Occupational Testing to Protect Workers from Manufactured Nanomaterials

Late last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a new document to help protect workers from potential hazards associated with exposure to manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs), also sometimes referred to as nanoparticles. WHO Guidelines on Protecting Workers from Potential Risks of Manufactured Nanomaterials provides a list of best practices and safety guidelines for workplaces across the globe.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) describes engineered nanomaterials as having been purposefully manufactured, synthesized or manipulated to have a size with at least one dimension in the range of approximately 1 to 100 nanometers and that exhibit unique properties determined by their dimensions. At this near-atomic size, materials begin to exhibit unique properties that affect physical, chemical and biological behavior.

“The use of MNMs is only going to increase worldwide,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Workers from industries that utilize nanomaterials have the potential to be exposed to these unique materials through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that occupational exposure risks associated with manufacturing and using nanomaterials are not yet clearly understood. This is yet another reason why employers should take appropriate measures to control worker exposures.”

EMSL Analytical offers testing services for the characterization and analysis of a wide array of nanomaterials to identify potential employee exposure concerns and to assist in research and development. Their scientists have access to the most advanced instrumentation available, including Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopes (STEM) as well as Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) capable of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA) and digital imaging. In addition, EMSL instrumentation includes, but is not limited to, Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Auger Electron Spectroscope (AES) and a High Voltage (200kV) Transmission Electron Microscope, all equipped with state of the art Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analyzers.

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about nanomaterials and occupational exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/RdbCVdT29L0.

To learn more about EMSL’s nanomaterial testing services, please visit www.NanoTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 43 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail