Exposure Assessment and Risk Characterization of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials at Different Production Scales

Carlos Fito López (), Inmaculada Colmenar González, Oscar Andreu Sánchez (), Verónica Vela and Maidá Domat Rodriguez
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Carlos Fito López: ITENE, Technological Institute of Packaging, Transport and Logistics, 46001 Valencia, Spain
Inmaculada Colmenar González: ITENE, Technological Institute of Packaging, Transport and Logistics, 46001 Valencia, Spain
Oscar Andreu Sánchez: Department of Vegetal Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of València, C/Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain
Verónica Vela: ITENE, Technological Institute of Packaging, Transport and Logistics, 46001 Valencia, Spain
Maidá Domat Rodriguez: Department of Physics, University of Oviedo, C/Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, 18, 33007 Oviedo, Spain

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 16, 1-23

Abstract: Data on the potential impact on human health of engineered nanomaterials are still scarce, with an evident lack of knowledge on the exposure levels at all stages of the life cycle. By prioritizing the responsible handling of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), companies can promote sustainability by minimizing the risks of occupational exposure, protecting employee well-being, reducing liability, and avoiding costly environmental remediation efforts. This research aims to evaluate the risk in real scenarios involving the use of carbon-based nanomaterials in research laboratories, pilot-scale facilities, and industrial settings. Several online and offline instruments have been employed to characterize the particulate matter present in these environments, including particles in the nanometer range and relevant fractions for risk assessment purposes. Samples collected on polycarbonate filters were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Exposure estimation has been performed by applying a decision based on tier 2 from the nanoGEM methodology, with the weighing and transferring of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) in a pilot plant being the most liberating processes, which are the activities with the highest risk of exposure. In addition, high levels of particle concentration, with peaks up to 1.7 × 10 5 and 4.7 × 10 5 part/cm 3 , have been found for the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and incorporation of carbonaceous nanoparticles into resins, respectively.

Keywords: exposure; scenario; nanomaterials; risk management; environmental (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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