Creating workplaces where we all watch out for each other

Study of Safety Data Sheets for construction materials finds inaccuracies about nanoparticle content

brick-layering

Photo: Reza Estakhrian/gettyimages

Silver Spring, MD — The vast majority of Safety Data Sheets for construction materials containing nanotechnology need improvement when it comes to accurately listing engineered nanomaterial composition, results of a recent study indicate. 

A team led by researchers from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training looked at a sample of 33 SDSs and product data from “a public database of nano-enabled construction products.” The researchers then sought to confirm the composition of nanoparticles – which are potentially hazardous to human health – in construction materials using an electron microscope. 

Their analysis “revealed several discrepancies between the actual product composition and what was listed in the SDS.” Seventy percent of the SDSs were deemed “in need of significant improvement,” while another 12% “were in need of improvement.”

Currently, more than 50 kinds of engineered nanomaterials are used in construction products.

“There has been significant progress investigating risks to construction workers posed by ENMs, but SDSs need major improvements,” the researchers conclude. 

The study was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.


McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication

Skip to content