How can we manage the risks posed by nanoparticles? Help is close at hand. A
new guide - the first of its kind in Qubec - has been published to help deal
with managing the risks associated with synthetic nanoparticles. The best
practices guide published jointly by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauv en
sant et en scurit du travail (IRSST), the Commission de la sant et de la scurit
du travail (CSST) and NanoQubec sets out a prevention strategy for both the
workers and researchers who use, manufacture or synthesize nanoparticles.

The authors of the guide cautioned that the knowledge on health and safety
risks specific to nanoparticles is still very limited. We do know however that
nanoparticles can be more toxic than their equivalent larger-scale chemical
counterparts and even when the levels of toxicity and exposure are uncertain,
there is enough knowledge to effectively manage the risks.

Best Practices Guide to Synthetic Nanoparticle Risk Management describes the
current state of knowledge in the field and makes recommendations for
controlling its risk factors to prevent workplace injuries. The guide outlines
the health, safety and environmental risks of nanotechnologies, and suggests an
approach for evaluating and controlling these risks. It also documents current
practices at the international level and identifies which factors should form
part of an institutional prevention program.

"The guide does not address every issue associated with nanoparticles. Its
merits include recommending a preventive approach for minimizing occupational
exposure, suggesting a step-by-step approach and providing concrete examples of
applications in industrial settings and research centers," stated Marie Larue,
IRSST President and CEO.

More info

AplusA-online.de - Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety