2024-03-29T10:59:13Zhttps://repositori.uji.es/oai/requestoai:repositori.uji.es:10234/1827782022-06-15T14:50:25Zcom_10234_7033com_10234_9com_10234_176601col_10234_8618col_10234_176618
00925njm 22002777a 4500
dc
Salmatonidis, Apostolos
author
Ribalta, Carla
author
Sanfélix Forner, Vicenta
author
Bezantakos, Spyridon
author
Biskos, George
author
Vulpoi , Adriana
author
Simion, Simon
author
Monfort, Eliseo
author
Viana, Mar
author
2019-01
Thermal spraying is widely used for industrial-scale application of ceramic coatings onto metallic surfaces. The particular process has implications for occupational health, as the high energy process generates high emissions of metal-bearing nanoparticles. Emissions and their impact on exposure were characterized during thermal spraying in a work environment, by monitoring size-resolved number and mass concentrations, lung-deposited surface area, particle morphology, and chemical composition. Along with exposure quantification, the modal analysis of the emissions assisted in distinguishing particles from different sources, while an inhalation model provided evidence regarding the potential deposition of particulate matter on human respiratory system. High particle number (>106 cm−3; 30–40 nm) and mass (60–600 µgPM1 m−3) concentrations were recorded inside the spraying booths, which impacted exposure in the worker area (104–105 cm−3, 40–65 nm; 44–87 µgPM1 m−3). Irregularly-shaped, metal-containing particles (Ni, Cr, W) were sampled from the worker area, as single particles and aggregates (5–200 nm). Energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of particles originated from the coating material, establishing a direct link between the spraying activity and exposure. In particle number count, 90% of the particles were between 26–90 nm. Inhaled dose rates, calculated from the exposure levels, resulted in particle number rates (n˙) between 353 × 106–1024 × 106 min−1, with 70% of deposition occurring in the alveolar region. The effectiveness of personal protective equipment (FPP3 masks) was tested under real working conditions. The proper sealing of the spraying booths was identified as a key element for exposure reduction. This study provides high time-resolved aerosol data which may be valuable for validating indoor aerosol models applied to risk assessment.
SALMATONIDIS, Apostolos, et al. Workplace Exposure to Nanoparticles during Thermal Spraying of Ceramic Coatings. Annals of work exposures and health, 2019, vol. 63, no 1, p. 91-106
2398-7308
http://hdl.handle.net/10234/182778
https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxy094
exposure assessment
inhalation exposure
inhalation model
modal analysis
nanoparticles
occupational health
process-generated nanoparticles
Workplace Exposure to Nanoparticles during Thermal Spraying of Ceramic Coatings