Summary

In the past decade, we have witnessed growing interest in the development and use of nanotechnologies (NTs) in various fields, including chemistry, electronics, cosmetics and medical diagnosis/treatment. Due to the unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs), their many applications, their economic and social potential, and the consequent scientific breakthroughs, a number of governments have opted to inject massive funds into supporting research, promoting industrial implementation, and cornering a share of this huge market. By contrast, much more limited research efforts have been devoted to characterizing the potential effects of using these materials both on worker and consumer health and safety and on the environment. Few studies have been conducted worldwide to provide an overview of worker exposure (researchers, producers, integrators and end-users) to NPs or to draw up a list of their needs, notably in terms of occupational health and safety.

The aim of this study was to produce an overview of Québec industries and academic and government research laboratories that develop, produce, use or market synthetic NPs. A questionnaire adapted to the Québec context was therefore developed, validated and subsequently completed online using the SurveyMonkey™ platform. Around 2,000 participants and over 1,300 companies were targeted. The companies were contacted by telephone to confirm their use or not of NPs and ascertain their interest in participating in the study and completing the questionnaire. Companies that could not be reached by phone and those that confirmed their use of NPs were sent information inviting and allowing them to complete the questionnaire. Researchers involved with NTs were sent an email invitation to participate in the project. The questionnaire was sent to 579 individuals in industry and 653 resource persons in the academic and government research communities.

A total of 90 participants, including 51 from industry, completed the questionnaire. Of the targeted companies reached by telephone, 7.4% mentioned being involved with NTs. Twenty-nine percent of the industries that reported using NPs during the telephone interview completed the questionnaire. Most of the establishments using NPs had 250 employees or fewer, and the proportion of their activities involving NPs was for the most part less than 10% in the industrial sector, with the exception of companies that produce NPs. The survey results, which were deemed significantly representative of the situation in Québec, show that the majority of NPs are used in powder and particle form and come mainly from the United States and Canada. The operations likely to generate NPs and the prevention measures used vary from one establishment to the other, and differ, depending on whether the establishment is involved in research or industrial production. While a high proportion of respondents confirmed that they have implemented prevention measures they believe to be adequate, a significant number of them also expressed the desire for a better knowledge of the specific standards and regulations in force, safe handling procedures, NP toxicity, proper work methods, the effectiveness of personal protective equipment, safe workplace design, waste management and environmental impact. This study confirms the growing use of NTs in Québec, that it includes various economic activity sectors, and that the people involved want to be better informed about the main aspects related to optimal management of OHS risks.