The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has published the material safety and data sheets (“MSDS”) for four commercial nanoscale materials on its website. The four MSDS provide manufacturers with an example of how other companies are treating nanoscale materials for disclosure purposes.
Three of the MSDS cover quantum dot products from Evident Technologies in Troy, New York. The MSDS for all three quantum dots use existing CAS numbers from their parent/bulk counterparts for identification purposes. (Links are here, here, and here). Cadmium Selenide quantum dots are labeled with a 1306-24-7 CAS number, while Lead Selenide quantum dots are labeled with a 12069-00-0 CAS number. Exposure limits for bulk/parent materials are also used, and traditional environmental controls and personal protective devices/clothing are recommended. However, Evident Technologies also explains that “to the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of [this substance] is not fully known. [This substance] in the form of nanocrystal may or may not represent the same health hazards as a larger [this substance] containing molecules. It is therefore encouraged to use caution when handling this product as its toxicity and modes of exposure are not well characterized or understood.”
The fourth MSDS covers single wall carbon nanotubes produced by HELIX Material Solutions, Inc., in Richardson, Texas. HELIX’s MSDS uses the existing CAS number 7782-42-5 (graphite), and notes the bulk/parent material is listed and regulated under TSCA. The MSDS also indicates there are no known toxicological hazards associated with the material, but points out that data on potential ecological impacts remains unknown. HELIX warns users to “avoid handling material in presence of air drafts or near fans,” and also recommends the use of standard exposure controls and personal protective devices.
