[Nanoindex] Assessment of personal exposure to airborne nanomaterials: a guidance document

The use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs)1 has increased at a constant pace over the recent
years. Their applications range from scratch resistant or self-cleaning surface coatings, via enforced polymers to enhanced cosmetics. Besides the tremendous new opportunities offered by
these novel materials, concerns have been raised because of potential adverse health effects that
may arise if MNMs are taken up by the human body [1]. While human exposure to MNMs may in
principle occur during any stage of the material’s lifecycle, it is most likely in workplaces, where
these materials are produced or handled in large quantities or over long periods of time. Inhalation
is considered as the most critical uptake route, because the small particles are able to penetrate
deep into the lung and deposit in the gas exchange region. Inhalation exposure to airborne nanomaterials therefore needs to be assessed in view of worker protection.