Investigating the relationship between occupational exposure to nanomaterials and symptoms of nanotechnology companies' employees

Abstract

Purpose The increasing use of nanomaterials in academic and industrial environments has raised concerns about the potential effects of these materials on human and the environment. Researches have shown that occupational exposure to nanomaterials can affect employees' health. Many companies are active in the field of nanotechnology in Iran. Therefore, this study was designed and conducted to investigate the relationship between the symptoms of these companies' employees and exposure to nanomaterials. Methods The study was conducted among employees of 52 nanotechnology companies in Tehran. For this study, the employees of these companies were categorized in two groups: "exposed" and "non-exposed" to nanomaterials. Data collection tools included the NanoTool method form and a nonspecific symptom questionnaire designed and validated by a team of 19 experts in various fields. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS.22 software. Results The results showed that the frequency of cutaneous (such as roughness, itching and redness), respiratory (such as cough, sneezing, and burning throat) and ocular (such as burning, itching and redness) symptoms were higher among the exposed workers to nanomaterials. Examination of the correlation between these symptoms in the two studied groups showed that symptoms with high frequency have a significant relationship with exposure to nanomaterials. Conclusions Given the high prevalence of some symptoms among the employees of the studied companies and their association with exposure to nanomaterials, it seems necessary to take control measures to reduce the exposure of employees to nanomaterials and consequently reduce the Investigated symptoms.