[Nanoparticles (part 1)--the product of modern technology and new hazards in the work environment].
Nanoparticles are the structures with at least one dimension smaller that 100 nm. They occur as nanoaerosol, colloidal or nanocomposites. Particles come into existence in natural way by erosion, but most of them result from human action. Exposure to nanoaerosol has occurred for many years, in many branches of industry, particularly in combustion processes and thermal processing, but only the development of nanotechnology has evoked much concern among specialists in occupational safety and hygiene. Exposure to engineered nanoparticles present in the sector of research studies and advancement of nanotechnology, in chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries as well as in processes involving nanoparticles in the form of semi-products, has become a real threat. An increased surface area per mass unit, characteristic of nanostructures, substantially influences their toxicity. Therefore, it seems that the surface area and the number particles but not mass are a more reasonable measure of exposure to substances occurring in the form of nanoparticles.
Swidwińska-Gajewska
Anna Maria
AM
Zakład Informacji Naukowej, Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Lódź. answid@imp.lodz.pl
D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010316:Particle Size
D015386:Hazardous Substances