Understanding workplace processes and factors that influence exposures to engineered nanomaterials

Int J Occup Environ Health. 2010 Oct-Dec;16(4):365-77. doi: 10.1179/107735210799159950.

Abstract

There is a critical need to understand the factors that influence engineered nanomaterial (ENM) exposures in the workplace. Such an understanding would aid in: identifying and prioritizing control measures; targeting future exposure measurements; and predicting worker exposures for work scenarios. This information could also be used in epidemiological studies. We propose a multitiered model in which information on exposure factors can be obtained at the macrolevel (examining differences in exposures between different ENM sectors or product types); the midlevel (examining differences in exposures between workplaces within the same ENM sector or product type); and the microlevel (examining differences in exposure between tasks or between ENM types during the same task). Further, within the microlevel, potential exposure factors are defined by a source-receptor model. We recommend that auxiliary data be collected systematically, along with exposure measurements, to enable analysis of exposure factors as well as the pooling of data across studies.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / analysis
  • Carbon / toxicity
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Humans
  • Metals / analysis
  • Metals / toxicity
  • Nanostructures / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Oxides / analysis
  • Oxides / toxicity
  • Research Design
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Metals
  • Oxides
  • Carbon