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Writer's pictureCold Spray Action Team

NIOSH Research: Exposures, Health Effects, and Controls of Chemicals from Cold Spray Coating

Eun Gyung (Emily) Lee, 1

Daniel J. Hardt, 2

M. Abbas Virji, 1

1 Field Studies Branch, Respiratory Health Division, NIOSH, Morgantown, WV

2 Western States Division, Spokane, WA


NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the United States Department of Health and Human Services


NIOSH’s mission is to develop knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health and to transfer that knowledge into practice


Unlike OSHA, NIOSH does not assess labor violations or impose fines


Although cold spray coating processes are fast--growing and emerging technologies, exposures and potential health effects from metals, particles, and gases generated during spray coating processes have not been characterized.


NIOSH is conducting a research study to:

  • Measure exposures and respiratory health effects in workers using cold spray coating technologies;

  • Evaluate existing exposure controls in workplaces; and

  • Make recommendations to improve the worker health.

NIOSH will also evaluate other spray coating processes including:

  • Electric arc

  • Flame

  • Cold-Spraying

Project timeframe: October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2026


To succeed, NIOSH is seeking to partner with cold-spray operating workplaces to assess worker exposures and evaluate health effects


NIOSH wants to learn from you on what you need to keep your workers safe and your workplaces free of hazards.


Download the PDF below for more information.



Please contact:

Emily Lee, Project Officer: Elee2@cdc.gov

Abbas Virji, Co--Project Officer: Mvirji@cdc.gov

Dan Hardt, Co--Investigator: Oqw6@cdc.gov

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