When it comes to the production of hazardous chemicals, as well as their storage, transportation, and other forms of handling, the most fundamental forms of hazard communication are safety data sheets (SDSs) and labelling. This study evaluated the information provided in 97 safety data sheets (SDSs) related to nanomaterials according to the criteria set by the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) and found that the majority of the SDSs did not include sufficient information on the safety of nanomaterials, such as their toxicity and physicochemical properties. This evaluation was done in the context of the growing use of nanomaterials and materials that contain nanomaterials. The reasons for this lack of information in the nanomaterial SDSs can primarily be attributed to the following: (1) a lack of toxicity and physicochemical property information on nanomaterials; (2) unawareness of the effectiveness of conventional exposure controls, such as local exhaust ventilation and encapsulation, and personal protective equipment (PPE), in protecting against nanomaterial exposure; (3) a lack of information on emergency and firefighting measures; and (4) a lack of knowledge regarding nanomaterials. Guidance for the preparation of nanomaterial-specific safety data sheets (SDSs), including both nanomaterials and mixtures of nanomaterials with conventional non-nanoscale materials, was recently initiated by the ISO TC 229 in order to create a consistent standard for the information that is provided on safety, health, and environmental matters for manufactured products that contain nanomaterials. This was done in order to create a consistent standard for the information that is provided on manufactured products that contain nanomaterials. Their recommendations, which come in the form of a technical report, state that safety data sheets (SDSs) pertaining to nanomaterials should be prepared in accordance with a precautionary approach in terms of the toxicity and other risks associated with the nanomaterial contents of the mixture in question. The incorporation of additional physicochemical properties, such as the particle size (average and range), size distribution, aggregation/agglomeration state, shape and aspect ratio, crystallinity, specific surface area, dispersibility, and dustiness, is one of the most important recommendations in the technical report. These properties help to differentiate the characteristics of nanomaterials from those of non-nanoscale materials. The technical report also recommends the preparation of safety data sheets (SDSs) for all nanomaterials and mixtures that satisfy the GHS criteria for physical, health or environmental hazards, as well as for all mixtures containing nanomaterials that satisfy the criteria for carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction, or specific target organ toxicity in concentrations that are higher than the cut-off limits for an SDS specified by the criteria for mixtures. In conclusion, the technical report suggests that safety data sheets (SDSs) be created for all nanomaterials, unless there is evidence indicating that the nanomaterials do not pose a risk.

Acknowledgement

This study was made possible thanks to funding from the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology's Nano Research and Development programme, which was administered by the National Research Foundation of Korea (2010-0019156).