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Producers of Engineered Nanomaterials—What Motivates Company and Worker Participation in Biomonitoring Programs?

Author

Listed:
  • Camille Crézé

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Lausanne, Switzerland
    Equal author’s contribution.)

  • Marjorie François

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Lausanne, Switzerland
    Equal author’s contribution.)

  • Nancy B. Hopf

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • Victor Dorribo

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • Jean-Jacques Sauvain

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • Enrico Bergamaschi

    (Laboratory of Toxicology and Industrial Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Giacomo Garzaro

    (Laboratory of Toxicology and Industrial Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Maida Domat

    (Instituto Tecnológico del Embalaje, Transporte y Logística (ITENE), 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain)

  • Judith Friesl

    (Yordas GmbH, 91301 Forchheim, Germany)

  • Eva Penssler

    (Yordas GmbH, 91301 Forchheim, Germany)

  • Athena Progiou

    (ALCON Consultant Engineers Ltd., 11257 Athens, Greece)

  • Irina Guseva Canu

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Lausanne, Switzerland)

Abstract

Production and handling of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) can yield worker exposure to these materials with the potential for unforeseen negative health effects. Biomonitoring enables regular exposure and health assessment and an effective risk management. We aimed to identify factors influencing biomonitoring acceptance according to hierarchical positions of ENM producers. Managers and workers were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Forty-three companies producing or handling ENMs such as titanium dioxide (61%) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (44%) participated. The majority of managers (72%) and all workers responded positively to participating in biomonitoring studies. The main reasons for refusing participation included concerns about data confidentiality and sufficient knowledge about ENM health and safety. Acquisitions of individual study results, improvement of workers’ safety, and help to the development of ENM-specific health and safety practice were among the most valuable reasons for positively considering participation. All workers indicated feeling comfortable with biomonitoring procedures of exhaled air sampling—about half were similarly comfortable with exhaled breath condensate, urine, and buccal cell sampling. The majority of both workers and managers stated that participation in a biomonitoring program should take place during working hours. Although our survey only had limited participation, our results are useful in designing appropriate biomonitoring programs for workers exposed to ENMs.

Suggested Citation

  • Camille Crézé & Marjorie François & Nancy B. Hopf & Victor Dorribo & Jean-Jacques Sauvain & Enrico Bergamaschi & Giacomo Garzaro & Maida Domat & Judith Friesl & Eva Penssler & Athena Progiou & Irina G, 2021. "Producers of Engineered Nanomaterials—What Motivates Company and Worker Participation in Biomonitoring Programs?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-12, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:3851-:d:531239
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ivo Iavicoli & Veruscka Leso & Marco Piacci & Dante Luigi Cioffi & Irina Guseva Canu & Paul A. Schulte, 2019. "An Exploratory Assessment of Applying Risk Management Practices to Engineered Nanomaterials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-15, September.
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