This project aims to develop an easy to use, portable kit to identify and assess worker exposure to inhalable and respirable particles containing toxic heavy metals which are airborne or on work surfaces, specifically manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni). Prolonged exposure to these elements can cause negative health outcomes including neurological affections, pulmonary inflammation, and bronchiolar degeneration. The kits will be developed for use on a variety of workplace surfaces to detect concentrations of the specified metals below current occupational exposure limits. The portability and simplicity of the kits will provide on-site methods for testing and assessing exposure in a timely manner, enabling occupational hygienists to modify practices to limit exposures.

The kits will consist of a set of vials or test dip-sticks containing appropriate media and reagents to interact with the metals of interest. Particles will be collected using wipes or personal dosimeters. A small, handheld device will enable on-site visualization of a fluorescence response to particles. The kits will be tested in workplaces where possible occupational exposure to the metals might occur.