Expropnano project : occupational exposure assessment to nanoscale particles through measurement and work task analysis in french and canadian industries
Abstract
Toxicological studies have shown potential health effects related to nanoscale particles (NP). These particles could be emitted unintentionally from usual work-processes (“ultrafine particles”) or produced intentionally for commercial purpose (“manufactured NP”) at workplace. Thus, associated exposure might concerned many workers. However, in the absence of NP strategy measurement consensus, occupational exposure is poorly monitored. In this context, the ExproPNano project aims at make operational existing NP exposure assessment recommendations, combine them with work activity analysis and test the developed strategy in French and Canadian industries involving both unintentional and manufactured NP. The first year, in 2015, was dedicated to the implementation of the project (method, team training, equipment and industries selection) with partner institutions (INRS, INERIS, LEPI, InVS, Aquitaine CARSAT, and University of Montreal – DSEST). Campaigns in different industries (aeronautics, rubber and composite, construction, mines…) will be conducted in 2016–2017 following two main steps: (1) pre-visit: prevention system analysis, process understanding, interviews and preliminary measures; (2) NP measurement and work observation: video recording synchronised with real-time measures and air sampling for physic-chemical characterisation; (3) results analysis and presentation in companies. Work task analysis combined with NP measurement must ensure a better understanding of the NP exposure determinants and result in recommendations of adapted prevention which may be extended to various workplaces. The tested exposure assessment method must be operational and thus easily used by all actors involved in unintentional and manufactured NP risk management. Therefore, relevant NP occupational exposure data could be produced, recording them in specific database such as Evalutil or NECID-PEROSH, it will contribute to knowledge improvement of NP exposure levels and associated health effects by public health professionals such as epidemiologists.