NANOPARTICLE HEALTH AND SAFETY
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***Latest News***
NIOSH Offers Interim Guidance for Worker Medical Screening, Hazard Surveillance Pertaining to Engineered Nanoparticles: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-02-13-09.html
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Table of Contents
Introduction
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Hazards of Nanoparticles
Routes of Exposure
Measurement of Nanoparticles
Exposure Controls
Nanotechnology Health and Safety Resources
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Introduction
Cornell University is a leader in nanotechnology research. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has created this webpage to make health and safety information available to faculty, staff, and students who work with engineered nanomaterials. Although the risks of nanomaterials to human health and the environment are unknown, it is prudent to provide current information and recommendations for handling nanomaterials.
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Nanotechnology is the engineering and manipulation of materials at the molecular level. This new technology creates materials with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers (1 nanometer is 1 billionth of a meter). Particles created at the nanoscale have different chemical and physical properties than larger particles of the same material. These manufactured nanoparticles are known as engineered nanoparticles.* Scientists and manufacturers can use nanoparticles to create new products that would be impossible with larger particles.
* Engineered nanoparticles are referred to as nanoparticles throughout this webpage.
USEPA “Nanotechnology White Paper”: http://www.epa.gov/osa/nanotech.htm
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH)
Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH is the leading federal agency conducting research and providing guidance on the occupational safety and health implications and applications of nanotechnology. This research focuses NIOSH’s scientific expertise, and its efforts, on answering the questions that are essential to understanding these implications and applications:
- How might workers be exposed to nano-sized particles in the manufacturing or industrial use of nanomaterials?
- How do nanoparticles interact with the body’s systems?
- What effects might nanoparticles have on the body’s systems?
NIOSH Nanotechnology: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/
This information is modeled after NIOSH Publication No. 2008-112: Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace
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Hazards of Nanoparticles
Little information is available about the hazards of nanoparticles in the workplace. NIOSH is conducting research to determine whether they pose a health threat to exposed workers.
Different types of nanoparticles are made or used in various industrial processes. To determine whether these nanoparticles pose a hazard to workers, scientists must know the following:
- Types and concentrations of nanoparticles in the workplace.
- Properties of nanoparticles that could affect the body.
- Concentrations of nanoparticles that could produce adverse effects.
Effects in animals
Laboratory studies in animals have shown that when some types of nanoparticles are inhaled, they may reach the blood, brain, and other organs of laboratory animals when they are inhaled. Some studies have shown adverse effects such as inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs and other organs of animals.
Effects in humans
Human studies of exposure and response to engineered nanoparticles are not currently available.
Project on Emerging Nanotechnology: http://www.nanotechproject.org/
Safety issues in the workplace
Fire and explosion are the main safety hazards associated with nanoparticles in the workplace. Some materials at the nanometer scale may unexpectedly become chemical catalysts and result in unanticipated reactions.
Current exposure standards
No U.S. or international exposure standards have been established for nanoparticles.
Although more research is needed to predict the effects of nanoparticle exposures in humans, sufficient information is available to provide interim recommendations and guidance about occupational exposures to nanoparticles. NIOSH recommends a prudent approach for manufacturing and using nanoparticles in industry. Employers should take steps to minimize worker exposures until more information is available.
Occupational Hazards article:
http://www.occupationalhazards.com/News/Article/78224/EPA_Program_Addresses_Nanoscale_Product_Safety.aspx
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Routes of Exposure
Workers may be exposed by three routes:
Inhalation - The most common route of exposure is by inhalation - breathing in airborne particles into the lungs and respiratory system.
Ingestion - Workers can be exposed by unintentional hand-to-mouth transfer of materials or swallowing particles cleared from the respiratory tract.
Absorption - Some studies mention that nanoparticles may penetrate the skin. This possibility is being investigated.
Several factors affect worker exposure to nanoparticles:
- The concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure to nanoparticles all affect exposure.
- The ability of nanoparticles to be easily dispersed as a dust (e.g. a powder) or an airborne spray or droplets may result in greater worker exposure.
- Use of protective measures such as engineering controls (e.g. fume hoods) and personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves) can reduce worker exposure.
Job-related activities may also influence worker exposure:
- Active handling of nanoparticles as powders in non-enclosed systems pose the greatest risk for inhalation exposure.
- Tasks that generate aerosols of nanoparticles from slurries, suspensions, or solutions pose a potential for inhalation and dermal exposure.
- Cleanup and disposal of nanoparticles may result in exposure if not properly handled.
- Maintenance and cleaning of production systems or dust collection systems may result in exposure if deposited nanoparticles are disturbed.
- Machining, sanding, drilling, or other mechanical disruptions of materials containing nanoparticles may lead to aerosolization of nanoparticles.
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Measurement of Nanoparticles
Traditional industrial hygiene sampling methods can be used to measure airborne nanoparticles. However, these methods are limited and require careful interpretation. Scientists are developing more sensitive and specific sampling techniques to evaluate occupational exposures to nanoparticles.
Sampling in the workplace should include background measurements and measurements before, during, and after production or handling of nanoparticles. These measurements can determine if emissions and possible exposures are occurring.
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Exposure Controls
Engineering controls should be used to reduce worker exposures to nanoparticles. These controls include source enclosure (isolating the generation source from the worker) and local exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust ventilation systems that use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are very effective in removing nanoparticles.
Engineering controls have been designed to reduce worker exposures to other particles with sizes similar to those of nanoparticles. Examples include controls for welding fumes. These controls are also effective for the manufacturing and fabrication of nanoparticles.
Respirators
Respirators should be considered if engineering and administrative controls do not control worker exposures to nanoparticles. The decision to use respirators should be based on professional judgment and an assessment of worker exposures and the health risks they pose.
Training
Worker training should be part of any complete safety and health program. To reduce nanoparticle exposures, workers should learn how to safely handle nanoparticles, use personal protective equipment, handle work clothes, clean contaminated surfaces, and dispose of spilled nanoparticles.
This information is modeled after NIOSH Publication No. 2008-112: Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace.
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Nanotechnology Health and Safety Resources
Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with NIOSH:
http:www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/safenano/
NIOSH Nanotechnology:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/
Environmental Defense Nanotechnology Website:
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/issue.cfm?subnav=29
ASTM Nanotechnology:
http://www.astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/E56.htm?L+mystore+gsyv6210
ANSI Standards Overview:
http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/overview/overview.aspx?menuid=3
USEPA Nanotechnology and the Environment:
http://epa.gov/oppt/nano/stewardship.htm
USEPA “Nanotechnology White Paper”:
http://www.epa.gov/osa/nanotech.htm
American Chemical Society Nanotechnology Safety Resources:
http://membership.acs.org/c/ccs/nano.htm
National Nanotechnology Initiative:
http://www.nano.gov/
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST):
http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/nanotech.htm
Project on Emerging Nanotechnology:
http://www.nanotechproject.org/
United Kingdom Health & Safety Executive:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/RESEARCH/rrhtm/rr274.htm
Occupational Hazards Article:
http://www.occupationalhazards.com/News/Article/78224/EPA_Program_Addresses_Nanoscale_Product_Safety.aspx
Institut de recherche obert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST):
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-469.pdf
Department of Energy - Nanoscale Science Research Centers:
http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/DOE_NSRC_Approach_to_Nanomaterial_ESH.pdf
Acknowledgment: Based on NIOSH Publication 2008-112