NSF Nanocenter HS&E Guide
Introduction
When dimensional scales of molecular systems approach the nanoscale (1-500 nm in dimension) many of the conventional rules governing behavior of materials and devices change significantly. Nanoscience and nanotechnology represent the study of the associated new phenomena and the corresponding new technological opportunities. In particular, these studies offer prospects for totally new materials and processes that will generate many exciting new opportunities for the betterment of humankind. Scientists recognize, however, that because the behavior and properties of materials on nanoscale dimensions may differ from conventional experience, these materials must be treated as potentially hazardous materials until the actual toxicological properties have been fully assessed. At the same time, Nanoscience is providing new tools and capabilities that will allow for the first time systematic exploration of the toxological properties of these materials. For these reasons it is important to examine the health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) programs within our nanoscience research centers to assure that we have in place programs, processes, and procedures which will provide both our researchers and the public a high level of confidence that this important research is being conducted in a highly responsible and safe manner.
When dimensional scales of molecular systems approach the nanoscale (1-500 nm in dimension) many of the conventional rules governing behavior of materials and devices change significantly. Nanoscience and nanotechnology represent the study of the associated new phenomena and the corresponding new technological opportunities. In particular, these studies offer prospects for totally new materials and processes that will generate many exciting new opportunities for the betterment of humankind. Scientists recognize, however, that because the behavior and properties of materials on nanoscale dimensions may differ from conventional experience, these materials must be treated as potentially hazardous materials until the actual toxicological properties have been fully assessed. At the same time, Nanoscience is providing new tools and capabilities that will allow for the first time systematic exploration of the toxological properties of these materials. For these reasons it is important to examine the health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) programs within our nanoscience research centers to assure that we have in place programs, processes, and procedures which will provide both our researchers and the public a high level of confidence that this important research is being conducted in a highly responsible and safe manner.
Background
In the conduct of nanoscience research, nanoscalar materials may be generated with chemical compositions that may be previously known or in some cases previously unknown. In either case, these materials can potentially pose threats to human safety since the toxicology of materials on a nanometer scale may differ significantly from the toxicology of materials or compositions on a more conventional scale. There are several known and well-documented cases where nanoscale materials exhibit more hazardous characteristics than the corresponding materials on a conventional dimensional scale. The increased hazard level may in some cases be associated with the relative ease with which nanoscale materials may be incorporated into living organisms. In other cases it may result from a differing physiological response of a living system to specific nanoscale materials. Our federal government and our research institutions have in place well-documented regulations and guidelines for research with potentially hazardous materials. These guidelines are written with sufficient generality that they are appropriate to guide our research programs involving nanoscale materials. In addition to the considerations above, certain biologically-active materials may exhibit specific biological responses. There are additional regulations and processes that govern research on biologically-active materials. In addition each nanoscience research program and research institution should have specific guidelines, regulations, and procedures appropriate for the specific research being carried out. Nanoscale particles (often called "ultrafine particles") have small discrete mass and thus may be readily airborne where they may be stabilized into aerosols or otherwise maintained within the environment. [They also have a propensity to agglomerate due to strong Van der Waals forces, but the actual level of airborne contamination depends very critically on the precise processing conditions.] Airborne particulates can thus be taken into the pulmonary systems of human beings including the lungs. The ultimate fate of these particles may depend very much on the precise chemical response of the particle within this environment and the various responses of living tissue to invasion by these particles. Because of the difficulty of analysis and the complexity of the physiological responses there is very limited data available today concerning the level of hazard provided in many of these materials. Certainly for the case of asbestos fibers or of certain silica-based microfibers where studies have been undertaken, the effects can be cumulative and can have long-term serious health implications. Furthermore, analysis of the actual level of airborne particulate contamination can be very difficult. Exposure to airborne particulates can be cumulative, building up over long periods of time. For these reasons, researchers working with nanoscale particulate materials must be aware of these hazards and they must take precautions appropriate for the specific nature of the particles and for the research environment. Nanoscale particles may also be readily absorbed into colloidal suspension or other suspension within certain liquids or solvents. Once in this form the solution can be highly stable. Contact of such a liquid with human skin or other dermal contact (or contact through a cut or lesion) can in principle allow the nanoscale particle to become infused into the physiological system where again the ultimate fate will be highly dependent on complex chemistry of the living system. Thus these must also be considered as potentially hazardous. There are many industrially-produced or widely dispersed nanoparticles within our environment today. Examples include for example carbon black - nanoscale carbon particles used in the production of automobile tires at the level of several hundred millions of pounds per year. Diesel engines produce nanoscale particulates incorporating carbon and other chemical elements. The detailed toxicology of these important materials is still a matter of active ongoing controversy and research activity. With the advent of many new capabilities developed for nanoscale research, a new era in explorations of the toxicology of these systems is now possible.
In the conduct of nanoscience research, nanoscalar materials may be generated with chemical compositions that may be previously known or in some cases previously unknown. In either case, these materials can potentially pose threats to human safety since the toxicology of materials on a nanometer scale may differ significantly from the toxicology of materials or compositions on a more conventional scale. There are several known and well-documented cases where nanoscale materials exhibit more hazardous characteristics than the corresponding materials on a conventional dimensional scale. The increased hazard level may in some cases be associated with the relative ease with which nanoscale materials may be incorporated into living organisms. In other cases it may result from a differing physiological response of a living system to specific nanoscale materials. Our federal government and our research institutions have in place well-documented regulations and guidelines for research with potentially hazardous materials. These guidelines are written with sufficient generality that they are appropriate to guide our research programs involving nanoscale materials. In addition to the considerations above, certain biologically-active materials may exhibit specific biological responses. There are additional regulations and processes that govern research on biologically-active materials. In addition each nanoscience research program and research institution should have specific guidelines, regulations, and procedures appropriate for the specific research being carried out. Nanoscale particles (often called "ultrafine particles") have small discrete mass and thus may be readily airborne where they may be stabilized into aerosols or otherwise maintained within the environment. [They also have a propensity to agglomerate due to strong Van der Waals forces, but the actual level of airborne contamination depends very critically on the precise processing conditions.] Airborne particulates can thus be taken into the pulmonary systems of human beings including the lungs. The ultimate fate of these particles may depend very much on the precise chemical response of the particle within this environment and the various responses of living tissue to invasion by these particles. Because of the difficulty of analysis and the complexity of the physiological responses there is very limited data available today concerning the level of hazard provided in many of these materials. Certainly for the case of asbestos fibers or of certain silica-based microfibers where studies have been undertaken, the effects can be cumulative and can have long-term serious health implications. Furthermore, analysis of the actual level of airborne particulate contamination can be very difficult. Exposure to airborne particulates can be cumulative, building up over long periods of time. For these reasons, researchers working with nanoscale particulate materials must be aware of these hazards and they must take precautions appropriate for the specific nature of the particles and for the research environment. Nanoscale particles may also be readily absorbed into colloidal suspension or other suspension within certain liquids or solvents. Once in this form the solution can be highly stable. Contact of such a liquid with human skin or other dermal contact (or contact through a cut or lesion) can in principle allow the nanoscale particle to become infused into the physiological system where again the ultimate fate will be highly dependent on complex chemistry of the living system. Thus these must also be considered as potentially hazardous. There are many industrially-produced or widely dispersed nanoparticles within our environment today. Examples include for example carbon black - nanoscale carbon particles used in the production of automobile tires at the level of several hundred millions of pounds per year. Diesel engines produce nanoscale particulates incorporating carbon and other chemical elements. The detailed toxicology of these important materials is still a matter of active ongoing controversy and research activity. With the advent of many new capabilities developed for nanoscale research, a new era in explorations of the toxicology of these systems is now possible.
Role of the National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation has considered in detail the health, safety, environmental and societal implications of nanoscience research. Thus for example, the 1990 NSF workshop on "Ultrafine Particle Engineering" identified the nanoparticle resulted from combustion as the main hazard for human health. The program "Particulate and Multiphase Systems" has had a focus on nanoparticles since 1991 and two NSF grantees reports were completed in 1994 and 1997. In 1998, a focus research area was on "Functional nanostructures", including nanoparticles. The 2000 NSF workshop on Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology identified the environmental and health issues as two of the main goals as well as potential risks of nanotechnology. The NNI has begun in October 2000, and the interagency NSET established the National Nanotechnology Coordinating Office to monitor potential unexpected consequences of nanotechnology. NSF has had five program announcements since July 2000 (NSF 00-119, 01-157, 02-148, 03-043 and 03-044) that included "Environmental Processes at the Nanoscale " and "Societal Implications" as research and education themes. NIH, EPA, USDA, FDA, DOE and other agencies have various roles specific to their missions in addressing unexpected consequences of nanotechnology. In 2003, four relevant interagency workshops were held on environmental, medical and societal implications issues, and NSF and EPA had their own grantees conferences in 2002 and 2003 (see the NNI Homepage or the NSF NNI Homepage).
The National Science Foundation has considered in detail the health, safety, environmental and societal implications of nanoscience research. Thus for example, the 1990 NSF workshop on "Ultrafine Particle Engineering" identified the nanoparticle resulted from combustion as the main hazard for human health. The program "Particulate and Multiphase Systems" has had a focus on nanoparticles since 1991 and two NSF grantees reports were completed in 1994 and 1997. In 1998, a focus research area was on "Functional nanostructures", including nanoparticles. The 2000 NSF workshop on Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology identified the environmental and health issues as two of the main goals as well as potential risks of nanotechnology. The NNI has begun in October 2000, and the interagency NSET established the National Nanotechnology Coordinating Office to monitor potential unexpected consequences of nanotechnology. NSF has had five program announcements since July 2000 (NSF 00-119, 01-157, 02-148, 03-043 and 03-044) that included "Environmental Processes at the Nanoscale " and "Societal Implications" as research and education themes. NIH, EPA, USDA, FDA, DOE and other agencies have various roles specific to their missions in addressing unexpected consequences of nanotechnology. In 2003, four relevant interagency workshops were held on environmental, medical and societal implications issues, and NSF and EPA had their own grantees conferences in 2002 and 2003 (see the NNI Homepage or the NSF NNI Homepage).
Regulations and Practices at NSF-Sponsored Nanotechnology Centers
All NSF Nanocenters as well as other large-scale nanoscience and nanotechnology research activities have adopted a strong and proactive program to assure that their research programs protect the health and safety of all researchers as well as the public at large. These research centers and programs have put in place procedures that will assure compliance with all government and institutional regulations concerning research and development involving potentially hazardous materials. In particular each research center has put into place or is in the process of putting in place the following activities.
All NSF Nanocenters as well as other large-scale nanoscience and nanotechnology research activities have adopted a strong and proactive program to assure that their research programs protect the health and safety of all researchers as well as the public at large. These research centers and programs have put in place procedures that will assure compliance with all government and institutional regulations concerning research and development involving potentially hazardous materials. In particular each research center has put into place or is in the process of putting in place the following activities.
- A strong chemical and materials hygiene program, including proper use and disposal of potentially hazardous materials, will be in place and will be actively monitored. This program will be in full compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor. It will also comply with all other governmental and institutional guidelines and regulations.
- The Nanocenters will maintain a strong educational program in Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) for all participants in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology research programs (at all levels).
- The Nanocenters will design laboratory apparatus and equipment to minimize possible exposure of researchers and others to potentially hazardous materials.
- The Nanocenter will assure that personal protection equipment is provided to researchers to protect against inhalation and dermal exposure of nanoscale materials.
- The Nanocenters will assure that all researchers who conduct research activities based on nanoscale materials are fully informed and fully aware of proper procedures for handling and disposing of these materials.
- The Nanocenter leadershop will demand strict adherence to government and institutional regulations governing the handling of potentially hazardous materials.
- The Nanocenter leadership and faculty will assure that all waste materials are handled in a manner appropriate for unknown and potentially hazardous materials.
- The Nanocenter research facilities will be supervised by the specific faculty supervisors, the Nanocenter leadership and by the designated HS&E coordination departments within the associated institution. Good practices include creation of an active Safety Committee, frequent inspections (both announced and unannounced), and frequent and effective training.
- Where biologically active agents are involved in the research, the research facilities and operation of the facilities will conform to suitable laboratory regulations (see for example "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories" published by the NIH Center for Disease Control).
Active Health, Safety, and Environment programs for Nanocenter research centers
All NSF Nanocenters and indeed all large-scale nanoscience and nanotechnology research activities should adopt a strong and proactive program to comply with all government and institutional regulations concerning research and development involving potentially hazardous materials and that they institute a vigorous program including the basic elements defined below.
All NSF Nanocenters and indeed all large-scale nanoscience and nanotechnology research activities should adopt a strong and proactive program to comply with all government and institutional regulations concerning research and development involving potentially hazardous materials and that they institute a vigorous program including the basic elements defined below.
- Assure that strong chemical and materials hygiene programs, including use and disposal of potentially hazardous materials, are in place and are actively monitored.
- Develop a significant educational program in Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) for all participants in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology research programs (at all levels).
- Assure that special considerations are in place to protect against inhalation and dermal exposure of nanoscale materials by researchers, visitors, and others within the research environment.
- Assure that all researchers who conduct research activities based on nanoscale materials are fully informed and fully aware of proper procedures for handling and disposing of these materials.
- Demand strict adherence to government and institutional regulations governing the handling of potentially hazardous materials.
- Assure that all waste materials are handled in a manner appropriate for unknown and potentially hazardous materials.
- Encourage workshops and other means for dissemination of information regarding potential hazards that may be associated with handling or use of nanoscale materials.
- Assure that complete and accurate records of any incidents are maintained and that all reportable incidents are properly handled.
Specific Considerations for Users of NSF Nanocenter Facilities
- All users of NSF Nanocenter facilities should understand the specific HS&E policies of the institution, the Nanocenter, and the research facility before being allowed to conduct research within that facility. Where needed, training will be provided, documented by user signature.
- All users of NSF Nanocenter facilities should receive, understand the use of, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the specific facility. PPE may include specified filters or masks to protect against inhalation and may include gloves, aprons, or other items to protect against dermal contamination.
- All users of NSF Nanocenter facilities should be trained in proper use of safety equipment associated with the facility.
- All researchers within Nanocenter facilities must take approved actions to assure that all waste material generated is disposed of in a manner consistent with the policies and procedures for the facility.
Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for maintaining laboratory safety for users of NSF Nanoscience and Engineering Centers must be shared by the individuals involved in the research, the direct supervisors of those individuals, the Nanocenter leadership, and by the designated HS&E departments within the host institution.
The overall responsibility for maintaining laboratory safety for users of NSF Nanoscience and Engineering Centers must be shared by the individuals involved in the research, the direct supervisors of those individuals, the Nanocenter leadership, and by the designated HS&E departments within the host institution.