Characterization of Airborne Nanoparticles Using Four Different Methods

Details

• Personal Author:
  Henderson M
• Description:
  Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of current nanoparticle aerosol measurement methods including Condensation Particle Counter (CPC), Optical Particle Counter (OPC), and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), that is, real-time instruments used in evaluating properties of nanoparticle aerosol clouds; and compare the resulting concentrations and size distributions to these obtained by electron microscopy (EM). Methods: Sodium chloride nanoaerosols were generated using a Collison Nebulizer. The aerosol cloud was passed through a radioactive neutralizer and a diffusion dryer prior to entry into the test chamber. The chamber was evaluated for air leakage, relative humidity, air flow patterns, and dispersion patterns. Real-time measurements were obtained with the OPC, CPC, and SMPS. Air samples were also collected on membrane filters for EM analysis. Results: The research is ongoing and generated data is limited. The CPC was stable and consistent but the results were limited to nanoparticle concentration. The SMPS was effective in measuring the concentration and size distribution of the nanoparticle cloud. Comparable concentrations of nanoparticles within the size range of 20nm to 200nm, with a median diameter range of 80nm to 100nm were observed as determined by the SMPS and EM. The SMPS and EM sample results were comparable. OPC provided particle concentrations in selected nanoparticle size ranges but did not perform well at elevated nanoparticle aerosol concentrations. Conclusion: The direct reading instruments examined in this study should be used with caution for characterization of size and concentrations of a nanoparticle cloud. EM should be used to verify size and concentration reported by the instruments. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Aerosols Air Pollutants, Occupational Environmental Monitoring Humidity Occupational Health Particulate Matter Safety
• Keywords:
  Aerosol Aerosol Particles Airborne Particles Airborne Particulates Airflow Air Samples Author Keywords: Nanoparticle Electron Microscopy Nanoparticles Nanotechnology Particle Sizers Real Time Monitoring

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• Publisher:
  University of South Florida (USF)
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Florida ; OSHA Region 4
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  14
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20064160
• Citation:
  Sunshine ERC Research Poster Session/USF Health Research Day, February 21-23, 2013, Tampa, Florida. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida (USF), 2013 Feb; :14
• Contact Point Address:
  Michael Henderson, Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
• CAS Registry Number:
  Sodium chloride (CAS RN 7647-14-5)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2013
• Performing Organization:
  Sunshine Education and Research Center, University of South Florida
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Sunshine ERC Research Poster Session/USF Health Research Day, February 21-23, 2013, Tampa, Florida
• End Date:
  20290630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:64d3c9aa611303595a720d3f10f202594e57407000c69f05aae1c507c6ad124aa66b56c990c20c3d74c496cabcda7389343d5b175c5fb0350958e76a20c360d8
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/222668/cdc_222668_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 216.65 KB ]