Abstract

GUTIERREZ GONZALEZ, Lydia; HERNANDEZ JIMENEZ, María José  and  MOLINA BORCHERT, Leonor. Adverse health effects due to occupational exposure to nanoparticles. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2013, vol.59, n.231, pp.276-296. ISSN 1989-7790.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0465-546X2013000200007.

Introduction: Exposure to nanoparticles has increased in recent years significantly due to its use in many industries and in the home. It is expected that employment in the nanotechnology industry will increase to 10 million jobs in the world. Despite the growing number of nanoparticles-related industries and workers, there are very few published studies that address toxicity, health surveillance and industrial hygiene in the field of nanotechnology. Objective: To review recent scientific literature for evidence on possible toxic effects and health damage after occupational exposure to nanoparticles. Methods: We searched the literature for the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), OSH UPDATE, IBECS, LILACS, SciELO and CISDOC. Scientific literature was reviewed for possible health effects of exposure to nanoparticles. Results: We found 11 scientific articles that met the requirements and analyzed the effects of toxicity following exposure to nanoparticles in human populations, 4 on respiratory toxicity, 2 on dermatologic toxicology, 3 on both (respiratory and dermatologic on the same sample), and 2 laboratory studies simulating exposure to ultrafine particles in the workplace. Conclusions: Despite the lack of literature on this topic and the need for more studies to go deeper into this subject, available studies suggests that there may be some relationship between exposure to nanoparticles and respiratory and/or dermatology toxicity.

Keywords : Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Occupational Health; Occupational Disease; Riesgos Laborales (Occupational Risks); Nanocomposite; Nanoclay; Nanospheres; Fullerenes; Carbon Nanotubes.

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