| Summary: |
Bayer AG, a German chemical and pharmaceutical company, published this German-language Code of Good Practice to describe how the company deals with nanomaterials. It describes generally how research is ongoing to ascertain the hazardous properties of nanomaterials, and current practice is to keep exposures as low as possible. Powdered nanomaterials have a greater potential for exposure, which can be reduced with a ventilation system, wet mopping, or a HEPA filter system. Dry mopping and compressed air are not used as they have the risk of spreading the exposure. Work processes must be documented. Respirators and other methods of avoiding lung and skin contact with nanomaterials are used in the absence of a complete investigation of the effect of nanomaterials on the skin. Without current occupational exposure limits, the focus is on practices such as measuring concentrations before and after material processing. Bayer is working on research and standardization for nanomaterial handling. |