Nanotechnologys Place in the EHS Workplace In one of Safety 2014s technical sessions, two EHS professionals - John Baker, CIH and Amanda Archer, CIH, CSP - discussed updating nanotechnology for the EHS professional for 2014. The two presenters began by discussing what nanotechnology and nanometer scales are and what they mean for employee health. They pointed out naturally occurring nanoparticles - such as salt water - as well as types of modern day technology that exploit the use of nano particles, such as carbon nano fibers, water filtration, sunscreen and solar panels. Next, Archer and Baker pointed out that nanomaterials and nanoparticles are here to stay. Some think they are hazardous, but they are just an emerging technology. Nano means more surface area than mass, but it also refers to reactivity chemical, magnetic, electrical and optical. The presentation continued on to explore the toxicity of nanomaterials and their effects on the respiratory tract. In fact, 80% of inhaled nanoparticles can reside in the respiratory system for more than 48 hours. In addition, 20-50% of the particles reach the alveoli.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 14:53:28 +0000
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