Developing a guideline for measuring the total number concentration of engineering nanomaterials in workplaces in China

Objectives To provide a guideline for assessing the occupational exposure to nanomaterials in workplaces in China. Methods Based on the basic requirement for the sampling of harmful substances, condensation particle counter/optical particle counter (CPC/OPC) was selected as the tool and the total number concentration (TNC) was used as an index to measure engineering nanomaterials in workplaces. Results The strategy included instrument preparation, identification of particle‐emission source, particle‐property analysis, measurement of background concentration, concentration measurement based on working activity, concentration calculation and analysis, and recording of measurements. Conclusions The draft guideline based on traditional industrial hygiene practices can be used to identify the emission source of nanomaterials, qualitatively and quantitatively assess exposure to nanomaterials in workplaces.