Real-time monitoring of nanoparticles at a metal nanopowder manufacturing workplace

In nanomaterial manufacturing workplaces, there is a potential risk due to nanomaterial exposure to workers. To investigate this possibility, the number concentration and the size distribution of nanoparticles were continuously monitored using an ultrafine condensation particle counter and a scanning mobility particle sizer, respectively at a metal nanopowder manufacturing workplace during the wire electrical explosion process. From this field study, nanoparticles smaller than 30 nm in diameter were dominantly observed. One event showing high particle number concentration that was approximately seven times higher than background level was also detected for a short period. Therefore, it is recommended to install a reduction measure for safe workplace environment.