Biomarkers of exposure to metal nanoparticles in workplaces: methodology and preliminary results

BACKGROUND AND AIM: When the particle size is decreased to the nanoscale range, physical and chemical properties appear to change offering various new opportunities but bringing new risks and uncertainties also. The growing use of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in industry may potentially lead to an increased human exposure to these substances. In this study, urine and blood as biomarkers of exposure were used to assess the exposure of workers to MNPs in two nanomaterial manufacturing companies. METHODS: When the particle size is decreased to the nanoscale range, physical and chemical properties appear to change offering various new opportunities but bringing new risks and uncertainties also. The growing use of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in industry may potentially lead to an increased human exposure to these substances. In this study, urine and blood as biomarkers of exposure were used to assess the exposure of workers to MNPs in two nanomaterial manufacturing companies. RESULTS:The preliminary results showed NPs of Ag (29±0.5 nm) in urine and NPs of Au (15±0.2 nm), In (38±0.2 nm) and Ti (90±3.2 nm) in blood of workers from the company A. Nanoparticles of Ir, Pd and Pt were not detected neither in urine nor in blood of workers from company B. In addition, Ag NPs in urine, and Au and Ti NPs in blood were also detected in control subjects indicating the importance of daily-life exposure sources. CONCLUSIONS:The methodology can be recommended because fast and reliable for the measurement of MNPs in humans to contribute to safe workplace environments and health protection. KEYWORDS: Occupational exposures, heavy metals, biomarkers of exposure