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The literature indicates that jobs which involve cutting and rectifying or edge-grinding of ceramic tiles are potential sources of particulate matter (PM) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) emissions. The European Union has recently included “jobs that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust generated in a work process” as a carcinogen in the Directive that regulates exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (Directive 2004/37/EC and amendments). In general, ceramic tile production facilities have implemented different preventive and/or corrective measures (air extraction protocols, personal protective measures, etc.) to reduce workers exposure to PM. However, this activity may also be carried out in smaller-sized facilities, where sometimes the mitigation measures applied could have less efficiency, as well as by individuals applying tile floorings in residential areas, not always using the adequate personal protective equipment. The literature regarding this kind of exposures and their impact on the human health is scarce, a gap which this work aims to fill.The objective of this work was to characterise the number and mass concentrations, RCS, chemical composition, morphology and in vitro toxicity of particles released during different ceramic tile-cutting operations. Experiments were carried out in a chamber with controlled ventilation and no infiltration from outside air, using on-line and offline aerosol instrumentation. Aerosol chemical composition was characterised using SKC PCIS impactors (PM0.25, PM0.5, PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and ELPI+ (0.006 μm to 10 μm). PM2 aerosols were sampled in liquid suspension using a Biosampler, and in vitro assessments were performed with a commercial A549 lung-cell line. Particle morphology was determined by SEM. The dust emitted during cutting operations was also analysed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Release of coarse, fine and ultrafine particles, including nanoparticles, was evidenced during the experiments. Particle number concentrations were comparable during cutting of both types of materials, reaching on average 20.000-45.000/cm3 (1-min concentrations) of which 87% were smaller than 100nm. Peak respirable mass concentrations typically reached 30-50 mg/m3. The dust deposited during the cutting operations showed a similar baseline composition in terms of major components (e.g., SiO2, Al2O3), while it differed regarding tracer elements (e.g., Zn) which could be due to the different body, glaze and decoration composition of the products studied. The chemical composition of aerosols released was consistent with that of the deposited dust. The content of crystalline silica in respirable dust was 10-20%, indicating that cutting operations may also produce high RCS levels. In vitro assessments (MTT assay) showed statistically significant differences between tiles, ranging between non-significant toxicity to moderate cytotoxicity for aerosols generated during the different cutting operations. Similar results were obtained for the generation of reactive-oxygen species (ROS).Overall, it was concluded that tile cutting has potential to impact human health if exposures are not controlled. The experimental setup used in this work could be useful to characterise dust generation when different ceramic products are processed under controlled conditions.

Particle research in harbour areas typically focuses on ship (stack) or vehicular exhaust emissions, while high particle emissions may also occur from other harbour operations such as vessel refurbishment activities. The literature regarding these activities is scarce, especially in terms of particle chemical composition and toxicity. The aim of this work was to characterize the chemical composition and toxicity of particles released during vessel refit operations. Airborne particle samples were collected inside the tents where abrasion of primer and top-coat paints with mechanical abraders took place in the Mallorca shipyard (Spain), during two experimental campaigns. On-line and offline aerosol instruments were placed at different monitoring locations to measure particle mass concentration and concentrations, particle size distribution, chemical composition, morphology and cytotoxicity. Aerosol chemical composition of PM0.25, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10 was characterized using impaction cyclones. ELPI was used to obtain a more detailed composition from 0.02 ¿m to 10 ¿m. PM2 aerosols were sampled with a Biosampler, and in vitro analysis was performed with A549 lung cells. Particle morphology was determined by TEM. The dustiness index of the powders generated was determined using the rotating drum method., This work was carried out in the framework of project IDAEALPORT (RTI2018-098095-BC21).

A sampling methodology and a mathematical data treatment were developed that enable to determine not only total suspended particulates (TSP) emitted at channeled sources but also the PM

A sampling methodology and a mathematical data treatment were developed that enable to determine not only total suspended particulates (TSP) emitted at channeled sources but also the PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 mass fractions (w10, w2.5, and w1) and emission factors (E.F.), using a seven-stage cascade impactor. Moreover, a chemical analysis was performed to identify the elements present in these emissions. The proposed methodology was applied to different stages of the ceramic process, including ambient temperature (milling, shaping, glazing) and medium-high-temperature (spray-drying, drying, firing, and frit melting) stages. In total, more than 100 measurements were performed (pilot scale and industrial scale), which leads to a measurement time of 1500 h. Related to the mass fractions, in general, the mean values of w10 after the fabric filters operated at high performance are high and with little dispersion (75-85%), and it is also observed that they are practically independent of the stage considered, i.e., they are not significantly dependent on the initial PSD of the stream to be treated. In the case of the fine fraction w2.5, the behavior is more complex (w2.5: 30-60%), probably because the only variable is not the cleaning system, but also the nature of the processed material. Regarding abatement measures, the use of high-efficiency cleaning systems considerably reduces the emission factors obtained for fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1. In reference to chemical analysis, the presence of ZrO2 and Ni in the spray-drying and pressing stages, the significant concentration of ZrO2 in the glazing stage, the presence of Pb, As, and Zn in the firing stage, and the presence of Zn, Pb, Cd, and As compounds in the frits manufacturing should all be highlighted. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that the use of some compounds, such as cadmium and lead, has been very limited in the last years and, therefore, presumably, the presence of these elements in the emissions should have been also reduced in the same way., This study has been funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology in the framework of the National Plan for Scientific Research, Development and Technological Innovation, reference REN2003-08916-C02-01.

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS), in the form of quartz and cristobalite from occupational sources, was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic to humans (category 1). In addition, RCS has recently been included in the Directive (EU) 2017/2398 about carcinogens and mutagens at work. Numerous studies suggest that the toxicity of quartz is conditioned by density and distribution of surface silanol groups, and it has been widely demonstrated at lab scale that masking these silanol groups significantly reduces silica toxicity. Based on these findings, a detoxifying, wet-coating method, using organosilanes as coating agent for reactive surface silanols, was previously developed and tested at industrial scale. In the present work, a new dry-coating process (patent pending) also using organosilanes was developed and applied to detoxify quartzes from different industrial branches. Dry-coating efficiency and stability were assessed and confirmed by both in-vitro tests (lactate dehydrogenase release and alkaline comet assay) and an intratracheal instillation study in rats. Finally, industrial trials were performed by different quartz end users (elastomers, foundry, adhesives, pigments and glazes) to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of implementing this dry-coating process at industrial scale. From the obtained results, it can be drawn that the proposed methodology seems to represent a promising strategy to significantly reduce the risk associated with the handling of RCS-bearing materials. This RCS coating approach shows enough flexibility to be adapted to different industrial processes without significantly interfering with product quality.

Clays are employed in a wide variety of industries such as ceramic industry, manufacture of paper, rubber, etc. In this sense, it is well known that at industrial processes in which clayey materials are used, such as ceramic industry, in order to carry out some specific stages, the wetting of clays is commonly required. Moreover, it is also long established that wetting is an appropriated measure to reduce particulate matter emissions during clays storage and handling. The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of moisture on clay dustiness because, though the complex behaviour of the clay–water system has been known since antiquity, the mechanisms involved in clay hydration and their influence on dustiness are still not well understood. To encompass a wide range of specific surface areas, three clays and a kaolin were studied. Chemical and mineralogical analysis of these four raw materials was performed and their particle size distribution, flowability, true density, plastic limit, and specific surface area were determined. Raw materials dustiness was determined using the continuous drop method. As against what might intuitively be expected, the results showed that the relationship between moisture and dustiness was quite complex and strongly related to the hydration mechanisms. In this regard, to better understand the phenomena involved in the clay hydration process, a specific methodology was developed to estimate the critical points of the clay hydration process (regarding dustiness). This methodology can be readily applied to other clays or even to materials of different nature to predict the optimum moisture and, therefore, it could be employed to propose specific measures which could entail an improvement of outdoor and indoor air quality.

Treball Final de Màster Universitari en Professor/a d'Educació Secundària Obligatòria i Batxillerat, Formació Professional i Ensenyaments d'Idiomes. Codi SAP119. Curs: 2018/2019. El presente trabajo se enmarca en la modalidad de mejora educativa del trabajo final de Máster en Profesorado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Idiomas. Durante la primera fase del prácticum en el IES Frances Tárrega de Villareal se detectó un elevado absentismo escolar en la clase de física y química de1º de bachillerato. Adicionalmente, los alumnos que asistían a clase mostraban poco interés por la asignatura argumentado una elevada dificultad de los contenidos. Por este motivo, se plantea el objetivo de mejorar los resultados del alumnado en base al incremento de su motivación intrínseca mediante la implementación de metodologías basadas en el aprendizaje activo. Concretamente se ha utilizado la técnica de investigación-acción y el área de mejora que se trabaja es el desinterés y falta de motivación del alumnado por la asignatura de física y química. Por este motivo, se han aplicado técnicas de trabajo cooperativo, realizado distintas sesiones prácticas incluyendo practicas investigativas, así como juegos interactivos que favorecen el interés del alumnado y facilitan su proceso de aprendizaje. El objetivo, por tanto, es incrementar la implicación y motivación del alumnado mediante un enfoque activo y en algunos casos lúdico del proceso de aprendizaje. Se plantean diferentes tipologías de actividad basadas en el aprendizaje centrado en el alumno: 1) técnicas de trabajo cooperativo, 2) prácticas de laboratorio y mediante simuladores virtuales, 3) demostraciones prácticas mediante montajes simples en el aula y 4) autoevaluación mediante aplicaciones interactivas en el aula. Además, las actividades propuestas se apoyan en las nuevas tecnologías mediante el uso de aplicaciones móviles (Mobile e-learning). Concretamente, se han diseñado 3 prácticas de laboratorio para tratar el cálculo de los coeficientes de rozamiento y mejorar la compresión sobre la ley de Hooke, 1 práctica investigativa relacionada con el deslizamiento de cuerpos por planos inclinados y coeficientes de rozamiento, 1 práctica mediante uso de simulador virtual y montaje demostrativo para tratar el contenido referente a la máquina de Atwood y 1 juego interactivo con el objetivo de repasar la unidad de dinámica (Kahoot). Después de poner en práctica la propuesta planteada, se han evaluado los indicadores definidos y se puede concluir que todos los alumnos tienen una opinión positiva de las actividades realizadas, dichas actividades han tenido un efecto muy positivo sobre los resultados. Además, el alumnado considera que les han ayudado a comprender mejor el contenido y realizarían más practicas similares lo que denota un aumento de su motivación intrínseca. Considerando la buena aceptación por parte del alumnado de las actividades propuestas, se colaboró con el tutor en la preparación de material adicional para el bloque 8 (Energía). Concretamente, se diseñaron 2 prácticas de laboratorio y 1 montaje demostrativo asociados al tema de electricidad y circuitos eléctricos. Mediante estas actividades se pretende favorecer el proceso de aprendizaje por dos vías: incremento de la motivación del alumnado y fomento del aprender enseñando y/o haciendo.

Packing of raw materials in work environments is a known source of potential health impacts (respiratory, cardiovascular) due to exposure to airborne particles. This activity was selected to test different exposure and risk assessment tools, aiming to understand the effectiveness of source enclosure as a strategy to mitigate particle release. Worker exposure to particle mass and number concentrations was monitored during packing of 7 ceramic materials in 3 packing lines in different settings, with low (L), medium (M) and high (H) degrees of source enclosure. Results showed that packing lines L and M significantly increased exposure concentrations (119–609 μg m−3 respirable, 1150–4705 μg m−3 inhalable, 24,755–51,645 cm−3 particle number), while non-significant increases were detected in line H. These results evidence the effectiveness of source enclosure as a mitigation strategy, in the case of packing of ceramic materials. Total deposited particle surface area during packing ranged between 5.4 and 11.8 × 105 μm2 min−1, with particles depositing mainly in the alveoli (51–64%) followed by head airways (27–41%) and trachea bronchi (7–10%). The comparison between the results from different risk assessment tools (Stoffenmanager, ART, NanoSafer) and the actual measured exposure concentrations evidenced that all of the tools overestimated exposure concentrations, by factors of 1.5–8. Further research is necessary to bridge the current gap between measured and modelled health risk assessments., This research was founded by the Spanish MINECO (CGL2015-66777-C2-1-R, 2-R), Generalitat de Catalunya AGAUR 2017 SGR41, the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (13CAES006), and FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) “Una manera de hacer Europa”. Additional support was provided by caLIBRAte project funded by the European Union‘s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 686239. M.C. Minguillón acknowledges the Ramón y Cajal Fellowship awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness. The authors also acknowledge the company in which the measurements were carried out for their support. The authors declare no conflict of interest relating to the material presented in this article.

Mass balance models have proved to be effective tools for exposure prediction in occupational settings. However, they are still not extensively tested in real-world scenarios, or for particle number concentrations. An industrial scenario characterized by high emissions of unintentionally-generated nanoparticles (NP) was selected to assess the performance of a one-box model. Worker exposure to NPs due to thermal spraying was monitored, and two methods were used to calculate emission rates: the convolution theorem, and the cyclic steady state equation. Monitored concentrations ranged between 4.2 &times, 104&ndash, 2.5 &times, 105 cm&minus, 3. Estimated emission rates were comparable with both methods: 1.4 &times, 1011&ndash, 1.2 &times, 1013 min&minus, 1 (convolution) and 1.3 &times, 1012&ndash, 1.4 &times, 1 (cyclic steady state). Modeled concentrations were 1.4-6 &times, 104 cm&minus, 3 (convolution) and 1.7&ndash, 7.1 &times, 3 (cyclic steady state). Results indicated a clear underestimation of measured particle concentrations, with ratios modeled/measured between 0.2&ndash, 0.7. While both model parametrizations provided similar results on average, using convolution emission rates improved performance on a case-by-case basis. Thus, using cyclic steady state emission rates would be advisable for preliminary risk assessment, while for more precise results, the convolution theorem would be a better option. Results show that one-box models may be useful tools for preliminary risk assessment in occupational settings when room air is well mixed.

Exposure to ceramic powders, which is frequent during handling operations, is known to cause adverse health effects. Finding proxy parameters to quantify exposure is useful for efficient and timely exposure assessments. Worker exposure during handling of five materials [a silica sand (SI1), three quartzes (Q1, Q2, and Q3), and a kaolin (K1)] with different particle shape (prismatic and platy) and sizes (3.4-120 μm) was assessed. Materials handling was simulated using a dry pendular mill under two different energy settings (low and high). Three repetitions of two kilos of material were carried out per material and energy conditions with a flow rate of 8-11 kg h -1 . The performance of the dustiness index as a predictor of worker exposure was evaluated correlating material's dustiness indexes (with rotating drum and continuous drop) with exposure concentrations. Significant impacts on worker exposure in terms of inhalable and respirable mass fractions were detected for all materials. Mean inhalable mass concentrations during background were always lower than 40 μg m -3 whereas during material handling under high energy settings mean concentrations were 187, 373, 243, 156, and 430 μg m -3 for SI1, Q1, Q2, Q3, and K1, respectively. Impacts were not significant with regard to particle number concentration: background particle number concentrations ranged between 10 620 and 46 421 cm -3 while during handling under high energy settings they were 20 880 - 40 498 cm -3 . Mean lung deposited surface area during background ranged between 27 and 101 μm 2 cm -3 whereas it ranged between 22 and 42 μm 2 cm -3 during materials handling. TEM images evidenced the presence of nanoparticles (≤100 nm) in the form of aggregates (300 nm-1 μm) in the worker area, and a slight reduction on mean particle size during handling was detected. Dustiness and exposure concentrations showed a high degree of correlation (R 2 = 0.77-0.97) for the materials and operating conditions assessed, suggesting that dustiness could be considered a relevant predictor for workplace exposure. Nevertheless, the relationship between dustiness and exposure is complex and should be assessed for each process, taking into account not only material behaviour but also energy settings and workplace characteristics. © The Author(s) 2018., This research was funded by the Spanish MINECO (CGL2015-66777-C2-1-R, 2-R), Generalitat de Catalunya AGAUR 2014 SGR33, the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (13CAES006) and FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) “Una manera de hacer Europa”. M.C. Minguillón acknowledges the Ramón y Cajal Fellowship awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness. The authors also acknowledge the company MOLARIS for their support with technical information on the mill used. The authors declare no conflict of interest relating to the material presented in this article.

Modelling of particle exposure is a useful tool for preliminary exposure assessment in workplaces with low and high exposure concentrations. However, actual exposure measurements are needed to assess models reliability. Worker exposure was monitored during packing of an inorganic granulate fertilizer at industrial scale using small and big bags. Particle concentrations were modelled with one and two box models, where the emission source was estimated with the fertilizer's dustiness index. The exposure levels were used to calculate inhaled dose rates and test accuracy of the exposure modellings. The particle number concentrations were measured from worker area by using a mobility and optical particle sizer which were used to calculate surface area and mass concentrations. The concentrations in the worker area during pre-activity ranged 63,797–81,073 cm−3, 4.6 × 106 to 7.5 × 106 μm2 cm−3, and 354 to 634 μg m−3 (respirable mass fraction) and during packing 50,300 to 85,949 cm−3, 4.3 × 106 to 7.6 × 106 μm2 cm−3, and 279 to 668 μg m−3 (respirable mass fraction). Thus, the packing process did not significantly increase the exposure levels. Chemical exposure was also under control based on REACH standards. The particle surface area deposition rate in respiratory tract was up to 7.6 × 106 μm2 min−1 during packing, with 52%–61% of deposition occurring in the alveolar region. Ratios of the modelled and measured concentrations were 0.98 ± 0.19 and 0.84 ± 0.12 for small and big bags, respectively, when using the one box model, and 0.88 ± 0.25 and 0.82 ± 0.12, when using the two box model. The modelling precision improved for both models when outdoor particle concentrations were included. This study shows that exposure concentrations in a low emission industrial scenario, e.g. during packing of a fertilizer, can be predicted with a reasonable accuracy by using the concept of dustiness and mass balance models., This research was founded by the Spanish MINECO (CGL2015-66777-C2-1-R, 2-R), Generalitat de Catalunya AGAUR 2017 SGR41, the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (13CAES006), FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) “Una manera de hacer Europa” and H2020 project caLIBRAte (Work Package 7). M.C. Minguillón acknowledges the Ramón y Cajal Fellowship awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness. The authors also acknowledge the company in which the measurements were carried out for their support. The authors declare no conflict of interest relating to the material presented in this article.

Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) is a frequently used technique to produce enhanced-property coatings for different materials in the ceramic industry. This work aimed to characterise and quantify the impact of APS on workplace exposure to airborne particles, with a focus on ultrafine particles (UFPs, < 100 nm) and nanoparticles (< 50 nm). Particle number, mass concentrations, alveolar lung deposited surface area concentration, and size distributions, in the range 10 nm–20 μm were simultaneously monitored at the emission source, in the potential worker breathing zone, and in outdoor air. Different input materials (known as feedstock) were tested: (a) micron-sized powders, and (b) suspensions containing submicron- or nano-sized particles. Results evidenced significantly high UFP concentrations (up to 3.3 × 106/cm3) inside the spraying chamber, which impacted exposure concentrations in the worker area outside the spraying chamber (up to 8.3 × 105/cm3). Environmental release of UFPs was also detected (3.9 × 105/cm3, outside the exhaust tube). Engineered nanoparticle (ENP) release to workplace air was also evidenced by TEM microscopy. UFP emissions were detected during the application of both micron-sized powder and suspensions containing submicron- or nano-sized particles, thus suggesting that emissions were process- (and not material-) dependent. An effective risk prevention protocol was implemented, which resulted in a reduction of UFP exposure in the worker area. These findings demonstrate the potential risk of occupational exposure to UFPs during atmospheric plasma spraying, and raise the need for further research on UFP formation mechanisms in high-energy industrial processes. © 2017 The Authors, This project was supported by the Spanish MINECO through project PCIN-2015-173-C02-01, under the frame of SIINN, the ERA-NET for a Safe Implementation of Innovative Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, by SIINN-ERANET project CERASAFE (id.:16). Support is also acknowledged to FP7 Marie Curie ITN HEXACOMM (Nr. 315760), Generalitat de Catalunya (AGAUR SGR33), and the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (13CAES006).

International Conference Energy, Environment and Material Systems (EEMS 2017) Prolonged inhalation of crystalline silica particles has long been known to cause lung inflammation and development of the granulomatous and a fibrogenic lung disease known as silicosis . The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) in the form of quartz and cristobalite from occupational sources as carcinogenic for humans (category 1) . In this regard, numerous studies suggest t hat the toxicity of quartz is conditioned by the surface chemistry of the quartz particles and by the density and abundance of silanol groups. Blocking these groups to avoid their interaction with cellular membranes would theoretically be possible in order to reduce or even to eliminate the toxic effect . In this regard, t he main contribution of the presented research is the development of detoxifying processes based on coating technologies at industrial scale, since the previous studies reported on literatu re were carried out at lab scale. The results obtained in two European projects show ed that the wet method to obtain quartz surface coatings (SILICOAT project) allows a good efficiency in inhibiting the silica toxic ity, and the preliminary results obtained in an ongoing project (SILIFE) suggest that the developed dry method to coat quartz surface is also very promising . The development of both coating technologies (wet and a dry) should allow these coating technologi es to be applied to a high variety of industrial activities in which quartz is processed. For this reason, a lot of end -users of quartz powders will be potentially benefited from a reduced risk associated to the exposure to RCS.

A wide variety of raw materials, involving more than 20 samples of quartzes, feldspars, nephelines, carbonates, dolomites, sands, zircons, and alumina, were selected and characterised. Dustiness, i.e., a materials' tendency to generate dust on handling, was determined using the continuous drop method. These raw materials were selected to encompass a wide range of particle sizes (1.6–294 µm) and true densities (2650–4680 kg/m3).The dustiness of the raw materials, i.e., their tendency to generate dust on handling, was determined using the continuous drop method. The influence of some key material parameters (particle size distribution, flowability, and specific surface area) on dustiness was assessed. In this regard, dustiness was found to be significantly affected by particle size distribution.Data analysis enabled development of a model for predicting the dustiness of the studied materials, assuming that dustiness depended on the particle fraction susceptible to emission and on the bulk material's...

Se han seleccionado y caracterizado más de 70 materias primas empleadas en la industria cerámica y afines, determinándose su poder de emisión de polvo empleando el método de caída continua (EN15051). Se ha evaluado la influencia de algunas de las características físicas de dichos materiales (granulometría, fluidez, humedad, etc.) sobre su poder de emisión de polvo. Un exhaustivo análisis de los resultados ha permitido desarrollar una metodología para identificar los puntos críticos (en referencia a la generación de polvo) de muestras húmedas durante el proceso de hidratación de las mismas .Por otro lado, en el caso de las muestras secas, se ha desarrollado un modelo que permite estimar el poder de emisión de polvo a partir de datos procedentes de la distribución de tamaño de partícula. Finalmente, se ha evaluado la eficacia de técnicas como la humectación, granulación y atomización para la reducción de las emisiones y/o exposición a material particulado., More than 70 raw materials employed in the ceramic and related industries have been selected and characterized. Moreover, their dustiness has also been determined by means of the continuous drop method (EN 15051). The influence of raw material parameters (granulometry, flowability, moisture, etc.) on dustiness has been assessed. Data analysis enabled the development of a methodology to identify the critical points (regarding dustiness) that take place during the hydration of hygroscopic samples. On the other hand, in the case of dry samples, a model to predict dustiness, which employs only particle size distribution data, has been developed. Finally, the efficiency of the implementation of measures such as wetting, granulation or spray-drying to reduce diffuse emissions and/or exposure to PM has been assessed.

Resumen del trabajo presentado al 8th International Symposium on Nanotechnology, Occupational and Environmental Health, celebrado en Elsinore (Dinamarca) del 29 de mayo al 1 de junio de 2017., Inhalation exposure to particles is a well known health hazard, with nanoparticles (

En la manipulación y/o procesado de materiales pulverulentos en la industria cerámica, uno de los riesgos más importantes desde el punto de vista ambiental y de higiene laboral es la generación de polvo ambiental. En este sentido, un parámetro de gran interés es el poder de emisión de polvo, que cuantifica la tendencia de los materiales pulverulentos a generar polvo cuando se manipulan. En este trabajo, para determinar el poder de emisión de polvo de una composición cerámica (mezcla de materias primas empleada para la fabricación de baldosas cerámicas) se ha empleado un método de caída continua. Este método se ha seleccionado por ser el que mejor representa las operaciones de manipulación de materiales pulverulentos que tienen lugar en el proceso de fabricación de baldosas cerámicas. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el poder de emisión de polvo de una misma composición cerámica se modifica sustancialmente durante el proceso productivo dependiendo de su forma de presentación. En este sentido, la muestra procedente de la molienda vía seca presenta un elevado poder de emisión de polvo, pudiéndose reducir significativamente (> 75%) aplicando la humectación y la aglomeración. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la presentación óptima desde el punto de vista de la minimización de la generación de polvo se alcanza en el proceso de atomización, llegándose a reducir el poder de emisión de polvo en más de un 95%. During the handling and/or processing of powdered materials in the ceramic industry, one of the most important risks regarding the environmental and occupational health is the potential generation of dust. In this regard, a parameter of great interest is the dustiness of the processed materials; this parameter quantifies the tendency of the powdered materials to generate dust when handled. In this study, to determine the dustiness of a ceramic raw material composition (mixture of the body raw materials), the continuous drop method has been used. This test apparatus was selected because it is considered to better simulate how ceramic materials are handled in the ceramic industry. The obtained results show that the dustiness of the same ceramic composition exhibits significant changes during the manufacturing process, depending on the presentation form. In this regard, the dry milling sample presents the highest dustiness, which can be significantly reduced (> 75%) applying the the moisturization and agglomeration. The obtained results also shown that the best presentation form, regarding the minimization of the dust generation, is achieved in the spray-drying process, where the dustiness is reduced by 95%.

The experimental measurement of fugitive emissions of particulate matter entails inherent complexity because they are usually discontinuous, of short duration, may be mobile, and are affected by weather conditions. Owing to this complexity, instead of experimental measurements, emission factors are used to inventory such emissions. Unfortunately, emission factor datasets are still very limited at present and are insufficient to identify problematic operations and appropriately select control measures. To extend these datasets, a source inversion methodology (described in Part I of this work) was applied to field campaigns in which operation-specific fugitive particulate matter emission factors were determined for several complex fugitive sources, some of which were mobile. Mobile sources were treated as a superposition of instantaneous sources. The experimental campaigns were conducted at ports (bulk solids terminals), aggregate quarries, and cement factories, encompassing powder handling operations and vehicle circulation on paved and unpaved roads. Emission factors were derived for the operations and materials involved in these scenarios and compared with those available in the emission factor compilations. Significant differences were observed between the emission factors obtained in the studied handling operations. These differences call into question the use of generic emission factors and highlight the need for more detailed studies in this field.

Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) is a frequently used technique to produce enhanced-property coatings for different materials in the ceramic industry. This work aimed to characterise and quantify the impact of APS on workplace exposure to airborne particles, with a focus on ultrafine particles (UFPs

En la manipulación y/o procesado de materiales pulverulentos en la industria cerámica, uno de los riesgos más importantes desde el punto de vista ambiental y de higiene laboral es la generación de polvo ambiental. En este sentido, un parámetro de gran interés es el poder de emisión de polvo, que cuantifica la tendencia de los materiales pulverulentos a generar polvo cuando se manipulan. En este trabajo, para determinar el poder de emisión de polvo de una composición cerámica (mezcla de materias primas empleada para la fabricación de baldosas cerámicas) se ha empleado un método de caída continua. Este método se ha seleccionado por ser el que mejor representa las operaciones de manipulación de materiales pulverulentos que tienen lugar en el proceso de fabricación de baldosas cerámicas. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el poder de emisión de polvo de una misma composición cerámica se modifica sustancialmente durante el proceso productivo dependiendo de su forma de presentación. En este sentido, la muestra procedente de la molienda vía seca presenta un elevado poder de emisión de polvo, pudiéndose reducir significativamente (> 75%) aplicando la humectación y la aglomeración. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la presentación óptima desde el punto de vista de la minimización de la generación de polvo se alcanza en el proceso de atomización, llegándose a reducir el poder de emisión de polvo en más de un 95%. During the handling and/or processing of powdered materials in the ceramic industry, one of the most important risks regarding the environmental and occupational health is the potential generation of dust. In this regard, a parameter of great interest is the dustiness of the processed materials; this parameter quantifies the tendency of the powdered materials to generate dust when handled. In this study, to determine the dustiness of a ceramic raw material composition (mixture of the body raw materials), the continuous drop method has been used. This test apparatus was selected because it is considered to better simulate how ceramic materials are handled in the ceramic industry. The obtained results show that the dustiness of the same ceramic composition exhibits significant changes during the manufacturing process, depending on the presentation form. In this regard, the dry milling sample presents the highest dustiness, which can be significantly reduced (> 75%) applying the the moisturization and agglomeration. The obtained results also shown that the best presentation form, regarding the minimization of the dust generation, is achieved in the spray-drying process, where the dustiness is reduced by 95%.

The ceramic industry is a growing industrial sector, which is benefitting from advances made available through nanotechnology and a number of innovative industrial processes. However, production of nanomaterials, including the manufacture and use of nanoceramics, cannot be considered safe without a thorough investigation regarding exposure and toxicity of nanoceramic materials, which is a current research gap. This requires better knowledge of workers’ exposure in the ceramic sector and during nanoceramics manufacturing, handling and processing, which will firstly require the understanding of exposure scenarios. In this framework, the ERANET-SIINN project CERASAFE aims to assess and improve environmental health and safety (EHS) in the ceramic industry. The objective of this project is to study industrial processes and activities which may generate nanoparticle emissions into workplace air, and to assess worker exposure by evaluating the particle release processes, characterizing the emitted particles, and understanding their toxicity. N/A

Following the entry into force of the IPPC directive, the activities that it affects, which include the ceramic sector, have needed to control fugitive particle emissions by implementing corrective measures that often entail significant economic costs. In the most demanding cases, the Integrated Environmental Authorisations (IEA) awarded to companies in the ceramic industry require total enclosure of the raw materials handling operations. This paper evaluates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of the implementation of a total enclosure or containment system as a way of reducing fugitive particle emissions, as this is considered one of the Best Available Techniques (BAT). The study was carried out on the raw materials reception, handling, and storage operations at a ceramic company that manufactures spray-dried powder granules.Tras la entrada en vigor de la Directiva de Prevención y Control Integrados de la Contaminación (Directiva IPPC) las actividades afectadas por la misma, incluidas las del sector cerámico, se han visto obligadas a controlar la emisión de partículas difusas mediante la implantación de medidas correctoras, que en muchos casos suponen un impacto económico significativo. En los casos más exigentes, las Autorizaciones Ambientales Integradas (AAIs) otorgadas a empresas del sector cerámico requieren el cerramiento total de las operaciones de gestión de materias primas. En el presente trabajo se evalúa la viabilidad técnica, económica y ambiental de la implantación de un sistema de cerramiento o confinamiento total como medida de reducción de emisiones difusas al considerarse una de las Mejores Técnicas Disponibles (MTDs). El estudio se ha realizado sobre una instalación de fabricación de gránulo atomizado considerando las operaciones de recepción, gestión y almacenamiento de materias primas.