A General Framework for Developing a Comprehensive Health Risk Assessment Method for Nanomaterials-Related Activities: A Critical Analysis



S Omari Shekaftik SOQRAT ; A Sheikhtaheri ABBAS ; E Zarei ESMAEIL ; S Farhang Dehghan SOMAYEH ; N Mehrparvar NEDA ; F Golbabaei FARIDEH
Source: Journal of Health and Safety at Work Published:2025

Abstract

Introduction: Nanomaterials are widely applied across diverse scientific and industrial sectors; howevetheir emergence has introduced a new generation of occupational hazards for workers. Concurrent widiscussions on the adverse effects of nanomaterials on human health, researchers have sought to develomethods for assessing occupational risks associated with these materials. Accordingly, this study aims propose a general framework for the development of such methods. Material and Methods: This is a critical analysis study designed to evaluate existing methods for assessinoccupational risks related to nanomaterials and ultimately propose a modified framework for refininthese methods. By examining current approaches and identifying their strengths and weaknesses, thauthors have proposed an improved framework for occupational risk assessment of nanomaterials. Results: The proposed framework is based on two key dimensions: “Severity/Hazard” and “ProbabilitExposure.” The first dimension determines the potential risk level arising from exposure to nanomaterialwith the most critical factors being the intrinsic properties and toxicology of the nanomaterial itseparent materials, and similar substances. The second dimension describes the likelihood and nature exposure to nanomaterials during work activities, with the most influential factors being worker, job taskand workplace environment characteristics. Conclusion: The lack of sufficient data and numerous uncertainties regarding bio-nano interactions makquantitative risk assessment (the traditional occupational health approach) difficult, less reliable, and some cases unfeasible for nanomaterials—given current knowledge. Qualitative and semi-quantitativapproaches, such as Control Banding, despite demonstrating positive aspects, have faced significacriticism. The framework-based method proposed herein appears capable of partially overcoming thechallenges. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.