Characterization and control of occupational exposure to nanoparticles and ultrafine particles : Caractérisation et contrôle de l'exposition professionnelle aux nanoparticules et particules ultrafines

The first concerns the assessment of the fine and ultrafine particle concentrations with a particle counter (P-Trak, model 8525), and the second pertains to the assessment of fine and ultrafine particle size distribution with an electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI). [...] The turbulence created by the person’s body in front of the hood would be at the origin of this exposure during the use of conventional hoods. [...] Quasi- personal measurements were performed in the Anode Sealing Department for the cleaning and sealing attendants, in the Soderberg process for the maintenance attendants and the employees who break the crusts of the electrolytic baths, and in the prebaked anode process for the maintenance employees. [...] The objective of the process is to reduce the size and spacing of the particles. [...] The nanoparticle weighing steps and the incorporation of the nanoparticles into the styrene are performed in the main chamber.