Risk assessment of amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles in a glass cleaner formulation

Abstract

Since nanomaterials are a heterogeneous group of substances used in various applications, risk assessment needs to be done on a case-by-case basis. Here the authors assess the risk (hazard and exposure) of a glass cleaner with synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide (SAS) nanoparticles during production and consumer use (spray application). As the colloidal material used is similar to previously investigated SAS, the hazard profile was considered to be comparable. Overall, SAS has a low toxicity. Worker exposure was analysed to be well controlled. The particle size distribution indicated that the aerosol droplets were in a size range not expected to reach the alveoli. Predictive modelling was used to approximate external exposure concentrations. Consumer and environmental exposure were estimated conservatively and were not of concern. It was concluded based on the available weight-of-evidence that the production and application of the glass cleaner is safe for humans and the environment under intended use conditions.

Keywords::

• Amorphous silica
• SiO₂
• nanotechnology
• nanomaterial
• consumer product

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Doris Gesterkamp and Elke Lehringer for assisting in the literature search and for editorial support; Michaela Berchter, Burkhard Eschen and Hans-Juergen Schwark for performing analytical measurements; Lothar Kintrup, Thomas Mueller-Kirschbaum, Roland Schroeder, Walter Sterzel, Johannes Tolls and Frederike Wiebel for general support and review of the manuscript. Funding source: The work was funded by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.