Title: Workers exposures to ultra-fine particulate matter during automobile components production

Authors: Emmanuel A. Iyiegbuniwe, Lakshminarayana Chekuri, Abiola O. Iyiegbuniwe

Addresses: Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA. ' Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11082, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA. ' Medco Center of Franklin, 414 Robey Street, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

Abstract: Workers are potentially exposed to health hazards associated with aerosol pollution and only a few studies have reported workplace exposures to ultrafine particles during manufacturing processes. The present study was conducted to determine airborne ultrafine particle exposures associated with automobile components production. Representative samples were collected during normal production activities for the determination of particle number and mass concentrations. The results showed that workplace exposures for ultrafine particles were below applicable regulations and concentrations were higher for smaller than larger particles. High correlation was reported for particle mass and number concentrations for all processes. In order to control potential chronic lung diseases caused by workplace exposures to ultrafine particulate matter, a relevant exposure metric would require the combination of particle mass, surface area and number concentrations. The study recommends that effective workplace control strategies be implemented to assure continuous reduction of exposures to ultrafine particulate matters during manufacturing processes.

Keywords: ultrafine particles; workplace exposure; particle mass; particle number; control strategies; occupational safety and health; nanomanufacturing; automotive components; component manufacturing; health hazards; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2007.014614

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2007 Vol.1 No.5, pp.608 - 626

Published online: 21 Jul 2007 *

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