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NanoAir, Development of an automated instrument for real-time, on-site qualitative analysis of full-range breathable airborne particles, including nanoparticles, using XRD technology
| acronym: |
NANOAIR |
| start: |
2008-12-01 |
| end: |
2011-02-28 |
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| programme: |
FP7 - Euroopa Liidu 7. raamprogramm |
| sub-programme: |
SME - Väikese ja keskmise suurusega ettevõtetele suuantud teadustegevused (VKEd) |
| instrument: |
BSG-SME - Teadustöö VKE huvides |
| call identifier: |
FP7-SME-2007-1 |
| project number: |
222333 |
| duration in months: |
27 |
| partner count: |
13 |
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| abstract: |
There is a need for better measurement instruments for analysis of airborne particles, in particular nanoparticles. Use of powders, nanomaterials/ceramics, and nanoparticles is rising fast. Occupational health problems are present at a wide range of different work places due to airborne particulates. Toxic particles such as asbestos and silica are responsible for the majority of particle related illnesses. The overall impacts of the NanoAir project are to reduce number of deaths and illnesses caused by workplace related exposure to particles. The air pollution detection market is growing fast, as new concerns are identified especially for indoor air pollution. The market is under pressure from USA from many new high-tech solutions, and progression regarding air pollution legislation and NP industries. Thus the concept of the project is to develop a new method to analyse airborne particles, onsite, real-time and with a high quality readout. The method can identify the particle types together with the size distribution. In the project we have a new idea for the development of an improved particle sampling system, which will allow collecting particles with a high efficiency and a wide range of particle sizes, including the nano-size regime. This will allow much improved analysis results and sensitivity for a wide range of particle types and sizes. This sampling system together with a mobile X-ray diffraction analysis technique opens up for new possibilities within air quality detection, especially within the capability to analyse nanoparticles. Detection and analysis of nanoparticles may be a very crucial field in the future air quality analysis, due to a rapidly increase in use of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in building materials, paintings, cleaning products, cosmetics, etc. At the same time, new research have indicated very large potential risks for man-made nanoparticles, due to a very deep deposition in the lungs and high chemical reactivity. |
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