from the conferences organized by TANGER Ltd.
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are applied in a wide range of products worldwide. The use of ENMs results in generation of increasing amounts of waste containing nanomaterials. Waste of electronic and electrical equipment (e-waste) is one of the main waste streams recycled in municipal and industrial waste. There are limited studies that assess the potential exposure to nanomaterials during the recycling processes. The main way how e-waste is prepared for the following recycling is the reduction of its size.The aim of the study was to carry out the preliminary risk assessment of nanomaterials generated within e-waste processing. Occupational exposure was measured in a worker's breathing zone at the recycling site by Condensation Particle Counter (CPC 3007). Workplace air samples were collected on glass microscope slides using the Nano-ID Select Wide Range Aerosol Sampler (NANO-ID Select 005) and analysed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The qualitative risk assessment has been carried out in CB Nanotool v 2.0. The highest concentrations of nanoparticles were detected for the following elements: chromium, copper, zinc, and tin. The average aerosol number concentration (size range of 10 - 1000 nm) in workplace atmosphere was 65792 particles/cm3 (SD ±6292 particles/cm3) for all particles. The level of risk (RL, the risk level based management system) obtained from CB tool was equal to RL2 (Periodic review of the tasks, procedures, and controls by OSHH disciplines is necessary), and RL3 (Tasks require a standardized one-page permit as a higher level of control documentation in justifying the implemented controls will reduce risks relative to operative OELs). Local exhaust ventilation was proposed, based on the assessed risk level, to ensure occupational health and safety.This field study has been conducted as a case study for the subsequent detailed risk assessment and management.
Keywords: Nanoparticles, e-waste, occupational exposure, qualitative risk assessment© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.