NanoRisk app to guide researchers in the handling of nanomaterials

(Nanowerk News) The NanoRisk App is a guide to help the researcher in the risk assessment of nanomaterials. This evaluation is determined based on the physicochemical characteristics and the activities to be carried out by staff in research laboratories. This is based on nano risk management strategies from various institutions such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. (NIOSH), the New Development Organization of Japan Energy and Industrial Technology (NEDO), the European Commission (Nanosafe Program) and the work developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (California, USA) in conjunction with the Safety Science Group at the University of Delft in the Netherlands.
TEM image of MWCNT
TEM image of MWCNT. (Image: Fernando Pastrana at Fundación Santa Fe, Bogotá D.C. Colombia)
The NanoRisk application was developed at the University of Los Andes by the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and implemented in cooperation with the Department of Occupational Health at the University of Los Andes. This application focuses on the use of manufactured nanomaterials.
Instructions
You will then see a form where you must select the appropriate response from the list for your material, in each one of the questions. The form is divided into two parts: the material properties, and the working conditions. Once you have finished with these questions, select the ‘calculate’ button to see the results.
Result
The app will estimates the risk at four levels (low, medium, high and very high) for the hazard of the nanomaterial and the probability to be exposed to the material. Then it will recommend measures to contain the risk by applying engineering measures (controlled ventilation system, biosafety cabinet and glovebox).
Source: University of Los Andes