Measurements of respirable dust and nanoparticle concentrations in a titanium dioxide pigment production factory.
This study compared respirable dust and nanoparticle concentrations measured by different sampling devices at a titanium dioxide pigment factory. Respirable particle mass concentrations, nanoparticle concentrations, particle size distribution and particle metallic content were measured at different sampling locations. The sampling results of the Multi-orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI) showed that the particle size distribution at this titanium dioxide production factory fell in the range of 1-10 mu m. Generally, the higher levels of the respirable particle mass concentrations and nanoparticle number concentrations were near the packing site of the pigment titanium dioxide production factory. Metal analysis results revealed that the titanium dioxide concentrations in respirable dust and nanoparticles were within the limits specified by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). During sampling, particle metallic content analysis is essential for identifying the source of particles and for measuring respirable dust and nanoparticle concentrations.
Huang
Cheng-Hsiung
CH
Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. chhuang@mail.ypu.edu.tw
Tai
Chih-Yuan
CY
Huang
Cheng-Yu
CY
Tsai
Chuen-Jinn
CJ
Chen
Chun-Wan
CW
Chang
Cheng-Ping
CP
Shih
Tung-Sheng
TS
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D008420:Manufactured Materials; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000032:analysis*; D010316:Particle Size; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium / Q000032:analysis*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004391:Dust; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium