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Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology. Where are we?. Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology. This material Known for 2000 years Used for napkins by the Romans Health aspects identified Deaths and lung problems in 1917 Regulation: 1980 What is it?. Nanotechnology.
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Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology This material • Known for 2000 years • Used for napkins by the Romans • Health aspects identified • Deaths and lung problems in 1917 • Regulation: 1980 • What is it?
Nanotechnology • Presentation Outline • Definitions of Nanotechnology • Unknowns factors • Known hazards – standard • Industry Experience – who’s done what? • What do we do? • Protective Equipment
Nanotechnology • Definitions • Nanoparticles (1 to 100 nm) • Ultrafine Particles (< 100 nm) incidental to process. • Engineered nanoparticles (1-100 nm) • Nano aerosols (>100 nm) • Perspective of size: 10 um (length of 10 hydrogen atoms.)
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology From EPA White Paper on Nanotechnology
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology • Route of Entry: • Most common is inhalation • Deposited in the lungs • May enter the brain in nasal region • Ingestion • Intact Skin (movement along nerves)* *(Based on research, Southern Methodist University, Dr. Eva Oberdörster, 2004)
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology Animal & Epidemiological study Hypotheses • Physical/chemical effects • Greater respiratory hazard • Oxidative stress, inflammation, production of cytokines • Chemokines, and cell growth factors. • (auto-immune disease production)
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology Surface Area and Activity – Predicting Hazard • Greater potential with greater surface area >Pulmonary Effects >Cytotoxicity of water-soluble fullerenes (used as anti-microbial agent)
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology Where are We? ESH Coverage 3rd Gen 4th Gen Nanotechnology 2nd Generation 2015 2006 2001 2003
Nanotechnology • Carcinogenic Effects • Long Term effects – Unknown • Quantum Dots • Single-wall Nanotubes • MSDSs • Focus on materials not product
Nanotechnology • Unknowns • Environmental Impact • Delay in exposure data. • MSDS gaps • SIC/NAICs codes not addressed
Nanotechnology Risk • Industry Experience • Care in setting up the operations • Standard Industry Risks • MSDS doesn’t address product
Nanotechnology • The Other side: • Same arguments as previously • No data, no risk • Pressure to go on.
Nanotechnology • System Arrangements – General. UPS Cooling Water Feed air Side Products Vacuum Relief Valve Temp Control Monitor & interlock Air, He Product Collection Cooling Jacket Plasma Torch Reaction tube Quench Tube Feedstock Water Recycling line Containment Containment
Nanotechnology .. Failure Points Exhaust Vent Intake UPS Clean air X Cooling Water X Feed air Leak X Relief Valve Vacuum Temp Control X Monitor & interlock Air, He Product Collection Cooling Jacket Plasma Torch Reaction tube Quench Tube X Feedstock Water Recycling line spills Leaks
Hazard Analysis… • Protect workers at release points • Failure Analysis • Interlocks are critical • Backup system • Configuration Control • Reverse Flow conditions
Nanotechnology • Checklists: • Industrial Hygiene • High Temperature • UV/IR hazards • Heavy Metals • Particulates • Fire Risk • Catalytic Reaction
Concerns… • Emergency Response • Access Control • Maintenance
Nanotechnology • Protective Equipment • Respirators • (When no controls Work • No limits, TLVs, OSHA PELs
Nanotechnology • Conclusions • Raise Awareness • Information sharing is important! • Stay connected • Identify Information Gaps • Use what you know. • Limit Access • Configuration Management
