The purpose of this document is to provide the University community with current information regarding key environmental health and safety implications of nanomaterials and to provide University researchers who work with nanomaterials guidance, in the absence of state or federal regulations, in working with nanoscale materials, so that they may do so in a safe manner. If you currently work with nanoscale materials or plan to work with nanoscale materials in the future click here for institutional interim guidelines.
What is nanotechnology and what are nanomaterials?
Small Times magazine, a business publication covering the fast-emerging nanotechnology and microsystems markets, listed the University of Virginia among the top 10 universities in the country for the strength of its micro- and nanotechnology programs in an annual survey of research universities based on the responses from more than 50 universities on five key categories — research, education, facilities, industrial outreach and commercialization. Nano-related research at UVA is expected to grow as Wilsdorf Hall (Material Science and Engineering and Nanotechnology) acts as a magnet for additional faculty and research staff joining a global interest and surge in nanotechnology research. Despite an official definition of nanotechnology, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (a federal program established to coordinate multiagency efforts), defines nanotechnology as “the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications…. At the nanoscale, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms and molecules or bulk matter.” For understanding the scale of nanomaterials, the diameter of DNA is in the 2.5 nanometer range (a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter). Matter at this scale is not new and in fact, exists in nature as particles in volcanoes, forest fires and viruses. We have also produced nanomaterials unintentionally as a result of combustion and have documented exposure to these “ultrafine particles”. The focus of this document, however, is the environmental health and safety implications of working with engineered nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials are already being used in a number of industries, including the electronic, biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, energy, catalytic and materials industries.
Nanomaterials are often combined with other materials today to improve product functionality. Nanotechnology also has the potential for reducing pollution, reducing energy
consumption, and cleaning up pollution. However, with the advent of these new materials, unforeseen environmental issues or occupational hazards could arise. Researchers
must be extremely careful when working with new materials having unknown properties and toxicity.
What are the human health effects associated with exposure to engineered nanoparticle?
Current scientific evidence indicates that nanoparticles may be more biologically reactive than larger particles of similar chemical composition and thus may pose a greater health risk when inhaled. Some studies have suggested that the skin is also a potential route of exposure for nanoparticles. The potential health risk following exposure to a substance is generally associated with the magnitude and duration of the exposure, the persistence of the material in the body, the inherent toxicity of the material, and the susceptibility or health status of the person. The uncertainties regarding health risks with exposures to nanomaterials arise because of the gaps in knowledge about routes of exposure, and the fate of these materials once they are inside the body. Because of these uncertainties, it is important that interim precautionary measures be taken to minimize exposures. The fate of nanoparticles in the environment and subsequent human exposures is also largely unknown.
Additional Resources
There are a number of resources available online that provide information on current research on the toxicity of nanomaterials and current best practices when working with nanomaterials. We will continue to review websites and articles of interest to add them to this site for reference. We ask that anyone conducting nano-related research on grounds contact EHS first, so that we may observe laboratory practices and assist personnel in evaluating any processes with potential for exposure. The University also has a work group appointed by the Vice President for Research that is specifically tasked with the mission of examining the environmental health and safety (EHS) implications of existing and emerging nanotechnology research at the University. The group will formulate guidance and recommendations regarding strategies for the responsible EHS-related management of nanotechnology research. Questions or concerns about nanotechnology research at the University may be forwarded to this work group at any time by contacting EHS at any time.
International Council on Nanotechnology -- Up-to-date postings and searchable datable of nanotoxicology research.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) -- Nanotechnology Topic Page
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), a federal R&D program established to coordinate the multiagency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.