Occupational health aspects of manufactured nanomaterials

Česká verzia

Authors: J. Mráz
Authors place of work: Oddělení pro hodnocení expozice chemickým látkám na pracovištích, Odbor chemických a fyzikálních laboratoří, Státní zdravotní ústav, ředitelka Ing. Jitka Sosnovcová
Published in the journal: Prakt. Lék. 2011; 91(2): 96-99
Category: Of different specialties

Summary

While various types od manufactured nanomaterials are increasingly used in advanced technologies and, consequently, also in consumer products, experimental toxicology offers numerous examples of adverse biological effects of these materials. Potentially harmful exposures are likely to occur also in humans, especially in workplaces. The present paper summarizes relevant properties and the use of nanomaterials, occupational monitoring strategies as well as possibilities for preventive workplace interventions.

The public health protection in workplaces with nanomaterials is hindered by the lack of relevant data and tools. In particular,

a) data on the actual exposures in workplaces is usually lacking;

b) knowledge on the adverse effects on human health posed by nanomaterials is very limited;

c) there is no basis for targeted nano-specific occupational medical surveillance;

d) there is no legislation for safe handling of nanomaterials is the workplace.

On the other hand a known latency period of up to several decades to develop certain occupational diseases from chemicals and dusts has to be considered. Thus, the precautionary principle has to be observed by adopting the common protective measures until sufficient data allowing the health risk assessment is available.

Key words:
manufactured nanomaterials, nanoparticles, occupational health, industrial hygiene.

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