EU-OSHA Announces Control Banding Tool for Nanomaterials

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Lynn L. Bergeson

On January 25, 2011, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) announced that French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) experts have developed a control banding tool specific to nanomaterials that can potentially be used in any work environment in which nanomaterials are manufactured or used. With control banding, new products are classified into “bands,” which are defined after comparison with the hazard level of known and/or similar products, while taking into account the assessment of exposure at the work station. The process combines a qualitative risk assessment with a risk control band and proposes minimum collective preventive measures to be implemented that are consistent with the estimated level of risk.  EU-OSHA notes that, “[i]n particular, the proposed tool is especially adapted to [small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME)] which do not necessarily have at their disposal the metrological characterisation equipment or detailed toxicological studies required for a proper risk assessment process.”

According to ANSES, the control banding tool is subject to the following limitations:

  • This tool is intended to be applied only to routine handling and use of materials at the work station, as part of the company’s normal operations;
  • It is suitable for any type of nanomaterial, provided that the quantities involved are neither too diluted, nor in too great a volume;
  • Control banding can be used only to determine the risks to health.  This approach does not address safety risks (fire/explosion risk), nor risks to the environment; and
  • It is essential for the user of the control banding tool to be qualified adequately in chemical risk prevention (e.g., chemistry, toxicology), nanoscience, and nanotechnology.  Using control banding without expertise, critical outlook, or support may lead to false assumptions and therefore to unsuitable choices concerning preventive measures, which could put exposed people at risk.
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EU-OSHA Publishes Literature Review Of Workplace Exposure

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Lynn L. Bergeson

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) announced June 19, 2009, the publication of the Literature Review -- Workplace Exposure to Nanoparticles, which reviews the most recent publications on nanoparticles and focuses on the possible adverse health effects of workplace exposure. The report focuses on the possible adverse health effects of workplace exposure to engineered nanomaterials and possible subsequent activities taken to manage the risk. The report does not include nanomaterials originating from natural sources, as well as non-intended nanoscale by-products, such as diesel engine exhaust, and welding fumes. To provide a broad overview, EU-OSHA collected information from different sources, such as scientific literature, policy documents, legislation, and work programs. EU-OSHA gave priority to documents from the European Union (EU), although national and international activities are also described. The report considers studies published up to November 2008. The report identifies the following topics as priorities for future actions and activities:

  • Identification of nanomaterials and description of exposure;
  • Measurement of exposures to nanomaterials and efficacy of protective measures;
  • Risk assessment of nanomaterials in line with the current statutory framework;
  • In vivo studies for assessment of the health effects of nanomaterials;
  • Validation of the in vitro methods and methods of physico-chemical properties as methods to determine health effects; and
  • Training of workers and practical handling guidelines for activities involving nanomaterials in the workplace.
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EU-OSHA Report on Emerging Chemical Risks Includes Nanoparticles

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Lynn L. Bergeson

On March 18, 2009, the European Union’s European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) announced the results of a report entitled Expert Forecast on Emerging Chemical Risks Related to Occupational Safety And Health. According to the Agency, “[c]ontact with a wide range of chemicals and other hazardous substances at work is endangering the health of workers across Europe, and nanotechnology is one of the risks causing most concern to experts from 21 European countries.” The report identifies the main groups of substances that could pose new and increasing risks to workers, contributing to diseases ranging from allergies, asthma, and infertility to cancer.

The factsheet includes the following information regarding nanoparticles:

Nanoparticles (NPs) are already used in many applications. NPs can have very different properties from the same materials at the macro scale. Little research attention has been paid to health and safety issues but it is certain that NPs can enter the human body. Although the degree of damage is still unknown, there are indications that they can cause toxicity, cardiopulmonary effects, modification of protein structures, autoimmune effects, oxidative stress and cancers. There is a need to determine the physicochemical, toxicological and behavioural properties of each type of NP and to develop reliable methods for their detection and measurement in the environment as well as in the human body. Although quantitative data are lacking, sufficient information is available to begin preliminary assessment and to develop interim working practices to reduce workplace exposure.
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