There are special precautions that should be taken due to the changes in physiological interactions and responses based on the nano-size of the particles even if the micro and macro sizes are not considered hazardous. A prime example is carbon based nanomaterials. Carbon nanotubes or buckeyballs are mostly pure carbon, which at macro level would not be considered hazardous, but at the nano size range have indications of toxicological significance. Legally, the person is correct, but best practice at this point is to contain nanomaterial size particles in any bulk form, label them and manage as potentially hazardous waste.
A good source for information is www.goodnanoguide.org, or the NIOSH nanotechnology site
Larry. Gibbs, CIH
Associate Vice Provost for EH&S
Stanford University
480 Oak Road
Stanford, CA 94305-8007
650-723-7403
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Kim Gates
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 8:58 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Nano materials spills?
Our hazardous waste manager has said that unless the "parent" material meets the hazardous waste definitions, the material is not hazardous due only to it being a nanomaterial.
Kim Gates
Laboratory Safety Specialist
Environmental Health & Safety
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-6200
Kim.Gates**At_Symbol_Here**stonybrook.edu
631-632-3032
FAX: 631-632-9683
EH&S Web site: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/lab/
Please note my name and email have changed.
On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 11:36 AM, Ralph B. Stuart <rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu> wrote:
A question that someone in DCHAS-L land may have addressed that has come up here is:
Are there any special precautions people take in responding to spills in nano laboratories? Or in terms of disposing of the debris associated in such clean ups?
Thanks for any thoughts on this issue.
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart CIH
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Cornell University
rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu
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