On the Role of Atmospheric Weathering on Paint Dust Aerosol Generated by Mechanical Abrasion of TiO2 Containing Paints.

Adam W Nored,Jacob S Shedd,Marie-Cecile G Chalbot,Ilias G Kavouras

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031265

Abstract

In recent years, the introduction and use of new nanomaterials in construction has increased at a rapid rate. Exterior surface paints have been a product that have had these nanomaterials added to them. In this study, the effects of natural weathering and exposure to atmospheric agents was examined to determine the detrimental effects on outdoor paint that has been created with nanomaterials. Data collected over the course of the yearlong study indicate that the nanoparticles of the titanium dioxide were eliminated rapidly. Further testing indicated that various elements of weathering were affecting the physical integrity of the paint. The weathering agents that appeared to have the greatest effect on the samples were acid deposition and total precipitation. There was a strong association between carbon monoxide and the effects on the panels. These results can lead to new plans for assessments involving the synergistic effects of all weathering agents.

Highlights

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been integrated into construction materials including paints [1]
The count median diameter (CMD) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of paint dust generated after one month of environmental weathering were somewhat different than those computed for paint dust generated from freshly painted wood panels using the same protocol (CMD of 39.4 ± 2.7 nm; GSD of 2.2 ± 0.1), albeit similar levels of particle mass (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 ) levels were generated
This study showed that most TiO2 and paint polymers may have been depleted from weathered painted surfaces; PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 paint dust emissions declined as a narrow range (GSD decrease) of smaller particles

Summary

Introduction

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been integrated into construction materials including paints [1] These nano-enabled products (NEPs) are commercially desirable due to their improved structural integrity, thermal conductivity, fire prevention, and selfcleaning features as compared to conventional products, and, as such, they are extensively used in commercially available consumer products [2,3,4,5]. Despite these advantages, most commercially available NEPs are not properly identified as containing nanomaterials. Many ENMs, such as carbon nanotubes, silicon dioxide (SiO2 ), titanium dioxide (TiO2 ), and copper oxide (CuO) have been shown to be harmful to humans, with pristine nanoparticles translocating from the lungs into the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems [6,7,8,9,10]

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