Nano-materials and occupational safety : Nano-materials and occupational safety Dr A.Sankaranarayanan
Anal Chem Division
B A R C
Biggest challenge : Biggest challenge Nanotechnology innovations give many advantages when they are introduced to the society.
But the biggest challenge will be managing environmental, health and safety risks
Symposia on this subject : Symposia on this subject 2004 first international symposium-Buxton,England
2005 second international symposium-Minneapolis,USA
2007 third international symposium-Taipei,Taiwan
Advances made and reported : Advances made and reported Nanoparticle surface area monitoring equiment-demonstrated and available commercially
Even existing Filter efficiency is proved sufficient in removing nanoparticles.
The much feared “THERMAL BOUNCE” generally does not happen
Need for regulatory regimes : Need for regulatory regimes In the production facilities
In the labs where characterization is done
In the cosumer front
NIOSH recommendations : NIOSH recommendations Several documents of voluntary safety compliences.
1.substance specific standards
2.general respiratory protection standards
3.hazard communication standards
4.general duty guidances
Substance specific : Substance specific Slow pace of toxicological research
NIOSH-29CFR section 1910.1000
It is voluntary
Evolving mechanism
Respiratory regulations : Respiratory regulations Existing NISOH certified respiratory filters must be provided.
Ref 29CFR section 1910.134 of NISOH
HAZARD COMMUNICATION PERSPECTIVE : HAZARD COMMUNICATION PERSPECTIVE Ref CFR section 1910.1200
Required to maintain material data sheets.
Extrapolation of risk presumed bulk materials
General duty guidance : General duty guidance CFR section 5(a)129 USC section 654
This is a general guidance manual to bulk hazard risks still holding good for nanomaterials enabling us to generate safety data with caution.
Future requirements : Future requirements Investment in nanomaterials safety research
Feeding experiences and data to evolve regulatory guidelines
Exchanging hazard and risk perceptions in an open hearted manner
Thank you : Thank you Special thanks to Shri Kameswaran and Dr Ravindran & electronics colleagues of ACD
BARC