The accurate measurement of airborne particles in the nanometer range is a challenging task. Since several studies have linked exposures to airborne ultrafine particles to elevated human health risks, the need to assess the concentrations of particles in the workplace that are below one hundred nanometers in diameter is imperative. Several different techniques for monitoring nanoparticles are now available and others are currently being tested for their merit. Laboratory condensation particle counters (CPCs), field-portable condensation particle counters, nanometer differential mobility analyzers, electron microscopy and other novel and experimental approaches to measuring nanoparticles have been recently employed in investigations. This paper gives an overview of these techniques and provides the advantages and disadvantages to each. Each technique is sized up against such attributes as accuracy, precision, economics, portability, and practicality. The paper concludes with a synopsis of how these techniques could be used in applications that involve surface coating techniques or other surface manipulations conducted in industry. This overview includes both commercially available techniques as well as those that are in the experimental stages.
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