Research

5. NanoFluid Safety

Two useful sources--an online article prepared by the Institute of Occupational Medicine and the MIT EHS website -- provide guidelines for handling nanofluids and nanoparticles in the lab."

In summary:

    1. Because of the potential for inhalation and retention in the lungs, dry nanopowders should be handled in fume hoods. Hoods should be used also for experiments in which uncontained nanofluids are heated.
    2. Because penetration of nanoparticles through the skin is poorly understood at this time, gloves should be used to handle nanopowders and nanofluids. However, control approaches existing today for dermal and ingestion exposure may
      not be as effective as they are for larger particles.
    3. HEPA filters have been found to be quite effective in retaining nanoparticles of different materials.