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NIOSH Methods for Field Portable Analysis of Airborne Metals: From Development to Technology Transfer

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NIOSH Methods for Field Portable Analysis of Airborne Metals: From Development to Technology Transfer

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    1. NIOSH Methods for Field Portable Analysis of Airborne Metals: From Development to Technology Transfer This forum summarizes progress in a NIOSH program project on developing and promoting field portable technologies for measuring airborne metals, including their identification, evaluation and development in the laboratory, applications in various workplaces, and their promotion among potential end users. The project started in January of 2000 and consists of four separate projects that involve instrument selection, method evaluation and development, method application, and communication intervention as a means of encouraging method use. The terrorism events of September, 2001, have raised concerns over such incidents as ‘dirty nuclear bombs’ and other explosions which could result in excessive airborne metal exposures among rescue workers and survivors. Field portable instrumentation for measuring airborne concentrations of these metals could help screen exposures on location and allow the appropriate engineering and personal control technologies to be used. However, our original interest involved workplaces such as metal mines and construction sites.This forum summarizes progress in a NIOSH program project on developing and promoting field portable technologies for measuring airborne metals, including their identification, evaluation and development in the laboratory, applications in various workplaces, and their promotion among potential end users. The project started in January of 2000 and consists of four separate projects that involve instrument selection, method evaluation and development, method application, and communication intervention as a means of encouraging method use. The terrorism events of September, 2001, have raised concerns over such incidents as ‘dirty nuclear bombs’ and other explosions which could result in excessive airborne metal exposures among rescue workers and survivors. Field portable instrumentation for measuring airborne concentrations of these metals could help screen exposures on location and allow the appropriate engineering and personal control technologies to be used. However, our original interest involved workplaces such as metal mines and construction sites.

    2. Metalworking - Basic Facts Millions of full-time workers in construction, mining, and welding in U.S. At the turn of this century, about 6 million workers in the United States were involved in some aspect of the construction, mining, and metalworking industries. The health impact of exposures to airborne metals depends on the time spent at each task, and the nature of the task which determines the elemental blend and concentration of airborne elements. These factors can vary greatly from one worksite to another.At the turn of this century, about 6 million workers in the United States were involved in some aspect of the construction, mining, and metalworking industries. The health impact of exposures to airborne metals depends on the time spent at each task, and the nature of the task which determines the elemental blend and concentration of airborne elements. These factors can vary greatly from one worksite to another.

    3. Methods for Analyzing Airborne Metals Typically, air samples are collected on sample filters contained in cassettes. These filters are then removed from the workplace and sent to a laboratory for analysis by wet chemistry methods. Often, the receipt of analytical results can take weeks or even months. By this time, the worker may have received an excessive exposure and/or may have moved on to another task or site. Portable instruments allow the field industrial hygienist to analyze samples at least for screening purposes on-location with same-day speed. These instruments can be used in association with confirmatory laboratory based analytical methods in cases where exposures appear to be close to or exceeding the occupational exposure limit (OEL), thereby reducing the number of samples sent to laboratories and rendering the exposure assessment process more cost-efficient. However, there are perceived barriers to the acceptance and use of these instruments and methods. We will address some of these issues in this forum.Typically, air samples are collected on sample filters contained in cassettes. These filters are then removed from the workplace and sent to a laboratory for analysis by wet chemistry methods. Often, the receipt of analytical results can take weeks or even months. By this time, the worker may have received an excessive exposure and/or may have moved on to another task or site. Portable instruments allow the field industrial hygienist to analyze samples at least for screening purposes on-location with same-day speed. These instruments can be used in association with confirmatory laboratory based analytical methods in cases where exposures appear to be close to or exceeding the occupational exposure limit (OEL), thereby reducing the number of samples sent to laboratories and rendering the exposure assessment process more cost-efficient. However, there are perceived barriers to the acceptance and use of these instruments and methods. We will address some of these issues in this forum.

    4. Program Goal The overall goal of the program is that some portable instruments and technologies can be developed into methods which can be used to rapidly screen airborne metals of health concern. It is also necessary to provide a means of heightening awareness and acceptance of existing methods for field portable instruments among safety and industrial professionals in order to implement and evaluate exposure controls for workers.The overall goal of the program is that some portable instruments and technologies can be developed into methods which can be used to rapidly screen airborne metals of health concern. It is also necessary to provide a means of heightening awareness and acceptance of existing methods for field portable instruments among safety and industrial professionals in order to implement and evaluate exposure controls for workers.

    5. Specific Aims Evaluate existing NIOSH methods Emerging technologies Identify “best candidates” Characterize and evaluate Method development and testing Communication interventions to raise method awareness/use How is this done? Our goals are to evaluate existing methods in the workplace, identifying and selecting emerging technologies for laboratory and workplace evaluation, method development for these technologies, and promoting awareness and use of these methods using carefully designed communication interventions.How is this done? Our goals are to evaluate existing methods in the workplace, identifying and selecting emerging technologies for laboratory and workplace evaluation, method development for these technologies, and promoting awareness and use of these methods using carefully designed communication interventions.

    6. The presentations follow the range from topics from instrument identification and method development and evaluation in the laboratory, to their usefulness at mining and construction sites, as well as overcoming the roadblocks to getting the methods and instruments into the workplace in order to protect the health of the worker. This will be followed by and open mike session where you can tell us your experiences with portable instruments and methods, as well as give us feedback and suggestions on areas that need to be explored.The presentations follow the range from topics from instrument identification and method development and evaluation in the laboratory, to their usefulness at mining and construction sites, as well as overcoming the roadblocks to getting the methods and instruments into the workplace in order to protect the health of the worker. This will be followed by and open mike session where you can tell us your experiences with portable instruments and methods, as well as give us feedback and suggestions on areas that need to be explored.

    7. Portable Instruments for Analysis of Airborne Metals: Future NIOSH Analytical Methods? Nicholas J. Lawryk, MPH, Ph.D. Director – Airborne Metals Monitoring Program CDC / NIOSH, Morgantown, WV

    8. Concept

    9. Specific Aims “If the technology is ripe…” Laboratory evaluation Characterization studies Field sample analyses Durability, reliability, and ease of use

    10. Methods Using Portable Instruments in NMAM Method 7700 - Lead by Chemical Spot Test Method 7701 - Lead by Portable Ultrasound / ASV Method 7702 – Lead by Portable XRF Method 7703* – Hexavalent Chromium by Portable Visible Spectrophotometry

    13. Some Health Effects from Airborne Metal Exposures

    14. Technologies in Contention Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (SIBS) X-ray fluorescence with battery powered X-ray source Microwave Induced Plasma Spectrometry (MIP)

    24. Two XRF Spectrometers With Sealed Sources

    26. Technology Characteristics

    28. Conclusion

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