Nano-specific qualitative or semi-quantitative tools were developed for occupational exposure assessment. Some prominent examples are Stoffenmanager Nano and NanoSafer (Hristozov et al., Environment International 95 (2016) 36-53).
Are there any other modellig tool for a quantitative or semi-quantitative occupational exposure assessment to nanomaterials?
Exposure modeling is based on 1) source assessment (see e.g. Koivisto et al. 2017), 2) emission controls (Fransman et al. 2008), and dispersion model (e.g. Nazaroff 1989; Hewett & Ganser 2017; Ganser & Hewett 2017). For particulate exposure assessment Koivisto et al. (2015) used 2-box model where the source was defined using dustiness index.
I wouldn't use "semi-quantitative" non-physical dispersion models. I don't understand how ECHA can recommend those to be used in regulatory risk assessment. Let me know if you need anything else!
References:
A.J. Koivisto, A.C.Ø. Jensen, K.I. Kling, A. Nørgaard, A. Brinch, F. Christensen, K. Jensen, Quantitative material releases from products and articles containing manufactured nanomaterials: Towards a release library, Nanoimpact (2017) 119-132.
Fransman W, Schinkel J, Meijster T, Van Hemmen J, Tielemans E, Goede H. (2008) Development and Evaluation of an Exposure Control Efficacy Library (ECEL). Ann Occup Hyg; 52: 567-575.
Nazaroff, W. W. (1989) Mathematical modeling and control of pollutant dynamics in indoor air. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. (http://thesis.library.caltech.edu/576/)
P. Hewett, G.H. Ganser, Models for nearly every occasion: Part I - One box models, J. Occup. Environ Hyg. 14 (2017) 49-57.
G.H. Ganser, P. Hewett, Models for nearly every occasion: Part II - Two box models, J. Occup. Environ Hyg. 14 (2017) 58-71.
Koivisto AJ, Jensen ACØ, Levin M, Kling KI, Dal Maso M, Nielsen SH, Jensen KA and Koponen IK (2015) Testing a Near Field/Far Field model performance for prediction of particulate matter emissions in a paint factory Environ Sci Process Impacts 17, 62.
Does someone know what is meant with "nanospesific" in exposure modeling?
If it is just deposition, coagulation, and properties of particles the "nanospesific" models are developed long time ago (Nazaroff 1989; see ref above). Prof. Nazaroff used successfully multicompartment model to predict particle and gas concentration levels in a museum. He estimated soiling (deposition) of art pieces over long term exposure to outdoor concentration. This is an excellent example where we should aim at in exposure modelings; both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants should be taken into account and their mass flow to surfaces, human lungs, filters, outdoors should be solved.
Can someone explain why we started to use "semi-quantitative" and different "Tier level" modelings? We have made exposure modelings more complicated than it was during 80's. How this is possible?
Dear Antti, many thanks for your very exhaustive and passionate answer. I also agree with you about semi-quantitative modelling tools. I was looking for the available modeling tools for occupational exposure assessment, to perform a first evaluation of their performance.
Regards,
A.
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