139 Single Particle Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry: Exploring the Possibilities for Exposure Science

Abstract

Abstract Recent developments in the field of elemental spectroscopy suggest that the use of single particle inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (spICP-MS) might offer further information about exposure to a range of particles in the workplace. The technique detects individual elemental particles providing information about the size and number of particles present. There are many occupational settings where spICP-MS could be utilised to characterise exposure to particles better. It is possible to detect particles in a range of both environmental and biological samples and this could be especially useful where there are no well-established biological monitoring methods or where exposure is not fully understood. Results presented here will describe the spICP-MS method developed at HSE’s laboratory where it has been possible to determine workers exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The measurements have been undertaken in exhaled breath condensate samples collected from workers and controls. Using the recently optimised method it has been possible to detect silicon-containing particles, across a size range of 100-2000 nm, in a one minute acquisition. Findings from recent analysis where it has been possible to detect titanium-containing particles in bulk environmental samples will also be shown. Additionally, from some preliminary work undertaken it might also be possible to detect metal particles from welding activities to help better capture daily exposures. This analytical technique shows promise for a range of workplace activities and has the potential to inform about the efficacy of control measures in the workplace, as well as specific information about the elemental particle exposures. © Crown Copyright (2022)