 NMP-2007-1.3-1 Specific, easy-to-use portable devices for measurement and analysis
Technical content / scope: Risk assessment is based on appropriate characterisation of materials, hazard and monitoring and assessment of exposure. At present, there are few relevant studies on exposure to engineered nanoparticles, but it is believed that the greatest potential for human exposure over the next few years will be in the workplace. Gathering relevant and objective data on real exposure by allowing for background distinction at the workplace for industrial processes (e.g. production of nanoparticles, particularly when present in aerosols) represents a challenge and needs the development of appropriate personal measurement systems. The objective of the expected collaborative projects would be to develop and validate affordable, portable, adequate sampling and measurement equipments for monitoring working environments (i.e. quantification and characterisation of airborne nanoparticles in particular). These devices and methodologies for routine and non-routine exposure measurements should show an adequate degree of specificity, accuracy, user-friendliness and moderate production costs and produce data suitable for their use in exposure modelling systems.
Funding scheme: Large scale integrating collaborative projects
Specific features: Additional activities other than research should be included as appropriate, such as safety issues, specific education modules or the analysis of existing and required regulations. In line with the objectives of this topic, adequate industrial and SME participation is recommended.
Expected impact: (i) Safety of new nano-materials and -systems, and of nanotechnology-based products and services; (ii) safe and cost-effective minimisation of the exposure of workers when manufacturing nano-scale entities; (iii) sustainable and responsible development; (iv) support to research and regulation; (v) implementation of the European Commission’s Action Plan for Nanotechnology.
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