Generation and Characterization of Ultrafine Particles

Project Information

Principal Investigator	Doug D Evans
Institution	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Project URL	View
Relevance to Implications	High
Class of Nanomaterial	Generic
Impact Sector	Human Health
Broad Research Categories	Exposure Hazard Characterization
NNI identifier

Funding Information

Country	USA
Anticipated Total Funding	n/a
Annual Funding	n/a
Funding Source	NIOSH
Funding Mechanism	Intramural
Funding Sector	Government
Start Year	2003
Anticipated End Year	2005

Abstract/Summary

There is mounting evidence that the toxicity of some aerosols may be closely associated with the number or surface-area of inhaled particles. Low-solubility ultrafine (typically smaller than 100 nm) and high specific surface-area particles are of particular concern. This project is part of a wider research program aimed at studying the toxicity of workplace-related aerosols within this category, including those associated with nanotechnology. Methods are being developed to generate and deliver well-characterized particles to exposure systems, enabling particle characteristics responsible for specific toxic responses to be investigated in a systematic manner. The research includes the development of off-line and on-line aerosol and particle characterization techniques, including methods to measure aerosol surface-area, and methods to characterize the composition and structure of nanometer-diameter particles.