Abstract

Construction and demolition workers are exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM) from building materials throughout their working life. Although nano-enabled building materials (NEBMs) may improve the performance and functionality of buildings, concerns are being raised regarding health risks from occupational exposure to PM from NEBMs. In this work, an experimental set-up for integrated resuspension and characterization of PM from NEBMs was developed and tested using three types of concrete (low density, normal, high strength), each enhanced with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) at different concentrations (0, low, high). The performance of portable devices used in occupational exposure assessments (DustTrak and NanoTracer) was compared with stationary instruments and gravimetric filter techniques. 40-70% of the mass and 90-98% of the number of particles were within the respirable fraction, with primary modes at 150 nm and 2-3 µm. Addition of CNTs significantly decreased mean particle number concentrations (PNCs) across the entire characterized size range (7 nm - 20 µm) for low density concrete, whereas the opposite was the case for normal strength and high strength concrete. It was hypothesised that the concrete matrix primarily governs the PM formation, which is in turn modulated by CNT-matrix interactions either suppressing or supporting fragmentation during crushing. SEM imaging could display partially submerged CNTs protruding from concrete fragments. Fundamental interactions at the interface of the nanomaterial and the surrounding matrix needs to be investigated to determine how the PM generated from NEBMs differ from their non-nano counterparts and how to prevent future exposure during demolition.
Translated title of the contributionAerosoliserade partiklar från fragmentering av kolnanorörsförstärkt betong
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAbstracts from the 2022 Airmon-10 conference and the 2023 Inhaled Particles and NanOEH conference
Chapter77
Pages i94–i95
Number of pages1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023 May

Publication series

NameAnnals of work exposures and health
NumberSupplement_1
Volume67
ISSN (Print)2398-7308
ISSN (Electronic)2398-7316

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Environmental Health and Occupational Health
  • Construction Management
  • Building Technologies

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