Outside the wide range of potential benefits, the use of nanomaterials can endanger human health, mostly through skin contact and the risk of inhalation. This article presents the results of harmonized measurements with contextual information on the emission of nanoparticles during the manufacturing and application of nanotechnology products. The purpose of the research was to investigate the actual levels of exposure to nano-objects in real working conditions in chosen Polish companies. Measurements were carried out in various workplaces: during silver nanoparticle synthesis, production of thin nanocarbon layers, 3D-printing with the use of a nanohydroxyapatite-polymer composite and the production of special seals from thin glass foils. Research was conducted on the basis of task-based measurements and offline microscopic analysis. Real-time particle DiSCmini counters were used to determine the nano-object concentration during different processes and events: samplers for collecting air dust, and a scanning electron microscope to confirm the presence of nanoparticles emitted from selected sources. Average particle sizes obtained with analysis of microscopic images were as follows: 46.7 ± 13.4 nm, 19.8 ± 4.8 nm, 22.4 ± 7.6 nm, 49.2 ± 26.3 nm respectively for workplaces. The concentration during significant events was referred to the background particle level. During one of the repeated processes, an unexpected and extremely high nanoparticle emission was recorded, which, in the long run, could cause a health hazard to workers. The studies have shown the importance of collective protective measures, revealed unexpected sources of accidentally generated nanoparticles and allowed to obtain knowledge about levels of exposure to nanoparticles during the various processes.

The influence of plant fillers on the flammability and smoke emission of natural composites was investigated. Epoxy composites with 15, 25, and 35 wt % of walnut and hazelnut shell, as well as sunflower husk, were prepared and examined. The ground organic components were characterized by grain size distribution, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and microstructure observations (SEM). The composite materials were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and structural evaluation with scanning electron microscopy. Cone calorimeter tests and TGA determined the influence of plant waste filler addition on thermal stability and flammability. Moreover, the semi-volatile and volatile compounds that evolved during the thermal decomposition of selected samples were identified using a steady state tube furnace and a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer. The intensity of the degradation reduced as a function of increasing filler content, while the yield of residue corresponded to the amount of lignin that is contained in the tested plants. Moreover, the incorporation of agricultural waste materials resulted in the formation of a char layer, which inhibits the burning process. The yield of char depended on the amount and type of the filler. The composites containing ground hazelnut shell formed swollen char that was shaped in multicellular layers, similar to intumescent fire retardants.