Reducing Diesel Particulate Exposures in Western Mines

Project Information

Principal Investigator	Art L. Miller
Institution	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Project URL	View
Relevance to Implications	High
Class of Nanomaterial	Incidental Nanomaterials
Impact Sector	Human Health
Broad Research Categories	Exposure Generation, Dispersion, Transformation etc. Control Characterization
NNI identifier

Funding Information

Country	USA
Anticipated Total Funding	n/a
Annual Funding	n/a
Funding Source	NIOSH
Funding Mechanism	Intramural
Funding Sector	Government
Start Year
Anticipated End Year

Abstract/Summary

This project aims at evaluating and mitigating diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposures in mines. Much of the work has been done with focus on submicron and ultrafine particles of soot as well as associated trace metals which are often deposited on soot particles. Part of this work focuses on the characterization of nanoparticles which have been shown to increase in certain situations, including the application of new “clean burning” diesel engines. The PI was sent to the University of MN on a long term training assignment in assessing the formation and emission of nanoparticles by diesel engines. He submitted four journal articles in the area of nanoparticle characterization in the calendar year 2004. Research plans also include evaluation of nanoparticle emissions from a variety of internal combustion engines, and the design of a portable sampler for collecting nanoparticle samples in the field. One task on this project entails the creation of a database for organizing information about nanoparticles. A prototype relational database is being constructed. The goal is to provide a web-accessible clearing house for nanomaterial researchers. The database will contain particle images as well as information about physical and chemical properties. Available data on toxicity and health effects of nanomaterials will be attached or linked to the particle information.