Evaluating occupational exposures to the graphene family of nanomaterials: Implications for worker safety and health

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterial, has garnered significant attention due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties, leading to its widespread application in various industries. However, the increasing utilization of this class of materials, also referred to as the graphene family of nanomaterials (GFNs), raises potential concerns regarding occupational exposures and health risks for workers. This study aimed to evaluate occupational exposures to GFNs across 11 primary and secondary manufacturing facilities operating in the U.S. A total of 44 workers participated in the study, with paired personal air samples collected for elemental carbon (EC) analysis at both the respirable and inhalable aerosol size fractions. The results revealed exposures with respirable EC concentrations ranging from