ABSTRACT

Although major trends may emerge later that show that nanomaterials are harmless to humans, I suggest precautions be established. Presently, there are no universally standardized, published guidelines or regulations for the safe handling of engineered nanomaterials. Research is inconclusive as to whether or not engineered nanoparticles may pose risk to human health due to their various compositions,

sizes and ability to cross mammal's cell membranes. Engineered nanornaterials may exhibit higher toxicity due to their size compared to larger particles of the same composition. Current information about risks associated with nanoparticle exposure is limited. Until irrefutable evidence is available on the risks associated with nanomaterials voluntary precautions for the work place are highly recommended. Risk assessments and control strategies for nanotechnology research will be based on the most current toxicological data, exposure assessments, and exposure control information available from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Nanosafe (the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Institut de recherche Robert-Sauve en sante ct en securite du travail (IRSST), the National Institutes of Health (NIH),Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: A Informal Exchange with NIOSH, and Nanosafe were used to formulate these voluntary guidelines. The following voluntary work place practices which may decrease the risk of human exposure to nanomaterials are suggested below.