Which Gloves Are Efficient To Protect Against Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles In Work Conditions?

Abstract

Recent articles underline the potential health risks associated to the “nano” revolution. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) are one of these engineered nanoparticles (ENP) that have been cautioned about their likely harmful effects on health. In occupational use, to handle ENP, many Health & Safety agencies have recommended the application of the precautionary principle namely the recommendation of the use of protective gloves against chemicals. However, at the best of our knowledge, no study about the penetration of ENP through protective gloves in working conditions was performed. This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of several models of protective gloves against nTiO2. Two types of nitrile rubber gloves (100 μm and 200μm), latex and butyl rubber gloves were brought into contact with nTiO2 in water, in propylene glycol (PG) or in powder. Mechanical biaxial deformations (BD), simulating the flexing of the hand, were applied to the samples during their exposure to ENP. Depending the model of gloves and the mode of application of the NP, the results obtained by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry) are different. For nTiO2 in water, the passage is highlighted for nitrile rubber gloves (100 μm) after only 60 deformations and the nTiO2 concentration reaches its maximum for 180 DB. Regarding the nTiO2 in powder, nitrile rubber gloves (100 μm) and butyl rubber, the values achieved are significant but less than the solutions.