Size, composition, morphology and health implications of airborne incidental metal-containing nanoparticles

AbstractThere is great concern in the adverse health implications of engineered nanoparticles. However, there are many circumstances where the production of incidental nanoparticles, i.e., nanoparticles unintentionally generated as a side product of some anthropogenic process, is of even greater concern. In this study, metal-based incidental nanoparticles were measured in two occupational settings: a machining center and a foundry. On-site characterization of substrate-deposited incidental nanoparticles using a field-portable X-ray fluorescence provided some insights into the chemical characteristics of these metal-containing particles. The same substrates were then used to carry out further off-site analysis including single particle analysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Between the two sites, there were similarities in the size and composition of the incidental nanoparticles as well as in the agglomeration and coagulation behavior of nanoparticles. In part...