1
|
Wang H, Lyu L, Gao Y, Shi J, Wang B, Zheng L, Wang Y. A case study on occupational exposure assessment and characterization of particles in a printing shop in China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023:10.1007/s10653-023-01592-x. [PMID: 37133770 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Printers can release numerous particles to contaminate indoor environments and pose health risks. Clarifying the exposure level and physicochemical properties of printer-emitted particles (PEPs) will help to evaluate the health risks of printer operator. In our study, the particles concentration in the printing shop was monitored in real time for a long time (12 h/day, total 6 days), and the PEPs were collected to characterize their physicochemical properties including shape, size and compositions. The result showed that the concentration of PEPs is closely related to the printing workload and the highest particle mass concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 was 212.73 μg m-3 and 91.48 μg m-3, respectively. The concentration of PM1 in the printing shop was in the range of 11.88-80.59 μg m-3 for mass value, and 174.83-1348.84 P cm-3 for count value which changed with the printing volume. The particle sizes of PEPs were less than 900 nm, 47.99% of PEPs was less than 200 nm, and 14.21% of the particles were at the nanoscale. PEPs contained 68.92% organic carbon (OC), 5.31% elemental carbon (EC), 3.17% metal elements, and 22.60% other inorganic additives, which contained more OC and metal elements than toners. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels were 18.95 ng/mg in toner and 120.70 ng/mg in PEPs. The carcinogenic risk of PAHs in PEPs was 1.40 × 10-7. These findings suggested future studies should pay more attention to the health effects of printing workers exposed to nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhi Lyu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiazhang Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingna Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Morawska L, Salthammer T. A paradigm shift in cooperation between industry, legislation, and research to protect people and the environment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 251:114174. [PMID: 37116233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4000, Australia
| | - Tunga Salthammer
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Q, An D, Yuan Z, Sun R, Lu W, Wang L. A field investigation into the characteristics and formation mechanisms of particles during the operation of laser printers and photocopiers. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 126:697-707. [PMID: 36503794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Indoor particle release from toner printing equipment (TPE) is a major health concern and has received wide attention. In this study, nine printing centers were randomly selected and three working phases were simulated, namely, non-working, normal printing/copying, and heavy printing/copying. The dynamics of the ozone (O3), volatile organic compound (VOC), and particle emissions from TPE were determined by portable detectors. Results showed that particles, VOCs, and O3 were indeed discharged, and particles and VOCs concentrations remained at high levels. Among them, 44% of the rooms represented high-level particle releases. Submicrometer-sized particles, especially nanoparticles, were positively correlated with VOCs, but were inversely proportional to the O3 concentration. Four elements, Ca, Al, Mg and Ni, were usually present in nanoparticles because of the discharge of paper. Si, Al, K, Ni and Pb were found in the submicrometer-sized particles and were consistent with the toner composition. The potential particle precursors were identified, which suggested that styrene was the most likely secondary organic aerosol (SOA) precursor. Overall, the use of the toner formulation and the discharge of paper attribute to the TPE-emitted particles, in which styrene is a specific monitoring indicator for the formation of SOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Daizhi An
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhengquan Yuan
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Rubao Sun
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100071, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ding S, Lee JS, Mohamed MA, Ng BF. Infection risk of SARS-CoV-2 in a dining setting: Deposited droplets and aerosols. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 213:108888. [PMID: 35169378 PMCID: PMC8828387 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.108888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Considering that safe-distancing and mask-wearing measures are not strictly enforced in dining settings in the context of SARS-CoV-2, the infection risks of patrons in a dining outlet (e.g., a cafe) is assessed in this study. The size-resolved aerosol emission rate (AER) and droplets deposition rate (DDR) on dining plates from speaking were obtained through chamber measurements and droplet deposition visualization via fluorescent imaging technique (FIT), respectively. The AER from speaking was 24698 #/min in the size range of 0.3-5.5 μm, while the DDR was 365 #/min in the size range of 43-2847 μm. Furthermore, an infection risk model was adopted and revised to evaluate the infection risk of 120 diners for a "3-h event" in the cafe. In a four-person dining setting around a rectangular table, a diner seated diagonally across an infected person posed the least infection risk due to the deposited droplets on dining plates. The deposited droplets on a dining plate were dominant in possible viral transmission as compared to the long-range airborne route when a diner shared a table with the infected person. Yet, long-range airborne transmission had the potential to infect other diners in the cafe, even resulting in super-spreading events. A fresh air supply of 12.1-17.0 L/s per person is recommended for the cafe to serve 4-20 diners concurrently to minimize infection risks due to aerosols. Current ventilation standards (e.g., 8-10 L/s per person) for a cafe are not enough to avoid the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirun Ding
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jia Shing Lee
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Mohamed Arif Mohamed
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Bing Feng Ng
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Bello A, Ryan DK, Demokritou P, Bello D. Elevated Urinary Biomarkers of Oxidative Damage in Photocopier Operators following Acute and Chronic Exposures. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12040715. [PMID: 35215044 PMCID: PMC8878876 DOI: 10.3390/nano12040715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation exposures to nanoparticles (NPs) from printers and photocopiers have been associated with upper airway and systemic inflammation, increased blood pressure, and cases of autoimmune and respiratory disorders. In this study we investigate oxidative stress induced by exposures to copier-emitted nanoparticles using a panel of urinary oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers representing DNA damage (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG; 8-hydroxyguanosine, 8-OHG; 5-hydroxymethyl uracil 5-OHMeU), lipid peroxidation (8-isoprostane; 4-hydroxynonenal, HNE), and protein oxidation biomarkers (o-tyrosine, 3-chlorotyrosine, and 3-nitrotyrosine) under conditions of acute (single 6 h exposure, 9 volunteers, 110 urine samples) and chronic exposures (6 workers, 11 controls, 81 urine samples). Urinary biomarkers were quantified with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction sample cleanup. 8-OHdG, 8-OHG, 8-isoprostane, and HNE were significantly elevated in both the acute and chronic exposure study participants relative to the controls. In the acute exposure study, the geometric mean ratios post-/pre-exposure were 1.42, 1.10, 2.0, and 2.25, respectively. Urinary 8-OHG and HNE increased with time to at least 36 h post-exposure (post-/pre-exposure GM ratios increased to 3.94 and 2.33, respectively), suggesting slower generation and/or urinary excretion kinetics for these biomarkers. In chronically exposed operators, the GM ratios of urinary biomarkers relative to controls ranged from 1.52 to 2.94, depending on the biomarker. O-Tyrosine and 5-OHMeU biomarkers were not significantly different from the controls. 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine were not detected in the urine samples. We conclude that NPs from photocopiers induce systemic oxidative stress by damaging DNA, RNA, and lipids. Urinary levels of 8-OHdG, 8-OHG, HNE, and 8-isoprostane were orders of magnitude higher than in nanocomposite processing workers, comparable to nano titanium dioxide and fiberglass manufacturing workers, but much lower than in shipyard welding and carbon nanotube synthesis workers. Biomarkers 8-OHdG, 8-OHG, 8-isoprostane, and HNE appear to be more sensitive and robust urinary biomarkers for monitoring oxidative stress to NPs from photocopiers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yipei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Kennedy College of Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (Y.Z.); (D.K.R.)
| | - Anila Bello
- Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | - David K. Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, Kennedy College of Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (Y.Z.); (D.K.R.)
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Dhimiter Bello
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ingo GM, Riccucci C, Pisani G, Pascucci M, D'Ercole D, Guerriero E, Boccaccini F, Falso G, Zambonini G, Paolini V, Di Carlo G. The vehicle braking systems as main source of inhalable airborne magnetite particles in trafficked areas. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106991. [PMID: 34991252 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Magnetite (Fe3O4) nano-particles (MNPs) have been found in human tissues and causally linked to serious illnesses. The possible negative role of MNPs has been not still fully ascertained even though MNPs might cause health effects due to their magnetic property, redox activity and surface charge. The origin of MNPs in human tissues still remains to be unambiguously identified since biological processes, natural phenomena and anthropogenic production have been proposed. According to this latter increasingly convincing hypothesis, anthropogenic MNPs might enter mainly in the human body via inhalation, penetrate deeply into the lungs and in the alveoli and also migrate into the blood circulation and gather in the extrapulmonary organs and central nervous system. In order to identify the releasing source of the potentially inhalable MNPs, we pioneered an innovative approach to rapidly investigate elemental profile and morphology of a large number of airborne micron and sub-micron-sized Fe-bearing particles (FePs). The study was performed by collecting a large amount of micron and sub-micron sized inhalable airborne FePs in trafficked and densely frequented areas of Rome (Italy). Then, we have investigated individually the elemental profile and morphology of the collected particles by means of high-spatial resolution scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and an automated software purposely developed for the metal-bearing particles analysis. On the basis of specific elemental tracing features, the investigation reveals that almost the total amount of the airborne FePs is released by the vehicle braking systems mainly in the form of magnetite. Furthermore, we point out that our approach might be more generally used to identify the releasing sources of different inorganic airborne particles and to contribute to establish more accurately the impact of specific natural or anthropogenic particles on the environment and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel M Ingo
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, National Research Council, Rome 1 Research Area, via Salaria km 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cristina Riccucci
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, National Research Council, Rome 1 Research Area, via Salaria km 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Pisani
- Central Anticrime Directorate of the Italian National Police, Forensic Science Police Service, via Tuscolana 1548, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Pascucci
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, National Research Council, Rome 1 Research Area, via Salaria km 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele D'Ercole
- Central Anticrime Directorate of the Italian National Police, Forensic Science Police Service, via Tuscolana 1548, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Guerriero
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council, Rome 1 Research Area, via Salaria km 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Boccaccini
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, National Research Council, Rome 1 Research Area, via Salaria km 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy; University of Rome "Sapienza", p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Falso
- Central Anticrime Directorate of the Italian National Police, Forensic Science Police Service, via Tuscolana 1548, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Zambonini
- Central Anticrime Directorate of the Italian National Police, Forensic Science Police Service, via Tuscolana 1548, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Paolini
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council, Rome 1 Research Area, via Salaria km 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Carlo
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, National Research Council, Rome 1 Research Area, via Salaria km 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ding S, Teo ZW, Wan MP, Ng BF. Aerosols from speaking can linger in the air for up to nine hours. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2021; 205:108239. [PMID: 34393326 PMCID: PMC8349476 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission of respiratory diseases has been under intense spotlight in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) where continued resurgence is linked to the relaxation of social interaction measures. To understand the role of speech aerosols in the spread of COVID-19 globally, the lifetime and size distribution of the aerosols are studied through a combination of light scattering observation and aerosol sampling. It was found that aerosols from speaking suspended in stagnant air for up to 9 h with a half-life of 87.2 min. The half-life of the aerosols declined with the increase in air change per hour from 28 to 40 min (1 h-1), 10-14 min (4 h-1), to 4-6 min (9 h-1). The speech aerosols in the size range of about 0.3-2 μm (after dehydration) witnessed the longest lifetime compared to larger aerosols (2-10 μm). These results suggest that speech aerosols have the potential to transmit respiratory viruses across long duration (hours), and long-distance (over social distance) through the airborne route. These findings are important for researchers and engineers to simulate the airborne dispersion of viruses in indoor environments and to design new ventilation systems in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirun Ding
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhen Wei Teo
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Man Pun Wan
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Bing Feng Ng
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ding S, Wan MP, Ng BF. Dynamic Analysis of Particle Emissions from FDM 3D Printers through a Comparative Study of Chamber and Flow Tunnel Measurements. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14568-14577. [PMID: 33135417 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafine particle emissions originating from fused deposition modeling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printers have received widespread attention recently. However, the obvious inconsistency and uncertainty in particle emission rates (PERs, #/min) measured by chamber systems still remain, owing to different measurement conditions and calculation models used. Here, a dynamic analysis of the size-resolved PER is conducted through a comparative study of chamber and flow tunnel measurements. Two models to resolve PER from the chamber and a model for flow tunnel measurements were examined. It was found that chamber measurements for different materials underestimated PER by up to an order of magnitude and overestimated particle diameters by up to 2.3 times, while the flow tunnel measurements provided more accurate results. Field measurements of the time-resolved particle size distribution (PSD) in a typical room environment could be predicted well by the flow tunnel measurements, while the chamber measurements could not represent the main PSD characteristics (e.g., particle diameter mode). Secondary aerosols (>30 nm) formed in chambers were not observed in field measurements. Flow tunnel measurements were adopted for the first time as a possible alternative for the study of 3D printer emissions to overcome the disadvantages in chamber methods and as a means to predict exposure levels.
Collapse
|
9
|
Regional Inhaled Deposited Dose of Indoor Combustion-Generated Aerosols in Jordanian Urban Homes. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11111150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Indoor combustion processes associated with cooking, heating, and smoking are a major source of aerosols in Jordanian dwellings. To evaluate human exposure to combustion-generated aerosols in Jordanian indoor environments, regional inhaled deposited dose rates of indoor aerosols (10 nm to 25 µm) were determined for different scenarios for adult occupants. The inhaled deposited dose rate provides an estimate of the number or mass of inhaled aerosol that deposits in each region of the respiratory system per unit time. In general, sub-micron particle number (PN1) dose rates ranged from 109 to 1012 particles/h, fine particle mass (PM2.5) dose rates ranged from 3 to 216 µg/h, and coarse particle mass (PM10) dose rates ranged from 30 to 1600 µg/h. Dose rates were found to be dependent on the type and intensity of indoor combustion processes documented in the home. Dose rates were highest during cooking activities using a natural gas stove, heating via natural gas and kerosene, and smoking (shisha/tobacco). The relative fraction of the total dose rate received in the head airways, tracheobronchial, and alveolar regions varied among the documented indoor combustion (and non-combustion) activities. The significant fraction of sub-100 nm particles produced during the indoor combustion processes resulted in high particle number dose rates for the alveolar region. Suggested approaches for reducing indoor aerosol dose rates in Jordanian dwellings include a reduction in the prevalence of indoor combustion sources, use of extraction hoods to remove combustion products, and improved ventilation/filtration in residential buildings.
Collapse
|
10
|
Biomonitoring of DNA Damage in Photocopiers' Workers From Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:e527-e530. [PMID: 32890224 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study was performed to know about the extent of occupational DNA damage in photocopiers' workers. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 136 exposed group and 74 control group. Comet assay was performed to assess the DNA damage caused by emissions from photocopiers. RESULTS The results indicated that there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in DNA damage in persons working in photocopiers (122.1 ± 60.7) than the controls (56.6 ± 17.2). Duration of occupational exposure had positive correlation (r = 0.793, P < 0.001) with DNA damage. Age had significant effects on the total comet score (TCS) of the exposed group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, these findings indicate significant genotoxicity in photocopiers' workers.
Collapse
|
11
|
White KM, Palenik CS. Toner Particles as Forensic Evidence: Microanalytical Characterization of Known Toner and Recognition of Toner in Environmental Samples* , † , ‡. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1908-1920. [PMID: 32687231 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Modern printing toners represent a prime example of subvisible particles that can be easily transferred to hands, clothing, and other surfaces. To explore the potential evidentiary value of toner particles, toner samples were collected from known printer cartridges and characterized by various microanalytical techniques to establish the properties most useful for recognition, identification, and comparison. Environmental samples (i.e., dust) were then collected from various locations at varying distances from toner-based printers, using both tape lifts and carbon adhesive stubs, to assess the possibility of detecting toner. By light microscopy, toner can be recognized on the basis of particle size and shape, as well as color. Further examination of the micromorphology in the field emission scanning electron microscope reveals characteristic morphologies and differences in surface texture and shape among toner sources. Raman spectroscopy provides chemical identification of the pigment (or pigment class) and, in some cases, also permits identification of the polymer component. While black and blue pigment chemistry remained constant among toner varieties that were studied (copper phthalocyanine and carbon black), variation in yellow and magenta pigments was observed. Analysis of dust samples collected from various environments demonstrated that while toner is consistently detectable in close proximity to printers (within 2 feet), it also can be detected in dust collected in nearby rooms. This research demonstrates that toner particles can be located, characterized, and discriminated, using a suite of microanalytical methods that are applicable to forensic casework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie M White
- Microtrace, LLC, 790 Fletcher Drive, Suite 106, Elgin, IL, 60123
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gu J, Karrasch S, Salthammer T. Review of the characteristics and possible health effects of particles emitted from laser printing devices. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:396-421. [PMID: 31944398 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that the use of laser printing devices (LPDs) contributes to the release of particles into the indoor environment. However, after more than two decades of research, the physicochemical properties of LPD-emitted particles and the possible health effects from exposure to particles are still heavily debated. We therefore carried out a critical review of the published studies around emissions and health effects of LPD-emitted particles, aiming at elucidating the nature of these particles and their potential health risks. Realizing the varying methodologies of the studies, a classification of the reviewed studies is adopted, resulting in three categories of emission studies (chamber experiment, office/room measurement, and photocopy shop measurement), and three types of health studies (in vitro/animal studies, human studies in the real world, and human studies in controlled settings). The strengths and limitations of each type of study are discussed in-depth, which in turn helps to understand the cause of divergent results. Overall, LPD-emitted particles are mainly condensed or secondary-formed semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), while solid toner particles account for a very small fraction. The health risk from exposure to LPD-emitted particles is small compared with the health risk from exposure to ambient particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Gu
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Karrasch
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Tunga Salthammer
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Setyawati MI, Singh D, Krishnan SPR, Huang X, Wang M, Jia S, Goh BHR, Ho CG, Yusoff R, Kathawala MH, Poh TY, Ali NABM, Chotirmall SH, Aitken RJ, Riediker M, Christiani DC, Fang M, Bello D, Demokritou P, Ng KW. Occupational Inhalation Exposures to Nanoparticles at Six Singapore Printing Centers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2389-2400. [PMID: 31967798 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Laser printers emit high levels of nanoparticles (PM0.1) during operation. Although it is well established that toners contain multiple engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), little is known about inhalation exposures to these nanoparticles and work practices in printing centers. In this report, we present a comprehensive inhalation exposure assessment of indoor microenvironments at six commercial printing centers in Singapore, the first such assessment outside of the United States, using real-time personal and stationary monitors, time-integrated instrumentation, and multiple analytical methods. Extensive presence of ENMs, including titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and silica, was detected in toners and in airborne particles collected from all six centers studied. We document high transient exposures to emitted nanoparticles (peaks of ∼500 000 particles/cm3, lung-deposited surface area of up to 220 μm2/cm3, and PM0.1 up to 16 μg/m3) with complex PM0.1 chemistry that included 40-60 wt % organic carbon, 10-15 wt % elemental carbon, and 14 wt % trace elements. We also record 271.6-474.9 pmol/mg of Environmental Protection Agency-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These findings highlight the potentially high occupational inhalation exposures to nanoparticles with complex compositions resulting from widespread usage of nano-enabled toners in the printing industry, as well as inadequate ENM-specific exposure control measures in these settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdiel I Setyawati
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Dilpreet Singh
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Sriram P R Krishnan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
- IOM Singapore , 237 Alexandra Road , 159929 , Singapore
| | - Xian Huang
- IOM Singapore , 237 Alexandra Road , 159929 , Singapore
| | - Mengjing Wang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Shenglan Jia
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Bernice Huan Rong Goh
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Chin Guan Ho
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Ridhwan Yusoff
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Mustafa H Kathawala
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Tuang Yeow Poh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine , Nanyang Technological University , 11 Mandalay Road , 308232 , Singapore
| | | | - Sanjay H Chotirmall
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine , Nanyang Technological University , 11 Mandalay Road , 308232 , Singapore
| | | | - Michael Riediker
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
- IOM Singapore , 237 Alexandra Road , 159929 , Singapore
| | - David C Christiani
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Mingliang Fang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
| | - Dhimiter Bello
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Philip Demokritou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Kee Woei Ng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 50 Nanyang Avenue , 639798 , Singapore
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Harvard University , 665 Huntington Avenue , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore , Biomedical Science Institutes , Immunos, 8A Biomedical Grove , 138648 , Singapore
- Environmental Chemistry & Materials Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI), Nanyang Technological University , 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One , 637141 , Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Indoor Particle Concentrations, Size Distributions, and Exposures in Middle Eastern Microenvironments. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is limited research on indoor air quality in the Middle East. In this study, concentrations and size distributions of indoor particles were measured in eight Jordanian dwellings during the winter and summer. Supplemental measurements of selected gaseous pollutants were also conducted. Indoor cooking, heating via the combustion of natural gas and kerosene, and tobacco/shisha smoking were associated with significant increases in the concentrations of ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles. Particle number (PN) and particle mass (PM) size distributions varied with the different indoor emission sources and among the eight dwellings. Natural gas cooking and natural gas or kerosene heaters were associated with PN concentrations on the order of 100,000 to 400,000 cm−3 and PM2.5 concentrations often in the range of 10 to 150 µg/m3. Tobacco and shisha (waterpipe or hookah) smoking, the latter of which is common in Jordan, were found to be strong emitters of indoor ultrafine and fine particles in the dwellings. Non-combustion cooking activities emitted comparably less PN and PM2.5. Indoor cooking and combustion processes were also found to increase concentrations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. In general, concentrations of indoor particles were lower during the summer compared to the winter. In the absence of indoor activities, indoor PN and PM2.5 concentrations were generally below 10,000 cm−3 and 30 µg/m3, respectively. Collectively, the results suggest that Jordanian indoor environments can be heavily polluted when compared to the surrounding outdoor atmosphere primarily due to the ubiquity of indoor combustion associated with cooking, heating, and smoking.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ding S, Ng BF, Shang X, Liu H, Lu X, Wan MP. The characteristics and formation mechanisms of emissions from thermal decomposition of 3D printer polymer filaments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 692:984-994. [PMID: 31540002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafine particles (UFP) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted from fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing have received widespread attention. Here, we characterize the formation mechanisms of emissions from polymer filaments commonly used in FDM 3D printing. The temporal relationship between the amount and species of total VOC (TVOC) at any desired operating thermal condition is obtained through a combination of evolved gas analysis (EGA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to capture physicochemical reactions, in which the furnace of EGA or TGA closely resembles the heating process of the nozzle in the FDM 3D printer. It is generally observed that emissions initiate at the start of the glass transition process and peak during liquefaction for filaments. Initial increment in emissions during liquefaction and the relatively constant decomposition of products in the liquid phase are two main TVOC formation mechanisms. More importantly, low heating rate has the potential to restrain the formation of carcinogenic monomer, styrene, from ABS. A TVOC measurement method based on weight loss is further proposed and found that TVOC mass yield was 0.03%, 0.21% and 2.14% for PLA, ABS, and PVA, respectively, at 220 °C. Among TVOC, UFP mass accounts for 1% to 5% of TVOC mass depending on the type of filaments used. Also, for the first time, emission of UFP from the nozzle is directly observed through laser imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirun Ding
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore; School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Bing Feng Ng
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore; School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
| | - Xiaopeng Shang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Hu Liu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Xuehong Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Man Pun Wan
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gonet T, Maher BA. Airborne, Vehicle-Derived Fe-Bearing Nanoparticles in the Urban Environment: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:9970-9991. [PMID: 31381310 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Airborne particulate matter poses a serious threat to human health. Exposure to nanosized (<0.1 μm), vehicle-derived particulates may be hazardous due to their bioreactivity, their ability to penetrate every organ, including the brain, and their abundance in the urban atmosphere. Fe-bearing nanoparticles (<0.1 μm) in urban environments may be especially important because of their pathogenicity and possible association with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This review examines current knowledge regarding the sources of vehicle-derived Fe-bearing nanoparticles, their chemical and mineralogical compositions, grain size distribution and potential hazard to human health. We focus on data reported for the following sources of Fe-bearing nanoparticles: exhaust emissions (both diesel and gasoline), brake wear, tire and road surface wear, resuspension of roadside dust, underground, train and tram emissions, and aircraft and shipping emissions. We identify limitations and gaps in existing knowledge as well as future challenges and perspectives for studies of airborne Fe-bearing nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Gonet
- Centre for Environmental Magnetism & Palaeomagnetism, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University , Lancaster LA1 4YQ , United Kingdom
| | - Barbara A Maher
- Centre for Environmental Magnetism & Palaeomagnetism, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University , Lancaster LA1 4YQ , United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Avery AM, Waring MS, DeCarlo PF. Human occupant contribution to secondary aerosol mass in the indoor environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:1301-1312. [PMID: 30997458 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00097f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Humans impact indoor air quality directly via emissions from skin, breath, or personal care products, and indirectly via reactions of oxidants with skin constituents, or with skin that has been shed. However, separating the influence of the many emissions and their oxidation products from the influence of outdoor-originated aerosols has been a challenge. Indoor and outdoor aerosols were alternatively sampled at 4 minute time resolution with a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) in a classroom with student occupants at regular intervals per university class schedule. Mass spectral analysis showed aerosol enhancements of oxidized and unoxidized hydrocarbon ion families during occupied periods, especially at ion fragments larger than m/z 100 and double bond equivalents consistent with squalene (C30H50) and its oxidized products from reaction with ozone, indicative of the secondary nature of the aerosol mass. Individual hydrocarbon mass fragments consistent with squalene fragmentation, including C5H9+, and C6H9+ were especially enhanced with room occupancy. Emissions of individual organic fragment ions were estimated using a model accounting for outdoor aerosols and air exchange. This showed occupancy related emissions at smaller fragments (C3H5+, C4H9+) that despite reflecting mostly outdoor-originated aerosols transported indoors, also show enhancements from occupant emissions indoors. Total emission of all fragments was 17.6 μg β-1 h-1 above unoccupied levels, translating to approximately 25% increase in organic aerosol mass concentration in the classroom during an occupied hour with a median occupied ozone loss (β). Human occupants, therefore, represent an additional mass burden of organic aerosol, especially in poorly ventilated or highly occupied indoor spaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita M Avery
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rivas I, Fussell JC, Kelly FJ, Querol X. Indoor Sources of Air Pollutants. INDOOR AIR POLLUTION 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788016179-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
People spend an average of 90% of their time in indoor environments. There is a long list of indoor sources that can contribute to increased pollutant concentrations, some of them related to human activities (e.g. people's movement, cooking, cleaning, smoking), but also to surface chemistry reactions with human skin and building and furniture surfaces. The result of all these emissions is a heterogeneous cocktail of pollutants with varying degrees of toxicity, which makes indoor air quality a complex system. Good characterization of the sources that affect indoor air pollution levels is of major importance for quantifying (and reducing) the associated health risks. This chapter reviews some of the more significant indoor sources that can be found in the most common non-occupational indoor environments.
Collapse
|
19
|
Nandan A, Siddiqui NA, Kumar P. Assessment of environmental and ergonomic hazard associated to printing and photocopying: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2019; 41:1187-1211. [PMID: 30350125 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
"Knowledge is power" and distribution of knowledge is fueled by printing and photocopying industry. Even as printing and photocopying industry have revolutionized the availability of documents and perceptible image quickly at extremely inexpensive and affordable cost, the boon of its revolution has turned into a bane by irresponsible, uncontrolled and extensive use, causing irreversible degradation to not only ecosystem by continuous release of ozone and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but also the health of workers occupationally exposed to it. Indoor ozone level due to emission from different photocopying equipment's increases drastically and the condition of other air quality parameters are not different. This situation is particularly sedate in extremely sensitive educational and research industry where sharing of knowledge is extremely important to meet the demands. This work is an attempt to catalogue all the environmental as well as health impacts of printing or photocopying. It has been observed that printing/photocopying operation is a significant factor contributing to indoor air quality degradation, which includes increase in concentration of ozone, VOCs, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and heavy metals such as cadmium, selenium, arsenic, zinc, nickel, and other pollutants from photocopy machines. The outcome of this study will empower the manufactures with information regarding ozone and other significant emission, so that their impact can be reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Nandan
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.
| | - N A Siddiqui
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Getzlaff M, Leifels M, Weber P, Kökcam-Demir Ü, Janiak C. Nanoparticles in toner material. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-0501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
21
|
Salthammer T, Goss KU. Predicting the Gas/Particle Distribution of SVOCs in the Indoor Environment Using Poly Parameter Linear Free Energy Relationships. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:2491-2499. [PMID: 30688443 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the partitioning of semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) between gas phase and particle phase is essential for exposure analysis and risk assessment in the indoor environment. Numerous attempts have been made to calculate gas/particle partitioning coefficients Kip. Single-parameter adsorption and absorption models, which relate Kip to the vapor pressure Ps or the octanol/air distribution coefficient KOA are usually applied. In this work we use poly parameter Linear Free Energy Relationships (pp-LFER) to describe the partitioning behavior of 14 SVOCs with high relevance for the indoor environment. The pp-LFER concept is based on Abraham descriptors and considers interactions between molecule and particle by separate parameters. van der Waals interactions can be approximated by the logarithm of the hexadecane/air partitioning coefficient (log KHdA = L), which is a key parameter for the 14 polar but nonionizable organic esters being studied here. For many of the examined compounds experimentally determined L-values were not available and had to be measured using gas chromatography. It is shown that the pp-LFER method is a strong alternative to single-parameter approaches and gives reliable coefficients for gas/particle distribution in the indoor environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tunga Salthammer
- Fraunhofer WKI , Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry , Bienroder Weg 54E , 38108 Braunschweig , Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Goss
- Department Analytical Environmental Chemistry , Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ , Permoserstraße 15 , 04318 Leipzig , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gu J, Wensing M, Uhde E, Salthammer T. Characterization of particulate and gaseous pollutants emitted during operation of a desktop 3D printer. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 123:476-485. [PMID: 30622073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The emission of ultrafine particles (UFP) and gaseous pollutants from 3D printing has been increasingly gaining attention in recent years due to potential health risks. The physical and chemical properties of the emitted particulate matter, however, remain unclear. In this study, we characterized these particles with a focus on their chemical composition and volatility, and measured the gaseous pollutants from desktop 3D printing in a standardized environmental test chamber. Eight types of filaments were tested, including ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), and PCABS (polycarbonate & ABS). Particle size distribution (PSD), particle number concentration (PNC), particle chemical composition and particle volatility were measured. In addition, volatile and very volatile organic compounds (VOCs and VVOCs) emitted during 3D printing were analyzed. The specific emission rates (SERs) for particles in the size range of 5.6 to 560 nm ranged from 2.0 × 109 (GLASS, a PETG-based filament) to 1.7 × 1011 (ASA) #/min. The particle SERs for ABS were (4.7 ± 1.1) × 1010 #/min. The SERs for total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) varied from 0.2 μg/min (GLASS) to 40.5 μg/min (ULTRAT, an ABS-based filament). Particles started to evaporate extensively from 150 °C. At 300 °C, only 25% of the particle number remained with the size distribution mode peaked at 11 nm. The particles collected on the quartz filter were mainly composed of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) associated with the plasticizers, flame-retardants, antioxidants of the thermoplastics, and cyclosiloxanes which may be used as lubricants in the 3D printer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Gu
- Fraunhofer WKI, Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Bienroder Weg 54E, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Michael Wensing
- Fraunhofer WKI, Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Bienroder Weg 54E, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Erik Uhde
- Fraunhofer WKI, Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Bienroder Weg 54E, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tunga Salthammer
- Fraunhofer WKI, Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Bienroder Weg 54E, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Salonen H, Salthammer T, Morawska L. Human exposure to ozone in school and office indoor environments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 119:503-514. [PMID: 30053738 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it is recognized that ozone causes acute and chronic health effects and that even trace amounts of ozone are potentially deleterious to human health, information about global and local exposures to ozone in different indoor environments is limited. To synthesize the existing knowledge, this review analyzes the magnitude of and the trends in global and local exposure to ozone in schools and offices and the factors controlling the exposures. METHODS In conducting the literature review, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched using 38 search terms and their combinations to identify manuscripts, reports, and directives published between 1973 and 2018. The search was then extended to the reference lists of relevant articles. RESULTS The calculated median concentration of ozone both in school (8.50 μg/m3) and office (9.04 μg/m3) settings was well below the WHO guideline value of 100 μg/m3 as a maximum 8 h mean concentration. However, a large range of average concentrations of ozone was reported, from 0.8-114 μg/m3 and from 0 to 96.8 μg/m3 for school and office environments, respectively, indicating situations where the WHO values are exceeded. Outdoor ozone penetrating into the indoor environment is the main source of indoor ozone, with median I/O ratios of 0.21 and 0.29 in school and office environments, respectively. The absence of major indoor ozone sources and ozone sinks, including gas-phase reactions and deposition, are the reasons for lower indoor than outdoor ozone concentrations. However, there are indoor sources of ozone that are of significance in certain indoor environments, including printers, photocopiers, and many other devices and appliances designed for indoor use (e.g., air cleaners), that release ozone either intentionally or unintentionally. Due to significantly elevated outdoor ozone concentrations during summer, summer indoor concentrations are typically elevated. In addition, the age of a building and various housing aspects (carpeting, air conditioning, window fans, and window openings) have been significantly associated with indoor ozone levels. CONCLUSIONS The existing means for reducing ozone and ozone reaction products in school and office settings are as follows: 1) reduce penetration of outdoor ozone indoors by filtering ozone from the supply air; 2) limit the use of printers, photocopiers, and other devices and appliances that emit ozone indoors; 3) limit gas-phase reactions by limiting the use of materials and products (e.g. cleaning chemicals) the emissions of which react with ozone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Salonen
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia.
| | - Tunga Salthammer
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia; Fraunhofer WKI, Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Lidia Morawska
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hussein T. Indoor-to-outdoor relationship of aerosol particles inside a naturally ventilated apartment - A comparison between single-parameter analysis and indoor aerosol model simulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 596-597:321-330. [PMID: 28437650 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The indoor-to-outdoor relationship of aerosol particles is affected by several mechanisms including penetration, ventilation rate, dry deposition rate and sources. Understanding the effect of these factors is essential for a deeper knowledge of the indoor-to-outdoor relationship. In real-life conditions, it is difficult to analyze these factors in a naturally ventilated environment. In this study, a naturally ventilated and an occupied apartment was used to investigate the indoor-to-outdoor relationship of aerosol particles by applying two different techniques; single-parameter analysis and indoor aerosol model simulation. The indoor aerosol model simulation approach can describe the effect of these factors based on high time-resolution calculations and it is a powerful and robust approach. Single parameter analysis is very simple to apply but it is valid under certain conditions. In the absence of indoor activities (i.e. nighttime) and based on the particle number concentrations, the I/O ratio was <1 during spring but ~1.2 during winter. Based on the indoor aerosol model simulation results for the coarse fraction, the penetration factor (P) was 0.3-1, the ventilation rate (λ) was 0.1-2h-1, and the deposition rate (λd) was ~0.15h-1. The coarse particles concentration was strongly affected by indoor activities. During extreme mechanical activities (e.g. vacuum cleaning), the concentration increased by a factor of 9 (source strength ~160particles/h). During children play, the coarse fraction concentration increased by a factor of 3 (source strength ~10particles/h). Spraying an insect pesticide increased the coarse fraction concentration by a factor of 9 (source strength ~420particles/h). Water-pipe tobacco smoking produced huge amounts of both micron and submicron particulate matter; it caused the coarse fraction concentration to significantly increase by a factor of 18 (source strength ~140particles/h). The use of natural gas heater affected the submicron fraction only and did not affect the micron fraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tareq Hussein
- The University of Jordan, Department of Physics, Amman 11942, Jordan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Stabile L, Dell'Isola M, Russi A, Massimo A, Buonanno G. The effect of natural ventilation strategy on indoor air quality in schools. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 586:623-630. [PMID: 28432989 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
In order to reduce children's exposure to pollutants in classrooms a proper ventilation strategy need to be adopted. Such strategy is even more important in naturally ventilated schools where the air exchange rate is only based on the manual airing of classrooms. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of the manual airing strategy on indoor air quality in Italian classrooms. For this aim, schools located in the Central Italy were investigated. Indoor air quality was studied in terms of CO2, particle number and PM concentrations and compared to corresponding outdoor levels. In particular two experimental analyses were performed: i) a comparison between heating and non heating season in different schools; ii) an evaluation of the effect of scheduled airing periods on the dilution of indoor-generated pollutants and the penetration of outdoor-generated ones. In particular, different airing procedures, i.e. different window opening periods (5 to 20min per hour) were imposed and controlled through contacts installed on classroom windows and doors. Results revealed that the airing strategy differently affect the several pollutants detected in indoors depending on their size, origin and dynamics. Longer airing periods may result in reduced indoor CO2 concentrations and, similarly, other gaseous indoor-generated pollutants. Simultaneously, higher ultrafine particle (and other vehicular-related pollutants) levels in indoors were measured due to infiltration from outdoors. Finally, a negligible effect of the manual airing on PM levels in classroom was detected. Therefore, a simultaneous reduction in concentration levels for all the pollutant metrics in classrooms cannot be obtained just relying upon air permeability of the building envelope and manual airing of the classrooms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy.
| | - Marco Dell'Isola
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Aldo Russi
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Angelamaria Massimo
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Engineering, University "Parthenope", Naples, Italy; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Vance ME, Pegues V, Van Montfrans S, Leng W, Marr LC. Aerosol Emissions from Fuse-Deposition Modeling 3D Printers in a Chamber and in Real Indoor Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:9516-9523. [PMID: 28789516 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printers are known to emit aerosols, but questions remain about their composition and the fundamental processes driving emissions. The objective of this work was to characterize the aerosol emissions from the operation of a fuse-deposition modeling 3D printer. We modeled the time- and size-resolved emissions of submicrometer aerosols from the printer in a chamber study, gained insight into the chemical composition of emitted aerosols using Raman spectroscopy, and measured the potential for exposure to the aerosols generated by 3D printers under real-use conditions in a variety of indoor environments. The average aerosol emission rates ranged from ∼108 to ∼1011 particles min-1, and the rates varied over the course of a print job. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments generated the largest number of aerosols, and wood-infused polylactic acid (PLA) filaments generated the smallest amount. The emission factors ranged from 6 × 108 to 6 × 1011 per gram of printed part, depending on the type of filament used. For ABS, the Raman spectra of the filament and the printed part were indistinguishable, while the aerosol spectra lacked important peaks corresponding to styrene and acrylonitrile, which are both present in ABS. This observation suggests that aerosols are not a result of volatilization and subsequent nucleation of ABS or direct release of ABS aerosols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina E Vance
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder , 427 UCB, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Valerie Pegues
- Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Virginia Tech , 675 Research Center Drive, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Schuyler Van Montfrans
- William Fleming High School , 3649 Ferncliff Avenue NW, Roanoke, Virginia 24017, United States
| | - Weinan Leng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech , 418 Durham Hall, 1145 Perry Street, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Linsey C Marr
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech , 418 Durham Hall, 1145 Perry Street, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Stefaniak AB, LeBouf RF, Yi J, Ham J, Nurkewicz T, Schwegler-Berry DE, Chen BT, Wells JR, Duling MG, Lawrence RB, Martin SB, Johnson AR, Virji MA. Characterization of chemical contaminants generated by a desktop fused deposition modeling 3-dimensional Printer. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:540-550. [PMID: 28440728 PMCID: PMC5967408 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1302589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Printing devices are known to emit chemicals into the indoor atmosphere. Understanding factors that influence release of chemical contaminants from printers is necessary to develop effective exposure assessment and control strategies. In this study, a desktop fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3-dimensional (3-D) printer using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polylactic acid (PLA) filaments and two monochrome laser printers were evaluated in a 0.5 m3 chamber. During printing, chamber air was monitored for vapors using a real-time photoionization detector (results expressed as isobutylene equivalents) to measure total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations, evacuated canisters to identify specific VOCs by off-line gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and liquid bubblers to identify carbonyl compounds by GC-MS. Airborne particles were collected on filters for off-line analysis using scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive x-ray detector to identify elemental constituents. For 3-D printing, TVOC emission rates were influenced by a printer malfunction, filament type, and to a lesser extent, by filament color; however, rates were not influenced by the number of printer nozzles used or the manufacturer's provided cover. TVOC emission rates were significantly lower for the 3-D printer (49-3552 µg h-1) compared to the laser printers (5782-7735 µg h-1). A total of 14 VOCs were identified during 3-D printing that were not present during laser printing. 3-D printed objects continued to off-gas styrene, indicating potential for continued exposure after the print job is completed. Carbonyl reaction products were likely formed from emissions of the 3-D printer, including 4-oxopentanal. Ultrafine particles generated by the 3-D printer using ABS and a laser printer contained chromium. Consideration of the factors that influenced the release of chemical contaminants (including known and suspected asthmagens such as styrene and 4-oxopentanal) from a FDM 3-D printer should be made when designing exposure assessment and control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan F. LeBouf
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Jinghai Yi
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Jason Ham
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Timothy Nurkewicz
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | | | - Bean T. Chen
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - J. Raymond Wells
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Matthew G. Duling
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Robert B. Lawrence
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Stephen B. Martin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Alyson R. Johnson
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - M. Abbas Virji
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Karrasch S, Simon M, Herbig B, Langner J, Seeger S, Kronseder A, Peters S, Dietrich-Gümperlein G, Schierl R, Nowak D, Jörres RA. Health effects of laser printer emissions: a controlled exposure study. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:753-765. [PMID: 28054389 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafine particles emitted from laser printers are suspected to elicit adverse health effects. We performed 75-minute exposures to emissions of laser printing devices (LPDs) in a standardized, randomized, cross-over manner in 23 healthy subjects, 14 mild, stable asthmatics, and 15 persons reporting symptoms associated with LPD emissions. Low-level exposures (LLE) ranged at the particle background (3000 cm-3 ) and high-level exposures (HLE) at 100 000 cm-3 . Examinations before and after exposures included spirometry, body plethysmography, transfer factors for CO and NO (TLCO, TLNO), bronchial and alveolar NO, cytokines in serum and nasal secretions (IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, IFNγ, TNFα), serum ECP, and IgE. Across all participants, no statistically significant changes occurred for lung mechanics and NO. There was a decrease in volume-related TLNO that was more pronounced in HLE, but the difference to LLE was not significant. ECP and IgE increased in the same way after exposures. Nasal IL-6 showed a higher increase after LLE. There was no coherent pattern regarding the responses in the participant subgroups or single sets of variables. In conclusion, the experimental acute responses to short but very high-level LPD exposures were small and did not indicate clinically relevant effects compared to low particle number concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Karrasch
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - M Simon
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - B Herbig
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - J Langner
- Division Materials and Air Pollutants, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Seeger
- Division Materials and Air Pollutants, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Kronseder
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - S Peters
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - G Dietrich-Gümperlein
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - R Schierl
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - D Nowak
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich/Neuherberg, Germany
| | - R A Jörres
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich/Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Szigeti T, Dunster C, Cattaneo A, Spinazzè A, Mandin C, Le Ponner E, de Oliveira Fernandes E, Ventura G, Saraga DE, Sakellaris IA, de Kluizenaar Y, Cornelissen E, Bartzis JG, Kelly FJ. Spatial and temporal variation of particulate matter characteristics within office buildings - The OFFICAIR study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 587-588:59-67. [PMID: 28228238 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the frame of the OFFICAIR project, office buildings were investigated across Europe to assess how the office workers are exposed to different particulate matter (PM) characteristics (i.e. PM2.5 mass concentration, particulate oxidative potential (OP) based on ascorbate and reduced glutathione depletion, trace element concentration and total particle number concentration (PNC)) within the buildings. Two offices per building were investigated during the working hours (5 consecutive days; 8h per day) in two campaigns. Differences were observed for all parameters across the office buildings. Our results indicate that the monitoring of the PM2.5 mass concentration in different offices within a building might not reflect the spatial variation of the health relevant PM characteristics such as particulate OP or the concentration of certain trace elements (e.g., Cu, Fe), since larger differences were apparent within a building for these parameters compared to that obtained for the PM2.5 mass concentration in many cases. The temporal variation was larger for almost all PM characteristics (except for the concentration of Mn) than the spatial differences within the office buildings. These findings indicate that repeated or long-term monitoring campaigns are necessary to have information about the temporal variation of the PM characteristics. However, spatial variation in exposure levels within an office building may cause substantial differences in total exposure in the long term. We did not find strong associations between the investigated indoor activities such as printing or windows opening and the PNC values. This might be caused by the large number of factors affecting PNC indoors and outdoors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Szigeti
- Cooperative Research Centre for Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Christina Dunster
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Spinazzè
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Corinne Mandin
- Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), Université Paris Est, 84 avenue Jean Jaurés, Champs-sur-Marne, F-77447 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Eline Le Ponner
- Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), Université Paris Est, 84 avenue Jean Jaurés, Champs-sur-Marne, F-77447 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Eduardo de Oliveira Fernandes
- Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Ventura
- Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Dikaia E Saraga
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Sialvera & Bakola Street, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Ioannis A Sakellaris
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Sialvera & Bakola Street, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Yvonne de Kluizenaar
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), P.O. Box 49, 2600 AA Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Cornelissen
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), P.O. Box 49, 2600 AA Delft, The Netherlands
| | - John G Bartzis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Sialvera & Bakola Street, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Frank J Kelly
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pirela SV, Martin J, Bello D, Demokritou P. Nanoparticle exposures from nano-enabled toner-based printing equipment and human health: state of science and future research needs. Crit Rev Toxicol 2017; 47:678-704. [PMID: 28524743 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2017.1318354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Toner formulations used by laser printers (LP) and photocopiers (PC), collectively called "toner-based printing equipment" (TPE), are nano-enabled products (NEP) because they contain several engineered nanomaterials (ENM) that improve toner performance. It has been shown that during consumer use (printing), these ENM are released in the air, together with other semi-volatile organic nanoparticles, and newly formed gaseous co-pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOC). The aim of this review is to detail and analyze physico-chemical and morphological (PCM), as well as the toxicological properties of particulate matter (PM) emissions from TPE. The review covers evolution of science since the early 2000, when this printing technology first became a subject of public interest, as well as the lagging regulatory framework around it. Important studies that have significantly changed our understanding of these exposures are also highlighted. The review continues with a critical appraisal of the most up-to-date cellular, animal and human toxicological evidence on the potential adverse human health effects of PM emitted from TPE. We highlight several limitations of existing studies, including (i) use of high and often unrealistic doses in vitro or in vivo; (ii) unrealistically high-dose rates in intratracheal instillation studies; (iii) improper use of toners as surrogate for emitted nanoparticles; (iv) lack of or inadequate PCM characterization of exposures; and (v) lack of dosimetry considerations in in vitro studies. Presently, there is compelling evidence that the PM0.1 from TPE are biologically active and capable of inducing oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo, respiratory tract inflammation in vivo (in rats) and in humans, several endpoints of cellular injury in monocultures and co-cultures, including moderate epigenetic modifications in vitro. In humans, limited epidemiological studies report typically 2-3 times higher prevalence of chronic cough, wheezing, nasal blockage, excessive sputum production, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath, in copier operators relative to controls. Such symptoms can be exacerbated during chronic exposures, and in individuals susceptible to inhaled pollutants. Thus respiratory, immunological, cardiovascular, and other disorders may be developed following such exposures; however, further toxicological and larger scale molecular epidemiological studies must be done to fully understand the mechanism of action of these TPE emitted nanoparticles. Major research gaps have also been identified. Among them, a methodical risk assessment based on "real world" exposures rather than on the toner particles alone needs to be performed to provide the much-needed data to establish regulatory guidelines protective of individuals exposed to TPE emissions at both the occupational and consumer level. Industry-wide molecular epidemiology as well as mechanistic animal and human studies are also urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Vanessa Pirela
- a Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology , Boston , MA , USA
| | - John Martin
- b Department of Public Health , UMass Lowell , Lowell , MA , USA
| | - Dhimiter Bello
- a Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology , Boston , MA , USA.,b Department of Public Health , UMass Lowell , Lowell , MA , USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- a Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology , Boston , MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Vandezande W, Janssen KPF, Delport F, Ameloot R, De Vos DE, Lammertyn J, Roeffaers MBJ. Parts per Million Detection of Alcohol Vapors via Metal Organic Framework Functionalized Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors. Anal Chem 2017; 89:4480-4487. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Vandezande
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Microbial and Molecular
Systems, University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Post Box 2461, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Kris P. F. Janssen
- Molecular
Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Post Box 2404, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Filip Delport
- Division
of Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors, Department of Biosystems, University of Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Post Box 2428, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Rob Ameloot
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Microbial and Molecular
Systems, University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Post Box 2461, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Dirk E. De Vos
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Microbial and Molecular
Systems, University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Post Box 2461, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Lammertyn
- Division
of Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors, Department of Biosystems, University of Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, Post Box 2428, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Maarten B. J. Roeffaers
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Microbial and Molecular
Systems, University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Post Box 2461, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bake B, Ljungström E, Claesson A, Carlsen HK, Holm M, Olin AC. Exhaled Particles After a Standardized Breathing Maneuver. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2017; 30:267-273. [PMID: 28277815 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2016.1330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Particles in exhaled air (PEx) provide samples of respiratory tract lining fluid from small airways and offer a new opportunity to monitor pathological changes. The exhaled particles are produced by reopening of closed small airways and contain surfactant. The amount of PEx varies by orders of magnitude among subjects. A standardized breathing pattern reduces the variation, but it remains large and the reasons are unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess to what extent sex, age, body size, and spirometry results explain the interindividual variation of PEx among healthy middle-aged subjects. METHODS The PExA® instrument was used to measure PEx in 126 healthy middle-aged nonsmoking subjects participating in the European Respiratory Community Health Survey (ERCS-III). The subjects performed a standardized breathing maneuver involving expiration to residual volume, a breath-hold of 3 seconds, a full inspiration, and then a full expiration into the PExA instrument. PEx number concentrations were expressed per exhalation and per exhaled liter. Age and anthropometric and spirometric variables were analyzed as potential predictors. RESULTS PEx/L was consistently and negatively associated to lung size-related variables and accordingly lower in men than in women. PEx/Exhalation was similar in women and men. Increasing age was associated with increasing PEx. Reference equations are presented based on age, weight, and spirometry variables and independent of sex. These predictors explained 28%-29% of the interindividual variation. CONCLUSIONS The interindividual variation of PEx after a standardized breathing maneuver is large and the considered predictors explain a minor part only.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Bake
- 1 Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Evert Ljungström
- 2 Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Annika Claesson
- 3 Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanne Krage Carlsen
- 3 Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Holm
- 3 Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Olin
- 3 Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kasi V, Elango N, Ananth S, Vembhu B, Poornima JG. Occupational exposure to photocopiers and their toners cause genotoxicity. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 37:205-217. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327117693068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Photocopier machines are inevitable office equipment, but they are also sources of air pollution. Millions of people across the world are involved in the operation and maintenance of photocopiers. We aimed to evaluate the potential genotoxic effects of exposure to photocopiers in photocopier operators and maintenance personnel by Comet assay. This study involved 50 photocopier operators, 61 maintenance personnel and 52 controls. Both the photocopier exposed groups exhibited significantly increased DNA damage when compared to controls. Cumulative exposure to photocopiers was the most significant contributor for genotoxicity ( p < 0.001). Genotoxicity among photocopier maintenance personnel may be due to the presence of carbon black, iron, silicon, magnetite and the high levels of other elements in the photocopier toners. Genotoxicity among photocopier operators might be due to exposure to high levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds emitted by photocopiers during operation. Research is essential to improve toner manufacturing processes and chemical composition of toners to reduce genotoxicity. Clean technologies are the need of the day to cut down on particulate matter and volatile organic compound emissions from photocopiers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Kasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Central Research Laboratory, Velammal Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Anuppanadi, Madurai 625009, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Elango
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. N. G. P Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Ananth
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - B Vembhu
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - JG Poornima
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Voliotis A, Karali I, Kouras A, Samara C. Fine and ultrafine particle doses in the respiratory tract from digital printing operations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:3027-3037. [PMID: 27848134 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report for the first time particle number doses in different parts of the human respiratory tract and real-time deposition rates for particles in the 10 nm to 10 μm size range emitted by digital printing operations. Particle number concentrations (PNCs) and size distribution were measured in a typical small-sized printing house using a NanoScan scanning mobility particle sizer and an optical particle sizer. Particle doses in human lung were estimated applying a multiple-path particle dosimetry model under two different breathing scenarios. PNC was dominated by the ultrafine particle fractions (UFPs, i.e., particles smaller than 100 nm) exhibiting almost nine times higher levels in comparison to the background values. The average deposition rate fοr each scenario in the whole lung was estimated at 2.0 and 2.9 × 107 particles min-1, while the respective highest particle dose in the tracheobronchial tree (2.0 and 2.9 × 109 particles) was found for diameter of 50 nm. The majority of particles appeared to deposit in the acinar region and most of them were in the UFP size range. For both scenarios, the maximum deposition density (9.5 × 107 and 1.5 × 108 particles cm-2) was observed at the lobar bronchi. Overall, the differences in the estimated particle doses between the two scenarios were 30-40% for both size ranges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristeidis Voliotis
- Environmental Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Irene Karali
- Environmental Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kouras
- Environmental Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Constantini Samara
- Environmental Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
IKEGAMI K, HASEGAWA M, ANDO H, HATA K, KITAMURA H, OGAMI A, HIGASHI T. A cohort study of the acute and chronic respiratory effects of toner exposure among handlers: a longitudinal analyses from 2004 to 2013. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2016; 54:448-459. [PMID: 27021062 PMCID: PMC5054286 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2015-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the acute and chronic respiratory effects of toner exposure based on markers for interstitial pneumonia, oxidative stress and pulmonary function tests. A total of 112 subjects working in a Japanese toner and photocopier manufacturing company participated in this study in 2004. We annually conducted personal exposure measurements, pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray examinations, biomarkers, and questionnaires on respiratory symptoms to the subjects. We report in this paper the results of the analysis of combined annual survey point data from 2004 to 2008 and data from three annual survey points, 2004, 2008, and 2013. During these survey periods, we observed that none of subjects had a new onset of respiratory disease or died of such a disease. In both the analyses, there were no significant differences in each biomarker and pulmonary function tests within the subjects, nor between a toner-handling group and a non-toner-handling group, except for a few results on pulmonary function tests. The findings of this study suggest that there were no acute and chronic respiratory effects of toner exposure in this cohort group, although the number of subjects was small and the level of toner exposure in this worksite was low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori IKEGAMI
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Masayuki HASEGAWA
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Hajime ANDO
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Koichi HATA
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Hiroko KITAMURA
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Akira OGAMI
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Toshiaki HIGASHI
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
McGarry P, Clifford S, Knibbs LD, He C, Morawska L. Application of multi-metric approach to characterization of particle emissions from nanotechnology and non-nanotechnology processes. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2016; 13:D175-D197. [PMID: 27586267 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1200194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter McGarry
- a International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
- b Office of Industrial Relations , Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Queensland Treasury , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Sam Clifford
- a International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- a International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
- c School of Public Health , The University of Queensland , Herston , Queensland , Australia
| | - Congrong He
- a International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Lidia Morawska
- a International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Johnson GR, Knibbs LD, Kidd TJ, Wainwright CE, Wood ME, Ramsay KA, Bell SC, Morawska L. A Novel Method and Its Application to Measuring Pathogen Decay in Bioaerosols from Patients with Respiratory Disease. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158763. [PMID: 27388489 PMCID: PMC4936712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to develop an in vivo approach for measuring the duration of human bioaerosol infectivity. To achieve this, techniques designed to target short-term and long-term bioaerosol aging, were combined in a tandem system and optimized for the collection of human respiratory bioaerosols, without contamination. To demonstrate the technique, cough aerosols were sampled from two persons with cystic fibrosis and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Measurements and cultures from aerosol ages of 10, 20, 40, 900 and 2700 seconds were used to determine the optimum droplet nucleus size for pathogen transport and the airborne bacterial biological decay. The droplet nuclei containing the greatest number of colony forming bacteria per unit volume of airborne sputum were between 1.5 and 2.6 μm. Larger nuclei of 3.9 μm, were more likely to produce a colony when impacted onto growth media, because the greater volume of sputum comprising the larger droplet nuclei, compensated for lower concentrations of bacteria within the sputum of larger nuclei. Although more likely to produce a colony, the larger droplet nuclei were small in number, and the greatest numbers of colonies were instead produced by nuclei from 1.5 to 5.7 μm. Very few colonies were produced by smaller droplet nuclei, despite their very large numbers. The concentration of viable bacteria within the dried sputum comprising the droplet nuclei exhibited an orderly dual decay over time with two distinct half-lives. Nuclei exhibiting a rapid biological decay process with a 10 second half-life were quickly exhausted, leaving only a subset characterized by a half-life of greater than 10 minutes. This finding implied that a subset of bacteria present in the aerosol was resistant to rapid biological decay and remained viable in room air long enough to represent an airborne infection risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham R. Johnson
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke D. Knibbs
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Timothy J. Kidd
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Claire E. Wainwright
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle E. Wood
- Lung Bacteria Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kay A. Ramsay
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Lung Bacteria Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Scott C. Bell
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Lung Bacteria Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pirela SV, Miousse IR, Lu X, Castranova V, Thomas T, Qian Y, Bello D, Kobzik L, Koturbash I, Demokritou P. Effects of Laser Printer-Emitted Engineered Nanoparticles on Cytotoxicity, Chemokine Expression, Reactive Oxygen Species, DNA Methylation, and DNA Damage: A Comprehensive in Vitro Analysis in Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells, Macrophages, and Lymphoblasts. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:210-9. [PMID: 26080392 PMCID: PMC4749083 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) incorporated into toner formulations of printing equipment become airborne during consumer use. Although information on the complex physicochemical and toxicological properties of both toner powders and printer-emitted particles (PEPs) continues to grow, most toxicological studies have not used the actual PEPs but rather have primarily used raw toner powders, which are not representative of current exposures experienced at the consumer level during printing. OBJECTIVES We assessed the biological responses of a panel of human cell lines to PEPs. METHODS Three physiologically relevant cell lines--small airway epithelial cells (SAECs), macrophages (THP-1 cells), and lymphoblasts (TK6 cells)--were exposed to PEPs at a wide range of doses (0.5-100 μg/mL) corresponding to human inhalation exposure durations at the consumer level of 8 hr or more. Following treatment, toxicological parameters reflecting distinct mechanisms were evaluated. RESULTS PEPs caused significant membrane integrity damage, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine release in different cell lines at doses equivalent to exposure durations from 7.8 to 1,500 hr. Furthermore, there were differences in methylation patterns that, although not statistically significant, demonstrate the potential effects of PEPs on the overall epigenome following exposure. CONCLUSIONS The in vitro findings obtained in this study suggest that laser printer-emitted engineered nanoparticles may be deleterious to lung cells and provide preliminary evidence of epigenetic modifications that might translate to pulmonary disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra V. Pirela
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isabelle R. Miousse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincent Castranova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Treye Thomas
- Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong Qian
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Dhimiter Bello
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lester Kobzik
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Igor Koturbash
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Address correspondence to P. Demokritou, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Ave., Room 1310B, Boston, MA 02115 USA. (617) 432-3481. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Macdonald NP, Zhu F, Hall CJ, Reboud J, Crosier PS, Patton EE, Wlodkowic D, Cooper JM. Assessment of biocompatibility of 3D printed photopolymers using zebrafish embryo toxicity assays. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:291-7. [PMID: 26646354 PMCID: PMC4758231 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01374g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
3D printing has emerged as a rapid and cost-efficient manufacturing technique to enable the fabrication of bespoke, complex prototypes. If the technology is to have a significant impact in biomedical applications, such as drug discovery and molecular diagnostics, the devices produced must be biologically compatible to enable their use with established reference assays and protocols. In this work we demonstrate that we can adapt the Fish Embryo Test (FET) as a new method to quantify the toxicity of 3D printed microfluidic devices. We assessed the biocompatibility of four commercially available 3D printing polymers (VisiJetCrystal EX200, Watershed 11122XC, Fototec SLA 7150 Clear and ABSplus P-430), through the observation of key developmental markers in the developing zebrafish embryos. Results show all of the photopolymers to be highly toxic to the embryos, resulting in fatality, although we do demonstrate that post-printing treatment of Fototec 7150 makes it suitable for zebrafish culture within the FET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N P Macdonald
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Rankine Building, Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK.
| | - F Zhu
- The BioMEMS Research Group, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC 3083, Australia
| | - C J Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - J Reboud
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Rankine Building, Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK.
| | - P S Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - E E Patton
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Wlodkowic
- The BioMEMS Research Group, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC 3083, Australia
| | - J M Cooper
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Rankine Building, Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pirela SV, Lu X, Miousse I, Sisler JD, Qian Y, Guo N, Koturbash I, Castranova V, Thomas T, Godleski J, Demokritou P. Effects of intratracheally instilled laser printer-emitted engineered nanoparticles in a mouse model: A case study of toxicological implications from nanomaterials released during consumer use. NANOIMPACT 2016; 1:1-8. [PMID: 26989787 PMCID: PMC4791579 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Incorporation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) into toners used in laser printers has led to countless quality and performance improvements. However, the release of ENMs during printing (consumer use) has raised concerns about their potential adverse health effects. The aim of this study was to use "real world" printer-emitted particles (PEPs), rather than raw toner powder, and assess the pulmonary responses following exposure by intratracheal instillation. Nine-week old male Balb/c mice were exposed to various doses of PEPs (0.5, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight) by intratracheal instillation. These exposure doses are comparable to real world human inhalation exposures ranging from 13.7 to 141.9 h of printing. Toxicological parameters reflecting distinct mechanisms of action were evaluated, including lung membrane integrity, inflammation and regulation of DNA methylation patterns. Results from this in vivo toxicological analysis showed that while intratracheal instillation of PEPs caused no changes in the lung membrane integrity, there was a pulmonary immune response, indicated by an elevation in neutrophil and macrophage percentage over the vehicle control and low dose PEPs groups. Additionally, exposure to PEPs upregulated expression of the Ccl5 (Rantes), Nos1 and Ucp2 genes in the murine lung tissue and modified components of the DNA methylation machinery (Dnmt3a) and expression of transposable element (TE) LINE-1 compared to the control group. These genes are involved in both the repair process from oxidative damage and the initiation of immune responses to foreign pathogens. The results are in agreement with findings from previous in vitro cellular studies and suggest that PEPs may cause immune responses in addition to modifications in gene expression in the murine lung at doses that can be comparable to real world exposure scenarios, thereby raising concerns of deleterious health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra V. Pirela
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Isabelle Miousse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Jennifer D. Sisler
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Yong Qian
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Nancy Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Igor Koturbash
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Vincent Castranova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Treye Thomas
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - John Godleski
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Corresponding author at: Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Avenue, Room 1310, Boston, MA 02115, United States. Tel.: +1 917 432 3481. (P. Demokritou)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Steinle P. Characterization of emissions from a desktop 3D printer and indoor air measurements in office settings. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2016; 13:121-32. [PMID: 26550911 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1091957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Emissions from a desktop 3D printer based on fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology were measured in a test chamber and indoor air was monitored in office settings. Ultrafine aerosol (UFA) emissions were higher while printing a standard object with polylactic acid (PLA) than with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer (2.1 × 10(9) vs. 2.4 × 10(8) particles/min). Prolonged use of the printer led to higher emission rates (factor 2 with PLA and 4 with ABS, measured after seven months of occasional use). UFA consisted mainly of volatile droplets, and some small (100-300 nm diameter) iron containing and soot-like particles were found. Emissions of inhalable and respirable dust were below the limit of detection (LOD) when measured gravimetrically, and only slightly higher than background when measured with an aerosol spectrometer. Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) were in the range of 10 µg/min. Styrene accounted for more than 50% of total VOC emitted when printing with ABS; for PLA, methyl methacrylate (MMA, 37% of TVOC) was detected as the predominant compound. Two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), fluoranthene and pyrene, were observed in very low amounts. All other analyzed PAH, as well as inorganic gases and metal emissions except iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), were below the LOD or did not differ from background without printing. A single 3D print (165 min) in a large, well-ventilated office did not significantly increase the UFA and VOC concentrations, whereas these were readily detectable in a small, unventilated room, with UFA concentrations increasing by 2,000 particles/cm(3) and MMA reaching a peak of 21 µg/m(3) and still being detectable in the room even 20 hr after printing.
Collapse
|
42
|
Desmond C, Verdun-Esquer C, Rinaldo M, Courtois A, Labadie M. Mise au point sur les risques toxiques lors de l’utilisation professionnelle des photocopieurs. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2015.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
43
|
Rösch C, Wissenbach DK, von Bergen M, Franck U, Wendisch M, Schlink U. The lasting effect of limonene-induced particle formation on air quality in a genuine indoor environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:14209-14219. [PMID: 25966888 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4663-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric ozone-terpene reactions, which form secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles, can affect indoor air quality when outdoor air mixes with indoor air during ventilation. This study, conducted in Leipzig, Germany, focused on limonene-induced particle formation in a genuine indoor environment (24 m(3)). Particle number, limonene and ozone concentrations were monitored during the whole experimental period. After manual ventilation for 30 min, during which indoor ozone levels reached up to 22.7 ppb, limonene was introduced into the room at concentrations of approximately 180 to 250 μg m(-3). We observed strong particle formation and growth within a diameter range of 9 to 50 nm under real-room conditions. Larger particles with diameters above 100 nm were less affected by limonene introduction. The total particle number concentrations (TPNCs) after limonene introduction clearly exceed outdoor values by a factor of 4.5 to 41 reaching maximum concentrations of up to 267,000 particles cm(-3). The formation strength was influenced by background particles, which attenuated the formation of new SOA with increasing concentration, and by ozone levels, an increase of which by 10 ppb will result in a six times higher TPNC. This study emphasizes indoor environments to be preferred locations for particle formation and growth after ventilation events. As a consequence, SOA formation can produce significantly higher amounts of particles than transported by ventilation into the indoor air.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Rösch
- Department of Urban and Environmental Sociology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Pirela SV, Pyrgiotakis G, Bello D, Thomas T, Castranova V, Demokritou P. Development and characterization of an exposure platform suitable for physico-chemical, morphological and toxicological characterization of printer-emitted particles (PEPs). Inhal Toxicol 2015; 26:400-8. [PMID: 24862974 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2014.908987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
An association between laser printer use and emissions of particulate matter (PM), ozone and volatile organic compounds has been reported in recent studies. However, the detailed physico-chemical, morphological and toxicological characterization of these printer-emitted particles (PEPs) and possible incorporation of engineered nanomaterials into toner formulations remain largely unknown. In this study, a printer exposure generation system suitable for the physico-chemical, morphological, and toxicological characterization of PEPs was developed and used to assess the properties of PEPs from the use of commercially available laser printers. The system consists of a glovebox type environmental chamber for uninterrupted printer operation, real-time and time-integrated particle sampling instrumentation for the size fractionation and sampling of PEPs and an exposure chamber for inhalation toxicological studies. Eleven commonly used laser printers were evaluated and ranked based on their PM emission profiles. Results show PM peak emissions are brand independent and varied between 3000 to 1 300 000 particles/cm³, with modal diameters ranging from 49 to 208 nm, with the majority of PEPs in the nanoscale (<100 nm) size. Furthermore, it was shown that PEPs can be affected by certain operational parameters and printing conditions. The release of nanoscale particles from a nano-enabled product (printer toner) raises questions about health implications to users. The presented PEGS platform will help in assessing the toxicological profile of PEPs and the link to the physico-chemical and morphological properties of emitted PM and toner formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra V Pirela
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard School of Public Health , Boston, MA , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Nanomaterials Release from Nano-Enabled Products. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2015_409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
|
46
|
Pirela SV, Sotiriou GA, Bello D, Shafer M, Bunker KL, Castranova V, Thomas T, Demokritou P. Consumer exposures to laser printer-emitted engineered nanoparticles: A case study of life-cycle implications from nano-enabled products. Nanotoxicology 2014; 9:760-8. [PMID: 25387251 DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2014.976602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that printers emit nanoparticles during their operation. To-date, however, the physicochemical and toxicological characterization of "real world" printer-emitted nanoparticles (PEPs) remains incomplete, hampering proper risk assessment efforts. Here, we investigate our earlier hypothesis that engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are used in toners and ENMs are released during printing (consumer use). Furthermore, we conduct a detailed physicochemical and morphological characterization of PEPs in support of ongoing toxicological assessment. A comprehensive suite of state of the art analytical methods and tools was employed for the physicochemical and morphological characterization of 11 toners widely utilized in printers from major printer manufacturers and their PEPs. We confirmed that a number of ENMs incorporated into toner formulations (e.g. silica, alumina, titania, iron oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, cerium oxide, carbon black among others) and released into the air during printing. All evaluated toners contained large amounts of organic carbon (OC, 42-89%), metals/metal oxides (1-33%), and some elemental carbon (EC, 0.33-12%). The PEPs possess a composition similar to that of toner and contained 50-90% OC, 0.001-0.5% EC and 1-3% metals. While the chemistry of the PEPs generally reflected that of their toners, considerable differences are documented indicative of potential transformations taking place during consumer use (printing). We conclude that: (i) Routine incorporation of ENMs in toners classifies them as nano-enabled products (NEPs); (ii) These ENMs become airborne during printing; (iii) The chemistry of PEPs is complex and it reflects that of the toner and paper. This work highlights the importance of understanding life-cycle (LC) nano-EHS implications of NEPs and assessing real world exposures and associated toxicological properties rather than focusing on "raw" materials used in the synthesis of an NEP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra V Pirela
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, School of Public Health, Harvard University , Boston, MA , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sisler JD, Pirela SV, Friend S, Farcas M, Schwegler-Berry D, Shvedova A, Castranova V, Demokritou P, Qian Y. Small airway epithelial cells exposure to printer-emitted engineered nanoparticles induces cellular effects on human microvascular endothelial cells in an alveolar-capillary co-culture model. Nanotoxicology 2014; 9:769-79. [PMID: 25387250 DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2014.976603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The printer is one of the most common office equipment. Recently, it was reported that toner formulations for printing equipment constitute nano-enabled products (NEPs) and contain engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) that become airborne during printing. To date, insufficient research has been performed to understand the potential toxicological properties of printer-emitted particles (PEPs) with several studies using bulk toner particles as test particles. These studies demonstrated the ability of toner particles to cause chronic inflammation and fibrosis in animal models. However, the toxicological implications of inhalation exposures to ENMs emitted from laser printing equipment remain largely unknown. The present study investigates the toxicological effects of PEPs using an in vitro alveolar-capillary co-culture model with Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells (SAEC) and Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HMVEC). Our data demonstrate that direct exposure of SAEC to low concentrations of PEPs (0.5 and 1.0 µg/mL) caused morphological changes of actin remodeling and gap formations within the endothelial monolayer. Furthermore, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and angiogenesis were observed in the HMVEC. Analysis of cytokine and chemokine levels demonstrates that interleukin (IL)-6 and MCP-1 may play a major role in the cellular communication observed between SAEC and HMVEC and the resultant responses in HMVEC. These data indicate that PEPs at low, non-cytotoxic exposure levels are bioactive and affect cellular responses in an alveolar-capillary co-culture model, which raises concerns for potential adverse health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Sisler
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Saftey and Health , Morgantown, WV , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liagkouridis I, Cousins IT, Cousins AP. Emissions and fate of brominated flame retardants in the indoor environment: a critical review of modelling approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 491-492:87-99. [PMID: 24568748 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This review explores the existing understanding and the available approaches to estimating the emissions and fate of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and in particular focuses on the brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Volatilisation, an important emission mechanism for the more volatile compounds can be well described using current emission models. More research is needed, however, to better characterise alternative release mechanisms such as direct material-particle partitioning and material abrasion. These two particle-mediated emissions are likely to result in an increased chemical release from the source than can be accounted for by volatilisation, especially for low volatile compounds, and emission models need to be updated in order to account for these. Air-surface partitioning is an important fate process for SVOCs such as BFRs however it is still not well characterised indoors. In addition, the assumption of an instantaneous air-particle equilibrium adopted by current indoor fate models might not be valid for high-molecular weight, strongly sorbing compounds. A better description of indoor particle dynamics is required to assess the effect of particle-associated transport as this will control the fate of low volatile BFRs. We suggest further research steps that will improve modelling precision and increase our understanding of the factors that govern the indoor fate of a wide range of SVOCs. It is also considered that the appropriateness of the selected model for a given study relies on the individual characteristics of the study environment and scope of the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Liagkouridis
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, P.O. Box 21060, SE 100 31 Stockholm, Sweden; ITM Department of Applied Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ian T Cousins
- ITM Department of Applied Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Palm Cousins
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, P.O. Box 21060, SE 100 31 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zaatari M, Siegel J. Particle characterization in retail environments: concentrations, sources, and removal mechanisms. INDOOR AIR 2014; 24:350-361. [PMID: 24354962 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Particles in retail environments can have consequences for the occupational exposures of retail workers and customers, as well as the energy costs associated with ventilation and filtration. Little is known about particle characteristics in retail environments. We measured indoor and outdoor mass concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 , number concentrations of submicron particles (0.02-1 μm), size-resolved 0.3-10 μm particles, as well as ventilation rates in 14 retail stores during 24 site visits in Pennsylvania and Texas. Overall, the results were generally suggestive of relatively clean environments when compared to investigations of other building types and ambient/occupational regulatory limits. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations (mean ± s.d.) were 20 ± 14 and 11 ± 10 μg/m(3), respectively, with indoor-to-outdoor ratios of 1.0 ± 0.7 and 0.88 ± 1.0. Mean submicron particle concentrations were 7220 ± 7500 particles/cm(3) with an indoor-to-outdoor ratio of 1.18 ± 1.30. The median contribution to PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations from indoor sources (vs. outdoors) was 83% and 53%, respectively. There were no significant correlations between measured ventilation rates and particle concentrations of any size. When examining options to lower PM2.5 concentrations below regulatory limits, the required changes to ventilation and filtration efficiency were site specific and depended on the indoor and outdoor concentration, emission rate, and infiltration level. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Little is known about particle concentrations, contribution of indoor sources, and emission rates in retail environments. Knowledge of these particle characteristics informs health scientists with input parameters to include in exposure modeling. The predicted concentration change in response to different ventilation rates and filtration efficiencies may be used for guidance to develop control strategies to lower particulate matter concentrations in retail environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Zaatari
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kitamura H, Terunuma N, Kurosaki S, Hata K, Masuda M, Kochi T, Yanagi N, Murase T, Ogami A, Higashi T. A cohort study of toner-handling workers on inflammatory, allergic, and oxidative stress markers. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 34:337-44. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327113512339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: This study examines the relationship between toner exposure and its health effects in terms of biomarkers which are known to assess the damages to humans caused by toxic material exposure. Methods: The subjects were 1504 male workers aged below 50 in 2003 in a Japanese toner and photocopier manufacturing company. Personal exposure measurements, pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray examinations, biomarker measurement, and a questionnaire about respiratory symptoms were conducted. We will report about biomarker measurement in this study. Cross-sectional survey studies and a longitudinal study from 2003 to 2008 were conducted. Results: Few significant findings were associated with the toner exposure in both the cross-sectional and the longitudinal studies. The higher toner exposure concentrations did not induce effects on increasing biomarkers. Conclusion: There was no evidence of excessive inflammatory, allergic, or oxidative stress reaction in toner-handling workers as compared to non-handling workers, despite some sporadically significant findings. There are no other reports of a longitudinal epidemiological study with regard to toner exposure; this report significantly contributes to toner exposure literature. Although in the current well-controlled working environment, the toner exposure concentrations are quite low; further studies are needed to completely understand the health effects toner may have, however small they may be.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Kitamura
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - N Terunuma
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - S Kurosaki
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - K Hata
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - M Masuda
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - T Kochi
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - N Yanagi
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - T Murase
- Department of Haematology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Hachioji, Japan
| | - A Ogami
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - T Higashi
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|