Occupational medicine implications of engineered nanoscale particulate matter

Abstract

The imminent nanotechnology revolution promises dramatic advancements in science, technology, medicine and society as a whole. First generation products containing engineered nanoscale materials are already appearing in the marketplace, while more sophisticated products are being developed in laboratories around the world. Researchers and manufacturing employees are potentially exposed to dispersible nanoscale particulate matter via inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Preliminary research indicates that in some cases nanoparticulate matter may be more toxic than other forms of the same or similar material. Application of the classical tools of occupational medicine and industrial hygiene is hampered by the lack of consensus guidelines for medical monitoring, exposure assessment, and exposure control.

Experimental Limiting Oxygen Concentrations for Nine Organic Solvents at Temperatures and Pressures Relevant to Aerobic Oxidations in the Pharmaceutical Industry

“…Of course, every system will need to be fully evaluated to achieve safe operation, and several layers of safety should be incorporated into any given process. For example, it will be important to ensure that the LOC is not exceeded anywhere in a process or production facility at any time, and additional attention will need to be given to certain solvents, such as ethers and amides, to avoid the buildup of solvent-derived peroxides under aerobic reaction conditions . Together with such additional considerations, the LOC data presented herein should facilitate research and applications of aerobic oxidation reactions for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.…”

Engineered nanomaterials: exposures, hazards, and risk prevention

“…These effects extended into the alveolar septa [ 116 ]. A review of eleven studies of carbon nanotube introduction to the lungs of mice, rats, and guinea pigs revealed most found granuloma, inflammation, and fibrosis [ 117 ]. MWCNTs produced greater acute lung and systemic effects and were twice as likely to activate the immune system as SWCNTs, suggesting the former have greater toxic potential [ 118 ].…”

“…This can result in sustained inflammation and eventually fibrotic changes. Studies have demonstrated MWCNT-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, similar to that produced by chrysotile asbestos and to a greater extent than that produced by ultrafine carbon black or SWCNTs [ 117 ]. Greater toxicity from a high-aspect-ratio metal oxide (titania) ENM has also been shown in cells in culture and in vivo [ 147 ].…”

Estimating Occupational Exposure to VOCs, SVOCs, Particles and Participant Survey Reported Symptoms in Central Thailand Rice Farmers Using Multiple Sampling Techniques

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO), particle pollution contributes to approximately 7 million premature deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide [12]. Serious respiratory disorders-cardiovascular, respiratory, and allergic diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and possibly tuberculosis; lung cancer risk; and nervous system disorders have all been linked to aerosol exposure [13][14][15][16][17]. The consequences of omnipresent indoor-outdoor aerosol exposure depend on the type of aerosol present, the type of outdoor environment, the duration of time spent exposed to the aerosol, age, gender, susceptibility, and many other factors [18][19][20][21].…”

“…The objective of this study was to explore the air quality in an agricultural area including VOCs, SVOCs, and particulate concentrations during farming activities and to identify the symptoms related to pollutants [13][14][15][16][17] among rice farmers.…”