Inhalation exposure to various nanoparticles in work environment—contextual information and results of measurements

Outside the wide range of potential benefits, the use of nanomaterials can endanger human health, mostly through skin contact and the risk of inhalation. This article presents the results of harmonized measurements with contextual information on the emission of nanoparticles during the manufacturing and application of nanotechnology products. The purpose of the research was to investigate the actual levels of exposure to nano-objects in real working conditions in chosen Polish companies. Measurements were carried out in various workplaces: during silver nanoparticle synthesis, production of thin nanocarbon layers, 3D-printing with the use of a nanohydroxyapatite-polymer composite and the production of special seals from thin glass foils. Research was conducted on the basis of task-based measurements and offline microscopic analysis. Real-time particle DiSCmini counters were used to determine the nano-object concentration during different processes and events: samplers for collecting air dust, and a scanning electron microscope to confirm the presence of nanoparticles emitted from selected sources. Average particle sizes obtained with analysis of microscopic images were as follows: 46.7 ± 13.4 nm, 19.8 ± 4.8 nm, 22.4 ± 7.6 nm, 49.2 ± 26.3 nm respectively for workplaces. The concentration during significant events was referred to the background particle level. During one of the repeated processes, an unexpected and extremely high nanoparticle emission was recorded, which, in the long run, could cause a health hazard to workers. The studies have shown the importance of collective protective measures, revealed unexpected sources of accidentally generated nanoparticles and allowed to obtain knowledge about levels of exposure to nanoparticles during the various processes.