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BoliviaDGUV (German Social Accident Insurance)
| Report Title: |
Nanomaterials in the Workplace |
| Report ID: |
547 |
| Date: |
5/1/2010 |
| Author: |
DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) |
| Report Type: |
Guidance Document |
| URL: |
[I_5149.pdf] |
| Country: |
Germany |
| Organization: |
DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) |
| Summary: |
This German-language publication from the DGUV describes the risks posed by nanomaterials in the workplace and how those risks can be mitigated through preventative measures. While there is yet scientific evidence that particular diseases are caused by nanomaterial exposure, animal experiments have shown inflammation of the respiratory tract and the similarity of some nanomaterials to asbestos creates concern. The three routes of nanoparticle exposure to the human body are airway, ingestion, and through the skin. Translocation, or the ability for nanoparticles to penetrate tissue and move through the body, has been demonstrated with inhaled nanoparticles, but not dermal exposure. In terms of legislation, there is a potential need for the EU’s REACH to address nano-specific ricks. The German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Hazardous Substances requires that employers perform risk assessments and identify protective measures first before an employee is permitted to engage in work with hazardous substances. The Precautionary Principle must also be followed. |
| Archived Copy: |
I_5149_547_2959.pdf |
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| Report Title: |
FAQs to Work with Nanomaterials |
| Report ID: |
546 |
| Date: |
9/1/2010 |
| Author: |
DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) |
| Report Type: |
FAQ |
| URL: |
[FAQs_Nano_021110.pdf] |
| Country: |
Germany |
| Organization: |
DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) |
| Summary: |
This German-language FAQ answers common questions regarding working with nanomaterials, with a focus on health concerns for exposed workers. It explains what nanoparticle dust is, levels of exposure in the workplace (welding is especially high), how nanoparticles are taken into the body, epidemiological evidence of health effects, etc. The FAQ anticipates questions from a worker’s perspective, such as whether all nanomaterials are equally dangerous (no), whether nanotubes can cause cancer (studies are lacking but since some are similar to asbestos, there should be concern), if specific medical tests can currently identify nano-related diseases (no), and what can the company doctor do (evaluate material safety data sheets and attempt to minimize exposure). |
| Archived Copy: |
FAQs_Nano_021110_546_2720.pdf |
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