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ABSTRACT
Although nanothechnologies, just like any scientific and technological evolution, represent considerable progress, their expansion is also able to generate new risks that must be prevented. This article reviews the main sources of manufactured nanomaterials and the risks they present for human beings in the professional sphere. It is possible to define the categories of people at risk thanks to the information provided on detection and measurement, contamination modes and risk identification. This has generated a whole set of preventive and protective actions which must be implemented.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Barbara GOUGET: Doctorate in chemistry and biology - Researcher and head of the Human and Environmental Toxicology group - Pierre-Süe Laboratory (CEA/CNRS UMR 9956)
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Marie CARRIÈRE: Doctorate in biology - Researcher in the Human and Environmental Toxicology group - Pierre-Süe Laboratory (CEA/CNRS UMR 9956)
INTRODUCTION
Although nanotechnologies have certain benefits (for example, their use in medicine or in decontaminating polluted soil), all scientific and technological developments are likely to generate new risks. Nanotechnologies are one source of nanomaterials – nanometer-sized objects. Little is known today about the impact of nanomaterials on humans and the environment. Yet products manufactured by nanotechnology are increasingly present in our daily lives and workplaces.
This document lists the main sources of manufactured nanomaterials. Their description helps define the categories of people at risk, and reviews the current state of knowledge on the health and safety risks of nanoparticles. It provides information on concrete prevention and protection measures implemented or recommended in the context of occupational exposure. Finally, the main techniques used in nanometrology are listed.
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Economic data
The market is booming (figure 1 ). Among the nanomaterials currently in industrial production are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silica, carbon black and carbon nanotubes.... The tonnage of...
Bibliography
References
Standardization
- Gants de protection contre les produits chimiques et les microorganismes. Partie 2 : détermination de la résistance à la pénétration - NF EN 374-2 - 04-04
- Atmosphère des lieux de travail. Définition des fractions de taille pour le mesurage des particules en suspension dans l'air - NF EN 481 - 11-93
- Sorbonnes. Partie 1 : vocabulaire - NF EN 14175-1 - 10-03
- Sorbonnes. Partie 2 : exigences de sécurité...
Regulations
Council Directive 67/548/EEC of June 27, 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labeling of dangerous substances, OJ 196 of August 16, 1967.
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 793/93 of March 23, 1993 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances, OJ L 84 of April 5, 1993.
Council...
Organizations
French Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development http://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/developpement-durable/
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/
French National...
Research programs
EXPAU (Occupational exposure to ultrafine aerosols), INRS http://www.inrs.fr/htm/projet_exposition_professionnelle_aerosols.html
NanoDerm http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~nanoderm/
...
Databases
(non-exhaustive list)
Nanowerk http://www.nanowerk.com/
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies http://www.nanotechproject.org/
Manufacturers, users
(non-exhaustive list)
Degussa http://www.degussa.com/
NanoGram http://www.nanogram.com/
Inco http://www.inco.com/
...
Resellers of nanometrology equipment
(non-exhaustive list)
TSI Inc. http://www.tsi.com/
Grimm Aerosol Technik http://www.grimm-aerosol.com/
Dekati Ltd. http://dekati.com/cms/
...
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