Many people have heard about nanotechnology but fewer people know what it is or the potential hazards it may pose to health and the environment. Nevertheless, in spite of limited information, the risks are real and employers need to take account of these materials in their Risk Assessments.
WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY?
It has been described as "engineering at an atomic scale". It is size that is relevant rather than the actual substance. In fact, Nanotechnology works with materials with dimensions less than 100 nanometers (nm). By way of comparison, the width of a human hair is about 80,000nm.
Particles of this size are not new. They are produced as by-products from diesel engines, power plants, or cement kilns, for example. Some of these airborne particles of nanometer scale have been linked to health related diseases and deaths due to such effects as pollution, asthma or cardiovascular diseases.
Of course, there are many potential benefits from nanotechnology, which is the reason for the rapid growth. We can already purchase goods such as stain-resistant fabrics, odour-eating socks, graffiti-resistant paints, fire resistant coatings and self-cleaning glass. There are more exotic applications envisaged or already in the pipeline such as improved drug delivery systems, electronic paper, fuel cells and many more.
The reason for the enormous interest is that materials at the nanometer scale often take on different physical, electrical and chemical properties compared with the more conventional forms of the same substances. The laws of quantum physics rather than classical physics apply. By way of example, substances that normally conduct electricity can become insulators (or vice versa), substances normally opaque may become transparent, lightweight substances are possible that have exceptional strength or wear resistance.
Whilst these new properties can be exploited to the benefit of mankind, we must also be aware that they can pose new and possibly unexpected threats.
The UK Government view is summed up in the following statement:
"Nanotechnologies offer potentially huge benefits to society, industry, the environment and health. They can help us improve our quality of life and respond to some of the key issues of the day, such as climate change. For example, they could contribute to improved energy storage and efficiency, better diagnosis and treatment of disease, faster computer systems, and remediation of polluted air soil and water.
The Government's aim is for the UK to derive maximum benefit from these new technologies and their products. But this must be done in a way that safeguards health, safety and the environment and addresses the aspirations and concerns of the public."
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS?
In regard to hazards, the major issue is the level of uncertainty. We know from experience that extremely small particles can pose threats to health and the environment, but we don't know all the consequences of the rapid introduction of so many new materials.
Some materials, however, are capable of being inhaled deep into the lungs, or can enter the body by passing through the skin and can collect in various organs of the body.
In this respect we need to learn from our experience with asbestos, which was considered to be a wonder material with no end of useful applications, but for a long time we were unaware of the serious health hazards associated with its use.
In addition to the biological risks, other hazardous possibilities include:
- Explosive or fire potential of dust clouds containing these materials - a risk that is increased due to the possibility of remaining in suspension for very long periods of time.
- Toxic effects on the environment
- Potential to act as a catalyst resulting in rapid reactions that would otherwise occur only slowly, if at all.
ASSESSING THE RISKS
Essentially, risks associated with nanotechnology should be managed in a similar fashion to other forms of risk. However, given the many unknowns about nanotechnology, employers are recommended to err on the side of caution.
Any organisation that manufactures nano-materials, employs them in production processes or uses finished products (and eventually that will include almost everyone) needs to consider the risks to their employees, customers and others who may be affected by their business activities.
This involves undertaking risk assessments as required by existing legislation such as the "Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations" (COSHH) or the "Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations".
Probably the first consideration should be the possible effects on the lungs, skin contact or ingesting the materials, followed by the other potential hazards listed above. Where there is uncertainty, risk assessments and their recommendations should be suitably cautious.
In fact, as our knowledge and understanding of these materials increases, we should be ready to review our risk assessments on a regular basis to ensure they are as relevant as they can be.
Factors you need to take into account include:
- Quantities of nano-materials involved
- Form of the materials (e.g. dry powder form or in solution).
- Level of containment (i.e. potential for contact with persons or living things)
- Period of possible exposure
MANAGING THE RISKS
As with assessing the risks, there is an approved hierarchy of controls for managing the risks:
- The first option should be to eliminate or reduce risks by substituting less hazardous materials.
- The next preference is engineering controls, such as containment or removal of the material by local exhaust ventilation systems.
- As a last resort, when other controls are inadequate, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) should be employed. Once again, when specifying PPE or RPE, the advice is to err on the side of caution.
- Health monitoring is a desirable addition. It is not a substitute for the control measures listed above but is valuable for detecting any health effects as early as possible so that timely action can be taken.
- For maximum benefit, there must be appropriate management arrangements in place such as Safety Procedures, Training and Information, Sound Maintenance of equipment and adequate Supervision.
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