Abstract No:
1655
Abstract Type:
Student Poster
Authors:
Y Diaz1, C Lungu2
Institutions:
1University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 2The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Presenter:
Yetunde Diaz, MPH
University of Alabama Birmingham
Faculty Advisor:
Claudiu Lungu
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Description:
Electrospinning is an emerging technology used to fabricate nanofibers from polymeric solutions. Material modifications are achieved via physical and chemical mechanisms, enabling the production of diverse materials at both laboratory and industrial scales. These nanofibers have applications in textiles, biomedical engineering, and more. The electrospinning process has gained great attention over the past decade due to its versatility in producing a wide variety of polymeric fibers and its ability to consistently generate fibers in the submicron range that are difficult to achieve using conventional techniques. Despite its widespread application, limited data exists regarding airborne contaminant emissions generated during the process.
Situation/Problem:
Although nanomaterials offer substantial advantages in various applications, they may also pose risks to the workers. Electrospinning commonly involves volatile solvent systems that are critical to polymer dissolution, fiber morphology, and process efficiency. However, frequently used solvents present significant health concerns due to their volatility. That, combined with the high-voltage atomization inherent to electrospinning, may generate elevated concentrations of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM). Electrospinning generates submicron fibers and ultrafine aerosols; therefore, we will focus primarily on respirable PM. Certain processes also require nanoparticles to achieve specific functionalities, and exposure to airborne nanoparticles has been linked to various health effects. Despite these potential hazards, the occupational impacts directly associated with electrospinning remain insufficiently characterized. Therefore, this study evaluated process-generated exposure to total VOC and PM during electrospinning.
Methods:
Total VOC monitoring was conducted using a photoionization detector (PID) (DirectSense XM VOC Probe–Datalogger, GrayWolf Sensing Solutions), and respirable particulate matter (RPM) monitoring was conducted using an aerosol monitor (DustTrak DRX Aerosol Monitor Model 8534, TSI Inc.). Environmental parameters, including temperature and relative humidity, were monitored using an environmental sensor. A repeated-measures exposure assessment of TVOCs and RPM was conducted over five days in an industrial laboratory. Each sampling day included a 30-minute baseline monitoring period prior to electrospinning, followed by 1 hour of monitoring during active electrospinning operations. Instruments were positioned within the breathing zone of the operator during electrospinning. Descriptive statistics were calculated separately for baseline and process periods. Comparative statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test to assess differences between background and operational concentrations. Temporal trends were subsequently evaluated using time-series analysis.
Results / Conclusions:
TVOC concentrations increased substantially during electrospinning across all five days, with a mean increase of 4,171 ppb (~1,620% above baseline; t (4) = 3.85, p = 0.018) and a very large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.54). Respirable PM concentrations were generally low, with one day exhibiting a transient spike. Over four valid sampling days, PM increases were not statistically significant (Wilcoxon V = 10, p = 0.125).
We concluded that electrospinning generates significant VOC exposures, while respirable PM remains minimal under the monitored conditions. Findings highlight the importance of engineering controls and occupational exposure monitoring during nanofiber production.
Core Competencies:
Exposure Assessment
Secondary Core Competencies:
Chemical Sampling and Instrumental Analysis
Risk Assessment
Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.
Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring
Exposure Assessment
Indoor air quality
Real-time detection services and direct reading instruments
Risk assessment and management
Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)
Professional: Professional is a job title given to persons who have obtained a baccalaureate or graduate degree in IH/OH, public health, safety, environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering or who have a degree in another area that meets the standards set forth in the next section, Knowledge and Skill Sets of IH/OH Practice Levels, and has had 4 or more years of practice. One significant way of demonstrating professional competence is to achieve certification by a 3rd party whose certification scheme is recognized by the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) such as the Board of Global EHS Credentialing (BGC).
Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?
No
Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?
Yes
If yes, i.e., If worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis are to be presented please describe the statistical methods and tools (e.g. IHSTAT, Expostats, IHSTAT_Bayes, IHDA-AIHA, or other statistical tool, please specify) used for analysis of the data.
Data were analyzed using standard industrial hygiene statistical methods in R. Analyses included descriptive statistics and time-series analyses to evaluate trends in exposure levels over multiple sampling periods. A paired t-test was conducted to compare exposure measurements between sampling conditions.
How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?
The emerging growth of electrospinning for applications such as advanced materials and PPE manufacturing presents emerging occupational exposure concerns, including airborne nanoparticles and solvent vapors. By quantifying contaminant levels generated during these processes, this work provides critical data to support evidence-based safety planning. The findings inform exposure control strategies, risk characterization, and targeted interventions, strengthening occupational health protections in this expanding field.
Have you presented this information before?
No
I have read and agree to these guidelines.
Yes