The Time for Action is Now

As reported in China, recent deaths from exposure to nano-particles in the work place should bring to the forefront safety first when handling potentially dangerous substances. The workers were ill equipped and not trained in handling the materials it is reported that they sometimes wore cloth masks to protect themselves. This would be like trying to stop bb pellets with a basketball net, an exercise in futility. The ventilation for the work area was also not working.

While this incident should not alarm us, it should call out the necessity of safety first. US companies, led by top researchers, have developed best practices which should be documented and shared as the industry tries to create standards in this still nascent industry. California Assembly Bill 289 calls for documented practices around safety.

Compliance with this law is more important than ever.