Author: Department of Health and Human Services
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781493529582
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 38
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Book Description
Concerns have been raised about whether workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles are at increased risk of adverse health effects. The current body of evidence about the possible health risks of occupational exposure to engineered nanoparticles is quite small. While there is increasing evidence to indicate that exposure to some engineered nanoparticles can cause adverse health effects in laboratory animals, no health studies of workers exposed to the few engineered nanoparticles tested in animals have been published. The purpose of this document from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is to provide interim guidance about whether specific medical screening, including performing medical tests on asymptomatic workers, is appropriate for these workers. Medical screening is only one part of what should be considered a complete safety and health management program. An ideal safety and health management program follows a hierarchy of controls and involves various occupational health surveillance measures. Since specific medical screening of asymptomatic workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles has not been extensively discussed in the scientific literature, this document makes recommendations based upon what is known until more rigorous research can be performed. Currently there is insufficient scientific and medical evidence to recommend the specific medical screening of workers potentially exposed to engineered nanoparticles. Nonetheless, this lack of evidence does not preclude specific medical screening by employers interested in taking precautions beyond existing industrial hygiene measures. If nanoparticles are composed of a chemical or bulk material for which medical screening recommendations exist, these same screening recommendations would be applicable for workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles as well. As research into the hazards of engineered nanoparticles continues, vigilant reassessment of available data is critical to determine whether specific medical screening is warranted for workers. In the interim, the following recommendations are provided for workplaces where workers may be exposed to engineered nanoparticles in the course of their work: Take prudent measure to control exposures to engineered nanoparticles; Conduct hazard surveillance as the basis for implementing controls; Continue use of established medical surveillance approaches. Concerned individuals from government, industry, labor, and academia, together with occupational health professionals and medical personnel, have raised questions about whether workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles should be provided some type of medical surveillance. The purpose of this document is to provide interim guidance concerning specific medical screening for these workers—that is, medical tests for asymptomatic workers—until additional research either supports or negates the need for this type of screening. The type and degree of screening recommended here is in addition to any medical surveillance taking place as part of existing occupational health surveillance efforts.
Author: Paul S. Schulte
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nanoparticles
Languages : en
Pages : 26
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Book Description
"The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended prudent precautionary interim measures for reducing work-related exposures and assessing potential risk. In the hierarchy of prevention, it is important to consider where it may be of value to provide medical screening of workers who may be exposed to a potential health hazard, but who may be asymptomatic--that is, who have no identifiable symptom of an occupational disease. On the frontiers of nanotechnology, where as yet little data exist for assessing risk with confidence, it is difficult to recommend specific screening tests. NIOSH has sought a wide range of opinions on the matter and along with its own review of the scientific literature presents this interim guidance for medical screening and hazard surveillance. The evidence base on the health effects of engineered nanoparticles is rapidly growing and NIOSH will continue to monitor and assess it and will update those recommendations as more definitive information becomes available"--P. iii
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nanoparticles
Languages : en
Pages : 26
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Book Description
"The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended prudent precautionary interim measures for reducing work-related exposures and assessing potential risk. In the hierarchy of prevention, it is important to consider where it may be of value to provide medical screening of workers who may be exposed to a potential health hazard, but who may be asymptomatic--that is, who have no identifiable symptom of an occupational disease. On the frontiers of nanotechnology, where as yet little data exist for assessing risk with confidence, it is difficult to recommend specific screening tests. NIOSH has sought a wide range of opinions on the matter and along with its own review of the scientific literature presents this interim guidance for medical screening and hazard surveillance. The evidence base on the health effects of engineered nanoparticles is rapidly growing and NIOSH will continue to monitor and assess it and will update those recommendations as more definitive information becomes available"--Page iii.
Author: Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
ISBN: 9781492952596
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 38
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Book Description
The potential occupational health risks associated with the manufacture and use of nanomaterials are not yet clearly understood. Concerned individuals from government, industry, labor, and academia, together with occupational health professionals and medical personnel, have raised questions about whether workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles should be provided some type of medical surveillance. The purpose of this document is to Workers provide interim guidance concerning specific medical screening for these workers—that is, medical tests for asymptomatic workers—until additional research either supports or negates the need for this type of screening.
Author: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nanotechnology
Languages : en
Pages : 35
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Book Description
Author: Michael J. Ellenbecker
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118998715
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 315
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Book Description
Addresses health and safety issues associated with workplace Nanoparticle exposures • Describes methods to evaluate and control worker exposures to engineered nanoparticles • Provides guidance for concerned EHS professionals on acceptable levels of exposure to nanoparticles • Includes documentation on best practices to be followed by all researchers when working with engineered nanoparticles • Describes current knowledge on toxicity of nanoparticles • Includes coverage on Routes of Exposure for Engineered Nanoparticles
Author: Catherine Beaucham
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Laboratories
Languages : en
Pages : 42
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Book Description
"Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at a nanometer scale to produce new materials, structures, and devices having new properties, may revolutionize life in the future. It has the potential to impact medicine through improved disease diagnosis and treatment technologies and to impact manufacturing by creating smaller, lighter, stronger, and more efficient products. Nanotechnology could potentially decrease the impact of pollution by improving methods for water purification or energy conservation. Although engineered nanomaterials present seemingly limitless possibilities, they bring with them new challenges for identifying and controlling potential safety and health risks to workers. Of particular concern is the growing body of evidence that occupational exposure to some engineered nanomaterials can cause adverse health effects. As with any new technology or new material, the earliest exposures will likely occur for those workers conducting discovery research in laboratories or developing production processes in pilot plants. The research community is at the front line of creating new nanomaterials, testing their usefulness in a variety of applications and determining their toxicological and environmental impacts. Researchers handling engineered nanomaterials in laboratories should perform that work in a manner that protects their safety and health. This guidance document provides the best information currently available on engineering controls and safe work practices to be followed when working with engineered nanomaterials in research laboratories. Risk Management: Risk management is an integral part of occupational health and safety. Potential exposures to nanomaterials can be controlled in research laboratories through a flexible and adaptive risk management program. An effective program provides the framework to anticipate the emergence of this technology into laboratory settings, recognize the potential hazards, evaluate the exposure to the nanomaterial, develop controls to prevent or minimize exposure, and confirm the effectiveness of those controls. Hazard Identification: Experimental animal studies indicate that potentially adverse health effects may result from exposure to nanomaterials. Experimental studies in rodents and cell cultures have shown that the toxicity of ultrafine particles or nanoparticles is greater than the toxicity of the same mass of larger particles of similar chemical composition. Research demonstrates that inhalation is a significant route of exposure for nanomaterials. Evidence from animal studies indicates that inhaled nanoparticles may deposit deep in lung tissue, possibly interfering with lung function. It is also theorized that nanoparticles may enter the bloodstream through the lungs and transfer to other organs. Dermal exposure and subsequent penetration of nanomaterials may cause local or systemic effects. Ingestion is a third potential route of exposure. Little is known about the possible adverse effects of ingestion of nanomaterials, although some evidence suggests that nanosized particles can be transferred across the intestinal wall. Exposure Assessment: Exposure assessment is a key element of an effective risk management program. The exposure assessment should identify tasks that contribute to nanomaterial exposure and the workers conducting those tasks. An inventory of tasks should be developed that includes information on the duration and frequency of tasks that may result in exposure, along with the quantity of the material being handled, dustiness of the nanomaterial, and its physical form. A thorough understanding of the exposure potential will guide exposure assessment measurements, which will help determine the type of controls required for exposure mitigation. Exposure Control: Exposure control is the use of a set of tools or strategies for decreasing or eliminating worker exposure to a particular agent. Exposure control consists of a standardized hierarchy to include (in priority order): elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, or if no other option is available, personal protective equipment (PPE). Substitution or elimination is not often feasible for workers performing research with nanomaterials; however, it may be possible to change some aspects of the physical form of the nanomaterial or the process in a way that reduces nanomaterial release. Isolation includes the physical separation and containment of a process or piece of equipment, either by placing it in an area separate from the worker or by putting it within an enclosure that contains any nanomaterials that might be released. Engineering controls include any physical change to the process that reduces emissions or exposure to the material being contained or controlled. Ventilation is a form of engi-neering control that can be used to reduce occupational exposures to airborne particulates. General exhaust ventilation (GEV), also known as dilution ventilation, permits the release of the contaminant into the workplace air and then dilutes the concentration to an acceptable level. GEV alone is not an appropriate control for engineered nanomaterials or any other uncharacterized new chemical entity. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV), such as the standard laboratory chemical hood (formerly known as a laboratory fume hood), captures emissions at the source and thereby removes contaminants from the immediate occupational environment. Using selected forms of LEV properly is appropriate for control of engineered nanomaterials. Administrative controls can limit workers' exposures through techniques such as using job-rotation schedules that reduce the time an individual is exposed to a substance. Administrative controls may consist of standard operating procedures, general or specialized housekeeping procedures, spill prevention and control, and proper labeling and storage of nanomaterials. Employee training on the appropriate use and handling of nanomaterials is also an important administrative function. PPE creates a barrier between the worker and nanomaterials in order to reduce exposures. PPE may include laboratory coats, impervious clothing, closed-toe shoes, long pants, safety glasses, face shields, impervious gloves, and respirators. Other Considerations: Control verification or confirmation is essential to ensure that the implemented tools or strategies are performing as specified. Control verification can be performed with traditional industrial hygiene sampling methods, including area sampling, personal sampling, and real-time measurements. Control verification may also be achieved by monitoring the performance parameters of the control device to ensure that design and performance criteria are met. Other important considerations for effective risk management of nanomaterial expo-sure include fire and explosion control. Some studies indicate that nanomaterials may be more prone to explosion and combustion than an equivalent mass concentration of larger particles. Occupational health surveillance is used to identify possible injuries and illnesses and is recommended as a key element in an effective risk management program. Basic medical screening is prudent and should be conducted under the oversight of a qualified health-care professional." - NIOSHTIC-2
Author: Patricia I. Dolez
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444627456
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 735
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Book Description
Nanoengineering: Global Approaches to Health and Safety Issues provides a global vision on the impact of engineered nanomaterials both for the consumer/general public and in occupational settings. The book also presents a hint on what can be expected for the future from nanomaterials and their effects on our lives, both at home and at work. In addition, users will find valuable information on nanomaterials' irreplaceable value and their risks for health, safety, and environmental issues. Case studies illustrate key points and provide information on important processes. Provides a global vision on the different aspects related to nanosafety and a synthesis of the information available Gives all the information required for precision decision-making in a single book, offering both general public and occupational aspects Contains separate chapters on each subject written by world-renowned contributors Presents a complete vision of the problem, with perspectives on global approaches Includes case studies that illustrate important processes
Author: Ulla Vogel
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0124166628
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 377
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Book Description
Handbook of Nanosafety: Measurement, Exposure and Toxicology, written by leading international experts in nanosafety, provides a comprehensive understanding of engineered nanomaterials (ENM), current international nanosafety regulation, and how ENM can be safely handled in the workplace. Increasingly, the importance of safety needs to be considered when promoting the use of novel technologies like ENM. With its use of case studies and exposure scenarios, Handbook of Nanosafety demonstrates techniques to assess exposure and risks and how these assessments can be applied to improve workers' safety. Topics covered include the effects of ENM on human health, characterization of ENM, aerosol dynamics and measurement, exposure and risk assessment, and safe handling of ENM. Based on outcomes from the NANODEVICE initiative, this is an essential resource for those who need to apply current nanotoxicological thinking in the workplace and anyone who advises on nanosafety, such as professionals in toxicology, occupational safety and risk assessment. Multi-authored book, written by leading researchers in the field of nanotoxicology and nanosafety Features state-of-the-art physical and chemical characterization of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) Develops strategies for exposure assessment, risk assessment and risk management Includes practical case studies and exposure scenarios to demonstrate how you can safely use ENM in the workplace
Author: Philippe Houdy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642201776
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 644
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Book Description
Nanobiotechnology is a fast developing field of research and application in many domains such as in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics and agro-industry. The book addresses the lastest fundamental results on nanotoxicology and nanoethics, and the enormous range of potential applications in the fields of medical diagnostics, nanomedicine, and food and water administration. Nanoscale objects have properties leading to specific kinds of behaviour, sometimes exacerbating their chemical reactivity, physical behaviour, or potential to penetrate deeply within living organisms. Hence it is important to ensure the responsible and safe development of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. This fourth volume in the Nanoscience series should make its mark, by presenting the state of the art in the fields of nanotoxicology and nanoethics. This is the first book to combine both scientific knowledge and ethical and social recommendations. It also presents specific policies on nanotechnologies set up by national and international authorities. This book is of interest to engineers, researchers, and graduate students.
