"Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding area of our economy. A nanomaterial is defined as a material with at least one dimension in the 1 to 100 nm size range. It is estimated that the annual production of products derived from nanotechnology will increase from the current level of 1 to 2 tonnes per year to about 60,000 tonnes per year in 2020. This economic boom has prompted universities and government agencies to initiate various research programs on the release and the fate and toxicity of nanomaterials in aquatic and terrestrial environments. This report is intended to provide guidelines and practical recommendations for the safe handling of nanomaterials in the workplace (environmental chemistry and toxicology laboratories). The proposed recommendations are based on published guidelines and on our own workplace experience. It is clear that the manipulation of solid nanomaterials (dust) should be avoided if possible and that liquid formulations of nanomaterials are much safer to handle. A number of measures are suggested to safely handle these products in liquid forms. In the event that it is not possible to work with liquid suspensions, a series of measures are proposed to ensure special conditions are maintained for the safe handling of nanopowders. It is also recommended that hand-held monitors be used to take direct, real-time measurements of fine particles and that real-time air filters (which capture aerosols) be used to detect workplace contamination."

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