Dermal Transfer and Environmental Release of CeO2 Nanoparticles Used as UV Inhibitors on Outdoor Surfaces: Implications for Human and Environmental Health

摘要

A major area of growth for “nano-enabled” consumer products have been surface coatings, including paints stains and sealants. Ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are of interest as they have been used as additive these products to increase UV resistance. Currently, there is a lack of detailed information on the potential release and, and speciation (i.e., ion vs. particle) of CeO2 NPs used in consumer-available surface coatings during intended use scenarios. In this study, both Micronized-Copper Azole pressure-treated lumber (MCA), and a commercially available composite decking were coated with CeO2 NPs dispersed in Milli-Q Water or wood stain. Coated surfaces were divided into two groups. The first was placed outdoors to undergo environmental weathering, while the second was placed indoors to act as experimental controls. Both weathered surfaces and controls were sampled over a period of 6 months via simulated dermal contact using methods developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The size and speciation of released material was determined through sequential filtration, total metals analysis, X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The total ceria release from MCA coated surfaces was found to be dependent on dispersion matrix with aqueous applications releasing greater quantities more than stain based applications, 66 ± 12 mg/m² and 36 ± 7 mg/m², respectively. Additionally, a substantial reduction of CeO2 to Ce(III)-organic complexes is observed over the 6-month experimental period in aqueous based applications.