An Exploratory Assessment of Applying Risk Management Practices to Engineered Nanomaterials.

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Version: Final published version
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_5286513FB181
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
An Exploratory Assessment of Applying Risk Management Practices to Engineered Nanomaterials.
Journal
International journal of environmental research and public health
Author(s)
Iavicoli I., Leso V., Piacci M., Cioffi D.L., Guseva Canu I., Schulte P.A.
ISSN
1660-4601 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1660-4601
Publication state
Published
Issued date
07/09/2019
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
16
Number
18
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
The widespread industrial application of nanotechnology has increased the number of workers exposed to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), but it is not clear to what extent prevention guidance is practiced. Our aim was to explore the extent that companies manufacturing and/or using ENMs apply risk assessment and management measures. Thirty-four companies were surveyed with an international 35-item questionnaire investigating company and workforce features, types of ENM handled, and risk evaluation and preventive measures adopted. Among participating companies, 62% had a maximum of 10 employees. Metal-based nanomaterials were most frequently identified (73%). Environmental monitoring was performed by 41% of the companies, while engineering exposure controls were approximately reported by 50%. Information and training programs were indicated by 85% of the sample, only 9% performed specific health surveillance for ENM workers. Personal protective equipment primarily included gloves (100%) and eye/face protection (94%). This small-scale assessment can contribute to the limited amount of published literature on the topic. Future investigations should include a greater number of companies to better represent ENM workplaces and a direct access to industrial settings to collect information on site. Finally, deeper attention should be paid to define standardized frameworks for ENM risk assessment that may guide nano-specific preventive actions.
Keywords
Adult, Environmental Monitoring/methods, Female, Humans, Male, Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities/statistics & numerical data, Middle Aged, Nanostructures/analysis, Occupational Exposure/analysis, Occupational Exposure/prevention & control, Personal Protective Equipment, Risk Assessment/methods, Risk Management/methods, industry, nanomaterials, preventive measures, risk assessment, risk management, survey
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
24/09/2019 13:10
Last modification date
15/01/2021 8:09
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