Nanotechnology warning

More evidence that the risks from nanotechnology are not being assessed has come to light.

More than a million UK workers may be exposed to nanoparticles - for example, through powder-handling processes in the pharmaceutical industry or via incidental production in processes such as welding and refining.

Researchers from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found "little evidence to suggest that the exposure of workers arising from the production of nanoparticles has been adequately assessed". Their findings support concerns raised by the TUC and Hazards magazine earlier this year.

The HSE report is available at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr274.pdf