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Occupational Exposure to Incidental Nanomaterials in Metal Additive Manufacturing: An Innovative Approach for Risk Management

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Sousa

    (ALGORITMI Research Center/LASI, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
    CATIM—Technological Center for the Metal Working Industry, 4100-414 Porto, Portugal)

  • Pedro Arezes

    (ALGORITMI Research Center/LASI, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Francisco Silva

    (ALGORITMI Research Center/LASI, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
    CTCV—Technological Center for Ceramic and Glass, 3040-540 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

The benefits of metal 3D printing seem unquestionable. However, this additive manufacturing technology brings concerns to occupational safety and health professionals, since recent studies show the existence of airborne nanomaterials in these workplaces. This article explores different approaches to manage the risk of exposure to these incidental nanomaterials, on a case study conducted in a Portuguese organization using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. A monitoring campaign was performed using a condensation particle counter, a canning mobility particle sizer and air sampling for later scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, proving the emission of nano-scale particles and providing insights on number particle concentration, size, shape and chemical composition of airborne matter. Additionally, Control Banding Nanotool v2.0 and Stoffenmanager Nano v1.0 were applied in this case study as qualitative tools, although designed for engineered nanomaterials. This article highlights the limitations of using these quantitative and qualitative approaches when studying metal 3D Printing workstations. As a result, this article proposes the IN Nanotool, a risk management method for incidental nanomaterials designed to overcome the limitations of other existing approaches and to allow non-experts to manage this risk and act preventively to guarantee the safety and health conditions of exposed workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Sousa & Pedro Arezes & Francisco Silva, 2023. "Occupational Exposure to Incidental Nanomaterials in Metal Additive Manufacturing: An Innovative Approach for Risk Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2519-:d:1052397
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pål Graff & Bengt Ståhlbom & Eva Nordenberg & Andreas Graichen & Pontus Johansson & Helen Karlsson, 2017. "Evaluating Measuring Techniques for Occupational Exposure during Additive Manufacturing of Metals: A Pilot Study," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(S1), pages 120-129, November.
    2. Marta Sousa & Pedro Arezes & Francisco Silva, 2021. "Occupational Exposure to Ultrafine Particles in Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Assessment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-15, September.
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