Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workers

Background: Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), particularly nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), are increasingly utilized across diverse industries. However, limited data exist regarding potential worker exposure to nano-TiO2 in Singapore. Objectives: This study aimed to (i) quantify the usa...

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Main Authors: Sriram Prasath, Kavitha Palaniappan, Sally Chan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Academia.edu Journals 2025-02-01
Series:Academia Materials Science
Online Access:https://www.academia.edu/127632912/Profiling_nano_titanium_dioxide_use_in_Singapore_a_survey_of_practices_quantities_and_workers
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author Sriram Prasath
Kavitha Palaniappan
Sally Chan
author_facet Sriram Prasath
Kavitha Palaniappan
Sally Chan
author_sort Sriram Prasath
collection DOAJ
description Background: Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), particularly nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), are increasingly utilized across diverse industries. However, limited data exist regarding potential worker exposure to nano-TiO2 in Singapore. Objectives: This study aimed to (i) quantify the usage trends of nano-TiO2 and identify relevant industrial sectors in Singapore, (ii) characterize the forms of nano-TiO2 utilized in industrial applications, and (iii) estimate the number of workers potentially exposed to nano-TiO2 across industrial sectors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 65 companies identified as potentially involved with nanomaterials. The survey collected data on nano-TiO2 usage patterns, quantities handled, and worker exposure potential. Results: Eleven companies (17%) participated in the study. Nano-TiO2 was found to be used in various forms (solid, powder, aerosol/liquid) across diverse sectors, including research and development, manufacturing, and construction. Monthly handling amounts ranged from 0.2 to 50 kg for dry nano-TiO2, with some companies using suspensions in larger volumes (20–300 l/month). The number of workers potentially handling nano-TiO2 per company ranged from 2 to 20. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive overview of nano-TiO2 usage and potential exposure in Singapore’s industrial landscape. The findings highlight the need for proactive measures to ensure worker safety as the field of nanotechnology continues to evolve.
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spelling doaj-art-d73e808ae00a42b491f6daa575ff7e292025-08-20T01:54:34ZengAcademia.edu JournalsAcademia Materials Science2997-20272025-02-012110.20935/AcadMatSci7511Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workersSriram Prasath0Kavitha Palaniappan1Sally Chan2University of Newcastle School of Health Sciences, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.Centre of Regulatory Excellence, Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore.Tung Wah College, King's Park, Hong Kong. Background: Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), particularly nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), are increasingly utilized across diverse industries. However, limited data exist regarding potential worker exposure to nano-TiO2 in Singapore. Objectives: This study aimed to (i) quantify the usage trends of nano-TiO2 and identify relevant industrial sectors in Singapore, (ii) characterize the forms of nano-TiO2 utilized in industrial applications, and (iii) estimate the number of workers potentially exposed to nano-TiO2 across industrial sectors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 65 companies identified as potentially involved with nanomaterials. The survey collected data on nano-TiO2 usage patterns, quantities handled, and worker exposure potential. Results: Eleven companies (17%) participated in the study. Nano-TiO2 was found to be used in various forms (solid, powder, aerosol/liquid) across diverse sectors, including research and development, manufacturing, and construction. Monthly handling amounts ranged from 0.2 to 50 kg for dry nano-TiO2, with some companies using suspensions in larger volumes (20–300 l/month). The number of workers potentially handling nano-TiO2 per company ranged from 2 to 20. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive overview of nano-TiO2 usage and potential exposure in Singapore’s industrial landscape. The findings highlight the need for proactive measures to ensure worker safety as the field of nanotechnology continues to evolve.https://www.academia.edu/127632912/Profiling_nano_titanium_dioxide_use_in_Singapore_a_survey_of_practices_quantities_and_workers
spellingShingle Sriram Prasath
Kavitha Palaniappan
Sally Chan
Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workers
Academia Materials Science
title Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workers
title_full Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workers
title_fullStr Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workers
title_full_unstemmed Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workers
title_short Profiling nano-titanium dioxide use in Singapore: a survey of practices, quantities, and workers
title_sort profiling nano titanium dioxide use in singapore a survey of practices quantities and workers
url https://www.academia.edu/127632912/Profiling_nano_titanium_dioxide_use_in_Singapore_a_survey_of_practices_quantities_and_workers
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