S AF E T Y PRE CAUT I ONS & T OXI CI T Y RE S E ARCH

NANOTECHNOLOGY
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Defined as the understanding and control of matter
at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where
unique phenomena enable novel applications.

The Nanotechnology-Biology Interface: Exploring Models for Oversight
CHALLENGES IN
NANOTECHNOLOGY
1. Melding inorganic with biological to be
compatible
Nanotoxicology concerns in health & environment
2. Benefiting society
3. Deployment of nanotechnology for solving global
issues
HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL
SAFETY
Applications have a DUAL nature
Example: The blood brain barrier delivers drugs by
penetration but raises toxicity concerns
Thus the UK advises against use until future, but the
US doesnt agree.

US GOVERNMENT
FRAMEWORK
Federal Organizations

Specific regulations :
Federal Plant Pest Act
Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic
Act
Toxic Substances Control Act
RISK MANAGEMENT
Hazard Identification: Inhalation, dermal, injestion
Exposure control:
Substitution or elimination of nanoparticles to reduce its
release
Isolation in an enclosure or separate area
Engineering controls are required depending on
experiment: General Exhaust Ventilation, Local Exhaust
Ventilation
Administrative controls such as job rotation, placement of
standard operating procedure, housekeeping procedure,
spill prevention and control, proper labeling and storage of
nanoparticles, and use of personal protective equipment
SAFETY PROCEDURES
American research laboratories must follow specific
OSHA standards:
Bloodborne Pathogens [1910.1030]
Laboratory Chemical Safety [1910.1450]
Respiratory Protection [1910.134]
Most institutions, such as University of Maryland and
Rice University have the capacity for
nanotechnology research, but safety only goes as
far as general lab safety training for researchers.

RECOMMENDED LAB
PRACTICES
Other institutions have recommended lab practices
For example, Princeton University:
Conduct a thorough risk assessment and take conservative
measures to prevent exposure
Work with nanomaterials in liquid media whenever possible
Wear impervious gloves, labcoats or cleanroom suits,
chemical splash goggles
Use enclosed control systems, such as a glovebox, for work
with dry nanoparticles or when potential aerosol generation
exists
HEPA filtration and wet wiping methods are both effective
means of removing nanoparticle contamination

RISK ASSESSMENT
COMPLICATIONS
Currently not enough information to characterize
risks
Differences in the exposure medium (i.e.. Food,
water, air)
Route of exposure (ie inhaled, consumed,
contacted)
Dose responses

SUSTAINABLE
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Sustainable Nanotechnology
Research & development of nanomaterials that
have economic & societal benefits with little to no
environmental negative impacts

SUSTAINABLE
NANOTECHNOLOGY ARTICLE
Veronesi et al.
VERONESI ET AL.
The Physicochemistry of Capped Nanosilver Predicts Its Biological
Activity in Rat Brain Endothelial Cells (RBEC4)
Capping nanosilver limits its oxidation/ aggregation & stabilizes its
size/ shape
This study measured aggregate size and zeta potential of AgNP of
different sizes and different coatings and if those factors alter
permeability, cellular, and genomic responses
Conclusions:
Pathways affected by both PVP were associated with NRF2- mediated oxidative stress
response, endocytosis, and bioenergies
Surface coating, aggregate size, & surface charge contribute to capped AgNP
permeability & oxidative stress response in RBEC4
PVP coating, a less negative surface charge, and smaller size have high toxicity and
reactivity to RBEC4