2006 Ohio Student Research Forum

Abstract

An Investigation into the Safety Aspects of the Manufacturing of Carbon-Based Nano Particles
Shannon C. McNeal
Contributors: Reynold Sequeira, Amro Kamel, Mbulelo Makola, and Jerone Anderson
Ohio University
Industrial and Systems Engineering, Russ College of Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Gary Weckman* and Dr. Ashraf M Genaidy**, Ohio University* and University of Cincinnati**

Researchers from Ohio University and University of Cincinnati combined to visit a Carbon-based nano particle manufacturer in Southern Ohio. During this visit, an initial characterization was performed. The researchers observed the workers noting possible exposure points to the Carbon-based nano particles. The layout of the facility was examined for any discrepancies in measurement and position of the machines. The final characterization will be sent to the company soon. In the future, the researchers and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will set up air sampling stations in various locations in the facility. The researchers will also be surveying the employees for health problems with a questionnaire.

Research was done to discover if there is any experimental sound information proving adverse safety affects of Carbon-based nano particles. The researchers decided that an evidence-based method of research would be best. In evidence-based research, every keyword must be recorded along with the number of results and the number of those pulled for further review from each database. This information will become a chart showing how the research was performed. After all the articles are pulled, a critical appraisal of each is done. For this investigation, the Experimental Appraisal Instrument (ExpAl) ©, Version 2.0 was used. This instrument allows the researchers to evaluate how the authors performed their experiments and study. Following the analysis of the previous studies, the research must go into practice which is the next step in this investigation. In the future, a tool will be developed to evaluate the probability to translate findings into practice.