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A recent article in the "American Journal of Industrial Medicine" brought to light what is reported to be the first published case ever in North America of a worker developing serious health effects from handling nanoparticles in a U.S. manufacturing facility. One of the uses of nanoparticles is for coatings that repel water, paint, oil and the like. These coatings can then be applied to tools, clothes, and even building materials, like concrete masonry units. The case in question, which was reported by Dr. Shane Journeay and Dr Rose Goldman, involved a 26-year-old female chemist who formulated polymers and coatings using nickel nanoparticle powder that she would handle with no protective measures. She developed throat irritation, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, facial flushing, and new skin reactions to her earrings and belt buckle. After testing, she was found to have a positive reaction to nickel and it was determined that she had developed nickel sensitization from working with the powder in a setting without any special respiratory protection or control measures. This report is anticipated to spur more testing to help calculate the overall danger of nanoparticles and their long-term effects on humans.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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