Abstract

Given the rising interest in nanotechnologies in many industries, the number of workers potentially exposed to nanomaterials and nanoparticles is certain to increase over the coming years; hence the importance of effective prevention of related diseases and accidents. One of the most extensively documented toxic effects of nanoparticles is inflammation. Although studies have shown that many nanoparticles have inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo, there are currently no data on the link, if any, between the sex of the exposed worker and the level of risk.

Since certain types of jobs are still occupied mainly by men and others mainly by women, this project aims to address this lack of data. It will be helpful not only in the development of information tools but also in improving risk management according to sex, if indeed the inflammatory properties of nanoparticles are found to be sex-dependent.