Use of nanoparticles in Swiss industry: a targeted survey

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_B49739B69B93
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Use of nanoparticles in Swiss industry: a targeted survey
Journal
Environmental Science and Technology
Author(s)
Schmid Kaspar, Riediker Michael
ISSN
0013-936X
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2008
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
42
Number
7
Pages
2253-2260
Language
english
Abstract
A large number of applications using manufactured nanoparticles of less than 100 nm are currently being introduced into industrial processes. There is an urgent need to evaluate the risks of these novel particles to ensure their safe production, handling, use, and disposal. However, today we lack even rudimentary knowledge about type and quantity of industrially used manufactured nanoparticles and the level of exposure in Swiss industry. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of nanoparticles, the currently implemented safety measures, and the number of potentially exposed workers in all types of industry. To evaluate this, a targeted telephone survey was conducted among health and safety representatives from 197 Swiss companies. The survey showed that nanoparticles are already used in many industrial sectors; not only in companies in the new field of nanotechnology, but also in more traditional sectors, such as paints. Forty-three companies declared to use or produce nanoparticles, and 11 imported and traded with prepackaged goods that contain nanoparticles. The following nanoparticles were found to be used in considerable quantities (> 1000 kg/year per company): Ag, Al-Ox, Fe-Ox, SiO2, TiO2, and ZnO. The median reported quantity of handled nanoparticles was 100 kg/year. The production of cosmetics, food, paints, powders, and the treatment of surfaces used the largest quantities of these nanoparticles. Generally, the safety measures were found to be higher in powder-based than in liquid-based applications. However, the respondents had many open questions about best practices, which points to the need for rapid development of guidelines and protection strategies
Keywords
Data Collection , Industry , Nanoparticles , Risk , Occupational Exposure , Switzerland
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
29/01/2009 22:14
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:23
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