Nanotechnology and Worker Health

Patrick N. Breysse, PhD

Johns Hopkins University
Some Definitions in Nanotechnology

n  Nanosized particle

u  All engineered and ambient particles < 100 nm

n  Engineered nanoparticle

u  Nanosized particles specifically engineered in the lab
u  Enhanced mechanical, electrical, optical, catalytic, biologic activity
u  Metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots ...

n  Ultrafine particle (UFP)

u  Ambient nanosized particle not produced in a controlled, engineered way
u  Diesel particles, combustion particles ...

2
 Small by
Comparison

Source: www.nano.gov/
Nanotech-101/what/nano-size 3
Many Uses

Nanomaterial Uses

Electronics, consumer products,

Metal oxides
biomedical, environmental remediation

Textiles, consumer products, structural

Carbon nanotubes
materials

Quantum dots Optical properties, electrical applications

Buckyballs
Lubricants, superconductors, solar cells
(fullerene)

4
Properties of Nanomaterials

n  More chemically reactive

n  Properties such as solubility and charge influence biological activity

n  Unique size and shape can mimic biological molecules

n  Small size allows them to enter cells and cell organelles and to be more readily
transported in air and water

5
Surface Area

n  Nanoparticles have a much larger surface area than the same amount of material in
bulk form

Source: www.nano.gov/Nanotech-101/what/nano-size
6
Health and Safety

n  Little information about hazards of nanomaterials and nanoparticles

n  Concerns include inhalation, ingestion, and skin exposures

n  Various US agencies (OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) are actively working to figure out how to
protect workers and the environment

n  OSHA currently has no occupational exposure limits for nanomaterials

7
Routes of Exposure

n  Inhalation—most common

n  Ingestion—unintentional or swallowing particles

n  Dermal—possibly could penetrate skin

n  Exposure factors include

u  Concentration or amount
u  Duration
u  Frequency

8
Opportunities for Exposure

n  Handling powders of nanomaterials

n  Working with nanoparticles in liquid media without appropriate protection

n  Generating nanoparticles in open systems

n  Maintenance on equipment and processes used for fabrication

9
Traditional Occupational Hygiene Approach

n  Collect air sample on a worker

n  Analyze the sample for the contaminant of interest

n  Compare the exposure concentration to an exposure limit

n  Design control method based on the degree of overexposure

10
Problems with Traditional Approach

n  Nanoparticles vary greatly in terms of composition, size, and physicochemical

properties

n  Validated sampling methods do not exist

n  Occupational exposure standards or guidelines do not exist

11
Hierarchy of
Control

12
Engineering Controls

n  Ensure source enclosure

n  Utilize local exhaust ventilation

n  High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters recommended

13
Disposal of Nanomaterials

n  Currently there are no specific EPA regulations or guidelines for the proper disposal of
nanomaterials

n  Contaminated materials and waste products should be collected in leak-tight poly bags
and treated as hazardous solid waste

n  Pure nanomaterials in solid or powder form should be containerized and submitted as
hazardous waste

n  Nanomaterials dissolved in solvents or formulations should be collected and submitted

as a hazardous waste mixture

14
Summary

n  Nanoparticles are VERY small

n  They behave VERY differently than regular particles

n  They are everywhere

n  We know VERY little about their health effects

n  We have VERY little guidance about how to handle them safely

15