Abstract
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.