AAAR 31st Annual Conference
October 8-12, 2012
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Abstract View
Worker and Environmental Assessment of Potential Unbound Engineered Nanoparticle Releases
GARY CASUCCIO, Randall Ogle, Kristin Bunker, Keith Rickabaugh, RJ Lee Group, Inc.
Abstract Number: 314 Working Group: Health Related Aerosols
Abstract To satisfy the DOE policy and to address the uncertainties inherent in a rapidly developing technological field, a multiphase pilot study has been conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to evaluate the potential for emissions of unbound engineered nanoparticles (UNP) to the outdoor environment and assess the need for appropriate controls. The work conducted as part of the study represents a first effort to evaluate the environmental release of UNP in research environments, with a focus on determining whether emissions from building exhaust are acceptable or compliant. Based on the results obtained, the controls currently used by researchers during work with UNP met or exceeded the validated, recommended control level based on a control band approach. It was also determined that high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration was not required for the research processes evaluated.
The final phase of the study provides a plan for implementing an ongoing environmental program for emissions of UNP to the outdoor environment. The plan involves several steps including identification of possible UNP hazards to workers by using LBNL’s Baseline Exposure Assessment (BEA), an equivalent work planning and control process, or other industrial hygiene information and assessments. The plan includes the use of a control band matrix to identify appropriate control options, discussion of options with researchers and subject matter experts, and any necessary performance of periodic monitoring of long-term research. The plan discusses documentation that will be developed and maintained. The plan also considers potential future changes in the monitoring approach that may be appropriate as the technology for ensuring nanomaterial safety evolves.