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Occupational Exposure to Metal Engineered Nanoparticles: A Human Biomonitoring Pilot Study Involving Italian Nanomaterial Workers

Authors :
Beatrice Bocca
Beatrice Battistini
Veruscka Leso
Luca Fontana
Stefano Caimi
Mauro Fedele
Ivo Iavicoli
Source :
Toxics, Vol 11, Iss 2, p 120 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Advances in nanotechnology have led to an increased use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and the likelihood for occupational exposures. However, how to assess such exposure remains a challenge. In this study, a methodology for human biomonitoring, based on Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS), was developed as a tool to assess the ENPs exposure of workers involved in nanomaterial activities in two Italian Companies. The method was validated for size and number concentration determination of Ag, Au, In2O3, Ir, Pd, Pt, and TiO2 NPs in urine and blood samples. The results showed the presence of In2O3 NPs in blood of exposed workers (mean, 38 nm and 10,371 particles/mL), but not in blood of controls. Silver, Au, and TiO2 NPs were found in urine (mean, Ag 29 nm and 16,568 particles/mL) or blood (mean, Au 15 nm and 126,635 particles/mL; TiO2 84 nm and 27,705 particles/mL) of workers, though these NPs were found also in controls. The presence of ENPs in both workers and controls suggested that the extra-professional exposure is a source of ENPs that cannot be disregarded. Iridium, Pd, and Pt NPs were not detected neither in blood nor in urine. Overall, the findings provided a rational basis to evaluate the exposure assessment to ENPs in cohorts of workers as part of risk assessment and risk management processes in workplaces.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23056304
Volume :
11
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Toxics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.9b5ef7ee44b04450b9043d44b827f153
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11020120