ABSTRACT
Many if not most institutions now have comprehensive safety guidelines and procedures that are laid out as conditions of employment. This chapter is meant to augment and support local policies. When using any chemicals, thorough reading of the Material Safety Data Sheets is strongly recommended. The environmental health and safety aspects of natural nanomaterials have received some study, and among the incidental nanomaterials, welding vapors and diesel fuel particulates have received extensive study. The unique safety issues posed by nanomaterials result from the potential of deep penetration into tissue, the potential of passing through the blood–brain barrier, and the possible ability to translocate between organs. Though the fate and toxicity of nanomaterials remains largely unknown and is still an area of active investigation, nanomaterials and any by-products from their synthesis should be treated as potentially hazardous waste.
