1. Engineered Nanomaterials in the Energy Sector: Preparing for an Emerging Occupational Hazard
EPRI 2nd Annual Occupational Health & Safety Meeting Conference
May 19, 2015
Gregory Nichols, MPH, CPH
Program Manager, Nanotechnology Studies, ORAU

2. Definitions Nanotechnology is the intentional manipulation of matter
On an atomic scale (1-100 nm)
To make new structures/materials
Engineered nanomaterials
Have unique properties that make them
Useful
And dangerous

3. Scale of Nanomaterials
Yokel and MacPhail, J Occ Med and Tox, 2011

4. Properties of Nanomaterials
Change in optical properties
Change in electrical properties
Change in physical properties (i.e., melting point)
Increased mechanical strength
Quantum effects

5. Types of Engineered Nanomaterials
Nanomaterial Category
Features and Types
Example Products
Fullerenes
C60, carbon nanotubes, graphene
Conductive films, fuel cells, composites, cosmetics
Ceramics
Iron oxides, titanium dioxide
Photocatalysts, magnetic data storage, coatings, sun-screens, paint
Metals
Silver, gold, platinum
Antomicrobial fabrics, oxidation catalysts, sensor elements
Quantum dots
Cadmium chalcogenides
Solar cells, diodes, biologic markers
Polymers
Copolymer assemblies, dendrimers
Coatings, rheologic control, drug delivery
NAS, A Research Strategy for EH&S Aspects of Eng Nanoparticles, 2012

6. Applications of Nanotechnology in the Energy Sector
Hessian Ministry of Economy, Transport, Urban and Regional Development, 2008

7. Current State of Nano in the Energy Sector
Processes
Maintenance
Production/Manufacturing
Materials
Lubricants
Paints and coatings
Photovoltaic cells
Electronic components
Batteries
Turbines/Blades

8. Potential for Exposure
State of the nanomaterial
Employee activity
Potential exposure source
Bound or fixed nanostructures (polymer matrix)
Grinding, etching, erosion, abrasion, sanding, drilling, heating, cooling
Release during grinding, drilling, and sanding; Damage to matrix
Liquid suspension, dispersion
Synthesis methods; Pouring/mixing liquids; Sonication; Spraying
Aerosolization of nanoparticles during sonication or spraying
Dry dispersible nanomaterials and agglomerates
Collecting materials, weighing powders, mixing powders
Exposures while handling dry powders
Nanoaerosols and gas phase synthesis
Vapor deposition, vapor condensation, spraying
Direct leakage from reactor, processing and packaging dry powder, cleaning equipment, maintenance
NIOSH, Gen Safe Practices for Working with Eng Nanomaterials in Research Labs, 2012

9. Routes of Entry/Exposure Pathways
Oberdorster, Env Health Perspectives, 2005

10. Actions of Nanomaterials

11. Analysis of a DOE Worker Cohort
Definition of a “nano” worker (DOE O 456.1)
Has the potential for inhalation or dermal exposure to unbound engineered nanoparticles
Routinely spends time in an area in which engineered unbound engineered nanoparticles have the potential to become dispersed in the air or on surfaces; or
Works on equipment that might contain or bear unbound engineered nanoparticles and that could release unbound engineered nanoparticles during servicing or maintenance.

12. Analysis of a DOE Worker Cohort (cont’d)
Illness and Injury Surveillance Program (IISP)
Monitored 125,000 workers
14 DOE Sites
Nearly 20 years
759 nano-workers ( ) (51,000 total workers)
BNL, Hanford, INL, LLNL, ORNL
1.5% of samples population
Female – 20%, Male – 80%
Field Professionals, In-house Professionals
Respiratory diagnosis the highest
No difference in absences, or number of diagnoses

13. Liou et al, J Nanopart Res, 2012
Cross-sectional study
14 facilities in Taiwan
364 workers (227 handled nano, 137 did not)
Mixed exposure (CNT, Si, TiO2, nanometals)
CVD markers increased in nano group (fibrinogen, IAM-1, IL-6)

14. Worker Registries BASF (2009 - ) France (2013 - ) Challenges
North America (210 sites, 11,000 workers)
5% of all BASF sites use nanomaterials
France ( )
Multiple types of production facilities
Carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide
Challenges
Definition of “nanoparticles”
Most exposures are compound
Limitations on measurement technologies
Most workers are in mfg or chemicals
Small sample size

15. Exposure Scenarios and Engineering Controls
State of the nanomaterial
Employee activity
Potential exposure source
Recommended engineering controls
Bound or fixed nanostructures (polymer matrix)
Grinding, etching, erosion, abrasion, sanding, drilling, heating, cooling
Release during grinding, drilling, and sanding; Damage to matrix
LEV
Lab chemical hood (HEPA)
Glovebox (HEPA)
Bio safety cabinet class II
Liquid suspension, dispersion
Synthesis methods; Pouring/mixing liquids; Sonication; Spraying
Aerosolization of nanoparticles during sonication or spraying
Dry dispersible nanomaterials and agglomerates
Collecting materials, weighing powders, mixing powders
Exposures while handling dry powders
Nanoaerosols and gas phase synthesis
Vapor deposition, vapor condensation, spraying
Direct leakage from reactor, processing and packaging dry powder, cleaning equipment, maintenance
Glovebox or other sealed enclosure with HEPA
Equipment for monitoring toxic gases
NIOSH, Gen Safe Practices for Working with Eng Nanomaterials in Research Labs, 2012

16. Administrative Controls/PPE
Awareness
Training
Communication
Personal Protective Equipment
Respirators
OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard
Follow NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic (N 95)
Double-gloved (nitrile, latex, neoprene)
Non-woven textiles (high-density polyethylene); disposable preferred
Medical screening and surveillance
Biological monitoring

17. Regulations (Sort of) Category Agency Legislation
Occupational Health and Safety
Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 (1970)
Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances Committee studying “primary particle notation”
Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)
CNT - 1µg/m3
TiO2 – 0.3mg/m3
Industrial Chemicals
Environmental Protection Agency
Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 (1976)
Section 8(a)
SNUR
Environment
Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 (1977)
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 (1976)
Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 (1970)
Bowman and Hodge, Columbia S&T Law Review, 2007

18. Knowledge Gaps in Nanomaterial Work Places
Hazard Identification
Toxicologic research
Health effects assessment
Safety research
Hazard Characterization
Field assessment
Epidemiologic and hazard surveillance research
Exposure Assessment
Metrology research
Control technology research
Personal protective equipment research
Risk Characterization
Risk assessment
Dose-response modelling
Exposure characterization
Epidemiologic research
Risk Management
Risk communication
Guidance development for controls, exposure limits, PPE, and medical surveillance
Information dissemination
Adherence investigation
NIOSH, Protecting the Nanotechnology Workforce, 2013

19. The Nichols Method for Dealing With Nano
Identify – Processes/materials with nano
Evaluate – Current practices
Assess – Adequacy of controls based on current guidelines
Adjust – Change based on science/recommendations/practicality
Communicate – Risk, mission, and measures