Page 48 - Synthesis of Functional Nanoparticles Using an Atmospheric Pressure Microplasma Process - LiangLiang Lin
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Chapter 2
2.3 Critical Safety Considerations
Process safety is one of the most important factors to be considered in the chemical engineering field. In addition to a safety instruction at the very beginning of the PhD life by safety technicians, Eindhoven University of Technology often hosts lectures on safety issues. When performing experiments in lab, common strictly laboratory rules should be obeyed (refering to “Safety & Security” in TU/e website). Due to the diversity of research topics, different sfety considerations are also needed to be reminded throughout the whole project. Herein a brief introduction on safety issues about this project is provided.
Most of the existing processes for the gas-phase microplasma-assisted synthesis of nanoparticles use organometallic compounds as the precursors. In general, they are rather toxic and should be stored and operated by strictly following the safety regulations. The following personal protective equipment is recommended when handling of these chemicals:
i. Eye/face protection: Safety glasses. ii. Skin protection: Handle with gloves. iii. Body Protection: Laboratory coat.
iv. Chemicals should be handled in the fume hood for safety reason. For some chemicals with Chemwatch code of 3 or 4 in flammability, toxicity, body contact or chronic (can be referred to material safety data sheet (MSDS)), the usage of glove box is highly suggested. It also needs to be pointed out, there may be certain documents/regulations applied for different countries/regions. For example, "REACH" program was conducted by European commission to collect information for a database over potentially dangerous chemicals.
Besides, owing to the structural complexities, surface properties and high reactivity of the generated nanomaterials, the potential exposure to nanoparticles may lead to undesired organism-specific responses. Nanomaterials can cause nanotoxicity by penetrating the airway, travelling through the circulatory systems, depositing in various organs and interact with cells at the cellular level.33 It was estimated that, in the US alone more than 2 million people work on nanomaterial-related fields.34 Unfortunately, till now rather insufficient and controversial data on the toxicity of nanomaterials exist, and only a few regulations or standards are available for the assessment of their toxicological effects. Therefore, special attentions must be paid to avoid the direct contact/exposure to nanomaterials. Moreover, extensive research is required to fully understand the nanotoxicity, including absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion and biological effects of nanomaterials on biological systems.
Another safety issue of microplasma-assisted nanofabrication is related to electric shock and absorbed radiation hazards. Since high voltages are commonly involved in these processes, special electrical safety measures are required, and insulation protections should be considered. In some cases, high frequency discharge powers are utilized, which may cause damage to some parts of the human body that are sensitive to irradiation-induced heating or soft x-ray, such as brain, eyes and the reproductive organs. Therefore, proper shielding has to be undertaken to avoid any permanent body damage, including using highly insulating ceramics and lead-contained materials.
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