Exposure assessment for handling and processing nanoparticles in university laboratories

Experimental studies and applications of engineered nanomaterials in university laboratories are increasing at a rapid rate with the increasing technical demands of the nanotechnology industry. The manner of nanomaterial use varies by the applications in the laboratories. The NSF Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN) formed by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Northeastern University, and the University of New Hampshire uses a range of nanomaterials and processes and the center was established to develop manufacturing processes that move nanomaterials and devices from the laboratory to production. In addition, several research centers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have been developing technologies using nanomaterials in the past few years.;Accompanying this increase in interest in the use of engineered nanoparticles have been studied of the toxicity of those materials using animal models; at this time, studies of effects on humans have not been performed. In addition, human exposures to nanomaterials were not studied before the manufacturing of nanomaterials was commercialized. Concerns were expressed about the manner and magnitude of exposure to nanomaterials in these university laboratories due to the dramatic increase in nanomaterials uses. In response to these concerns, this research was conducted to investigate processes using nanomaterials. The personnel working in the laboratories were surveyed in order to evaluate current exposure scenarios. Following the outcome of the survey, a long-term and comprehensive exposure measurement strategy to quantify exposures to airborne nanoparticles associated with nanomaterial use at various laboratories was developed and implemented.;This research was carried out to ensure that nanoparticle researchers were working safely in the university laboratories. It was based on a commitment to investigating manufacturing and engineering processes applied in the various laboratories at CHN and MIT. This research had three specific objectives. The first objective was to evaluate worker exposure to nanoparticles in the various CHN and MIT laboratories. For those cases where significant nanoparticle exposures were found, the second objective was to evaluate the factors affecting those exposures. The third objective was to evaluate and recommend work practices and control strategies to reduce nanoparticle exposures.