Evaluation of exposure to nano-sized particles among transport and vehicle service workers

• Authors: Stella Bujak-Pietrek , Urszula Mikołajczyk

Abstracts

EN

BackgroundExposure to fine and ultrafine particles from transport processes is a main consequence of emissions from engines, especially those with self-ignition. The particles released in these processes are a source of occupational and environmental particles exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the fine and nano-sized particles emission degree during work connected with transport and vehicle servicing.Material and MethodsThe tests were carried out at 3 workplaces of vehicles service and maintenance (a car repair workshop, a truck service hall, and a bus depot) during 1 work day in each of them. Measurements were performed using the following devices: DISCmini meters, GRIMM 1.109 optical counter and the DustTrak monitor. The number, surface area and mass concentration, and the number size distribution were analyzed.ResultsThe mean number concentration (DISCmini) increased during the analyzed processes, ranging from 4×104 p/cm³ to 8×104 p/cm³, and the highest concentration was found in the car repair workshop. The particles mean diameters during the processes ranged 31–47 nm, depending on the process. An increase in the surface area concentration value was observed in correlation with the particles number, and its highest concentration (198 m²/cm³) was found during work in the car repair workshop. The number size distribution analysis (GRIMM 1.109) showed the maximum value of the number concentration for particles sized 60 nm. The mean mass concentrations increased during the tested processes by approx. 40–70%, as compared to the background.ConclusionsAccording to the measurement results, all the workplaces under study constituted a source of an increase in all analyzed parameters characterizing emissions of nano-sized particles. Such working environment conditions can be harmful to the exposed workers; therefore, at such workplaces solutions for minimizing workers’ exposure, such as fume hoods or respiratory protection, should be used. Med Pr. 2021;72(5):489–500

Keywords

EN

ultrafine particles; particle number concentration; particle surface area concentration; nanoparticles exposure; diesel engine exhaust; particle number size distribution

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: Medycyna Pracy
• Year: 2021
• Volume: 72
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 489-500

Dates

published

2021

Contributors

author

Stella Bujak-Pietrek

• Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Physical Hazards)

author

Urszula Mikołajczyk

• Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Physical Hazards)

Identifiers

DOI

10.13075/mp.5893.01101

Biblioteka Nauki

2087543