Overview
- Identify the what, where and how for the process
- Proper containment and safe set up?
- Fire/chemical reaction potential
- Potential health hazard
- Waste management
Engineered nanomaterials come in many different forms and some present a greater exposure risk than others. Generally, materials that are in liquid form (e.g., lipid nanoparticles)present less risk to the researcher than those in solid form (e.g., carbon nanotubes).
If, while conducting a laboratory survey, you discover that a laboratory is engaged in work with potential hazardous nanomaterials that are not contained by an engineered device, or there is a need to clean large reaction chambers without containment, make note so that the Senior Specialist can follow-up to determine if an exposure assessment should be conducted. When possible, make note of the nature of the nanomaterials and the procedures conducted. Taking a picture of reaction chambers or other devices that you are concerned about may be helpful.
This information is being provided to give you an awareness of this type of research, but it is not our goal to try to find all the nanomaterial research on campus.