The production and use of advanced (nano)materials have been rapidly increasing for decades. Workers may be exposed to these materials during their production, processing or handling, or while working with products that contain them. RIVM advises the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) on policymaking. These policies aim to ensure that people can work safely with these materials.
Precautionary principle at the workplace
Advanced (nano)materials can become airborne when used, for example, when they are in powder form or applied as a spray application for paints. Inhalation of these particles poses the most significant and common health risk in the workplace. Additionally, exposure can occur through the skin or unintentionally through hand-to-mouth actions. Given the uncertainties surrounding the health risks associated with advanced (nano)materials, the precautionary principle applies. This implies that employers minimise exposure to these materials as much as possible.
Measures to work safely
Employers are required by law to provide their employees with a safe working environment. Implementing safety measures such as exhaust ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment can help prevent direct contact with advanced (nano)materials during work. In the Netherlands, employers and companies can seek advice and support regarding the safety of nanomaterials from the Nanocentre. The Nanocentre is a collaboration between TNO, the Chamber of Commerce and RIVM.
Pragmatic limit values and preventive approaches
Currently, there are no legal limit values for manufactured nanomaterials in the Netherlands. Therefore, temporary target values known as nanoreference values are in place. These nanoreference values are not based on health considerations. Instead, they help to estimate whether nanomaterials can be handled safely. In addition, guidance is available on how to reduce worker exposure (see below).
There are concerns that the existing provisional nanoreference values may not offer adequate protection. To address this, RIVM is conducting research to establish health-based limit values for various groups of nanomaterials. RIVM is also exploring preventive approaches that consider worker safety during the early development of new advanced materials.
As of January 2025, nanosilver and (multiwalled) carbon (nano)tubes have been included on the SZW list of carcinogenic substances and processes. This means that stricter rules are enforced to prevent exposure to these materials.
Guidelines for working with nanomaterials
The Dutch Occupational Health and Safety portal (Arboportaal) has several guidelines specifically for managing nanomaterials in the workplace. These include Assistence on working safely with nanomaterials (in Dutch). The European Commission provides two guides for employers and employees.
Relevant national and international guidelines
Guidelines in Dutch:
- Nanomaterialen in de gezondheidszorg: beroepsrisico’s en preventie (Nanomaterials in Health Care: occupational risks and prevention)
- Nanomaterialen in onderhoudswerk: beroepsrisico’s en preventie (Nanomaterials in Maintenance: occupational risks and prevention)
- Nano in de meubelnijverheid (Nano in furniture industry)
Guidelines in English:
- World Health Organization: WHO guidelines on protecting workers from potential risks of manufactured nanomaterials
- Group, UK: Working safely with nanomaterials in research and development
- NIOSH, USA: General Safe Practices for Working with Engineered Nanomaterials in Research Laboratories
- Health and Safety Executive, UK: Using nanomaterials at work, including carbon nanotubes, and other bio-persistent high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNS)