Chapter 1.2 Occupational Exposure Characterization during the Manufacture of Cellulose Nanomaterials

Abstract

The forest products industry accounts for approximately 6% of total U.S. manufacturing output; nanotechnology could play an increasing role. As with any emerging technology, cellulose nanomaterials may become commercially available in a range of products before society obtains sufficient knowledge of the risk they pose to workers, consumers, and the environment. In partnership with the Forest Products Laboratory, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted an exposure characterization study of the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) that had been tagged with cesium. Analyzing the filter-based air samples for elemental cesium indicated that CNCs are being aerosolized during both removal of product from the freeze dryer and centrifugation of product. The highest concentration for the cesium-tagged CNC was collected during the centrifugation process inside the enclosure cabinet. Currently there are no occupational exposure limits specific to engineered cellulose nanomaterials.

Citation

Martinez, Kenneth F.; Eastlake, Adrienne; Rudie, Alan; Geraci, Charles. 2013. Occupational exposure characterization during the manufacture of cellulose nanomaterials. In: Postek, Michael T.; Moon, Robert J.; Rudie, Alan W.; Bilodeau, Michael A., eds. Production and Applications of Cellulose Nanomaterials. Peachtree Corners, GA: TAPPI Press. pp. 61-64, Chapter 1.2. ISBN: 978-1-59510-224-9.