A new technical report on exposure sampling for engineered nanomaterials offers guidance on workplace sampling for carbon nanotubes (CNT) and nanofibers (CNF), silver and titanium dioxide.
On July 29, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published “Technical Report: Occupational Exposure Sampling for Engineered Nanomaterials,” which provides sampling information on the three types of nanomaterials, each of which has an elemental mass-based, NIOSH-recommended exposure limit.
A practical approach to exposure sampling for other engineered nanomaterials that do not have exposure limits is also included, according to law firm Bergeson & Campbell.
The report includes recommendations for:
- an exposure monitoring program
- CNTs and CNFs
- silver
- titanium dioxide
- use of the nanomaterial exposure assessment techniques for other engineered nanomaterials, and
- optional sampling methods.
Combination of assessment techniques is recommended
NIOSH said that a comprehensive exposure assessment evaluation for engineered nanomaterials:
- collects information that can be used to identify sources of potential engineered nanomaterial exposures
- establishes similar exposure groups by area or job tasks
- characterizes exposures of all potentially exposed workers, and
- assesses the effectiveness of engineering controls, work practices, PPE, training and other factors used in reducing exposures.
Using a combination of these techniques “can provide an in-depth characterization of potential occupational exposure to engineered nanomaterials,” NIOSH states.
This information can then be incorporated into risk management strategies to minimize worker exposure to engineered nanomaterials and confirm ongoing control of risk.
