Nanosafety assessment

To overcome the lack of knowledge on nanoparticles hazard, CEA offers an innovative exposure-based nanosafety assessment. It includes the following occupational or user-oriented nanosafety services, which may be performed consecutively or independently: EHS analysis of the user’s facility (Tier I of the ISO 17058 standard tired approach) An EHS questionnaire, and optionally an onsite visit, are implemented to establish a detailed situation of the user’s process and practices. Nanosafety advices are provided relying on EU regulations, materials involved, means of prevention in place… Basic exposure assessment (Tier II of the ISO 17058 standard tired approach) A nano measurement campaign is performed using particles counters according to the ISO 17058 standard, to assess the airborne (nano)particles concentration on user’s process and surroundings. Customized nanosafety advices are given. Expert exposure assessment (Tier III of the ISO 17058 standard tired approach) An in-depth nano measurement campaign is performed using particles counters / spectrometers / samplers according to the ISO 17058 standard, to assess the airborne (nano)particles concentration / size distribution / chemical composition on user’s process and surroundings. Customized nanosafety advices are given. Release assessment in use-case scenario The (nano)particles release during the use of nano-enabled products is assessed during cutting or abrasion operations of material samples. Airborne (nano)particles generated during the operations are monitored in real time (number concentration and size distribution) and collected for post-analysis (MEB-EDX). Samples may additionally be weathered to assess the release of nanoparticles during/after simulated UV ageing. For that, accelerated weathering chambers (Q lab, USA) are used to reproduce material ageing due to sun exposure with controlled parameters (time, irradiance, temperature and humidity). Functional properties of weathered samples can then be assessed and compared to pristine materials.