Silica, risks and health at work: update from INRS
INRS has published a practical safety sheet on synthetic amorphous silicas (SAS), their manufacture and use, their properties and hazards, as well as the prevention and protection measures to be implemented.
INRS reminds us that with 180,000 tons produced in France in 2019, SAS is one of the four most declared substances in the nanoparticulate state in the r-nano register. SAS primary particles have a diameter of less than 100 nm and are therefore, in the regulatory sense, “substances in a nanoparticulate state” or “nanomaterials”.
In short…
In vitro, SAS exerts a cytotoxic effect via oxidative stress and apoptosis (cell death). Precipitated and fumed silicas have also shown genotoxic effects (DNA breaks).
Only a few studies have looked at the carcinogenic effects of amorphous silicas, but the potential for cellular transformation as well as epigenetic effects have been reported for some.
In vivo, in rats, inhalation of amorphous silica causes pulmonary inflammation (reversible). In humans, irritation and dehydration of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, aggravation of asthma or bronchitis, mechanical irritation and dehydration of the skin, redness and stinging of the eyes have been reported. The data are too insufficient to rule on the long-term effects of SAS on workers’ health. Hence the need to minimize occupational exposure to SAS.
The INRS practical sheet proposes detailed prevention measures adapted to each work situation:
Other news on the topic
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- Citizen webinar for the general public and the university community.
- Organizers: Research department Law & Social transformation (DETS), University of Bordeaux
- Speakers:
- Marion Tissier-Raffin, Senior Lecturer in Public Law, Centre de recherche et de documentation européennes et internationales (CRDEI), University of Bordeaux
- Mathilde Detcheverry, General Delegate, Association AVICENN – Veillenanos
- Didier Morin, University Professor of Neuroscience, UMR CNRS INCIA, University of Bordeaux
- Website: https://dets.u-bordeaux.fr/animation-scientifique/webinaires-citoyens/saison-2024-2025
- 5th Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology
- Organizers: the Fraunhofer Nanotechnology Network, with the support of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
- Date: May 13-14, 2025
- Topics:
- the application of nanotechnology in various sectors, including digitalization, 2D/3D printing, carbon-based materials and battery materials
- nano on various regulations (REACh, food contact materials, cosmetics, bioagents, PPPs)
- adaptation and development of OECD Test Guidelines for nano and advanced materials (Malta Initiative)
- review on nano-specific NAMs (new approach methodologies)
- when you’re nano and you know it: dealing with uncertainty regarding the nanomaterial definition in regulatory frameworks
- …
- Website: www.isc.fraunhofer.de/…2025/5th-symposium-nanotechnology.html
- 4-day training :
- the different routes by which toxic substances can enter the body
- the importance of toxicokinetics in preventing the toxicity of substances,
- the absorption, distribution, metabolisation and elimination of xenobiotics
- the toxicity of nanoparticles
- Organizer : Association Toxicologie Chimie (ATC)
- From May, 19 to May, 22
- Speakers :
- Frédéric Gaidou (Chemical engineer specialising in Toxicology, ERAMET Group, Paris, President ATC Paris)
- Sarah Dognin dit Cruissat (Doctor of Pharmacy, nutritionist, toxicochemist, CALMEVA, Lyon)
- Jean-Dominique Puyt (Veterinary Doctor, Honorary Professor at the École Vétérinaire, Nantes)
- Isabelle Malissin (Doctor, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris)
- Nicole Proust (Research Engineer, Honorary Director of Research at the CNRS, Specialist in Nanotechnologies, Arsenic, Electromagnetic Waves, Palaiseau)
- Marie-Chantal Canivenc-Lavier ((Nutri-toxicologist, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation INRA-Dijon)
- Claude Lesné (Doctor, Honorary Senior Research Engineer at the CNRS)
- Nicole Proust (Ingénieure Recherche, Directeur de recherche honoraire du CNRS, Spécialiste Nanotechnologies, Arsenic, Ondes électromagnétiques, Palaiseau)
- Website : https://www.atctoxicologie.fr/notre-formation.html