NIOSH
Aerosol Research |
Since
concentrated aerosols are sometimes found in the workplace and
have been shown to result in a number of diseases, NIOSH has
devoted a significant portion of their research to the study
of aerosols.
This
work initially focused on pressing issues such as black lung
and silicosis, but has expanded to include many other areas,
some of which are highlighted below. |
Wildfires
NIOSH
is conducting cutting edge research on the exposures of fire
fighters to toxic aerosols while performing their duties.
Related NIOSH topic: Fighting Wildfires |
Dust
Exposure
of workers to high concentrations of “nuisance dust” can
result in adverse health effects. Silica exposure is one of the
key concerns, and NIOSH has done considerable research in this
area.
Related NIOSH topic: Silica |
Diesel
Emissions
The
exposure of workers to diesel particulate matter “ DPM”,
especially critical for workers in underground mines, has become
a major focus of recent NIOSH research.
Related NIOSH topic: Diesel Emissions and Measurement Control in Mining |
Asbestos
The
asbestos minerals often separate into very fine particles and
are easily inhaled. Persons exposed to asbestos have developed
several types of life threatening diseases, including lung cancer.
NIOSH research has been part of the thrust to dramatically decrease
the use of asbestos.
Related NIOSH topic: Asbestos |
Toxicity
Studies
At
the extensive NIOSH research facilities, techniques such as confocal
microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), are used to investigate aerosol-induced
damage to animal and human body tissues.
|
Metals
Due to their profound effects on body chemistry, metals are a key
focus of NIOSH aerosol research. Research includes studies of
particle formation mechanics as well as the toxicity potential
of metal – bearing aerosols.
|
Metal-bearing
Aerosols
Portable
analytical methods for metal aerosol analysis are being evaluated
by NIOSH. Here air sampling filters placed in holders are
evaluated in the field by X-ray
fluorescence. Accurate analysis is enhanced when the deposit
is most even.
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Coarse Aerosols
Since relatively large particles can irritate the upper airways,
NIOSH researchers study the performance of samplers for coarse
aerosols, such as wood dusts.
|
Respirators
and Personal Protective Equipment
A
cornerstone of NIOSH's mission is to certify that respirators
available to the public protect them from harmful airborne contaminants.
Here a NIOSH employee tests a filter respirator with sodium chloride
at the National
Personal Protective Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh.
|
International
Work
NIOSH
is active in addressing global health issues. In one recent study,
extensive on-site measurements were conducted in India, to evaluate
the aerosol concentrations of cooking-related fumes.
|
Nanotechnology
NIOSH is responding to the nanotechnology revolution by addressing
the potential health impact of nanomaterials in the workplace. Current
work includes evaluating material behavior and measurement / characterization
techniques, and nanomaterial toxicity.
Related NIOSH topic: Nanotechnology
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Download
this NIOSH Research Overview in PDF form (555
KB, 12 pg.)
|