Release of ultrafine particles from three simulated building processes

Abstract

Building activities are recognised to produce coarse particulate matter but less is known about the release of airborne ultrafine particles (UFPs; those below 100 nm in diameter). For the first time, this study has investigated the release of particles in the 5-560 nm range from three simulated building activities the crushing of concrete cubes, the demolition of old concrete slabs, and the recycling of concrete debris. A fast response differential mobility spectrometer (Cambustion DMS50) was used to measure raise a need for further detailed studies and designing health and safety related exposure guidelines for laboratory workplaces and operational building sites. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.