Is there any possibility that nanofibrious materials can be inhaled and end up in the respiratory system if the person who is conducting experiments on electrospinning of nanofibrious materials, without a face mask?
The nanofibrous material cannot be inhaled as the fibers are formed instantly right after the evaporation of the volatile solution (The whole process occurs in a closed chamber). Moreover, the nanofibers get collected over the collector drum as the collector is connected to the ground. Most probably there is no requirement of a mask.
I think the problem is more the solvent in which you need to dissolve your polymer for the process. For example, some people use 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol or trifluoroacetic acid which evaporates from the chamber and becomes a risk for the operator of the device. You need to have special ventilation in the room, and of course a respiratory mask.
If you are doping the polymer solution with any toxic material (metal oxide nanoparticles) then you should be wearing a mask before using. Another factor is the degradability of polymer which you use eg: - Biodegradable polymers and Non-Biodegradable Polymers.
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