Occupational health and safety expert of the Southeastern Louisiana University is citing the gap in knowledge for state agencies to regulate the use of nanomaterials. Precautionary measures have to be taken to deal with safety and health problems that arise owing to usage of nanomaterials of dimensions smaller than the width of a human hair.
The Assistant professor of occupational safety, health, and environment of southeastern Louisiana University, Ephraim Massawe, is investigating the data and technical requirements of the country’s state agencies and programs. He has started analyzing the nano-enhanced technologies and work practices implemented at several superfund sites of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Louisiana Board of Regents is supportive of the research work by providing two grants at a value of nearly $110,000 for a three-year period.
Engineered nanoparticles have been used in several commercial and non commercial applications such as in medicine, manufacturing, and environmental remediation.
The nanotechnology field is in its initial stages, Massawe stated, and enforcement and regulations concerning the manufacture, disposal, and use of nanomaterials are in their evolution stage. He stated that nanomaterials are currently used to eliminate harmful wastes such as organic contaminants. He is also studying the treatment process of hazardous wastes, the nature of nanomaterials used in treatment, the practices used to handle them and the sources of potential emission. He conducted this study along with experts from the EPA, the national institute for occupational safety and health and the United Nations.
Massawe said that the manner in which nanomaterials may react with the environment and the human body is yet to be discovered. He said that animal studies suggest that certain nanomaterials may contribute to pregnancy complications and lung diseases. A complete survey will be conducted on state agencies and programs to set up the scientific data and technical requirements for regulatory and oversight purposes. The data collected will help state agencies and programs to manage the environmental and occupational exposures to nanomaterials.
Massawe will study closely the use of certain engineered nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide and their usage in clean up activities at EPA Superfund sites. He said it is important to know how they are being handled in these sites and whether they may contaminate the air and pose as a health hazard to the nearby community. It is also possible that they may enter water systems and turn out to be a threat for public health.
Source: http://www.selu.edu/