The IRSST just published a method of measuring nanoparticles penetration through protective gloves. With the exponential growth in industrial applications of nanotechnologies and the corresponding increased risk of occupational exposure to nanomaterials, adoption of the precautionary principle is advisable. To apply this principle, personal protective equipment against nanoparticles must be made available, even though it should be regarded only as a last line of defence in an overall risk control strategy.

In an effort to address the current lack of tools and knowledge in this area, the IRSST developed a method to measure the penetration of nanoparticles through protective glove materials under conditions simulating workplace use.

Preliminary tests were performed using this method to measure the resistance of four models of protective gloves of different thicknesses made of nitrile, latex, neoprene and butyl rubber to the penetration of commercial TiO2 nanoparticles in powder form or colloidal solution.

The results appear to indicate that nanoparticles may penetrate through some types of gloves, particularly when the gloves are subjected to repeated mechanical deformations and the nanoparticles are in colloidal solution form. This method could also prove useful for studying the penetration of NPs through the textiles used in protective clothing.

To download the document, visit: http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/-irsst-publication-development-of-a-method-of-measuring-nanoparticle-penetration-through-protective-glove-materials-under-conditions-simulating-workplace-use-r-785.html

French version is available: http://www.irsst.qc.ca/-publication-irsst-methode-de-mesure-de-la-penetration-des-nanoparticules-a-travers-les-gants-r-734.html