Assessing the protection of the nanomaterial workforce

Schulte, Paul A.; Iavicoli, Ivo; Rantanen, Jorma; Dahmann, D.; Iavicoli, Sergio; Pipke, Rüdiger; Canu, Irina Guseva; Boccuni, Fabio; Ricci, Maximo; Polci, Maria Letizia; Sabbioni, E.; Pietroiusti, Antonio; Mantovani, Elvio

doi:10.3109/17435390.2015.1132347

Cited by 25 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…During the production and use of nanomaterials (NMs), very high is the possibility of exposure for workers, consumers and environment, but the derived effects cannot be precisely predicted because of the particulate and molecular identity of the nanoscaled materials [ 9 ]. Furthermore, there is the difficulty to identify companies producing or processing NMs, because many companies are not classified as nanotechnology companies [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intracellular Transport of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Biological Responses: An Update

Panzarini

Mariano

Carata

et al. 2018

IJMS

101

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Medicine, food, and cosmetics represent the new promising applications for silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs). AgNPs are most commonly used in food and cosmetics; conversely, the main applications of gold NPs (AuNPs) are in the medical field. Thus, in view of the risk of accidentally or non-intended uptake of NPs deriving from the use of cosmetics, drugs, and food, the study of NPs–cell interactions represents a key question that puzzles researchers in both the nanomedicine and nanotoxicology fields. The response of cells starts when the NPs bind to the cell surface or when they are internalized. The amount and modality of their uptake depend on many and diverse parameters, such as NPs and cell types. Here, we discuss the state of the art of the knowledge and the uncertainties regarding the biological consequences of AgNPs and AuNPs, focusing on NPs cell uptake, location, and translocation. Finally, a section will be dedicated to the most currently available methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of intracellular transport of metal NPs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intracellular Transport of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Biological Responses: An Update

Panzarini

Mariano

Carata

et al. 2018

IJMS

101

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“…Several recent studies have focused on end-of-life grinding and recycling of CNT-composites [ 3 , 4 ]. In contrast to numerous studies on exposures, little information is available on the health effects of workers and researchers engaged in nanocomposite research and development or manufacturing [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals reactive towards a number of atmospheric oxidants.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Markers of Oxidative Stress in the Exhaled Breath Condensate of Workers Handling Nanocomposites

et al. 2018

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Researchers in nanocomposite processing may inhale a variety of chemical agents, including nanoparticles. This study investigated airway oxidative stress status in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Nineteen employees (42.4 ± 11.4 y/o), working in nanocomposites research for 18.0 ± 10.3 years were examined pre-shift and post-shift on a random workday, together with nineteen controls (45.5 ± 11.7 y/o). Panels of oxidative stress biomarkers derived from lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins were analyzed in the EBC. Aerosol exposures were monitored during three major nanoparticle generation operations: smelting and welding (workshop 1) and nanocomposite machining (workshop 2) using a suite of real-time and integrated instruments. Mass concentrations during these operations were 0.120, 1.840, and 0.804 mg/m3, respectively. Median particle number concentrations were 4.8 × 104, 1.3 × 105, and 5.4 × 105 particles/cm3, respectively. Nanoparticles accounted for 95, 40, and 61%, respectively, with prevailing Fe and Mn. All markers of nucleic acid and protein oxidation, malondialdehyde, and aldehydes C6–C13 were elevated, already in the pre-shift samples relative to controls in both workshops. Significant post-shift elevations were documented in lipid oxidation markers. Significant associations were found between working in nanocomposite synthesis and EBC biomarkers. More research is needed to understand the contribution of nanoparticles from nanocomposite processing in inducing oxidative stress, relative to other co-exposures generated during welding, smelting, and secondary oxidation processes, in these workshops.

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“…Thousands of workers are engaged in the research, development, and commercial scale production of nano-enabled composites. Yet, limited data is available on exposures and more so on health effects, in occupational settings that produce and use nanomaterials [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] despite their frequent use in various industrial applications (e.g., construction, composites, fillers), with possible release during manufacturing [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deep Airway Inflammation and Respiratory Disorders in Nanocomposite Workers

et al. 2018

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Thousands of researchers and workers worldwide are employed in nanocomposites manufacturing, yet little is known about their respiratory health. Aerosol exposures were characterized using real time and integrated instruments. Aerosol mass concentration ranged from 0.120 mg/m3 to 1.840 mg/m3 during nanocomposite machining processes; median particle number concentration ranged from 4.8 × 104 to 5.4 × 105 particles/cm3. The proportion of nanoparticles varied by process from 40 to 95%. Twenty employees, working in nanocomposite materials research were examined pre-shift and post-shift using spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in parallel with 21 controls. Pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LT) type B4, C4, D4, and E4; tumor necrosis factor (TNF); interleukins; and anti-inflammatory lipoxins (LXA4 and LXB4) were analyzed in their exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Chronic bronchitis was present in 20% of researchers, but not in controls. A significant decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) was found in researchers post-shift (p ˂ 0.05). Post-shift EBC samples were higher for TNF (p ˂ 0.001), LTB4 (p ˂ 0.001), and LTE4 (p ˂ 0.01) compared with controls. Nanocomposites production was associated with LTB4 (p ˂ 0.001), LTE4 (p ˂ 0.05), and TNF (p ˂ 0.001), in addition to pre-shift LTD4 and LXB4 (both p ˂ 0.05). Spirometry documented minor, but significant, post-shift lung impairment. TNF and LTB4 were the most robust markers of biological effects. Proper ventilation and respiratory protection are required during nanocomposites processing.

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Assessing the protection of the nanomaterial workforce

Cited by 25 publications

References 40 publications

Intracellular Transport of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Biological Responses: An Update

Intracellular Transport of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Biological Responses: An Update

Markers of Oxidative Stress in the Exhaled Breath Condensate of Workers Handling Nanocomposites

Deep Airway Inflammation and Respiratory Disorders in Nanocomposite Workers

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