Exposure assessment of carbon nanotube manufacturing workplaces.
Seven CNT (carbon nanotube) handling workplaces were investigated for exposure assessment. Personal sampling, area sampling, and real-time monitoring using an SMPS (scanning mobility particle sizer), dust monitor, and aethalometer were performed to characterize the mass exposure, particle size distribution, and particle number exposure. No workplace was found to exceed the current ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) TLVs (threshold limit values) and OELs (occupational exposure levels) set by the Korean Ministry of Labor for carbon black (3.5 mg/m(3)), PNOS (particles not otherwise specified; 3 mg/m(3)), and asbestos (0.1 fiber/cc). Nanoparticles and fine particles were most frequently released after opening the CVD (chemical vapor deposition) cover, followed by catalyst preparation. Other work processes that prompted nanoparticle release included spraying, CNT preparation, ultrasonic dispersion, wafer heating, and opening the water bath cover. All these operation processes could be effectively controlled with the implementation of exposure mitigation, such as engineering control, except at one workplace where only natural ventilation was used.
Lee
Ji Hyun
JH
Fusion Technology Research Institute, Hoseo University, Chungnam, Korea.
Lee
Seung-Bok
SB
Bae
Gwi Nam
GN
Jeon
Ki Soo
KS
Yoon
Jin Uk
JU
Ji
Jun Ho
JH
Sung
Jae Hyuck
JH
Lee
Byung Gyu
BG
Lee
Jong Han
JH
Yang
Jung Sun
JS
Kim
Hyeon Yeong
HY
Kang
Chang Soo
CS
Yu
Il Je
IJ
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000032:analysis*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D010316:Particle Size; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D020711:Threshold Limit Values; D017132:Workplace
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon