Insufficient Nanosafety Practices in Research Laboratories

Published guidelines on handling nanomaterials generally recommend the use of barriers around a source to prevent its dissemination, or air filtering systems, and the use of personal protection equipment, such as respirators, face shields, and gloves. In case the hazards are unkonwn, a precautionary approach would suggest to handle such nanomaterials as if they were toxic, and any exposure would have to be prevented.

The survey found that only 10 percent of researchers working with nanomaterials used nano-enabled hoods, and 25 percent did not use any type of general laboratory protection. Additionally, many of the labs were found to dispose of nanomaterials in the same way they dispose of other chemicals.

About 85% of researchers declared disposing of nanomaterials either without a special procedure (24.3%) or with the same procedure as for other chemicals (61.0%), although 81% of researchers stated that nanomaterials should be treated as hazardous waste unless they are proven to be non-hazardous. 51.7% of the researchers reported using the same Materials Safety Data Sheet irrespective of whether they were handling bulk or nanosize materials - a problem that has been one of the main topics of last year's 5th. Int. NanoRegulation Conference.

The authors say the results indicate that environmental health and safety practices in many research laboratories worldwide are lacking, and suggest that further research into the possible adverse health effects of nanomaterials should be conducted. General guidelines provided by reliable organizations should be implemented immediately, until such research is undertaken.

Scientists, they say, should also self-regulate and ensure that nanosafety practices are implemented in their work.

Source: Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News (modified)

Article: Nature Nanotechnology, Francisco Balas, Manuel Arruebo, Jone Urrutia and Jesus Santamaria