Nanomaterials

Health & Safety Guidelines for Working with Nanomaterials at Cornell University

Introduction

Engineered nanomaterials—including nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanofibers, and nanoscale structures between 1–100 nm—may exhibit chemical and physical properties distinct from their bulk counterparts. These materials can become airborne, remain suspended for extended periods, penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, or bind strongly to skin and surfaces. Cornell Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) applies a precautionary, risk-based approach to nanomaterial handling consistent with the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), the Hazard Communication Standard (GHS), NIOSH recommendations, NFPA guidance, and the Cornell Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).

Nanomaterials themselves are not subject to Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) review unless used in conjunction with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules or other biohazardous agents. Oversight of nanomaterial risk assessment, safe handling practices, engineering controls, and waste management occurs through EHS and the requirements of the Cornell CHP. These guidelines support faculty, staff, and students engaged in research involving engineered nanomaterials and will be updated as scientific understanding evolves.

Definition

Nanotechnology involves the intentional design, synthesis, manipulation, or application of materials with one or more dimensions between 1–100 nm. When incorporated into powders, suspensions, composites, or other matrices, these nanoscale structures are referred to as engineered nanomaterials. Their high surface-area-to-volume ratio and modified reactivity can increase both chemical and toxicological hazards.

Hazards of Nanomaterials

Risk depends on composition, morphology, surface chemistry, solubility, and the likelihood of airborne or aerosol release. Important considerations include:

• Chemical identity and structure (metals, metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, silica, polymers).
• Physical form (dry powders, agglomerates, fibers, aerosols, or liquid dispersions).
• Potential for release during weighing, mixing, drying, sonication, spraying, machining, or cleaning.
• Exposure duration and intensity with inhalation and dermal routes of concern.

Primary health and safety concerns include:

• Reactivity and catalysis: Nanomaterials may participate in unexpected oxidation, combustion, or catalytic reactions.
• Health effects: Inhaled nanoparticles may deposit deeply in the lungs and migrate to the bloodstream or organs. Certain materials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, nanosilica, metal oxides) have been associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in animal models.
• Environmental persistence: Nanomaterials may resist degradation. Disposal through Cornell’s hazardous waste program is required.
• Laboratory chemical hazards: Nanoparticle synthesis frequently uses flammables, oxidizers, acids, or pressurized systems that fall under the CHP.

Controlling Personal Exposure to Nanomaterials

Engineering controls must be prioritized before administrative controls or PPE. Exposure potential increases when processes generate powders, mists, droplets, vapors, or aerosols containing nanoscale particles.

• Dry powders: Highest airborne release potential during weighing, transferring, drying, or cleanup.
• Liquid suspensions: Sonication, vortexing, spraying, or agitation may generate aerosols.
• Machining or abrasion: Cutting, drilling, milling, or sanding nanocomposites can release fine particulates.
• Cleaning operations: Disturbing dried residue or replacing filters may re-aerosolize nanoparticles.

Measurement of Nanomaterials

Airborne nanoparticle assessment requires specialized instrumentation. When exposure monitoring is needed, contact EHS for assistance. Sampling may include background readings, real-time monitoring during operations, and post-task evaluations to confirm that engineering controls are effective.

Exposure Controls

• Elimination or Substitution: When possible, substitute larger particle sizes, pre-dispersed suspensions, or surface-modified materials that reduce airborne release potential.
• Engineering Controls:
  • Perform weighing, transferring, and handling of dry nanopowders in a chemical fume hood with HEPA-filtered exhaust, a HEPA-filtered enclosure, or a glovebox.
  • Conduct work involving aerosols or splash potential in a hood or enclosed system.
  • Use certified Class II biological safety cabinets only when volatile chemicals are not present.
  • Use HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleanup. Compressed air must not be used for cleaning surfaces.
• Administrative Controls:
  • Create written SOPs outlining hazards, designated work areas, controls, and spill procedures.
  • Minimize the number of personnel present during operations that may release nanoparticles.
  • Use wet-wiping or HEPA vacuuming for housekeeping; avoid dry sweeping.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Nitrile gloves (double-gloving recommended when handling dry powders).
  • Lab coat; disposable gowns or sleeve covers for high-transfer processes.
  • Safety glasses with side shields or splash goggles for liquids.
  • Respiratory protection only when engineering controls cannot adequately minimize exposure and only within the Cornell Respiratory Protection Program.

Control Matrix for Common Activities

Use of Nanomaterials in Animals

Research involving administration of engineered nanomaterials to animals introduces additional safety, exposure, and occupational health considerations. Although nanomaterials are not biological agents, their toxicological properties (e.g., biodistribution, persistence, inflammatory potential) require a risk-based approach when used in vivo.

The following requirements apply when nanomaterials are administered to animals:

• IACUC Protocol: Use of nanomaterials must be described in the IACUC protocol, including material identity, concentration, formulation, dosing method, and known or anticipated hazards.
• Risk Assessment: Before beginning work, the PI must assess hazards with EHS to determine appropriate engineering controls and PPE for:
  • material preparation, including powders and suspensions;
  • dosing procedures (e.g., injection, gavage, inhalation);
  • animal housing and husbandry practices;
  • necropsy or tissue harvesting; and
  • waste disposal.
• Preparation of Materials: Conduct preparation of nanoparticle powders or suspensions in a chemical fume hood or HEPA-filtered enclosure. Sonication must occur inside appropriate ventilation to prevent aerosol release.
• Dosing Procedures: Perform injections, oral gavage, or inhalation exposures in a ventilated hood or animal workstation when feasible. Double-gloving is recommended for nanoparticle suspensions.
• Post-Dosing Considerations: Treated animals must be clearly identified. Bedding, excreta, and cages associated with treated animals must be managed as hazardous chemical waste unless an EHS risk assessment determines otherwise.
• Necropsy and Tissue Collection: Conduct necropsies in a ventilated necropsy hood. Moistening tissues before manipulation can reduce airborne release of retained nanomaterials.
• Waste Management: Carcasses, bedding, PPE, and tissues containing nanomaterials must be disposed through Cornell’s hazardous waste program. Disposal through regular trash or drains is prohibited.
• Occupational Health: Personnel must be enrolled in the appropriate animal care and use occupational medicine program. Additional consultation may be needed depending on the toxicology of the nanomaterial.

Emergency Procedures

Spill response procedures must be documented in a laboratory-specific SOP. Do not brush, sweep, or use compressed air to clean nanomaterial spills. Use a nanoparticle-specific spill kit including HEPA-filtered vacuums and wet wiping materials. Lightly mist dry powders prior to cleanup to minimize aerosolization. Place all cleanup materials in sealed, labeled containers for hazardous waste disposal.

For emergencies requiring immediate assistance, dial 911 from a Cornell landline or 607-255-1111 from a mobile phone. For non-emergency guidance, contact askEHS@cornell.edu or call EHS at 607-255-8200.

Waste Management

All engineered nanomaterials—whether dry, suspended, or embedded in matrices—must be managed through Cornell’s hazardous waste program. Do not dispose of nanomaterials through regular trash or drains. Containers must be labeled with:

• Chemical identity and concentration (if known)
• “Contains engineered nanomaterials”
• PI / laboratory contact information

References and Additional Guidance

• NIOSH Nanotechnology Guidance
• OSHA Fact Sheet: Working Safely with Nanomaterials
• EPA TSCA Nanomaterial Information
• Cornell Chemical Hygiene Plan