NIOSH field studies team assessment: worker exposure to aerosolized metal oxide nanoparticles in a semiconductor fabrication facility

Details

• Personal Author:
  Beaucham, Catherine C. ; Brenner SA ; Eastlake AC ; Geraci, Charles L. ; Neu-Baker NM
• Description:
  The ubiquitous use of engineered nanomaterials - particulate materials measuring approximately 1-100 nanometers (nm) on their smallest axis, intentionally engineered to express novel properties - in semiconductor fabrication poses unique issues for protecting worker health and safety. Use of new substances or substances in a new form may present hazards that have yet to be characterized for their acute or chronic health effects. Uncharacterized or emerging occupational health hazards may exist when there is insufficient validated hazard data available to make a decision on potential hazard and risk to exposed workers under condition of use. To advance the knowledge of potential worker exposure to engineered nanomaterials, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Nanotechnology Field Studies Team conducted an on-site field evaluation in collaboration with on-site researchers at a semiconductor research and development facility on April 18-21, 2011. The Nanomaterial Exposure Assessment Technique (2.0) was used to perform a complete exposure assessment. A combination of filter-based sampling and direct-reading instruments was used to identify, characterize, and quantify the potential for worker inhalation exposure to airborne alumina and amorphous silica nanoparticles associated with the chemical mechanical planarization wafer polishing process. Engineering controls and work practices were evaluated to characterize tasks that might contribute to potential exposures and to assess existing engineering controls. Metal oxide structures were identified in all sampling areas, as individual nanoparticles and agglomerates ranging in size from 60nm to >1,000nm, with varying structure morphology, from long and narrow to compact. Filter-based samples indicated very little aerosolized material in task areas or worker breathing zone. Direct-reading instrument data indicated increased particle counts relative to background in the wastewater treatment area; however, particle counts were very low overall, indicating a well-controlled working environment. Recommendations for employees handling or potentially exposed to engineered nanomaterials include hazard communication, standard operating procedures, conservative ventilation systems, and prevention through design in locations where engineered nanomaterials are used or stored, and routine air sampling for occupational exposure assessment and analysis. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Environmental Exposure Environmental Monitoring Hazardous Substances Occupational Health Particulate Matter Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Ventilation Workplace
• Keywords:
  Air Sampling Author Keywords: Occupational Exposure Assessment Chemical Mechanical Planarization Engineered Nanomaterials Exposure Levels Hazards Health Effects Health Hazards Nanomaterials Nanotechnology NEAT 2.0 Particulates Prevention Through Design Protective Materials PTD Risk Factors Safety Measures Sampling Semiconductor Fabrication Uncharacterized Occupational Health Hazard Ventilation Systems Work Environment Workers

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• ISSN:
  1545-9624
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  New York ; Ohio ; OSHA Region 2 ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  EID - Education and Information Division
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  13
• Issue:
  11
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20048005
• Citation:
  J Occup Environ Hyg 2016 Nov; 13(11):871-880
• Contact Point Address:
  Sara A. Brenner, State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute, College of Nanoscale Science, Nanobioscience Constellation, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, New York 12203
• Email:
  sbrenner@sunypoly.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2017
• NORA Priority Area:
  Manufacturing
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:74b2057a9cb16c0dfb6150cda07dca564c457d467b8b053787328cf757ff2d2e61ef9b744e5303ffd5ab9468cacf6148b79b379ad36fda9672cfd59591ef42cc
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/202896/cdc_202896_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 752.20 KB ]