Monitoring Airborne Particles

Investigator: Michael J. Ellenbecker, Toxic Use Reduction Institute

Research Scientist: Su-Jung (Candace) Tsai, Center of High-rate Nanomanufacturing 

At this time, little is known about the potential toxicity of nanoparticles, especially engineered nanoparticles. We must take a precautionary approach to working with nanoparticles. The importance of this research is that the engineered nanoparticles studied here are materials in a new category where exposure data are not available and the toxicological information is limited.

Our environmental health and safety team are pioneers, performing important research regarding exposure assessment to airborne nanoparticles in various processes taking place on campus and in industry.   

This research includes efforts to answer concerns with regard to:

What is the safe protocol of working with nanomaterials?

Does the laboratory fume hood work well for protection against exposure to nanomaterials?

What is the magnitude of exposure during various applications of nanomaterials?