title: Assessing the potential exposure risk and control for airborne titanium dioxide and carbon black nanoparticles in the workplace.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the potential exposure risks for workers in the workplace exposed to airborne titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2)-NPs) and carbon black nanoparticles (CB-NPs). The risk management control strategies were also developed for the NP engineering workplace.
  
  
  METHODS
  The method used in this study was based on the integrated multiple-path particle dosimetry model to estimate the cumulative dose of nanoparticles (NPs) in the human lung. The study then analyzed toxicological effects such as pulmonary cytotoxicity and inflammation and evaluated the health risk associated with exposure to NPs in the workplace. Risk control measures such as the use of ventilating systems and N95 respirator protection are also discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study found that: (1) the cumulative dose of CB-NPs was greater than that of TiO(2)-NPs in human lungs; (2) there is a potential health risk to workers exposed to TiO(2)-NPs and CB-NPs in the absence of control measures in the workplace, with higher health risks associated with CB-NPs than TiO(2)-NPs; and (3) the use of a ventilating system and an N95 respirator offers greater protection in the workplace and significantly reduces the health risks associated with NP exposure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present risk management control strategy suggests that the most effective way to reduce airborne NPs is to incorporate the use of a ventilating system combined with N95 respirator protection. This will enable the concentrations of TiO(2)-NPs and CB-NPs to be reduced to acceptable exposure levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Risk Management, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Min-Pei
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: Chia-Pin
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Chio
authors.forename: Wei-Chun
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Wei-Yu
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Nan-Hung
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Yi-Jun
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chung-Min
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Liao
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000633:toxicity*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D053260:Soot / Q000633:toxicity*; D014025:Titanium / Q000633:toxicity*; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D053260:Soot; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium