499
inhalation or ingestion of loose nanoparticles was noted earlier
as being particularly problematic, even more so if exposures are
prolonged. An obvious area in which special precautions should
be taken to minimize risks is in the very manufacturing environments where nanomaterials are actually produced. Other workplace exposures and sources are expected to multiply in the future
as more and more products are made using nanomaterials or
more processes are facilitated by them. Even if discharges are
not accidental, methods for treating nanowaste products from
manufacturing sources before they are released are still in their
infancy.
During production and packaging processes, possibilities exist for
exposures to unbound nanoparticles that are airborne or in sprays
to be accidentally inhaled or ingested by workers. Many manufacturing methods involve high temperatures; hence containment is
a normal approach to reduce exposure risks. Nonetheless, escapes
and leaks can potentially occur during various stages of the manufacturing and packaging process. As with any manufacturing process
involving hazardous chemicals, special care should be exercised
with respect to the production of nanomaterials. Especially important are monitoring systems to detect the presence of airborne particles. Some monitoring approaches exist, but with the variation
of nanomaterials types, compositions, and sizes, additional techniques may be needed.
furTher readinG
Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology, CBEN, Rice
University.
Department for Environment, Characterizing the potential risks posed by
engineered nanoparticles, Food and Rural Affairs Report, U.K.
Environmental futures research in nanoscale science, engineering and
technology, Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program, National
Center for Environmental Research.
S. Kaur, R. Gopal, W. J. Ng, S. Ramakrisha, and T. Matsura, Next-generation
fibrous media for water treatment, MRS Bulletin, Vol. 33, January 2008.
T. Masciangioli and Wei-xian Zhang, Environmental technologies at the
nanoscale, Environmental Science and Technology, American Chemical Society, 2003.
Friends of the Earth, Nanomaterials, sunscreens and cosmetics: Small ingredients, big risks, report, May 2006.
The International Workshop on Marine Pollution and the Impact of
Seawater Desalination, The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture
Headquarters, Dubai, UAE, December 1–3, 2003.
National Nanotechnology Initiative: The initiative and implementation
Further Reading
inhalation or ingestion of loose nanoparticles was noted earlier
as being particularly problematic, even more so if exposures are
prolonged. An obvious area in which special precautions should
be taken to minimize risks is in the very manufacturing environments where nanomaterials are actually produced. Other workplace exposures and sources are expected to multiply in the future
as more and more products are made using nanomaterials or
more processes are facilitated by them. Even if discharges are
not accidental, methods for treating nanowaste products from
manufacturing sources before they are released are still in their
infancy.
During production and packaging processes, possibilities exist for
exposures to unbound nanoparticles that are airborne or in sprays
to be accidentally inhaled or ingested by workers. Many manufacturing methods involve high temperatures; hence containment is
a normal approach to reduce exposure risks. Nonetheless, escapes
and leaks can potentially occur during various stages of the manufacturing and packaging process. As with any manufacturing process
involving hazardous chemicals, special care should be exercised
with respect to the production of nanomaterials. Especially important are monitoring systems to detect the presence of airborne particles. Some monitoring approaches exist, but with the variation
of nanomaterials types, compositions, and sizes, additional techniques may be needed.
furTher readinG
Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology, CBEN, Rice
University.
Department for Environment, Characterizing the potential risks posed by
engineered nanoparticles, Food and Rural Affairs Report, U.K.
Environmental futures research in nanoscale science, engineering and
technology, Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program, National
Center for Environmental Research.
S. Kaur, R. Gopal, W. J. Ng, S. Ramakrisha, and T. Matsura, Next-generation
fibrous media for water treatment, MRS Bulletin, Vol. 33, January 2008.
T. Masciangioli and Wei-xian Zhang, Environmental technologies at the
nanoscale, Environmental Science and Technology, American Chemical Society, 2003.
Friends of the Earth, Nanomaterials, sunscreens and cosmetics: Small ingredients, big risks, report, May 2006.
The International Workshop on Marine Pollution and the Impact of
Seawater Desalination, The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture
Headquarters, Dubai, UAE, December 1–3, 2003.
National Nanotechnology Initiative: The initiative and implementation
Further Reading