Engineering controls for nanomaterials
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Engineering controls for nanomaterials are a set of hazard control methods and equipment for workers who interact with nanomaterials. Engineering controls are physical changes to the workplace that isolate workers from hazards, and are considered the most important set of methods for controlling the health and safety hazards of nanomaterials after systems and facilities have been designed.
The primary hazard of nanomaterials is health effects from inhalation of aerosols containing nanoparticles. Many engineering controls developed for other industries can be used or adapted for protecting workers from exposure to nanomaterials, including ventilation and filtering using laboratory fixtures such as fume hoods, containment using gloveboxes, and other non-ventilation controls such as sticky mats. Research is ongoing as to what engineering controls are most effective for nanomaterials.