Occupational exposure to incidental nanoparticles: a review on control banding

Abstract

As the integration of nanomaterials in our lives evolves, these materials become more noticeable and so do the concerns about the associated risks. Handling engineered nanomaterials (ENM) increases these concerns and has been leading to multiple studies about how to assess the risk of exposure to these materials. In the meanwhile, many workers are not conscious that they are exposed to nanomaterials, since some are unintentionally released in workplaces, during industrial activities, for example. The exact approach to be taken to study this exposure risk is far from being fully established and unanimously accepted. Choosing a quantitative approach can lead to more consistent results, but it requires expert’s knowledge and proper equipment. A qualitative methodology may be less expensive and time consuming. Control Banding (CB) is an example of a qualitative approach, frequently used to manage the risk of exposure to engineered nanomaterials. But while numerous authors and organizations are focused on risk management of ENM, is the exposure to incidental nanomaterials being neglected? If not, how is this being managed? The purpose of this work was to review different CB approaches for occupational risk management of nanomaterials and to highlight its application for the specific case of incidental nanoparticles. Using two databases for the literature review and after some data analysis, the results of this work allowed to clarify the tendency to apply CB methodologies to ENM risk management research and also the opportunity of applying such approach to incidental nanomaterials.