Protecting Workers in Puerto Rico from Exposure Risks to Nanomaterials Made from Silver and Other Substances

Nanomaterials are generally defined as engineered structures, devices and systems that have a length scale between 1 and 100 nanometers. The technology promises scientific advancement in many sectors, including medicine, consumer products, energy, materials and manufacturing. However, at this exceptionally small size, materials begin to exhibit unique properties that affect physical, chemical and biological behavior.
 
Nanoscale silver particles are one of the most widely used nanomaterials in commerce. In response, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently released Current Intelligence Bulletin 70: Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Silver Nanomaterials.
 
In the publication, NIOSH researchers assessed the potential health risk from occupational exposure to silver nanomaterials from a number of previous studies. The agency shares a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 0.9 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) as an airborne respirable 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration to protect workers from silver nanomaterials. This REL applies to a primary particle size of ≤ 100 nanometers. In addition, NIOSH continues to recommend a REL of 10 μg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA for total silver (metal dust, fume and soluble compounds, as silver).
 
“As nanomaterials made from silver and other substances become ever more commonplace, workers within nanotechnology-related industries have the potential to be exposed to these uniquely engineered materials with novel sizes, shapes, and physical and chemical properties,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Occupational health risks associated with manufacturing and using nanomaterials are not yet clearly understood. This is why NIOSH recommends the use of workplace exposure assessments, engineering controls, safe work procedures, training and education to protect workers.”
 
In Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean, the industrial hygiene and indoor environmental quality professionals at Zimmetry help with these efforts. They offer expertise in air testing, industrial processes, engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) and training.
 
To learn more about occupational exposure, indoor air quality, environmental, or compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.
 

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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