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Evaluating the Control Banding Nanotool: a qualitative risk assessment method for controlling nanoparticle exposures

Journal of Nanoparticle Research volume 11, pages 1685–1704 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Control banding (CB) strategies offer simplified processes for controlling worker exposures in the absence of firm toxicological and exposure information. The nanotechnology industry is an excellent candidate for applying such strategies with overwhelming uncertainties of work-related health risks posed by nanomaterials. A recent survey shows that a majority of nanomaterial producers are not performing a basic risk assessment of their product in use. The CB Nanotool, used internationally, was developed to conduct qualitative risk assessments to control nanoparticle exposures. Nanotoxicology experts have requested standardization of toxicological parameters to ensure better utility and consistency of research. Such standardization would fit well in the CB Nanotool’s severity and probability risk matrix, therefore enhancing the protection of nanotechnology industry workers. This article further evaluates the CB Nanotool for structure, weighting of risk factors, and utility for exposure mitigation, and suggests improvements for the CB Nanotool and the research needed to bolster its effectiveness.

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Acknowledgments

This manuscript is in part based on a presentation at the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) on exposure assessment and exposure mitigation in Frankfurt, Germany, October 21, 2008 titled “Manufactured nanomaterials Control Banding Nanotool, a qualitative risk assessment method: it might be hazardous at the bottom.” Funding, in part, was provided by US DOE by LLNL Contract (DE-AC52-07NA27344); Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC. LLNL-JRNL-413240.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-871, Livermore, CA, 94551, USA

    David M. Zalk & Samuel Y. Paik

  2. Safety Science Group, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, 2600 GA, Delft, The Netherlands

    Paul Swuste

Authors
  1. David M. Zalk
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  2. Samuel Y. Paik
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  3. Paul Swuste
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Correspondence to David M. Zalk.

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Zalk, D.M., Paik, S.Y. & Swuste, P. Evaluating the Control Banding Nanotool: a qualitative risk assessment method for controlling nanoparticle exposures. J Nanopart Res 11, 1685–1704 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-009-9678-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-009-9678-y

Keywords

  • Nanoparticle
  • Nanomaterial
  • Control banding
  • Risk assessment
  • Qualitative
  • Risk level
  • CB Nanotool
  • Toxicology
  • Exposure
  • EHS