safety & health aspects of nanotechnology
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Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology. Where are we?. Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology. This material Known for 2000 years Used for napkins by the Romans Health aspects identified Deaths and lung problems in 1917 Regulation: 1980 What is it?. Nanotechnology. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Where are we?
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
This material– Known for 2000 years– Used for napkins by the Romans– Health aspects identified– Deaths and lung problems in 1917– Regulation: 1980
• What is it?
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
• Presentation Outline– Definitions of Nanotechnology– Unknowns factors– Known hazards – standard – Industry Experience – who’s done what?– What do we do?– Protective Equipment
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
• Definitions• Nanoparticles (1 to 100 nm)• Ultrafine Particles (< 100 nm) incidental to process.• Engineered nanoparticles (1-100 nm)• Nano aerosols (>100 nm)
• Perspective of size: 10 um (length of 10 hydrogen atoms.)
Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene PresentationFrom EPA White Paper on Nanotechnology
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
• Route of Entry:– Most common is inhalation– Deposited in the lungs– May enter the brain in nasal region– Ingestion– Intact Skin (movement along nerves)*
*(Based on research, Southern Methodist University, Dr. Eva Oberdörster, 2004)
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Animal & Epidemiological study Hypotheses
• Physical/chemical effects– Greater respiratory hazard– Oxidative stress, inflammation, production of cytokines– Chemokines, and cell growth factors.– (auto-immune disease production)
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology
Surface Area and Activity – Predicting Hazard
• Greater potential with greater surface area
>Pulmonary Effects
>Cytotoxicity of water-soluble fullerenes
(used as anti-microbial agent)
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology 2nd Generation
ESH Coverage
2001 2003 2006
3rd Gen 4th Gen
2015
Where are We?
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
• Carcinogenic Effects• Long Term effects – Unknown• Quantum Dots• Single-wall Nanotubes • MSDSs
– Focus on materials not product
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
• Unknowns– Environmental Impact– Delay in exposure data.– MSDS gaps– SIC/NAICs codes not addressed
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
Risk• Industry Experience• Care in setting up the operations• Standard Industry Risks• MSDS doesn’t address product
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
• The Other side:
• Same arguments as previously• No data, no risk• Pressure to go on.
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology• System Arrangements – General.
Plasma Torch Reaction tube Product Collection
Feed air
CoolingWater
Monitor & interlock
UPS
Feedstock
Relief Valve
Quench Tube
Vacuum
Cooling Jacket
WaterRecycling line
Air, He
Containment Containment
Sid
e P
rodu
cts
Temp Control
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology .. Failure Points
Plasma Torch Reaction tube Product Collection
Feed air
CoolingWater
Monitor & interlock
UPS
Feedstock
Relief Valve
Quench Tube
Vacuum
Cooling Jacket
WaterRecycling line
Air, He
Temp Control
X
X
XX
Leaksspills
Leak
Clean air
Exhaust Vent Intake
X
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Hazard Analysis…
• Protect workers at release points
• Failure Analysis
• Interlocks are critical
• Backup system
• Configuration Control
• Reverse Flow conditions
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
• Checklists:– Industrial Hygiene– High Temperature– UV/IR hazards– Heavy Metals– Particulates– Fire Risk– Catalytic Reaction
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Concerns…
• Emergency Response
• Access Control
• Maintenance
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Nanotechnology
Protective Equipment
•Respirators•(When no controls Work•No limits, TLVs, OSHA PELs
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
• Conclusions– Raise Awareness– Information sharing is important!– Stay connected– Identify Information Gaps– Use what you know.– Limit Access– Configuration Management
Nanotechnology
ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation
Where we Don’t want to be…