California Construction Workers Surveyed about Nanotechnologies and Nanoparticle Exposure Awareness

Last year, the Center for Construction Research and Training released the results of a survey of construction workers in California that gauged their overall awareness of nanotechnologies and nanoparticles in the construction industry. Nanotechnology: Assessing Awareness and Training Needs Among California Construction Trades surveyed various construction trades in the state to determine the level of knowledge of the growing list of nanotechnologies used in construction and the potential risks and health concerns they may pose to workers.

The results of the survey found that there was great interest, but few workers had received any nanotechnology training and there is a clear need for more education on this important and emerging topic. Some workers even reported never having heard the terms nanotechnology or nanoparticles.

The use of nanoparticles is rapidly evolving in many industries in California and across the globe, not just construction. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a document to help protect workers from potential hazards associated with exposure to manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs), also referred to as nanoparticles. WHO Guidelines on Protecting Workers from Potential Risks of Manufactured Nanomaterials provides a list of best practices and safety guidelines for workplaces across the globe.

“There are workers in construction and other industries that utilize nanomaterials that have the potential to be exposed to these unique materials through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that occupational exposure risks associated with manufacturing and using nanomaterials are not yet clearly understood. Recognizing this fact, employers should take appropriate measures to control worker exposure.”

LA Testing and its affiliate laboratories offer analytical services for the characterization and analysis of a wide array of nanomaterials to further innovation and to identify potential employee exposure concerns. The laboratory is staffed with scientists who have access to the most advanced instrumentation available, including a JEOL Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) as well as multiple Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) capable of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA) and digital imaging. Addition instrumentation includes, but is not limited to, Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Auger Electron Spectroscope (AES) and a High Voltage (200kV) Transmission Electron Microscope, all equipped with state-of-the-art Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analyzers.

LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about nanomaterials and occupational exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/1lGc5OeGdjA.

To learn more about nanotechnologies and research, occupational and environmental testing, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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