Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Assessment of airborn multiwalled carbon nanotubes in a manufactoring environment

  • Published:
Nanotechnologies in Russia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study was carried out in a factory producing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by the catalytic chemical vapor deposition method in a pyrolysis reactor. Air samples of the personal breathing areas were collected simultaneously on mixed cellulose ester filters, for analysis by transmission electron s (TEM), and on high-purity quartz filters for thermal-optical analysis of elemental carbon (EC). It is found that the production of MWCNTs is accompanied by the release of the MWCNT structures in the air of different working zones. The concentration of respirable aerosol in the personal breathing areas, averaged over an 8-hour period, ranges from 0.54 to 6.11 μg/m3 based on EC. Airborne MWCNTs were found in the form of agglomerates that range in size from about 1 to 10 μm. These data are consistent with measurements in different plants by two other international groups (from the United States and Sweden) using similar methodology (TEM in combination with EC analysis). In the absence of convincing data on the potential health risks of MWCNTs, and following the principle of reasonable precautions, preventive measures should be taken to minimize exposure to these materials.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. NIOSH. “Occupational exposure to carbon nanotubes and nanofibers,” NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin No. 65. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-145/pdfs/ 2013-145.pdf. Cited June 6, 2015.

  2. P. A. Baron, A. D. Maynard, and M. Foley, “Evaluation of aerosol release during the handling of unrefined single walled carbon nanotubes material,” Report NIOSH DART-02-191 (Natl. Inst. Occupational Safety and Health, 2002).

    Google Scholar 

  3. G. Joseph, “Industrial hygiene air monitoring report,” DuPont Co. Internal Report (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  4. A. D. Maynard, P. A. Baron, M. Foley, et al. “Exposure to carbon nanotube material: Aerosol release during the handling of unrefined single-walled carbon nanotube material,” J. Toxicol. Environ. Health A 67, 87–107 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. M. E. Birch, D. E. Evans, M. M. Methner, R. E. McCleery, K. G. Crouch, B.-K. Ku, M. D. Hoover, “Workplace assessment of potential exposure to carbonaceous nanomaterials,” Proceedings of the Seventh International Aerosol Conference, September 10–15, St. Paul, MN (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  6. M. M. Methner, M. E. Birch, D. E. Evans, et al., “Identification and characterization of potential sources of worker exposure to carbon nanofibers during polymer composite laboratory operations,” J. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 4, D125–130 (2007).

  7. J. H. Han, E. J. Lee, J. H. Lee, et al.. “Monitoring multiwalled carbon nanotube exposure in carbon nanotube research facility,” Inhal. Toxicol. 20, 741–749 (2008).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. D. E. Evans, B. K. Ku, M. E. Birch, K. H. Dunn. “Aerosol characterization during carbon nanofiber production: mobile direct-reading sampling,” Ann. Occup. Hyg. 54 (5), 514–531 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. B. G. Lee, J. H. Lee, J. S. Yang, et al. “Exposure assessment of carbon nanotube manufacturing workplaces,” Inhal Toxicol. 22, 369–381 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. J. Pauluhn. “Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Baytubes): approach for derivation of occupational exposure limit.,” Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 57, 78–89 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. M. M. Methner, L. Hodson, and C. Geraci. “Nanoparticle emission assessment technique (NEAT) for the identification and measurement of potential inhalation exposure to engineered nanomaterials: Part B. Results from 12 field studies,” J. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 7, 163–176 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. M. E. Birch., B. K. Ku, D. E. Evans, T. Ruda-Eberenz. “Exposure and emissions monitoring during carbon nanofiber production. Part I: elemental carbon and iron-soot aerosols,” Ann. Occup. Hyg. 55 (9), 1016–1036 (2011).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. M. E. Birch. “Exposure and emissions monitoring during carbon nanofiber production. Part II: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,” Ann. Occup. Hyg. 55 (9), 1037–1047 (2011).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. M. Methner, C. Beaucham, C. Crawford, L. Hodson, and C. Geraci. “Field application of the nanoparticle emission assessment technique (NEAT): task-based air monitoring during the processing of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) at four facilities,” J. Occupat. Environ. Hyg. 9, 543–555 (2012).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. M. M. Dahm, D. E. Evans, M. K. Schubauer-Berigan, M. E. Birch, and J. A. Deddens. “Occupational exposure assessment in carbon nanotube and nanofiber primary and secondary manufacturers: mobile directreading sampling,” Ann. Occup. Hyg. 57, 328–344 (2013).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. M. Hedmer, C. Isaxon, P. T. Nilsson, et al. “Exposure and emission measurements during production, purification, and functionalization of arc-discharge-produced multi-walled carbon nanotubes,” Ann. Occup. Hyg. 58, 355–379 (2014).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. M. M. Dahm, M. K. Schubauer-Berigan, D. E. Evans, et al., “Carbon nanotube and nanofiber exposure assessments: an analysis of 14 site visits,” Ann. Occup. Hyg. (2015). http://annhygoxfordjournalsorg/cgi/ pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=25851309. Cited June 11, 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  18. M. E. Birch. “Occupational monitoring of particulate diesel exhaust by NIOSH method 5040,” Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 17, 400–405 (2002).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. M. E. Birch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, personal communication, January 2016.

    Google Scholar 

  20. “Using of quantitative determination methods of nanomaterials on nanoindustry factories” MR 1.2.2639-10 (2010). Available from GARANT legal referense system. [in Russian]

  21. A. M. Cassell, J. A. Raymakers, J. Kong, and H. J. Dai. “Large scale CVD synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes,” J. Phys. Chem. B 103, 6484 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. I. G. William and R. A. Dewar. “Flame ionization detector for gas chromatography,” Nature 181 (4611), 760 (1958).

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kazan State Medical University, ul Butlerova 49, Kazan, 420012, Russia

    L. M. Fatkhutdinova, T. O. Khaliullin & R. R. Zalyalov

  2. Tambov State Technical University, ul. Sovetskaya 106, Tambov, 392000, Russia

    A. G. Tkachev

  3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    M. E. Birch

  4. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    A. A. Shvedova

Authors
  1. L. M. Fatkhutdinova
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. O. Khaliullin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. R. Zalyalov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. A. G. Tkachev
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. M. E. Birch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. A. A. Shvedova
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to L. M. Fatkhutdinova.

Additional information

Original Russian Text © L.M. Fatkhutdinova, T.O. Khaliullin, R.R. Zalyalov, A.G. Tkachev, M.E. Birch, A.A. Shvedova, 2016, published in Rossiiskie Nanotekhnologii, 2016, Vol. 11, Nos. 1–2.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fatkhutdinova, L.M., Khaliullin, T.O., Zalyalov, R.R. et al. Assessment of airborn multiwalled carbon nanotubes in a manufactoring environment. Nanotechnol Russia 11, 110–116 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995078016010055

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995078016010055

Keywords

Search

Navigation