Nano Particles in the Home in Larger Numbers Than Previously Thought

First posted on 11-17-2008

Extremely small nanoscale particles are released by common kitchen appliances in abundant amounts, according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology or NIST. Researchers had already discovered that these appliance emit relatively larger nonoparticles but these ultrafine particles greatly outnumber the larger variety.

Nanoparticles are becoming more of a concern as research produces increasing evidence that they can cause respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.

NIST researchers conducted a series of 150 experiments using gas and electric stoves and electric toaster ovens to determine their impacts on indoor levels of nano-sized particles. These scientists were able to measure particles as small as 2 nm, about 10 times the size of a large atom.

More than 90 percent of all the particles produced by the electric and gas stovetop burners/coils were in this previously unstudied range. The gas and electric ovens and the toaster oven produced most of their ultrafine particles in the 10 nm to 30 nm range.

Researchers will continue to explore the production of these extremely small nanonparticles by indoor sources. Many common small appliances such as hair dryers, steam irons and electric power tools include heating elements or motors that may produce ultrafine particles. People often use these small appliances at close range for relatively long times, so exposure could be large even if the emissions are low.

The experiments were conducted in a three-bedroom test house at NIST that is equipped to measure ventilation rates, environmental conditions and contaminant concentrations.