Characterizing Workforces Exposed to Current and Emerging Non-Carbonaceous Nanomaterials in the U.S

Details

• Personal Author:
  Babik KR ; Dahm, Matthew M. ; Dunn, Kevin H. ; Dunn, Kevin L. ; Schubauer-Berigan, Mary K.
• Description:
  Objective: Toxicology studies suggest that exposure to certain types of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) may cause adverse health effects, but little is known about the workforce in the United States that produces or uses these materials. In addition, occupational exposure control strategies in this industry are not well characterized. This study identified US ENM manufacturers and users (other than carbon nanotubes and nanofibers, which have been characterized elsewhere), determined workforce size, characterized types and quantities of materials used, occupational exposure control strategies, and the feasibility of occupational ENM exposure studies. Methods: Eligible companies were identified and information was collected through phone surveys on nanomaterials produced or used, workforce size, location, work practices, and exposure control strategies. The companies were classified into groups for additional examinations. Results: Forty-nine companies producing or using ENMs in the US were identified. These companies employed at least 1500 workers. Most companies produced or used some form of nanoscale metal. More than half of the eligible companies were suppliers for the coatings, composite materials, or general industries. Each company provided information about worker exposure reduction strategies through engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment. Production-scale companies reported greater use of specific exposure control strategies for ENMs than laboratory-scale companies. Conclusions: Workplaces producing or using ENMs report using engineering and administrative controls as well as personal protective equipment to control worker exposure. Industrywide exposure assessment studies appear feasible due to workforce size. However, more effort must be taken to target industries using specific ENMs based on known toxicological effects and health risks. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Engineering Hazardous Substances Laboratories Manufacturing And Industrial Facilities Metals Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Safety Toxicology Workplace

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• Keywords:
  Administrative Controls Author Keywords: Engineered Nanomaterials Coatings Control Methods Control Technology Engineering Controls Exposure Assessment Industrial Engineering Industrial Environment Manufacturing Nanomaterials Nanoscale Nanotechnology Nanotoxicology Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Occupations Personal Protective Equipment Toxic Materials Work Environment Workers Work Operations Work Practices

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• ISSN:
  1545-9624
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Ohio ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  DSHEFS - Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies ; DART - Division of Applied Research and Technology
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  44-56
• Volume:
  15
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20050523
• Citation:
  J Occup Environ Hyg 2018 Jan; 15(1):44-56
• Contact Point Address:
  Kelsey R. Babik, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 1090 Tusculum Ave., MS R-14, Cincinnati, OH 45226
• Email:
  kelsey.babik@gmail.com
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2018
• NORA Priority Area:
  Manufacturing
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:8bf96513cda64486c5b0f07a926c772900b7e71a5c7ef7cc8a1631a4392fcbf3d94ddfe27e623c52f88824c761f9addfa56125bb207e95898109ab8a0d2dc658
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/210833/cdc_210833_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 735.64 KB ]