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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Published in:

01-05-2008 | Original Article

Considerations on occupational medical surveillance in employees handling nanoparticles

Authors: Michael Nasterlack, Andreas Zober, Christoph Oberlinner

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2008

Abstract

Objectives

The use of engineered nanoparticles not only offers new technical perspectives but also raises questions regarding possible health aspects for producers and users. Nanoparticles may, just by virtue of their size, exert biological effects unrelated to the chemicals they are composed of. These considerations, and results from experimental animal studies suggesting that engineered nanomaterials may pose a health hazard to employees, all underscore the need for preventive measures. In this context, the need for, the feasibility, and the appropriateness of targeted occupational medical surveillance are currently subject to debate.

Methods

We compared established concepts for the development of occupational medical surveillance programs to existing knowledge on exposures in workplaces and on health effects of nanomaterials.

Results

A variety of potential effect parameters have been proposed for medical surveillance of exposed personnel, such as heart rate variability, blood-clotting parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, etc. None of these parameters are specific, most are not validated as individual health risk indicators, and some require sophisticated equipment not routinely available. Against this background, BASF currently puts specific weight on risk assessment and exposure control in workplaces. Particle emissions are primarily avoided by manufacturing in closed systems or using effective extraction systems. Appropriate personal protective equipment has been defined for such operations where an exposure potential cannot be excluded.

Conclusions

While there is presently no evidence-based foundation for “nano-specific” occupational medical screening, one can perform general medical screening with methods targeted at some of the health outcomes under discussion. The results of such examinations can provide a basis for future epidemiologic studies. Therefore, the establishment of exposure registries to enable the conduct of large-scale multi-centric prospective epidemiologic studies is recommended.

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Title: Considerations on occupational medical surveillance in employees handling nanoparticles
Authors: Michael Nasterlack
Andreas Zober
Christoph Oberlinner
Publication date: 01-05-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2008
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-007-0245-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Considerations on occupational medical surveillance in employees handling nanoparticles

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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