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Publication
Characterizing the Chemical Profile of Incidental Ultrafine Particles for Toxicity Assessment Using an Aerosol Concentrator
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Incidental ultrafine particles (UFPs) constitute a key pollutant in industrial workplaces. However,
characterizing their chemical properties for exposure and toxicity assessments still remains a challenge. In this work, the performance of an aerosol concentrator (Versatile Aerosol Concentration
Enrichment System, VACES) was assessed to simultaneously sample UFPs on filter substrates (for
chemical analysis) and as liquid suspensions (for toxicity assessment), in a high UFP concentration
scenario. An industrial case study was selected where metal-containing UFPs were emitted during
thermal spraying of ceramic coatings. Results evidenced the comparability of the VACES system with
online monitors in terms of UFP particle mass (for concentrations up to 95 µg UFP/m3
) and between
filters and liquid suspensions, in terms of particle composition (for concentrations up to 1000 µg/
m3). This supports the applicability of this tool for UFP collection in view of chemical and toxicological characterization for incidental UFPs. In the industrial setting evaluated, results showed that
the spraying temperature was a driver of fractionation of metals between UF (<0.2 µm) and fine (0.2–
2.5 µm) particles. Potentially health hazardous metals (Ni, Cr) were enriched in UFPs and depleted in
the fine particle fraction. Metals vaporized at high temperatures and concentrated in the UF fraction
through nucleation processes. Results evidenced the need to understand incidental particle formation mechanisms due to their direct implications on particle composition and, thus, exposure. It is
advisable that personal exposure and subsequent risk assessments in occupational settings should
include dedicated metrics to monitor UFPs (especially, incidental).
What’s important about this paper: Our work addresses the challenge of characterizing the bulk chemical composition of ultrafine particles in occupational settings, for exposure and toxicity assessments. We tested the performance of an aerosol concentrator (VACES) to simultaneously sample ultrafine particles (UFPs) on filter substrates and as liquid suspensions, in a high UFP concentration scenario. An industrial case study was selected where metal-bearing UFPs were emitted. We report the chemical exposures characterized in the industrial facility, and evidence the comparability of the VACES system with online monitors for UFP particle mass (up to 95 µg UFP/m3) as well as between UFP chemical composition on filters and in suspension. This supports the applicability of this tool for UFP collection in view of chemical and toxicological characterization of exposures to incidental UFPs in workplace settings.
Highlights: - The VACES system is a useful tool for UFP sampling in high-concentration settings; - UFP collected simultaneously on filters and in suspension showed good comparability; - UFP chemical profiles were characterized; - Health-hazardous metals Ni and Cr accumulated in UFPs; - Understanding emission mechanisms is key to identifying exposure sources.
What’s important about this paper: Our work addresses the challenge of characterizing the bulk chemical composition of ultrafine particles in occupational settings, for exposure and toxicity assessments. We tested the performance of an aerosol concentrator (VACES) to simultaneously sample ultrafine particles (UFPs) on filter substrates and as liquid suspensions, in a high UFP concentration scenario. An industrial case study was selected where metal-bearing UFPs were emitted. We report the chemical exposures characterized in the industrial facility, and evidence the comparability of the VACES system with online monitors for UFP particle mass (up to 95 µg UFP/m3) as well as between UFP chemical composition on filters and in suspension. This supports the applicability of this tool for UFP collection in view of chemical and toxicological characterization of exposures to incidental UFPs in workplace settings.
Highlights: - The VACES system is a useful tool for UFP sampling in high-concentration settings; - UFP collected simultaneously on filters and in suspension showed good comparability; - UFP chemical profiles were characterized; - Health-hazardous metals Ni and Cr accumulated in UFPs; - Understanding emission mechanisms is key to identifying exposure sources.
Description
Keywords
Morphology New Particle Formation Metal Nanoparticles Occupational Exposure Versatile Aerosol Concentrator Workplace Ar e Saúde Ocupacional
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Ann Work Expo Health. 2021 Oct 9;65(8):966-978. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxab011
Publisher
Oxford University Press