Consumer Spray Products Research Articles

Emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds from consumer spray products based on product type, spray method, and distance

Consumer spray products (CSPs) are widely used in daily life, yet it is challenging to find products that fully disclose all components posing health risks. Existing studies primarily focus on product components or VOC quantities emitted during use. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the VOC concentrations emitted by CSPs at varying distances. 47 CSPs available in the Korean market were selected, spanning three spray groups: antiseptics/insecticides (11), aromatic deodorants (16), and coating/polishing agents (20). VOC in air samples were collected using Tenax TA tube at a distance of 1 and 3 m from the sprayed CSPs and then analyzed by thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry system. Discrepancies were found between labeled and actual product components. Aromatic deodorants exhibited the highest total VOCs (TVOCs), while antiseptic/insecticide sprays exhibited the lowest. In the antiseptic/insecticide group and coating/polishing agent group, benzene as a propellant had a maximum concentration (30.9 ± 25.6 ppb), and as trigger, its concentration was 33.7 ± 30.7 ppb. Quantitative analysis using advanced analytical instruments only explained 26.1 ± 20.4% of toluene-equivalent TVOCs, suggesting the presence of additional substances. Concentrations varied by distance due to substance volatility and usage. Maintaining a distance of at least 1 m from CSPs is recommended.

Risk assessment of consumer spray products using in vitro lung surfactant function inhibition, exposure modelling and chemical analysis

Consumer spray products release aerosols that can potentially be inhaled and reach the deep parts of the lungs. A thin layer of liquid, containing a mixture of proteins and lipids known as lung surfactant, coats the alveoli. Inhibition of lung surfactant function can lead to acute loss of lung function. We focused on two groups of spray products; 8 cleaning and 13 impregnation products, and in the context of risk assessment, used an in vitro method for assessing inhibition of lung surfactant function. Original spray-cans were used to generate aerosols to measure aerodynamic particle size distribution. We recreated a real-life exposure scenario to estimate the alveolar deposited dose. Most impregnation products inhibited lung surfactant function at the lowest aerosolization rate, whereas only two cleaning products inhibited function at the highest rates. We used inhibitory dose and estimated alveolar deposition to calculate the margin of safety (MoS). The MoS for the inhibitory products was ≤1 for the impregnation products, while much larger for the cleaning products (>880). This risk assessment focused on the risk of lung surfactant function disruption and provides knowledge on an endpoint of lung toxicity that is not investigated by the currently available OECD test guidelines.

Spatial Uncertainty in Modeling Inhalation Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in Response to the Application of Consumer Spray Products.

(1) Background: Mathematical exposure modeling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in consumer spray products mostly assumes instantaneous mixing in a room. This well-mixed assumption may result in the uncertainty of exposure estimation in terms of spatial resolution. As the inhalation exposure to chemicals from consumer spray products may depend on the spatial heterogeneity, the degree of uncertainty of a well-mixed assumption should be evaluated under specific exposure scenarios. (2) Methods: A room for simulation was divided into eight compartments to simulate inhalation exposure to an ethanol trigger and a propellant product. Real-time measurements of the atmospheric concentration in a room-sized chamber by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry were compared with mathematical modeling to evaluate the non-homogeneous distribution of chemicals after their application. (3) Results: The well-mixed model overestimated short-term exposure, particularly under the trigger spray scenario. The uncertainty regarding the different chemical proportions in the trigger did not significantly vary in this study. (4) Conclusions: Inhalation exposure to aerosol generating sprays should consider the spatial uncertainty in terms of the estimation of short-term exposure.

Characterisation of particles within and aerosols produced by nano-containing consumer spray products.

Nanoparticles have been incorporated into a range of consumer spray products, providing the potential for inadvertent inhalation by users and bystanders. The levels and characteristics of nanoparticle inhalation exposures arising from the use of such products are important inputs to risk assessments and informing dose regimes for in vitro and in vivo studies investigating hazard potentials. To date, only a small number of studies have been undertaken to explore both the aerosols generated from such products and the metal nanoparticles within them. The objective of the current study was to add to the limited data in this field by investigating a range of nano-containing spray products available within the UK. Six products were selected and the nanoparticles characterised using a combination of techniques, including: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX) and single particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS). The aerosol produced by these products, when sprayed within a glovebox, was characterised by scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS). A cascade impactor with thirteen stages (NanoMOUDI) was used with one product to generate information on the size specific nanoparticle elemental distribution within the aerosol. The results demonstrated the presence of solid nanoparticles (silver, gold or silica) in each of the products at low concentrations (<13 ppm). TEM and (sp)ICP-MS provided reliable information on nanoparticle size, shape, number and mass, while the light scattering methods were less effective due to the complex matrices of the products and their lack of chemical specificity. The aerosols varied significantly across products, with particle and mass concentrations spanning 5 orders of magnitude (10 - 106 cm−3 and 0.3–7600 μg m−3, respectively). The NanoMOUDI results clearly indicated non-uniform distribution of silver within different aerosol particle size ranges.

Behavioral characteristics to airborne particles generated from commercial spray products

Commercial spray products are commonly used in daily life and airborne particles generated by these products may cause adverse health effects. Our study was aimed to characterize the behaviors of airborne particles from spray products and to determine the deposition loss rate. Four categories of spray products with highly frequent use - air fresheners, fabric deodorants, window cleaners, and a bathroom cleaner - were selected for the study. The products were applied in a cleanroom according to the instructions for use. Airborne particles (10–10,000 nm) were measured within the breathing zone of a user with a scanning mobility particle sizer and an optical particle spectrometer. Additionally, filter sampling was performed to examine the morphological characteristics of the particles using a field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The initial concentration and particle size distribution varied among different spray types and products. Two propellant-type air fresheners that we tested showed a high initial concentration of smaller sized particles. However, one of these and all hand-pressure type propellants showed a low initial concentration in all size ranges. We observed that particles in nucleation mode (10–31.6 nm) decreased and aggregated particles shifted to accumulation mode (100–1,000 nm) over time. The FS-SEM analysis confirmed the aggregation of nano-sized particles for all products. The deposition loss rates of various particle sizes depended on the initial concentration and distribution of particle sizes. For two air fresheners with high initial concentrations, the loss rate of small-sized particles was higher than that of the other products whereas the particle loss rate of large-sized particles was higher, regardless of initial concentration. The results of this study can give us useful information in the behaviors of airborne particles in the consumer spray products and resulting exposure assessment especially in the application to the exposure modeling of spray products.

Low Concentration Analysis of Silver Nanoparticles in Consumer Spray Products

The lack of regulations regarding the manufacture of nanoparticle-containing products has enabled the release of many consumer products into the market with uncorroborated claims. Silver nanoparticles are commonly used in consumer goods, particularly in medical and household products. This study was designed to evaluate the aerosol exposure of silver nanoparticles from two consumer spray products currently on the market that claim to contain silver nanoparticles for antibacterial purposes. The study relies on our current understanding of various sampling and analytical methods to effectively evaluate aerosolized nanoparticles, particularly at low concentrations. To characterize low-concentration nanoparticles, various sophisticated sampling methods, including a NanoScan scanning mobility particle sizer, an optical particle sizer, an impinger, and diffusion samplers, were utilized to quantify, collect, and analyze the chemical compositions of the aerosolized products. Our results show that while both products aerosolize silver particles when sprayed, the emitted nanoparticles contain a low concentration of silver and vary in size and overall chemical composition. Further investigation of silver nanoparticle commercial spray products is needed to assess exposure risk and inform health professionals, industrial hygienists, and the general public regarding disparities in product marketing claims and nanoparticle aerosol exposure.

Physicochemical characteristics of colloidal nanomaterial suspensions and aerosolized particulates from nano‐enabled consumer spray products

Physicochemical properties between colloidal engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and aerosols released from consumer spray products were characterized. A dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) were used to evaluate the suspended ENMs in the products. Direct-reading instruments, TEM, and ICP-MS were used to characterize the properties of aerosolized ENMs. The aerosolized organic compounds with ENMs were assumed to be vaporized for a short time after spraying. The median diameter of ENMs in product solutions measured by DLS was about 200-350nm, while individual particle was confirmed from 3 to 50nm by TEM. The size of aerosolized ENMs was ranged from 7 to 44nm, and their aggregates were about 100-1000nm in near distance. Some inorganic substances including raw nanomaterials were also found in the aerosol. The particles released from the propellant sprays were identified in far distance, while they were not found in far distance when pump sprays were used. The number concentration from the propellant sprays increased up to 6000 particles/cm3 /g at near distance and dispersed to far distance, while the most of droplets emitted from pump sprays were settled down near sprayer's location. We found other metals besides labeled ENMs are included in each product and the characteristics of the particles are different when they are sprayed.

Characteristics of exposure factors and inhalation exposure to selected spray consumer products in Korean population

Many consumer spray products are sold for various purposes. Use of spray products can cause adverse health effects. This study evaluated exposure factors for consumer spray products and assessed the particle inhalation exposure. Six consumer spray products were evaluated: an automobile interior cleaner, car deodorizing spray, anti-static spray, waterproofing spray, microorganism deodorizer, and disinfectant spray. The exposure factors were based on 10,000 respondents over 15 years old. Inhalation dose was calculated from the concentration released into the room air and time used. The use rates of the spray products ranged from 0.4 to 11% and differed significantly by gender (p < 0.001). Aerosol types had a higher mass per use and longer duration of usage than trigger types. The median concentration of the trigger type ranged from 17.35 to 373.38 mg/m3, while that of the aerosol type ranged from 36.66 to 1601.97 mg/m3. The median inhalation dose of the trigger and aerosol types ranged from 2.04 × 10−3 to 0.20 and 2.60 × 10−3 to 1.71 mg/kg/day, respectively. The inhalation dose of the disinfectant spray increased with the level of education (p < 0.001), while the inhalation doses of the other spray products were not significantly associated with gender, age, income, or education.

Assessing human exposure risk and lung disease burden posed by airborne silver nanoparticles emitted by consumer spray products.

BackgroundNo systematic investigations have been conducted to assess the lung burden imposed by the chronic inhalation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) emitted by spray products.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to formulate a study framework that integrates a probabilistic risk assessment scheme with a mechanistic lung burden model for the estimation of health risks associated with the long-term inhalation of AgNP-containing spray products.Materials and methodsA compartmentalized physiologically based alveolar deposition (PBAD) model was used to estimate AgNP lung burden. Dose–response relationships were established using nanotoxicity data sets obtained from rats (as a model organism). Weibull model-based thresholds of AgNP lung burden based on neutrophil-elevated inflammation bio-markers were estimated from Hill-based exposure–response relationships. Finally, the risks of lung disease posed by various AgNP-containing spray products were assessed.ResultsConservative thresholds for the prevention of pulmonary disease were estimated as follows (mean ± SE): 34 nm AgNPs (0.32±0.22 mg) and 60 nm AgNPs (1.08±0.64 mg). Our results indicate that the risk probability was ~0.5 that the hazard quotient (HQ) estimates of deodorant with a count median diameter (CMD) ≈30 nm exceeded 1. The primary risk posed by AgNPs is transferred from the interstitial region to lymph nodes. Under the condition of 50% risk probability, the 97.5 percentile of HQ for the spray products were as follows: CMD ≈30 nm (~3.4) and CMD ≈60 nm (~1.1).ConclusionOur application of the proposed risk assessment scheme to the results obtained in an in vivo animal model proved highly effective in elucidating the relationship between the characteristics of metallic NP-containing spray products and their corresponding toxicity. The integration of the proposed PBAD model with a risk assessment framework enables the rapid assessment of risk posed by spray products containing metallic NPs over various time scales.

Methodologies for Inhalation Exposure Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterial-containing Consumer Spray Products

Methodologies for Inhalation Exposure Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterial-containing Consumer Spray Products

Exposure to Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) from Household Spray Products

Emission of volatile organic compounds from the use of household spray products has a negative impact on health and environment. Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) concentration levels emitted from forty –five registered consumer spray products in Nigeria were measured using MultiRAE TVOCs gas monitor. Human exposure to emitted TVOCs through inhalation, ingestion or through dermal route was evaluated using the ConsExpo spray model. The average TVOCs emission from all the investigated samples was in the range of 1664 and 560994.7 µg m-3 with an average of 63632.2 µg m-3. Generally for all the samples considered, the average released concentrations, inhaled dose, dermal doses, and average deposition rates were in the ranges of 1.83E+04 – 1.00E+06 µg m-3; 1.47E+03 – 8.01E+04 µg ; 3.41E+04 – 4.84E+05 µg; and 1.79E+01 – 1.01E+03 µg s-1, respectively. The results provide information that could be used to significantly improve human exposure and risk assessment to emitted aerosols from spray products.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.73.4.19316

Spatial-Temporal Dispersion of Aerosolized Nanoparticles During the Use of Consumer Spray Products and Estimates of Inhalation Exposure.

We evaluated the spatial-temporal dispersion of airborne nanomaterials during the use of spray consumer products and estimated the level of consumer inhalation exposure. A total of eight spray products including five propellant and three pump types were selected to evaluate the dispersion of airborne nanoparticles across time and space in a cleanroom which could control the background particles. Four products were advertised to contain silver and one contained titanium nanoparticles, while three products were specified no ENM but as being manufactured through the use of nanotechnology. We used direct-reading instruments with a thermodesorber unit to measure the particles (number, mass, surface area), as well as filter sampling to examine physicochemical characteristics. Sampling was conducted simultaneously at each location (1 m, near-field; 2, 3 m, far-field) by distance from the source. We estimated the inhaled doses at the breathing zone, and the doses deposited in each part of the respiratory tract using the experimental data and mathematical models. Nanoparticles released from the propellant sprays persisted in the air and dispersed over a large distance due to their small size (1466-5565 particles/cm3). Conversely, the pump sprays produced larger droplets that settled out of the air relatively close to the source, so the concentration was similar to background level (<200 particles/cm3). The estimates of inhalation exposure also suggested that exposure to nanoparticles was greater with propellant sprays (1.2 × 108 ± 4.0 × 107 particles/kgbw/day) than pump sprays (2.7 × 107 ± 6.5 × 106 particles/kgbw/day). We concluded that the propellant sprays create a higher risk of exposure than the pump sprays.

Comparative modeling of exposure to airborne nanoparticles released by consumer spray products

Consumer exposure to sprays containing nano-objects is a continuing concern as a potential health hazard. One potential hazard has been formulated in the overload hypothesis. It describes a volume fraction of the macrophages that is occupied by deposited nanoparticles that leads to reduced macrophage mobility. Subsequent chronic inflammation may then lead to severe health consequences including cancer. To calculate lung deposition of spherical particles, the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model (ARA, Albuquerque, NM) provides different kinds of lung models and age settings. Using the MPPD v 2.11 software, we modeled several consumer-related exposure scenarios. Different body orientations and age groups were investigated. Moreover, a number of materials representing different densities were used, and the exposure calculated using MPPD is compared to the hazard derived from the overload hypothesis. Conditions leading to macrophage overload were found for exposures to high particle doses for prolonged times and repeated exposure. Such conditions are unlikely in the context of regular consumer exposure. The overload hypothesis assumes the particles to be inert and biopersistent, a condition that currently lacks a clear regulatory definition and is valid only for a few selected materials. Furthermore, because of material-specific effects and the possibility of surface adsorption of hazardous chemicals, nano-objects in propellant sprays remain of concern for consumer health.

Online characterization of nano-aerosols released by commercial spray products using SMPS–ICPMS coupling

Nanoparticle-containing sprays are a critical class of consumer products, since human exposure may occur by inhalation of nanoparticles (NP) in the generated aerosols. In this work, the suspension and the released aerosol of six different commercially available consumer spray products were analyzed. Next to a broad spectrum of analytical methods for the characterization of the suspension, a standardized setup for the analysis of aerosol has been used. In addition, a new online coupling technique (SMPS–ICPMS) for the simultaneous analysis of particle size and elemental composition of aerosol particles has been applied. Results obtained with this new method were confirmed by other well-established techniques. Comparison of particles in the original suspensions and in the generated aerosol showed that during spraying single particles of size less than 20 nm had been formed, even though in none of the suspensions particles of size less than 280 nm were present (Aerosol size range scanned: 7–300 nm). Both pump sprays and propellant gas sprays were analyzed and both released particles in the nm size range. Also, both water-based and organic solvent-based sprays released NP. However, a trend was observed that spraying an aqueous suspension contained in a pump spray dispenser after drying resulted in bigger agglomerates than spraying organic suspensions in propellant gas dispensers.

Modeling Population Exposures to Silver Nanoparticles Present in Consumer Products.

Exposures of the general population to manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) are expected to keep rising due to increasing use of MNPs in common consumer products (PEN 2014). The present study focuses on characterizing ambient and indoor population exposures to silver MNPs (nAg). For situations where detailed, case-specific exposure-related data are not available, as in the present study, a novel tiered modeling system, Prioritization/Ranking of Toxic Exposures with GIS (Geographic Information System) Extension (PRoTEGE), has been developed: it employs a product Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) approach coupled with basic human Life Stage Analysis (LSA) to characterize potential exposures to chemicals of current and emerging concern. The PRoTEGE system has been implemented for ambient and indoor environments, utilizing available MNP production, usage, and properties databases, along with laboratory measurements of potential personal exposures from consumer spray products containing nAg. Modeling of environmental and microenvironmental levels of MNPs employs Probabilistic Material Flow Analysis combined with product LCA to account for releases during manufacturing, transport, usage, disposal, etc. Human exposure and dose characterization further employs screening Microenvironmental Modeling and Intake Fraction methods combined with LSA for potentially exposed populations, to assess differences associated with gender, age, and demographics. Population distributions of intakes, estimated using the PRoTEGE framework, are consistent with published individual-based intake estimates, demonstrating that PRoTEGE is capable of capturing realistic exposure scenarios for the US population. Distributions of intakes are also used to calculate biologically-relevant population distributions of uptakes and target tissue doses through human airway dosimetry modeling that takes into account product MNP size distributions and age-relevant physiological parameters.

A Compact Exposure: Estimating Inhalation of Engineered Nanoparticles in Cosmetic Powders

The growing use of engineered nanomaterials in consumer products raises questions regarding potential adverse health effects of nano-material exposures. Although a considerable amount of research exists on the toxicity of pure nanomaterials, there is only limited information exposure to nano-materials combined with other ingredients in consumer products. A team of researchers now reports their observations on inhalation exposure through the use of nanotechnology-enabled and non-nanoenabled (“regular”) cosmetic powders [EHP 120(6):885–892; Nazarenko et al.]. There are currently more than 1,300 documented nanoenabled consumer products (that is, products that incorporate ingredients meas-uring 1–100 nm in at least one dimension). This figure represents only those products voluntarily reported by manufacturers. In a previous study, these investigators examined the potential for inhalation of nanoparticles through the use of nanoenabled and regular consumer spray products. This time, they analyzed particle size, shape, agglomeration (clustering), and distribution for three nanoenabled and three regular cosmetic powders. To simulate real-world exposures, they applied each powder to a life-size female mannequin head using its enclosed brush or pad. Then they measured the size distribution and concentration of particles that could be inhaled as a result of such application. Nanoparticles in cosmetics often cluster into larger agglomerations. All particles in the first sample of nanoenabled powder were in the nanoscale range. The second nanoenabled powder contained a wide range of agglomerated particles, with the majority being nanosized. Despite its label, the third nanoenabled powder contained no nanoscale particles. The researchers did find a number of nanoparticles agglomerated with larger particles in two regular powders, which were not marketed as nanoenabled. The third regular powder contained mostly particles measuring greater than 5 mm in diameter. Particles under 100 nm in diameter may travel all the way to the terminal alveoli, where air exchange takes place. However, the authors’ electron microscopy data and airborne particle measurements suggest that exposure to nano-particles would be largely through agglomerates of 5–10 mm and larger, which are likely to lodge in the tracheobronchial and head airway regions. But because these agglomerates have a combined surface area greater than that of solid particles of the same size, they may pose different health hazards than solid particles. The study offers a methodology that could be applied to future studies focusing on real-world inhalation exposures related to nanoenabled consumer products. Results from such studies can help guide estimates of exposures through the short- and long-term use of such products.

Silver Nanoparticles and Total Aerosols Emitted by Nanotechnology-Related Consumer Spray Products

Products containing silver nanoparticles are entering the market rapidly, but little is known about the potential for inhalation exposure to nanosilver. The objectives of this work were to characterize the emissions of airborne particles from consumer products that claim to contain silver nanoparticles or ions, determine the relationship between emissions and the products' liquid characteristics, and assess the potential for inhalation exposure to silver during product use. Three products were investigated: an antiodor spray for hunters, a surface disinfectant, and a throat spray. Products emitted 0.24-56 ng of silver in aerosols per spray action. The plurality of silver was found in aerosols 1-2.5 μm in diameter for two products. Both the products' liquid characteristics and the bottles' spray mechanisms played roles in determining the size distribution of total aerosols, and the size of silver-containing aerosols emitted by the products was largely independent of the silver size distributions in the liquid phase. Silver was associated with chlorine in most samples. Results demonstrate that the normal use of silver-containing spray products carries the potential for inhalation of silver-containing aerosols. Exposure modeling suggests that up to 70 ng of silver may deposit in the respiratory tract during product use.

Potential for exposure to engineered nanoparticles from nanotechnology-based consumer spray products

The potential for human exposure to engineered nanoparticles due to the use of nanotechnology-based consumer sprays (categorized as such by the Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory) is examined along with analogous products, which are not specified as nanotechnology-based (regular products). Photon correlation spectroscopy was used to obtain particle size distributions in the initial liquid products. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine particle size, shape, and agglomeration of the particles. Realistic application of the spray products near the human breathing zone characterized airborne particles that are released during use of the sprays. Aerosolization of sprays with standard nebulizers was used to determine their potential for inhalation exposure. Electron microscopy detected the presence of nanoparticles in some nanotechnology-based sprays as well as in several regular products, whereas the photon correlation spectroscopy indicated the presence of particles <100 nm in all investigated products. During the use of most nanotechnology-based and regular sprays, particles ranging from 13 nm to 20 μm were released, indicating that they could he inhaled and consequently deposited in all regions of the respiratory system. The results indicate that exposures to nanoparticles as well as micrometer-sized particles can be encountered owing to the use of nanotechnology-based sprays as well as regular spray products.

Nanosized aerosols from consumer sprays: experimental analysis and exposure modeling for four commercial products

Consumer spray products are already on the market in the cosmetics and household sector, which suggest by their label that they contain engineered nanoparticles (ENP). Sprays are considered critical for human health, because the lungs represent a major route for the uptake of ENP into the human body. To contribute to the exposure assessment of ENP in consumer spray products, we analyzed ENP in four commercially available sprays: one antiperspirant, two shoe impregnation sprays, and one plant-strengthening agent. The spray dispersions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and (scanning-) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM). Aerosols were generated by using the original vessels, and analyzed by scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and (S)TEM. On the basis of SMPS results, the nanosized aerosol depositing in the respiratory tract was modeled for female and male consumers. The derived exposure levels reflect a single spray application. We identified ENP in the dispersions of two products (shoe impregnation and plant spray). Nanosized aerosols were observed in three products that contained propellant gas. The aerosol number concentration increased linearly with the sprayed amount, with the highest concentration resulting from the antiperspirant. Modeled aerosol exposure levels were in the range of 1010 nanosized aerosol components per person and application event for the antiperspirant and the impregnation sprays, with the largest fraction of nanosized aerosol depositing in the alveolar region. Negligible exposure from the application of the plant spray (pump spray) was observed.

Size-fractionated characterization and quantification of nanoparticle release rates from a consumer spray product containing engineered nanoparticles

This study describes methods developed for reliable quantification of size- and element-specific release of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) from consumer spray products. A modified glove box setup was designed to allow controlled spray experiments in a particle-minimized environment. Time dependence of the particle size distribution in a size range of 10–500 nm and ENP release rates were studied using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). In parallel, the aerosol was transferred to a size-calibrated electrostatic TEM sampler. The deposited particles were investigated using electron microscopy techniques in combination with image processing software. This approach enables the chemical and morphological characterization as well as quantification of released nanoparticles from a spray product. The differentiation of solid ENP from the released nano-sized droplets was achieved by applying a thermo-desorbing unit. After optimization, the setup was applied to investigate different spray situations using both pump and gas propellant spray dispensers for a commercially available water-based nano-silver spray. The pump spray situation showed no measurable nanoparticle release, whereas in the case of the gas spray, a significant release was observed. From the results it can be assumed that the homogeneously distributed ENP from the original dispersion grow in size and change morphology during and after the spray process but still exist as nanometer particles of size <100 nm. Furthermore, it seems that the release of ENP correlates with the generated aerosol droplet size distribution produced by the spray vessel type used. This is the first study presenting results concerning the release of ENP from spray products.