Nanotechnology – Commercial

Nanotechnology

What You Need to Know

Health impacts of exposure to nanoparticles is unclear and evolving with greatest unknowns being ability to penetrate dermal protection and the blood/brain barrier along with respiratory issues

Concern re latent toxicity-i.e. accumulation of nanoparticles in body over time

NIOSH taking the lead on exposure criteria/changing rapidly-published recommended exposure levels (RELs) for several nanoparticles

Treated similar to asbestos exposure/remediation at the current time with half face respirators and HEPA filtration recommended

What You Need to Do

Stay up to date with regulations, requirements especially those from NIOSH, OSHA and EPA (FIFRA, TSCA) as well as any local requirements

Stay alert with respect to product labeling requirements as guidelines are evolving

Ensure worker health and safety plans are current and in compliance with any applicable regulations

Ensure storage of nanoparticles are in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations

Myths and Misconceptions

There are already thousands of consumer products on the market utilizing nanotechnology and these are increasing rapidly-TRUE

The health implications from nanotechnology are fully known and understood-FALSE

The most common materials utilizing in consumer “nano” products are silver, carbon, titanium,, silica, gold, and zinc-TRUE

Both the geometry as well as the chemistry of the nanoparticle may create increased exposure health risk-TRUE