Approaches to safe nanotechnology

(Nanowerk Spotlight) NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States, has published the final version of its report "Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology" Potential Health Concerns
The potential for nanomaterials to enter the body is among several factors that scientists examine in determining whether such materials may pose an occupational health hazard. Nanomaterials have the greatest potential to enter the body through the respiratory system if they are airborne and in the form of respirable-sized particles (nanoparticles). They may also come into contact with the skin or be ingested.
Based on results from human and animal studies, airborne nanoparticles can be inhaled and deposit in the respiratory tract; and based on animal studies, nanoparticles can enter the blood stream, and translocate to other organs.
Experimental studies in rats have shown that equivalent mass doses of insoluble incidental nanoparticles are more potent than large particles of similar composition in causing pulmonary inflammation and lung tumors. Results from in vitro cell culture studies with similar materials are generally supportive of the biological responses observed in animals.
Experimental studies in animals, cell cultures, and cell-free systems have shown that changes in the chemical composition, crystal structure, and size of particles can influence their oxidant generation properties and cytotoxicity.
Potential Safety Concerns
Some nanomaterials may initiate catalytic reactions depending on their composition and structure that would not otherwise be anticipated based on their chemical composition.
Working with Engineered Nanomaterials
Nanomaterial-enabled products such as nanocomposites, surface-coated materials, and materials comprised of nanostructures, such as integrated circuits, are unlikely to pose a risk of exposure during their handling and use as materials of non-inhalable size. However, some of the processes used in their production (e.g., formulating and applying nanoscale coatings) may lead to exposure to nanomaterials, and the cutting or grinding of such products could release respirable-sized nanoparticles.
Maintenance on production systems (including cleaning and disposal of materials from dust collection systems) is likely to result in exposure to nanoparticles if deposited nanomaterials are disturbed.
Precautionary Measures
The implementation of a risk management program with elements including: Evaluating the hazard posed by the nanomaterial based on available physical and chemical property data, toxicology, or health-effects data; Assessing the worker’s job task to determine the potential for exposure; Educating and training workers in ——the proper handling of nanomaterials (e.g., good work practices); Establishing criteria and procedures for installing and evaluating engineering controls (e.g., exhaust ventilation) at locations where exposure to nanomaterials might occur; Developing procedures for determining the need for and selecting proper personal protective equipment (e.g., clothing, gloves, respirators); Systematically evaluating exposures to ensure that control measures are working properly and that workers are being provided the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Engineering control techniques such as source enclosure (i.e., isolating the generation source from the worker) and local exhaust ventilation systems should be effective for capturing airborne nanoparticles. Current knowledge indicates that a well-designed exhaust ventilation system with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter should effectively remove nanomaterials.
Respirators may be necessary when engineering and administrative controls do not adequately prevent exposures. Currently, there are no specific limits for airborne exposures to engineered nanoparticles although occupational exposure limits exist for some larger particles of similar chemical composition. It should be recognized that exposure limits recommended for non-nanoscale particles may not be health protective for nanoparticle exposures (e.g., the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit [PEL] for graphite may not be a safe exposure limit for carbon nanotubes).

Occupational Health Surveillance
Occupational health surveillance is an essential component of an effective occupational safety and health program.
NIOSH has formulated interim guidance relevant to medical screening (one component of an occupational health surveillance program) for nanotechnology workers (see NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin Interim Guidance for Medical Screening and Hazard Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles).