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 4.2.2 Off-line Analysis

In addition to direct-reading instrument measurements, nanoparticle emissions can also be characterized using off-line analysis techniques. Off-line analysis methods can determine the physical and chemical properties of airborne nanomaterials, such as particle size, shape, surface area, composition, and agglomeration state. These properties are useful to evaluate exposure and toxicology of nanomaterials in the workplace. Off-line analysis can also be useful in separating background nanomaterials from engineered nanomaterials, based on size, shape, morphology, etc.

NIOSH has developed techniques for off-line analysis using filter samples. NIOSH Method 7402 (Asbestos by TEM) was developed to collect filter samples of materials with large aspect ratios for analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and can be used to determine particle morphology and geometry. NIOSH Method 5040 (Diesel particulate matter as elemental carbon) can be used to measure elemental carbon (e.g., CNT, CNF). Other nanomaterials (e.g., metals) can be collected on filters and analyzed using NIOSH Method 7300 (Elements by ICP). Using the mass determined by chemical analysis and dividing by the total air flow volume will provide a mass concentration of the nanomaterial of interest. As with real-time instrumentation, background samples are collected to help distinguish nanomaterials from incidental ultrafine aerosols. The optical diameters of single particles and agglomerates can be compared to data from direct-reading instruments discussed above.

Filters overloaded with particles cannot be analyzed by direct-transfer TEM analysis. Therefore, filter sample volume needs to be balanced against the particle emission rate to avoid filter overload. The results of the initial walk-through survey with portable particle counters should provide basic information to help determine appropriate filter sampling volume and collection time.

4.2.3 Video Exposure Monitoring

Video exposure monitoring (VEM) is an exposure assessment technique in which real-time monitoring devices (e.g., nanoparticle and dust monitors) are synchronized with video of the work activity [Beurskens-Comuth et al. 2011]. The product of VEM is a video of the work activity with a graphical presentation of exposure concentrations that corresponds to the job task displayed on the video. VEM aides in the identification of work practices that can contribute significantly to overall exposure patterns by giving a visual display of work activities and the corresponding real-time monitoring values. With this exposure assessment tool, both management and employees can be shown which activities have the highest exposure concentrations and can therefore benefit from a change in work practice, installation of engineering controls to mitigate the exposure, or the use of PPE.

The VEM method was initially developed by NIOSH engineers in the late 1980s to bring together work activity data (video recordings) with direct-reading exposure data. By identifying the critical activities that contribute most to a worker’s exposure, sampling resources can be directed to controlling those job activities that affect exposures. Work activity variables can also be keyed into the exposure database to statistically assess the impact of work activities on exposures. The method permits researchers and safety and health professionals to capitalize on the time element of the direct-reading data by uniting the exposure measurement with the corresponding work activities. The VEM method allows direct-reading monitors to be used as more than simple detectors and have a significant impact on occupational exposures.

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Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes