Working Safely with Nanomaterials
Inhalation Exposure Control Methods
Nanoparticles will follow airstreams so they can be easily collected and retained in standard ventilated enclosures such as fume hoods and biosafety cabinets with HEPA filters.
- Synthesis in enclosed reactors or glove boxes will prevent airborne exposures.
- Inhalation exposures can occur when processing materials are removed from the reactors. These activities should be performed in fume hoods and, where practicable, those with HEPA filters such as biosafety cabinets.
- Maintenance on reactor parts that might cause the release of residual particles should be performed in a fume hood and, where practicable, a hood with a HEPA filter such as a biosafety cabinet.
- Work with nanomaterials in solution form should be carried out in a fume hood or, where practicable, in a hood with HEPA filters.
- Research techniques should stress slow and careful handling of the material to prevent aerosolization.
Dermal Exposure Control Measures
Since the ability of nanoparticles to penetrate skin is unknown at this time, gloves should be worn when handling particulates or particles in solution.
- For liquids, the glove should have good chemical resistance to the solute.
- For dry particulate, a sturdy glove, such as nitrile lab gloves with good integrity, should be used.
- Disposable nitrile lab gloves should provide good protection for most lab procedures that don’t involve extensive skin contact. If contact is extensive, then double-gloving should be performed
- There should be no exposed skin around the hands and wrists.
- Check gloves regularly for holes, cracks, etc.
- Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
Ingestion Control Measures
Follow normal hygienic principles:
- Scrupulously avoid hand-to-mouth contact.
- Wear gloves at all times where there is potential for exposure to nanoparticles.
- Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
- No eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, etc. in the lab or before hands are washed.
Injection Control Measures
Follow normal laboratory sharps work procedures.
Cleanup
- Use dampened cloths to wipe up powdersApply absorbent materials suitable for the solute to large liquid spills.
- Dry sweeping or using compressed air are never appropriate cleanup methods.
- Use a HEPA-filtered respirator and double gloves when cleaning up large spills
Disposal
- Never dispose of nanoparticle waste in regular trash or down the drain.
- When disposing of dry nanoparticle waste, use a sealable container that remains closed.
- Dispose of all nanoparticle waste, including contaminated debris, as you would the base material (i.e., carbon nanotubes should be disposed of as carbon, metallic particles consistent with the base metal.)
- If the nanoparticles are in solution, they should be managed as a solution of the solvent and the parent nanomaterial (e.g., flammable solvents are handled as flammable waste materials).
- All nanoparticle waste must be labeled with the base metal or solute and identified as containing nanomaterial.
- Proper disposal of nanoparticle waste will be based on the type of material and will be coordinated through our waste disposal contractor.
- Please call EH&S at 617 496-1359 regarding questions pertaining to disposal.
