the derived limit values of 0.1 μg-TiO2/m3 and 0.01 μg-Ag/m3 for the general population. The accumulations of TiO2 and Ag nanoforms on the soil top layer were estimated to be up to 85 μg-TiO2/kg and 1.4 μg-Ag/kg which was considered low as compared to measured elemental TiO2 and Ag concentrations. This assessment reveals that the spray coating process air emissions are adequately controlled. This study demonstrated how the BoD concept can be applied to quantify health impacts of nanoform outdoor air emissions from an industrial site. Full article
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19 pages, 1987 KiB  
Article
Elevated Urinary Biomarkers of Oxidative Damage in Photocopier Operators following Acute and Chronic Exposures
by Yipei Zhang, Anila Bello, David K. Ryan, Philip Demokritou and Dhimiter Bello
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(4), 715; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12040715 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1877
Abstract
Inhalation exposures to nanoparticles (NPs) from printers and photocopiers have been associated with upper airway and systemic inflammation, increased blood pressure, and cases of autoimmune and respiratory disorders. In this study we investigate oxidative stress induced by exposures to copier-emitted nanoparticles using a [...] Read more.
Inhalation exposures to nanoparticles (NPs) from printers and photocopiers have been associated with upper airway and systemic inflammation, increased blood pressure, and cases of autoimmune and respiratory disorders. In this study we investigate oxidative stress induced by exposures to copier-emitted nanoparticles using a panel of urinary oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers representing DNA damage (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG; 8-hydroxyguanosine, 8-OHG; 5-hydroxymethyl uracil 5-OHMeU), lipid peroxidation (8-isoprostane; 4-hydroxynonenal, HNE), and protein oxidation biomarkers (o-tyrosine, 3-chlorotyrosine, and 3-nitrotyrosine) under conditions of acute (single 6 h exposure, 9 volunteers, 110 urine samples) and chronic exposures (6 workers, 11 controls, 81 urine samples). Urinary biomarkers were quantified with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction sample cleanup. 8-OHdG, 8-OHG, 8-isoprostane, and HNE were significantly elevated in both the acute and chronic exposure study participants relative to the controls. In the acute exposure study, the geometric mean ratios post-/pre-exposure were 1.42, 1.10, 2.0, and 2.25, respectively. Urinary 8-OHG and HNE increased with time to at least 36 h post-exposure (post-/pre-exposure GM ratios increased to 3.94 and 2.33, respectively), suggesting slower generation and/or urinary excretion kinetics for these biomarkers. In chronically exposed operators, the GM ratios of urinary biomarkers relative to controls ranged from 1.52 to 2.94, depending on the biomarker. O-Tyrosine and 5-OHMeU biomarkers were not significantly different from the controls. 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine were not detected in the urine samples. We conclude that NPs from photocopiers induce systemic oxidative stress by damaging DNA, RNA, and lipids. Urinary levels of 8-OHdG, 8-OHG, HNE, and 8-isoprostane were orders of magnitude higher than in nanocomposite processing workers, comparable to nano titanium dioxide and fiberglass manufacturing workers, but much lower than in shipyard welding and carbon nanotube synthesis workers. Biomarkers 8-OHdG, 8-OHG, 8-isoprostane, and HNE appear to be more sensitive and robust urinary biomarkers for monitoring oxidative stress to NPs from photocopiers. Full article
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23 pages, 5757 KiB  
Article
Quantifying Emission Factors and Setting Conditions of Use According to ECHA Chapter R.14 for a Spray Process Designed for Nanocoatings—A Case Study
by Antti Joonas Koivisto, Benedetta Del Secco, Sara Trabucco, Alessia Nicosia, Fabrizio Ravegnani, Marko Altin, Joan Cabellos, Irini Furxhi, Magda Blosi, Anna Costa, Jesús Lopez de Ipiña and Franco Belosi
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(4), 596; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12040596 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
Spray coatings’ emissions impact to the environmental and occupational exposure were studied in a pilot-plant. Concentrations were measured inside the spray chamber and at the work room in Near-Field (NF) and Far-Field (FF) and mass flows were analyzed using a mechanistic model. The [...] Read more.
Spray coatings’ emissions impact to the environmental and occupational exposure were studied in a pilot-plant. Concentrations were measured inside the spray chamber and at the work room in Near-Field (NF) and Far-Field (FF) and mass flows were analyzed using a mechanistic model. The coating was performed in a ventilated chamber by spraying titanium dioxide doped with nitrogen (TiO2N) and silver capped by hydroxyethylcellulose (Ag-HEC) nanoparticles (NPs). Process emission rates to workplace, air, and outdoor air were characterized according to process parameters, which were used to assess emission factors. Full-scale production exposure potential was estimated under reasonable worst-case (RWC) conditions. The measured TiO2-N and Ag-HEC concentrations were 40.9 TiO2-μg/m3 and 0.4 Ag-μg/m3 at NF (total fraction). Under simulated RWC conditions with precautionary emission rate estimates, the worker’s 95th percentile 8-h exposure was ≤171 TiO2 and ≤1.9 Ag-μg/m3 (total fraction). Environmental emissions via local ventilation (LEV) exhaust were ca. 35 and 140 mg-NP/g-NP, for TiO2-N and Ag-HEC, respectively. Under current situation, the exposure was adequately controlled. However, under full scale production with continuous process workers exposure should be evaluated with personal sampling if recommended occupational exposure levels for nanosized TiO2 and Ag are followed for risk management. Full article
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16 pages, 1339 KiB  
Article
Influence of Pre-Dispersion Media on the Batch Reactor Dissolution Behavior of Al2O3 Coated TiO2 (NM-104) and Two ZnO (NM-110 and NM-111) Nanomaterials in Biologically Relevant Test Media
by Else Holmfred, Jens J. Sloth, Katrin Loeschner and Keld Alstrup Jensen
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 566; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030566 - 07 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1715
Abstract
Dissolution plays an important role on pulmonary toxicity of nanomaterials (NMs). The influence of contextual parameters on the results from dissolution testing needs to be identified to improve the generation of relevant and comparable data. This study investigated how pre-dispersions made in water, [...] Read more.
Dissolution plays an important role on pulmonary toxicity of nanomaterials (NMs). The influence of contextual parameters on the results from dissolution testing needs to be identified to improve the generation of relevant and comparable data. This study investigated how pre-dispersions made in water, low-calcium Gamble’s solution, phagolysosomal simulant fluid (PSF), and 0.05% bovine serum albumin (BSA) affected the dissolution of the Al2O3 coating on poorly soluble TiO2 also coated with glycerine (NM-104) and rapidly dissolving uncoated (NM-110) and triethoxycaprylsilane-coated ZnO (NM-111) NMs. Dissolution tests were undertaken and controlled in a stirred batch reactor using low-calcium Gamble’s solution and phagolysosomal simulant fluid a surrogate for the lung-lining and macrophage phagolysosomal fluid, respectively. Pre-dispersion in 0.05% BSA-water showed a significant delay or decrease in the dissolution of Al2O3 after testing in both low-calcium Gamble’s solution and PSF. Furthermore, use of the 0.05% BSA pre-dispersion medium influenced the dissolution of ZnO (NM-110) in PSF and ZnO (NM-111) in low-calcium Gamble’s solution and PSF. We hypothesize that BSA forms a protective coating on the particles, which delays or lowers the short-term dissolution of the materials used in this study. Consequently, the type of pre-dispersion medium can affect the results in short-term dissolution testing. Full article
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28 pages, 22324 KiB  
Article
Validation and Demonstration of an Atmosphere-Temperature-pH-Controlled Stirred Batch Reactor System for Determination of (Nano)Material Solubility and Dissolution Kinetics in Physiological Simulant Lung Fluids
by Else Holmfred, Katrin Loeschner, Jens J. Sloth and Keld Alstrup Jensen
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030517 - 02 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2020
Abstract
In this study, we present a dissolution test system that allows for the testing of dissolution of nano- and micrometer size materials under highly controlled atmospheric composition (O2 and CO2), temperature, and pH. The system enables dissolution testing in physiological [...] Read more.
In this study, we present a dissolution test system that allows for the testing of dissolution of nano- and micrometer size materials under highly controlled atmospheric composition (O2 and CO2), temperature, and pH. The system enables dissolution testing in physiological simulant fluids (here low-calcium Gamble’s solution and phagolysosomal simulant fluid) and derivation of the temporal dissolution rates and reactivity of test materials. The system was validated considering the initial dissolution rates and dissolution profiles using eight different materials (γ-Al2O3, TiO2 (NM-104 coated with Al2O3 and glycerin), ZnO (NM-110 and NM-113, uncoated; and NM-111 coated with triethoxycaprylsilane), SiO2 (NM-200—synthetic amorphous silica), CeO2 (NM-212), and bentonite (NM-600) showing high intra-laboratory repeatability and robustness across repeated testing (I, II, and III) in triplicate (replicate 1, 2, and 3) in low-calcium Gamble’s solution. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine the intra-laboratory repeatability in low-calcium Gamble’s solution, where Al2O3 (p = 0.5277), ZnO (NM-110, p = 0.6578), ZnO (NM-111, p = 0.0627), and ZnO (NM-113, p = 0.4210) showed statistical identical repeatability across repeated testing (I, II, and III). The dissolution of the materials was also tested in phagolysosomal simulant fluid to demonstrate the applicability of the ATempH SBR system in other physiological fluids. We further show the uncertainty levels at which dissolution can be determined using the ATempH SBR system. Full article
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12 pages, 4740 KiB  
Article
Particles Emission from an Industrial Spray Coating Process Using Nano-Materials
by Benedetta Del Secco, Sara Trabucco, Fabrizio Ravegnani, Antti Joonas Koivisto, Ilaria Zanoni, Magda Blosi, Simona Ortelli, Marko Altin, Gianni Bartolini, Anna Luisa Costa and Franco Belosi
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 313; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030313 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
Industrial spray coating processes are known to produce excellent coatings on large surfaces and are thus often used for in-line production. However, they could be one of the most critical sources of worker exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs). A monitoring campaign at the [...] Read more.
Industrial spray coating processes are known to produce excellent coatings on large surfaces and are thus often used for in-line production. However, they could be one of the most critical sources of worker exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs). A monitoring campaign at the Witek s.r.l. (Florence, Italy) was deployed to characterize the release of TiO2 NPs doped with nitrogen (TiO2-N) and Ag capped with hydroxyethyl cellulose (AgHEC) during automatic industrial spray-coating of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyester. Aerosol particles were characterized inside the spray chamber at near field (NF) and far field (FF) locations using on-line and off-line instruments. Results showed that TiO2-N suspension produced higher particle number concentrations than AgHEC in the size range 0.3–1 µm (on average 1.9 102 p/cm3 and 2.5 101 p/cm3, respectively) after background removing. At FF, especially at worst case scenario (4 nozzles, 800 mL/min flow rate) for TiO2-N, the spray spikes were correlated with NF, with an observed time lag of 1 minute corresponding to a diffusion speed of 0.1 m/s. The averaged ratio between particles mass concentrations in the NF position and inside the spray chamber was 1.7% and 1.5% for TiO2-N and for AgHEC suspensions, respectively. The released particles’ number concentration of TiO2-N in the size particles range 0.3–1 µm was comparable for both PMMA and polyester substrates, about 1.5 and 1.6 102 p/cm3. In the size range 0.01–30 µm, the aerosol number concentration at NF for both suspensions was lower than the nano reference values (NRVs) of 16·103 p/cm-3. Full article
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19 pages, 3238 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Toxicity of Industrially Relevant Engineered Nanoparticles in Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells: Air–Liquid Interface versus Submerged Cultures
by Maria João Bessa, Fátima Brandão, Paul H. B. Fokkens, Daan L. A. C. Leseman, A. John F. Boere, Flemming R. Cassee, Apostolos Salmatonidis, Mar Viana, Adriana Vulpoi, Simion Simon, Eliseo Monfort, João Paulo Teixeira and Sónia Fraga
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3225; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123225 - 27 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2405
Abstract
Diverse industries have already incorporated within their production processes engineered nanoparticles (ENP), increasing the potential risk of worker inhalation exposure. In vitro models have been widely used to investigate ENP toxicity. Air–liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures have been emerging as a valuable alternative [...] Read more.
Diverse industries have already incorporated within their production processes engineered nanoparticles (ENP), increasing the potential risk of worker inhalation exposure. In vitro models have been widely used to investigate ENP toxicity. Air–liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures have been emerging as a valuable alternative to submerged cultures as they are more representative of the inhalation exposure to airborne nano-sized particles. We compared the in vitro toxicity of four ENP used as raw materials in the advanced ceramics sector in human alveolar epithelial-like cells cultured under submerged or ALI conditions. Submerged cultures were exposed to ENP liquid suspensions or to aerosolised ENP at ALI. Toxicity was assessed by determining LDH release, WST-1 metabolisation and DNA damage. Overall, cells were more sensitive to ENP cytotoxic effects when cultured and exposed under ALI. No significant cytotoxicity was observed after 24 h exposure to ENP liquid suspensions, although aerosolised ENP clearly affected cell viability and LDH release. In general, all ENP increased primary DNA damage regardless of the exposure mode, where an increase in DNA strand-breaks was only detected under submerged conditions. Our data show that at relevant occupational concentrations, the selected ENP exert mild toxicity to alveolar epithelial cells and exposure at ALI might be the most suitable choice when assessing ENP toxicity in respiratory models under realistic exposure conditions. Full article
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22 pages, 1571 KiB  
Article
Data Shepherding in Nanotechnology. The Exposure Field Campaign Template
by Irini Furxhi, Antti Joonas Koivisto, Finbarr Murphy, Sara Trabucco, Benedetta Del Secco and Athanasios Arvanitis
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1818; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11071818 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2273
Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrate the realization process of a pragmatic approach on developing a template for capturing field monitoring data in nanomanufacturing processes. The template serves the fundamental principles which make data scientifically Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR principles), as well [...] Read more.
In this paper, we demonstrate the realization process of a pragmatic approach on developing a template for capturing field monitoring data in nanomanufacturing processes. The template serves the fundamental principles which make data scientifically Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR principles), as well as encouraging individuals to reuse it. In our case, the data shepherds’ (the guider of data) template creation workflow consists of the following steps: (1) Identify relevant stakeholders, (2) Distribute questionnaires to capture a general description of the data to be generated, (3) Understand the needs and requirements of each stakeholder, (4) Interactive simple communication with the stakeholders for variables/descriptors selection, and (5) Design of the template and annotation of descriptors. We provide an annotated template for capturing exposure field campaign monitoring data, and increase their interoperability, while comparing it with existing templates. This paper enables the data creators of exposure field campaign data to store data in a FAIR way and helps the scientific community, such as data shepherds, by avoiding extensive steps for template creation and by utilizing the pragmatic structure and/or the template proposed herein, in the case of a nanotechnology project (Anticipating Safety Issues at the Design of Nano Product Development, ASINA). Full article
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15 pages, 5926 KiB  
Article
Determination of the Concentration of Ultrafine Aerosol Using an Ionization Sensor
by Szymon Jakubiak and Przemysław Oberbek
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1625; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061625 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2009
Abstract
As public awareness of the threats related to ultrafine aerosols increases, there is a growing need for inexpensive, real-time exposure assessment devices. In this work, the well-established technology used in the smoke detector with a radioactive source was tested in laboratory conditions to [...] Read more.
As public awareness of the threats related to ultrafine aerosols increases, there is a growing need for inexpensive, real-time exposure assessment devices. In this work, the well-established technology used in the smoke detector with a radioactive source was tested in laboratory conditions to check its suitability for determining the number concentration of the ultrafine aerosol. It has been shown that the sensor output changes linearly with the change of diesel soot concentration in the range up to 8.3 × 105 particles cm−3. The sensor has also been shown to be able to detect rapid changes in aerosol concentration. Empirical equations describing the influence of air velocity, temperature, relative humidity, and pressure on the sensor output were determined. The collected results confirm that the ionization sensor can be used to assess ultrafine aerosol exposure, although additional engineering work is required to increase the resolution of the output signal measurement and to compensate for the effects of weather conditions. The presented method can be used for concentration monitoring and risk assessment in environmental engineering, materials engineering, cosmetics industry, textiles, sports, chemical, mining, energy, etc. Full article
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12 pages, 2673 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxic Effect of Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons on Escherichia coli
by Shirong Qiang, Zhengbin Li, Li Zhang, Dongxia Luo, Rongyue Geng, Xueli Zeng, Jianjun Liang, Ping Li and Qiaohui Fan
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1339; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11051339 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2361
Abstract
The biological and environmental toxicity of graphene and graphene derivatives have attracted great research interest due to their increasing applications. However, the cytotoxic mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of graphene oxide nanoribbons (GORs) on Escherichia coli (E. [...] Read more.
The biological and environmental toxicity of graphene and graphene derivatives have attracted great research interest due to their increasing applications. However, the cytotoxic mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of graphene oxide nanoribbons (GORs) on Escherichia coli (E. coli) in an in vitro method. The fabricated GORs formed long ribbons, 200 nm wide. Based on the results of the MTT assay and plate-culture experiments, GORs significantly inhibited the growth and reproduction of E. coli in a concentration-dependent manner. We found that GORs stimulated E. coli to secrete reactive oxygen species, which then oxidized and damaged the bacterial cell membrane. Moreover, interaction between GORs and E. coli cytomembrane resulted in polysaccharide adsorption by GORs and the release of lactic dehydrogenase. Furthermore, GORs effectively depleted the metal ions as nutrients in the culture medium by adsorption. Notably, mechanical cutting by GORs was not obvious, which is quite different from the case of graphene oxide sheets to E. coli. Full article
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11 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Carbon Nanotubes: Probabilistic Approach for Occupational Risk Assessment
by Andrea Spinazzè, Carolina Zellino, Francesca Borghi, Davide Campagnolo, Sabrina Rovelli, Marta Keller, Giacomo Fanti, Andrea Cattaneo and Domenico M. Cavallo
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 409; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11020409 - 05 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2332
Abstract
In this study, the occupational risk assessment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was performed by means of a probabilistic approach. Chronic and subchronic inhalation exposure studies were retrieved during the hazard identification phase of the study. These studies were then used to obtain a [...] Read more.
In this study, the occupational risk assessment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was performed by means of a probabilistic approach. Chronic and subchronic inhalation exposure studies were retrieved during the hazard identification phase of the study. These studies were then used to obtain a guidance value (BMCh, expressed as a lognormal distribution with geometric mean ± geometric standard deviation = 10.0 ± 4.2 µg/m3) for occupational inhalation exposure to CNTs. An exposure scenario was selected from the scientific literature: three different work events (WEs) related to the production of conductive films were considered: (WE1) manufacturing of single walled carbon nanotubes films during normal operation using local exhaust ventilation (LEV); (WE2) manufacturing of SWCNT film without LEV; and (WE3) cleaning of one of the reactors. For each WE, a probability distribution function was applied, considering exposure expressed as mass concentration, as derived from three different measurement techniques. The ratio of the exposure and the BMCh distributions (i.e., the risk characterization ratio—RCR) was used to calculate the probability of occurrence of a relevant occupational risk. All the considered WEs indicated the presence of a risk (i.e., RCR distributions ≥ 1); however, only WE2 resulted in a statistically significant level of risk. Full article
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10 pages, 1344 KiB  
Communication
A Human-Relevant 3D In Vitro Platform for an Effective and Rapid Simulation of Workplace Exposure to Nanoparticles: Silica Nanoparticles as Case Study
by Luisana Di Cristo, Fabio Boccuni, Sergio Iavicoli and Stefania Sabella
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1761; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10091761 - 06 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2408
Abstract
In this contribution, we show the suitability of a 3D airway model, when coupled with a nebulizer system, for simulating workplace exposure to nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, workplace exposure to silica nanoparticles was experimentally measured in an occupational facility where nanoparticles [...] Read more.
In this contribution, we show the suitability of a 3D airway model, when coupled with a nebulizer system, for simulating workplace exposure to nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, workplace exposure to silica nanoparticles was experimentally measured in an occupational facility where nanoparticles are produced weekly, and compared with the official limit value for bulk silica materials. These values of potential exposure were simulated in a 3D airway model by nebulizing low doses (from 0.90 to 55 µg/cm2) of silica nanoparticles over a prolonged period (12 weeks of repeated exposure, 5 days per week). Overall, the results suggest the efficiency of the defense mechanisms of the respiratory system and the clearance of the breathed silica nanoparticles by the mucociliary apparatus in accordance with the recent in vivo data. This in vitro platform shows that the doses tested may correlate with the occupational exposure limit values. Such relationship could provide regulatory-oriented data useful for risk classification of nanomaterials. Full article
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23 pages, 7127 KiB  
Article
Workers’ Exposure Assessment during the Production of Graphene Nanoplatelets in R&D Laboratory
by Irene Bellagamba, Fabio Boccuni, Riccardo Ferrante, Francesca Tombolini, Fabrizio Marra, Maria Sabrina Sarto and Sergio Iavicoli
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(8), 1520; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10081520 - 03 Aug 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2884
Abstract
Widespread production and use of engineered nanomaterials in industrial and research settings raise concerns about their health impact in the workplace. In the last years, graphene-based nanomaterials have gained particular interest in many application fields. Among them, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) showed superior electrical, [...] Read more.
Widespread production and use of engineered nanomaterials in industrial and research settings raise concerns about their health impact in the workplace. In the last years, graphene-based nanomaterials have gained particular interest in many application fields. Among them, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) showed superior electrical, optical and thermal properties, low-cost and availability. Few and conflicting results have been reported about toxicity and potential effects on workers’ health, during the production and handling of these nanostructures. Due to this lack of knowledge, systematic approaches are needed to assess risks and quantify workers’ exposure to GNPs. This work applies a multi-metric approach to assess workers’ exposure during the production of GNPs, based on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) methodology by integrating real-time measurements and personal sampling. In particular, we analyzed the particle number concentration, the average diameter and the lung deposited surface area of airborne nanoparticles during the production process conducted by thermal exfoliation in two different ways, compared to the background. These results have been integrated by electron microscopic and spectroscopic analysis on the filters sampled by personal impactors. The study identifies the process phases potentially at risk for workers and reports quantitative information about the parameters that may influence the exposure in order to propose recommendations for a safer design of GNPs production process. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Research

31 pages, 1856 KiB  
Review
Pulmonary Toxicity of Silica Linked to Its Micro- or Nanometric Particle Size and Crystal Structure: A Review
by Vanessa Marques Da Silva, Manon Benjdir, Pierrick Montagne, Jean-Claude Pairon, Sophie Lanone and Pascal Andujar
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2392; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12142392 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is a mineral compound present in the Earth’s crust in two mineral forms: crystalline and amorphous. Based on epidemiological and/or biological evidence, the pulmonary effects of crystalline silica are considered well understood, with the development of silicosis, emphysema, [...] Read more.
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is a mineral compound present in the Earth’s crust in two mineral forms: crystalline and amorphous. Based on epidemiological and/or biological evidence, the pulmonary effects of crystalline silica are considered well understood, with the development of silicosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The structure and capacity to trigger oxidative stress are recognized as relevant determinants in crystalline silica’s toxicity. In contrast, natural amorphous silica was long considered nontoxic, and was often used as a negative control in experimental studies. However, as manufactured amorphous silica nanoparticles (or nanosilica or SiNP) are becoming widely used in industrial applications, these paradigms must now be reconsidered at the nanoscale (<100 nm). Indeed, recent experimental studies appear to point towards significant toxicity of manufactured amorphous silica nanoparticles similar to that of micrometric crystalline silica. In this article, we present an extensive review of the nontumoral pulmonary effects of silica based on in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. The findings of this review are presented both for micro- and nanoscale particles, but also based on the crystalline structure of the silica particles. Full article
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15 pages, 312 KiB  
Review
Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Nanofibres: More Than a Cobweb
by Enrico Bergamaschi, Giacomo Garzaro, Georgia Wilson Jones, Martina Buglisi, Michele Caniglia, Alessandro Godono, Davide Bosio, Ivana Fenoglio and Irina Guseva Canu
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 745; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030745 - 16 Mar 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3107
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are erroneously considered as singular material entities. Instead, they should be regarded as a heterogeneous class of materials bearing different properties eliciting particular biological outcomes both in vitro and in vivo. Given the pace at which [...] Read more.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are erroneously considered as singular material entities. Instead, they should be regarded as a heterogeneous class of materials bearing different properties eliciting particular biological outcomes both in vitro and in vivo. Given the pace at which the industrial production of CNTs/CNFs is increasing, it is becoming of utmost importance to acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding their biological activity and their hazardous effects in humans. Animal studies carried out by inhalation showed that some CNTs/CNFs species can cause deleterious effects such as inflammation and lung tissue remodeling. Their physico-chemical properties, biological behavior and biopersistence make them similar to asbestos fibers. Human studies suggest some mild effects in workers handling CNTs/CNFs. However, owing to their cross-sectional design, researchers have been as yet unable to firmly demonstrate a causal relationship between such an exposure and the observed effects. Estimation of acceptable exposure levels should warrant a proper risk management. The aim of this review is to challenge the conception of CNTs/CNFs as a single, unified material entity and prompt the establishment of standardized hazard and exposure assessment methodologies able to properly feed risk assessment and management frameworks. Full article
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