Occupational exposure to nanomaterials: Present knowledge and future development

Although unintentional exposure to nanoparticles (NP) is not new in an occupational setting, the global production for specially-engineered nanomaterials (NM) is expected to grow in the next few years, thus requiring an additional recruitment of workers across the world. Among the possible exposure scenarios, the workplaces where NM are produced, processed, used and disposed, may pose specific challenges. Field surveys have shown that workers from nanotechnology industries and R&D facilities have the potential to be exposed by inhalation to aerosols of NM, and skin contamination is not negligible. Owing to the lack of a robust body of scientific evidence on NM hazards, along with the inadequate knowledge on the dose-response relationships as well as long-term consequences to health, only a qualitative risk assessment of a few class of NM is possible. Exposure assessment in new NP processes has begun under the uncertainty about metrology and the lack of internationally recognized occupational standards and exposure limits, but in the near future improvements are expected. Given the limited amount of information about the health risks associated with occupational exposure to engineered NP, the precautionary principle suggests to take measures to minimize worker exposures. Implementing appropriate engineering controls, using personal protective equipment, establishing safe handling procedures, together to monitor worker's health, are all strategic elements of a risk management programme at workplace.