Guidance for safe handling of nanomaterials

The materials at the nanoscale can have different properties compared with same materials at the larger scale. This change in behaviour can be attributed to increased relative surface area and dominance of quantum effects. It has been shown that the nanomaterials can cause adverse effects to human and environmental health. Therefore there is need for developing guidelines for safe use of nanomaterials in the laboratory to minimise exposure to researchers and environment. The purpose of this document is to provide the guidance on proper handling and disposal of nanomaterials (NMs) for personnel involved in activities that entail handling of NMs, in order to minimize risks from exposure to NMs in a laboratory.