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Airborne nanoparticle collection efficiency of a TEM grid-equipped sampling system
No full textInternational audienceThe recently developed aerosol sampler called mini particle sampler (MPS), which is equipped with a porous transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grid, renders nanoparticle sampling convenient. The present study aims to improve the nanoparticle sampling efficiency and to optimize the sampling technology. The sensitivity of the parameters in the whole set-up is estimated by the Taguchi method. The effects of the main parameters on the collection efficiency are compared between experiments and theories. The sampling efficiencies are determined for particles with mobility diameters ranging from 5 to 100 nm. The results show that parameters: salt concentration of the atomizer, high-voltage polarity in the differential mobility analyzer (DMA), sampling efficiency assessment method, sampling temperature, and porosity of the porous TEM grid minimally affect the collection efficiency. Small filter pore size and high flowrate promote particle capturing, but may aggravate the burden on the TEM grid. Denser particles increase the deposition possibility due to impaction, and thereby increasing the overall collection efficiency. The minimum collection efficiency is up to 40% by adjusting the parameter settings of the sampling system. The results are of immediate importance for assessing nano-exposure using the MPS sampling system
Towards the development of safer by design TiO 2 -based photocatalytic paint: impacts and performances
No full textInternational audienceAddition of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) (nano)particles into photocatalytic paints represents a promising alternative aiming to mineralize gaseous pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into innocuous species (H 2 O and CO 2). Despite important industrial and economic benefits, some concerns were raised regarding the risks associated with nano-objects and their human and environmental impacts. To mitigate potential risks associated with the use of these nano-objects, we report a safer by design strategy to develop a photocatalytic paint containing TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) taking into consideration the safety aspects over its life cycle. Specific innovative types of TiO 2 NPs were synthesized. These nanoparticles were then incorporated into an organic matrix-based paint. These paints were applied on standard substrates and underwent artificial weathering in an accelerated weathering chamber with controlled parameters. Photocatalytic efficiency towards airborne VOCs was measured for all the paints. Mechanical solicitation through abrasion and incineration tests were performed to assess the potential emission of airborne particles that could lead to human or environmental exposure. In parallel, toxicology studies were conducted to assess the hazards associated with the pristine particles and paint residues. Using this safer by design strategy, we succeeded in decreasing the negative impact of TiO 2 on the paint matrix while keeping a good photocatalytic efficiency and reducing the NP release. Taken together, these results show that we succeeded in generating safer by design paints, thanks to the use of these specifically developed TiO 2 NPs, which exhibit similar photocatalytic properties and enhanced physical properties as compared to paints containing the reference TiO 2 NPs, while reducing their potential hazards
Risk of breast cancer associated with long-term exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) air pollution: Evidence from the French E3N cohort study
No full textInternational audienceBACKGROUND: Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is an endocrine-disrupting pollutant formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials. It has been recognized as a reproductive and developmental toxicant, however epidemiological evidence of the long-term effect of ambient air BaP on breast cancer (BC) is limited. Thus we evaluated associations between ambient air BaP exposure and risk of BC, overall and according to menopausal status and molecular subtypes (estrogen receptor negative/positive (ER-/ER+) and progesterone receptor negative/positive (PR-/PR+)), stage and grade of differentiation of BC in the French E3N cohort study.METHODS: Within a nested case-control study of 5222 incident BC cases and 5222 matched controls, annual BaP exposure was estimated using a chemistry-transport model (CHIMERE) and was assigned to the geocoded residential addresses of participants for each year during the 1990-2011 follow-up period. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).RESULTS: Overall, cumulative airborne BaP exposure was significantly associated with the overall risk of BC, for each 1 interquartile range (IQR) increase in the concentration levels of BaP (1.42 ng/m(3)), the OR = 1.15 (95% CI: 1.04-1.27). However, by menopausal status, the significant positive association remained only in women who underwent menopausal transition (i.e. premenopausal women at inclusion who became postmenopausal at diagnosis), OR per 1 IQR = 1.20 (95% CI: 1.03-1.40). By hormone receptor status, positive associations were observed for ER+, PR + and ER + PR + BC, with ORs = 1.17 (95% CI: 1.04-1.32), 1.16 (95% CI: 1.01-1.33), and 1.17 (95% CI: 1.01-1.36) per 1 IQR, respectively. There was also a borderline positive association between BaP and grade 3 BC (OR per 1 IQR = 1.15 (95% CI: 0.99-1.34).CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence of increased risk of BC associated with cumulative BaP exposure, which varied according to menopausal status, hormone receptor status, and grade of differentiation of BC. Our results add further epidemiological evidence to the previous experimental studies suggesting the adverse effects of BaP
Effects of diclofenac on sentinel species and aquatic communities in semi-natural conditions
No full textThe authors are greatly thankful to M. Lonjaret for the zooplankton taxonomic determinations, to E. Guinard for assistance in the setting up of the contamination system and to F. Varin for technical support during the mesocosm set up. We are also very grateful to the following students A. Bernard, E. Guillot, M. Blachon, E. Pheron and L.Roy.International audienc
Costs and benefits of recycling PVC contaminated with the legacy hazardous plasticizer DEHP
No full textInternational audienceReusing materials is an attractive option for circular economy and can also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants. However, recycling raises questions regarding the potential risks to human health or the environment when hazardous legacy chemical additives of materials are also recycled, instead of the recent and less hazardous additives of virgin materials. To address this trade-off, this study developed a model to calculate the total external cost of material supply, considering the health and environmental impacts of all industrial steps (e.g. virgin material production, incineration, and recycling), and the health effects of recycling chemicals present in the material. The model is coupling material flow analysis, life-cycle analysis, and environmental economics to compare different recycling policies. It is applied for all illustrative purposes to soft PVC and DEHP in France. Results show that recycling of materials is in the long-term positive despite the prolongation of the presence of hazardous additives in materials. The time when the recurring environmental benefits of recycling offset the negative impacts on human health of recycling the additives is very sensitive to the health impact of additives. This approach can improve the harmonization between recycling and circular economy policies, and as a framework to confirm the relevance and size treatments to remove additives from materials during recycling
Exposure of South Korean Population to 5G Mobile Phone Networks (3.4–3.8 GHz)
No full textInternational audienceAs industrialized countries race to install and deploy 5G networks, some countries have taken the lead and already have operational 5G networks in place. South Korea is among these. In this study, we measured exposure to electromagnetic fields in South Korea to evaluate the relative contribution of 5G as compared with other frequencies such as 2G, 3G, and 4G. Results show that the emission of 5G contributes about 15% to total telecommunications emissions. The highest levels were observed in the vicinity of 5G antennas and remain below the limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
Exposure of the South Korean population to the 5th generation (5G) of mobile phone networks (3.4 to 3.8 GHz) and its respective contribution among other radio frequencies in the country
No full textInternational audienceThe race to install and deploy 5G has taken an important turn in industrialized countries. Certain countries have taken the lead, and 5G is already operational in these locations. South Korea is among those countries that have already deployed 5G. In this study, we conducted experimental measurements of exposure to electromagnetic fields in this country to see the contribution of 5G compared to other frequencies such as 2G, 3G and 4G. The results of the study showed that the emission of 5G is about 15% of the global level. The highest level was observed in the vicinity of the antenna and remains below the limits set by ICNIRP
Natural fibre composites with furanic thermoset resins. Comparison between polyfurfuryl alcohol and humins from sugar conversion
No full textInternational audienceIndustrial humins from biorefining process of sugars were used as reactive thermoset matrix for the preparation of humins-jute fibre composites. This material was investigated and benchmarked with jute composites prepared with polyfurfurylalcohol (PFA), a well-known biobased thermosetting resin The Dynamic Mechanical Analyses (DMA) showed glass transition temperature (Tg) associated to the relaxation of the cross-linked humins’ chains at 75 °C similar to the Tg of PFA. The two types of composites revealed tensile properties in the same range and both materials demonstrated very low water uptake and good dimensional stability after immersion in liquid water. Such higher hydrophobicity compared to raw jute mat is the consequence of the good interfacial interaction of both furanic matrix with the jute fibres in agreement with SEM observations. Fire performance of materials was also investigated, demonstrating that the fire hazard of composites was not increased by the presence of furanic matrix. Interestingly, humins composites were slightly better than PFA composites for both the thermal and fire-induced toxicity threats. This study demonstrated the possibility of using industrial humins instead of PFA as a thermoset-like resin for the next generation of biobased composites
Risk Assessment of a Gaseous Hydrogen Fuelling Station (GHFS)
No full textInternational audiencePromoted by national and European investment plans promoting the use of hydrogen as energy carrier, the number of Gaseous Hydrogen Fueling Station (or GHFS) has been growing up quite significantly over the past years. Considering the new possible hazards and the related accidents induced by these installations, like seen in 2019 in Norway, this paper presents a risk assessment of a typical GHFS using the same methodology as the one required in France by the authorities for Seveso facilities. The fact that a hydrogen fueling station could be used by a public, not particularly trained to handle hydrogen, underlines the importance of this risk assessment. In this article, typical components related to GHFS (dispenser, high pressure storage, compressor, low pressure storage) are listed, and the hazard potentials linked to these components and the substances involved are identified. Based on these elements and an accidentology, a risk analysis has been conducted in order to identify all accidental situations that could occur. The workflow included a detailed risk assessment, consisting in modeling the thermal and explosion effects of all hazardous phenomena and in assessing the probability of occurrence for these scenarios. Regarding possible mitigation measures the study was based on an international benchmark for codes and standards made for GFHS. These preliminary outcomes of this study may be useful for any designer and/or owner of a GFHS
Impact of Ragweed Pollen Daily Release Intensity on Long-Range Transport in Western Europe
No full textInternational audienceThis study is dedicated to improving the daily release of ragweed pollen emission in the context of deterministic regional modelling for analysis and forecast. First, correlations are calculated between daily modelled meteorological variables (wind speed, temperature, humidity, precipitation, surface fluxes) and daily pollen counts at nine stations in Hungary, Croatia and France between 2005 and 2011. The 2 m temperature is the most correlated parameter, followed by convective velocity and incoming shortwave radiation, while precipitation rate and 2 m specific humidity act as limiting factors. Using these results, a ragweed pollen daily release formulation is proposed. This formulation is implemented in the CHIMERE chemistry-transport model and tested during the whole year of 2010. Results are compared to observations, and it is shown that the new formulation provides a more realistic day-to-day variability: the spatio-temporal correlation between surface measurements and modelled concentrations is 0.77, greater than two other known emission schemes