Emission of Nanoparticles in the Nanotextile Industry

Abstract

We consider nanostructures, i.e. particles and structures with dimensions between 1 nm and 100 nm, to be the basic building blocks of nanomaterials. Nanoparticles are a common part of the environment (erosion, forest fire emissions, decomposition of substances, volcanic gases, etc.). However, human activity can significantly contribute to the amount of nanoparticles created. Nanoparticles are purposefully produced by new technologies (nanotechnology), but at the same time they are unintentionally created in industry (steel mills, ironworks, mining of raw materials, ceramic industry, etc.) and transport. In operations where nanoparticles are produced, employees are primarily at risk of inhaling them. Inhaled air containing particles is filtered in the respiratory system. Absorption of nanoparticles depends on their physicochemical properties. Compared to other materials that enter the body, nanomaterials have an exceptional ability to migrate in the living body, which increases their impact on human health. Measurements for a given type of textile production are published on this topic. The procedure for our measurement of the concentration of nanoparticles (10-700 nm) and their mean diameters can be called a "field". The aim of these measurements in real situations was to prove the quality of applied technologies in the production of non-woven textiles. Keywords: Nanosafety, Air pollution, Occupational health and safety.