IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Literature review of the health risks related to nanomaterials and development of a strategic monitoring mechanism

Abstract

Québec is very active in research in the field of nanoparticle development and nanotechnology. More than 35 production companies already exist or are in the start-up phase. It is believed that the number of Québec workers potentially exposed will grow over the next few years. To prevent the development of occupational diseases or the occurrence of accidents, the IRSST began a review of world-wide scientific knowledge to evaluate whether there are known risks associated with this emerging sector. An initial report addressing the health effects (R-451) shows that a limited number of toxicological studies exist, but all of these studies conclude that there are some health risks following exposure to nanoparticles. Although numerous risks are associated with the nature of nanoparticles, it has now been clearly established that toxicity is related to the surface area of these particles and not their mass, and that, for a given substance, the toxicity is much higher when it is of nanometric size than micrometric size.
The second report (R-455) summarizes current knowledge about nanoparticles, their synthesis and applications, health and safety risks, and the challenges in evaluating occupational exposure. Also discussed are nanoparticle-related occupational health and safety control and prevention aspects.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-4190
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2006
Team:
  • Claude Ostiguy (IRSST)
  • Mylène Trottier (Proximeduc)
  • Yves Cloutier (IRSST)
  • Michel Boutin (Université de Montréal)
  • Luc Ménard (IRSST)
  • Gilles Lapointe (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail)
  • Monty Antoun (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail)