17 April 2024
NanoTox, 23-25 Sept 2024, Venice, Italy
20 February 2024
ANTHOS 2024 (4-7 March 2024, Vienna, AT)
9 November 2023
Submit abstract for SETAC 2024
20 August 2023
1 July 2023
Engineered nanomaterials, as for example, nanospheres, nanotubes, nanowires and nanosheets, possess a unique combination of physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. This makes them promising candidates for a variety of structural and functional applications. However, due to their extremely small dimensions, large surface area and high reactivity, they have the potential ability to penetrate living cells quite readily. As a result, their unique nano-features may also make them potentially hazardous for human health and environmental safety. Therefore, intense research activity is being undertaken in various R&D institutions, universities and industries across the world to evaluate their toxicity and critical exposure levels. Currently, evidence regarding the toxic effects of nanomaterials on humans in the scientific and technical literature is insufficient and consequently their risk remains unknown. Under the umbrella of the Government of India’s Nano Mission, as well as by virtue of substantial research funding from other sources, a large number of researchers from national laboratories, universities and industries are pursuing R&D work on various projects involving ceramic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, nanowires, nanostructured alloys etc. There is every likelihood that persons associated with these projects, as well as their colleagues, could be inadvertently exposed to the various nanomaterials being investigated in their laboratories, which may cause health related problems if proper precautions are not taken in handling them. Nanomaterials-related safety has been a growing concern among the research community and the regulatory agencies in India. In view of this, the Nano Mission has decided to formulate a regulatory framework to address the issues of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) impact and risk from nanomaterials and nanorelated products.
Recently, a task force has been set up under the chairmanship of Dr. Baldev Raj, former director, Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR) to lay a roadmap to regulatory framework for nanotechnology in India. Based on the recommendations of the above task force, the Centre for Knowledge Management of Nanoscience and Technology (CKMNT), partially funded by the nano mission and the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), has taken up a new initiative to prepare guidelines for scientists and technocrats working in R&D laboratories to implement best practices for safe handling of nanomaterials at their work places. The following guidelines address the exposure risks and prudent control measures to be followed while working with nanomaterials to reduce risks. It is recommended that the researchers planning to work with nanomaterials must implement a combination of engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment to minimize potential exposure to themselves and others. It is hoped that this document would serve as an interim reference until a comprehensive regulatory framework that covers the potential risks and safe handling procedures of nanomaterials is formulated. This will ensure that nanomaterials are produced, handled and used in a safe and sustainable way that is essential to exploit their societal benefits.
Over the years, regulators and industry have put in place systematic processes for identifying, managing and reducing potential environmental, safety and health risks of chemicals across their entire life cycle. As nanomaterials are chemical substances, this approach also applies to them. The EU’s comprehensive regulatory framework, including REACH, can be implemented and where necessary adapted to effectively regulate nanomaterials. Looking beyond the potential technical risks associated with nanomaterials, there is actually only scarce information available about the impact of nanomaterials on non-human species, on ecosystems or the global environment. Even within established questions of toxicology, still the fact is unclear about how different nanoparticles exactly interact within the human body or with the environment, which means that more data is needed.
With a view of providing basic guidelines to the researchers on safe handling of nanomaterials, CKMNT has compiled this document based on published reports by regulatory bodies like ISO, OECD, NIOSH, OSHA available with public domain and experience, of Indian experts.