Academic nanotechnology laboratories: investigating good practices and students’ health status

Students working in nanotechnology laboratories could expose to nanomaterials during production, handling, and transportation of these materials. Studies have shown that nanomaterials have adverse effects on humans. So, this study was conducted to investigate the status of nanotechnology laboratories and also to examine students’ non-specific symptoms. This cross-sectional study was conducted in nanotechnology laboratories of 8 universities of medical sciences. Two questionnaires were used for data collection. A questionnaire was used to assess the status of laboratories and another to assess the non-specific symptoms of students. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results showed that only %33.7 of the laboratories had nanomaterials safety and health policy, while %63.6 of them reported the existence of general health and safety policy. Examination of the parameters affecting the exposure showed that in the studied laboratories, the ground for significant exposure to nanomaterials is provided. Study of transportation and storage of nanomaterials in the laboratories showed a relatively good situation. In terms of controls, condition was not favorable. The most reported symptoms among students were cutaneous, ocular, neurological, and respiratory symptoms, respectively. Comparing the status of the studied laboratories and the standards of nanotechnology laboratories, these laboratories are far from the ideal situation. Training the principles of working safely with nanomaterials, improving engineering controls, and providing appropriate PPEs for nanomaterials and using them properly, can effectively improve the laboratories, reduce exposure and reduce symptoms among the students.