This SBIR topic aligns with the DHA Environmental Exposures Toxic Injury Prevention Roadmap, specifically focusing on enhanced tools and assessment methodology for acute and chronic exposure to military-relevant chemicals, materials, and hazards. Ultrafine particulates pose a significant health risk due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and translocate to the brain. Exposure has been correlated with exacerbating asthma, cardiopulmonary disease and systemic effects (1). However, current mass-based exposure assessment standards are inadequate for characterizing the risks associated with these low-mass, high-surface-area particles and mixtures. The DoW currently lacks a detection capability to comprehensively characterize a service member’s exposure to ultrafine particulates, which results in the inability to evaluate potential correlation with health outcomes. Ultrafine particulates of interest for occupational monitoring include those generated from high intensity processes such as weapons firing, engine emissions and fires (2-3). Submicron particulate exposure in occupational environments with these emission sources is highly variable and depends on proximity to the source and airflow conditions, which necessitates personal breathing zone monitoring (i.e. affordable sensors). The peak size of particulates generated from these processes are less than 0.1 microns (100 nanometers). Most commercially available Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) particulate matter sensors use an optical measurement approach, which limits the lower size that can be detected to about 0.3 microns. Currently available direct reading instruments for measuring particulates less than 0.3 microns in real-time include condensation particle counters and electrometers, which are expensive (>$10K). Most are not available as an OEM version to be integrated with other sensors. Those that are available suffer from a relatively low upper concentration limit (10^5 particles per cubic centimeter) so cannot be used in the field for emission exposure measurements, where concentrations are often closer to 10^6 particles per cubic centimeter or higher (4). Developing a comprehensive detection capability for ultrafine particulates is a critical investment in the long-term readiness and well-being of the force. Standard monitoring equipment often fails to detect submicron particles, which pose a medical threat due to their ability to penetrate the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Service members operating in environments such as burn pits, flightlines/flight decks, or industrial maintenance facilities may be exposed to hazardous concentrations without warning, leading to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular stress, and respiratory toxicity. Proactive, quantitative surveillance provides data to allow commanders to make informed decisions to protect the force, enables preventative medicine personnel to mitigate hazards, and creates a permanent exposure data health record essential for future service member and veteran health care. The novel materiel solution desired is a low size, weight, power and cost OEM ultrafine particulate sensor with real-time detection down to 0.01 microns (10 nanometers) or less at concentrations up to 10^6 particles per cubic centimeter. Individual sensors must be <$1K and have an open architecture that will allow for end user integration with other sensors or devices. The sensor must be ruggedized to meet requirements in MIL-STD-810H (5). In addition to the sensor, a solution to test calibration status in the field must also be developed. The development of the sensor and bump test solution must be coupled with a demonstration of efficacy to meet the stated requirements as well as repeatability in manufacturing consistency and performance across multiple sensors. Reliance on consumable materials such as working fluids should be minimized.
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