Exposure to engineered nanoparticles: Model and measurements for accident situations in laboratories

In the life cycle of engineered nanoparticles (ENP), their manufacturing requires particular attention because of unwanted potential ENP emissions to workplaces. We simulated three scenarios of equipment failure during gas phase production of nanoparticles in a laboratory. The emission plume of nanoparticles was tracked with high spatial and temporal resolution by 10 measurement devices. While under normal production conditions, no elevated ENP concentrations were observed, worst case scenarios led to homogeneous indoor ENP concentrations of up to 106 cm− 3 in a 300 m3 production room after only 60 s. The fast dispersal in the room was followed by an exponential decrease in number concentration after the emission event. Under conditions like those observed – rapid dispersal and good mixing – a single measurement device alone can provide valuable information for an ENP exposure assessment. A one-box model adequately reflected measured number concentrations (r2 > 0.99). The ENP emission rates to the workplace were estimated between 2.5·1011 and 6·1012 s− 1 for the three emission scenarios. The worst case emission rate at the production zone was also estimated at 2·1013 s− 1 with a stoichiometric calculation based on the precursor input, density and particle size. ENP intake fractions were 3.8–5.1·10− 4 inhaled ENP per produced ENP in the investigated setting. These could only be substantially lowered by leaving the production room within a few minutes after the emission event.

► Nanoparticle leakage led to up to 106 pt/cm3 in a 300 m3 room after only 60 s. ► Emission plumes of nanoparticles were measured and visualized with 10 measurement devices. ► A 1-box model adequately reflected measured number concentrations (r2 > 0.99) in all cases. ► ENP intake fractions were 3.8–5.1·10− 4 in the investigated settings.