Hazards involved with nanomaterials and ways to minimize them

Toxicity of nanomaterials

Inhalation

• There are two routes for inhalation. They are,
• Nasal cavity
• Oral cavity

• Through these routes nanoparticles may enter the blood stream from the lungs and translocate to other organs, including brain.

• It may damage the lungs.

• Based on animal studies researches some nanoparticles cause lung damage in rats and some lead to brain damage in fish and dogs.

Dermal

• There are three dermal uptake routes,

1. Intercellular entrance

2. Intracellular entrance

3. Follicular entrance

• These methods penetrate the nanoparticles through the skin layers. This is done by interfering with the Langerhans cell which can become antigen-presenting cells and can interact with T-cells.

• The end result of this can be damage to the Lymphatic System.

Gastrointestinal (ingestion)

• Nanoparticles are known to have a high probability of ingestion.

• Nanoparticles can be entered into the gastrointestinal tract by food, water, drugs and cosmetics.

• And also nanosilver-coated toothbrushes, food and drink containers, and even baby bottles and pacifiers are examples of certain non-edible items that can lose nanoparticles over time.

Radioactivity

• Radioactive materials occur naturally in the environment, are produced incidentally within the nuclear industry, and can be engineered.

• The risk of ionizing radiation depend on whether the exposure is acute or chronic.

• It causes effects such as cancer caused by radiation and increases the future incidence of cancer specially leukemia.

• It also causes teratogenesis which means the abnormalities of developments and it includes growth retardation, delayed mental development or other congenital disorders.

Fire & Explosion

• Because of the small size of nanomaterials, it creates dust in the atmosphere.

• The dust poses serious fire and explosion severity due to its very low ignition energies and temperatures.

• Aluminum and Titanium nanoparticles studies show that they are hazards of explosion.

• Metal based nanoparticle powders were found to be mid to high resistivity depending on humidity, while carbon nanoparticles were found to be low resistivity irrespective of humidity.

Elimination and Substitution

Determine if the nanomaterial possible to eliminate or substitute,

• Not use the nanomaterial at all (eliminate).

• Replace the nanomaterial with a normal sized particle that has known information about its hazards and risks (substitute).

• Utilize another form of nanomaterial, such as a liquid instead of dry powder (substitute) that may not become airbone as easily.

Following processes can use to reduce the severity of hazards.

• Limited dispersibility
• High coagulation rates
• Low exposure rates

Engineering Controls

• Engineering control is used to eliminate the substance or put a barrier between the worker and the hazard.

• Ventilation is a measure of control that can be used to reduce the exposure of workers to nanoparticles produced by different work processes.

Examples of engineering controls for nanomaterials:

• Local exhaust ventilation
• Isolation devices, such as glove boxes
• Use of air locks and sealed containers
• Enclosures, that may be smaller or wide enough for weighing scales to enclose the entire nanomaterial reactor

Administrative Controls

• Establish a chemical safety/hygiene plan, including preventive maintenance, performance testing of systems, and repairs

• Establish daily housekeeping procedures, such as adequate storage, cleaning of the work station, etc

• Ensure that all staff have the training and training they need when dealing with nanomaterials

Personal Protective Equipment

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) cautions that the effectiveness of PPE against nanomaterials has not been widely tested.

PPE collection should be regularly re-evaluated.

PPE can contain:

• Use nitrile or other chemical-resistant gloves
• Wear a lab coat or jacket
• Face mask, goggles or protective glasses
• Respirators that are suitable for the goods and activities used

Before use, and regularly for signs of wear, all PPE should be inspected. Put the gloves into a sealed plastic bag.