Nanoparticle Exposure and Health Survey

An investigation of the immunological and respiratory effects among workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles

NHMRC Grant 1023785

The Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH) obtained research funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to study the exposure to engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and possible health effects among ENP-exposed workers.

Our goal was to assess whether workers who are exposed to engineered nano particles are at risk of changes in inflammatory markers in blood and exhaled breath compared to unexposed workers.

Exposure Study

The exposure to nano particle workers was assessed at participating research sites where ENPs are being manufactured or used. A confidential report of exposure measurements was provided to each research site.

The assessment was carried out using:

• A personal sampler which counts the number of particles from 10 to 300 nm (Phillips Aerasense NanoTracer). This is a direct reading monitor, and can provide data in 5 minute averages continuously over a full work-shift.
• A direct reading air monitoring device (the TSI 3007 Ultrafine Particle Counter, which counts number of particles from 20 nm to 1000 nm).
• A Portable Dust Monitor (TSI 8532) which measures the mass concentration in mg.m^-3 of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ of dust in air.

Meet the team

• Associate Professor Deborah Glass, MonCOEH
• Professor Malcolm Sim, Director of MonCOEH
• Professor Michael Abramson, Deputy Head of Department, SPHPM
• Professor Magda Plebanski, Department of Immunology
• Professor Brian Priestly, MonCOEH
• Dr Martine Dennekamp, MonCOEH
• Dr Mahjabeen Mahzar, MonCOEH

For further information on nanoparticle safety view our Useful Links (PDF).

Ethics approval has been granted by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee

(DF12/0814-2012000365)