Given the unique and innovative physicochemical properties observed at the nanoscale, nanomaterials have now found applications in a wide range of industries (chemicals, construction, automotive, plastics, packaging, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and agriculture, plant protection, etc.). However, these same characteristics also determine their behavior within the body and raise concerns regarding the risks these substances could potentially pose to human health, particularly that of workers who may be exposed to significant quantities.

Each year, the mandatory R-Nano reporting registry managed by ANSES records 300,000 to 400,000 tons of manufactured nanomaterials (NM) deployed across the country, potentially exposing a significant—though as yet undetermined—number of workers at sites where NM are produced and/or used.

What is a nanomaterial?

In simple terms, a nanomaterial is a material that is either naturally occurring, formed accidentally, or intentionally manufactured, and contains particles with one or more dimensions on the order of a nanometer (1 nanometer, denoted nm, is equal to one billionth of a meter). Intentionally produced nanomaterials are referred to as “manufactured nanomaterials.”

For a more precise definition, refer to the European Commission’s 2022 recommendation.

What are the risks associated with exposure to nanomaterials?

Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies regularly report adverse biological effects following exposure to certain families of nanomaterials, with consequences for development or reproduction, the central nervous and immune systems, as well as genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Nevertheless, translating the results of these studies to real-world human situations is not always straightforward, due to certain limitations and confounding factors, including species-specific differences as well as exposure conditions.

Furthermore, it has also been demonstrated that nanomaterials can cross physiological barriers and persist in the body.

Furthermore, based on experimental studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified certain nanomaterials as possible human carcinogens (Group 2B):

• Type 7 multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-7). However, due to incomplete data, it is not yet possible to extend this classification to other types of carbon nanotubes.

• Substances such as titanium dioxide and carbon black.

This classification does not take particle size into account.

Who is affected?

Workers are considered to be the first to be significantly exposed to products derived from nanotechnology.