Exposure to carbon nanotube material: Aerosol release during the handling of unrefined single-walled carbon nanotube material

Maynard, AD; Baron, PA; Foley, M; Shvedova, AA; Kisin, ER; Castranova, V

HERO ID

68886

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

Language

English

PMID

14668113

HERO ID 68886
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Exposure to carbon nanotube material: Aerosol release during the handling of unrefined single-walled carbon nanotube material
Authors Maynard, AD; Baron, PA; Foley, M; Shvedova, AA; Kisin, ER; Castranova, V
Journal Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A: Current Issues
Volume 67
Issue 1
Page Numbers 87-107
Abstract Carbon nanotubes represent a relatively recently discovered allotrope of carbon that exhibits unique properties. While commercial interest in the material is leading to the development of mass production and handling facilities, little is known of the risk associated with exposure. In a two-part study, preliminary investigations have been carried out into the potential exposure routes and toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotube material (SWCNT)--a specific form of the allotrope. The material is characterized by bundles of fibrous carbon molecules that may be a few nanometers in diameter, but micrometers in length. The two production processes investigated use-transition metal catalysts, leading to the inclusion of nanometer-scale metallic particles within unrefined SWCNT material. A laboratory-based study was undertaken to evaluate the physical nature of the aerosol formed from SWCNT during mechanical agitation. This was complemented by a field study in which airborne and dermal exposure to SWCNT was investigated while handling unrefined material. Although laboratory studies indicated that with sufficient agitation, unrefined SWCNT material can release fine particles into the air, concentrations generated while handling material in the field were very low. Estimates of the airborne concentration of nanotube material generated during handling suggest that concentrations were lower than 53 microg/m(3) in all cases. Glove deposits of SWCNT during handling were estimated at between 0.2 mg and 6 mg per hand.
Doi 10.1080/15287390490253688
Pmid 14668113
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments ECRIB.J. Toxicol. Environ. Health Part A 67: 87-107.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No