The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the lead federal
agency for research on the occupational safety and health implications of nanomaterials.
Although the risks of nanomaterials to human health and the environment are largely
unknown, it is prudent to stay current with information and recommendations for handling
nanomaterials from NIOSH and other authoritative sources.
Nanomaterials (nanoparticles) are materials or particles with any external dimension
in the nanometer scale (from 1 nm to 100 nm) or having internal or surface structures
in the nanometer scale.
Nanoparticles that are naturally occurring (e.g. volcanic ash or soot from forest
fires) or are the incidental byproducts of combustion processes (e.g. welding, diesel
engines) are usually physically and chemically heterogeneous, and are often termed
ultrafine particles.
Engineered nanomaterials are artificially produced, and designed with very specific
properties related to their shape, size, surface, and chemistry.
Unbound engineered nanoparticles (UNP) are engineered nanomaterials that, under normal
temperature and pressure conditions, are not contained within a matrix that would
reasonably be expected to prevent the particles from being separately mobile and a
potential source of exposure.
Type
Example
Carbonaceous compounds
Carbon nanotubes and their derivatives and fullerenes
Metals and metal oxides
Titanium Dioxide (Titania), Zinc Oxide, Cerium Oxide (Ceria), Aluminum oxide, Iron
Oxide, Silver, Gold, and Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) nanoparticles
Exposures to nanomaterials may occur through inhalation, dermal contact, accidental
injection, and ingestion, and the risk increases with duration of exposure and the
concentrations of nanoparticles in the sample or air. Inhalation presents the greatest
exposure hazard. Nanomaterials suspended in a solution or slurry pose a lesser hazard,
however, sonication, shaking, stirring, pouring, or spraying can result in inhalation
exposure. Nanoparticles that are fixed within a matrix pose the least hazard as long
as no mechanical disruption, such as grinding, cutting, or burning, occurs.
U.S. Department of Energy graded exposure risk for nanomaterials. This figure assumes
that no disruptive force (e.g., sonication, grinding, burning) is applied to the matrix.
Risk assessment
Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify the control measures needed and determine
if the controls used are effective in reducing exposure.
Engineering controls
Do not use horizontal laminar-flow hoods (clean benches) that direct a flow of air
into the user’s face.
Use ventilated enclosures (e.g. glove box) or local exhaust ventilations that operate
at a negative pressure and are equipped with HEPA filters (a laboratory chemical hood
might be too turbulent for manipulating).
Administrative Controls
Establish procedures to address cleanup of nanomaterial spills and decontamination
of surfaces. For example, dry sweeping or use of compressed air for cleanup is prohibited;
use wet wiping and vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters.
Nanomaterials should be stored in labeled containers that indicate their chemical
content and form; include term “nano” in descriptor, e.g., “nano zinc oxide particles”
rather than just “zinc oxide”. Download the label for nanomaterials sample.
Personal Protective Equipment
Closed-toe shoes made of low-permeability materials
Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
Safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles
Lab coats
Chemical resistant/impermeable gloves
Additional PPE may be specified for different labs
Do not dispose of nanomaterials down the drain or in the regular trash.
When disposing of dry nanomaterials waste, or items that may have been in contact
with nanomaterials, such as PPE, wipes, et al, use a sealable plastic bag or container
with tight fitting cap.
If you are planning to work with nanomaterials and would like assistance with appropriate
engineering control selection, procedure development, or hazard waste disposals, contact
us at 631-632-6410 or LabSafety@stonybrook.edu.
