| Summary: |
This fact sheet provides guidance to University of California employees on safely handling nanomaterials. There are four possible routes of workplace exposure to nanomaterials: inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, and injection. In some cases, nanomaterials have been shown to migrate through skin and therefore gloves must be worn. To prevent ingestion, spills should be cleaned up and workers should not eat or drink in laboratories. To prevent inhalation, nanomaterials should be handled in a form not easily made airborne such as in solution. Lastly, workers should take precautions to avoid accidentally injecting themselves with nanomaterials. These basic suggestions are expounded upon in twelve safety guidelines which should be followed. |