Physical Characteristics of Ultrafine Particles

Project Information

Principal Investigator	Andrew D Maynard
Institution	Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson Center
Project URL	View
Relevance to Implications	High
Class of Nanomaterial	Generic
Impact Sector	Human Health
Broad Research Categories	Exposure Hazard 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	2002
Anticipated End Year	2005

Abstract/Summary

This project begins to address the need for novel methods for characterizing and quantifying workplace ultrafine particulate exposures in terms of aerosol surface-area. There is growing evidence that current occupational exposure limits may not adequately protect all workers exposed to low-solubility particles smaller than typically 100 nm in diameter (ultrafine particles). Surface-area is implicated as an important exposure metric in a number of studies. However there are currently no validated methods for measuring aerosol surface-area exposure in the workplace. New and existing exposure measurement methods are being evaluated. Research is also examining the behavior of ultrafine particles in the workplace and following lung deposition, to further explore the relevance of alternative exposure metrics. This research will provide a basis for re-evaluating current exposure standards and monitoring methods.