There is increasing concern with the occupational health and safety of nanoparticles in the workplace and the implications of nanoparticles on the environment and living systems. Prof David Pui from University of Minnesota presents Nanoparticle Environmental, Health and Safety research, especially topics related to nanoscale filtration.
Institute for Advanced Study
Enquiries ias@ust.hk / 2358 5912 http://ias.ust.hk
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials/nanoparticles are produced at a rapid pace in recent years. There is increasing concern with the occupational health and safety of nanoparticles in the workplace. Another concern deals with the implications of nanoparticles, when discharged in the waste stream, on the environment and living systems. Ultimately, consumer acceptance of nano-products will depend on the Nanoparticle Environmental, Health and Safety (Nano-EHS) studies. We will present Nano-EHS research performed at the Particle Technology Laboratory, University of Minnesota, consisting of three components, namely, physico-chemical characterization, exposure and toxicity, and abatement by filtration. We have developed a Universal Nanoparticle Analyzer (UNPA) to measure the primary size, morphology, and agglomerate number, surface and volume distributions. Field measurements were performed at two nano-manufacturing facilities to assess workers’ exposure to the released nanoparticles. In-vivo animal studies were performed to evaluate the toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under realistic exposure conditions. Filtration is one of the principal means to mitigate workers’ exposure to the accidental release of nanoparticles. It is also used to collect valuable nanoparticle products from reactors. We will present several topics of nanoscale filtration performed at our Center for Filtration Research (CFR). These include the filtration efficiency and loading of nanoparticle agglomerates and CNTs, the performance of the nanofiber composite filter and integrated VOC/particulate filter, and the respirator performance for nanoparticle and bioaerosol filtration. Cabin air recirculation is found to be an effective means to capture nanoparticles in the workplace and on the roadway.
About the Speaker
David Y. H. Pui, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor, is the L.M. Fingerson/TSI Inc Chair in Mechanical Engineering and the Director of the Particle Technology Laboratory and of the Center for Filtration Research, University of Minnesota. He has a broad range of research experience in aerosol science and technology and has over 200 journal papers and 17 patents. He has developed/co-developed several widely used commercial aerosol instruments. He organized several successful international nanoparticle symposia to promote research cooperation especially among young scientists. Dr. Pui is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and a fellow of the American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR), and is a recipient of the Smoluchowski Award (1992), the Max Planck Research Award (1993), the International Aerosol Fellow Award (1998), the Humboldt Research Award for Senior U.S. Scientists (2000), and the David Sinclair Award (2002). He received the Fuchs Memorial Award at the International Aerosol Conference (IAC2010) in Helsinki, conferred jointly by the American, German and Japanese aerosol associations.
Institute for Advanced Study
Enquiries ias@ust.hk / 2358 5912 http://ias.ust.hk
