Nanoparticles are particles in the size range 1 – 100 nm. Due to their size, nanoparticles have special properties that are used in innovative technologies in almost all areas (medical technology, food, automotive, cosmetics and many more).

“In fulfilling its mandate to promote safety and health at work, the statutory accident insurance advocates responsible behavior when handling nanomaterials in the workplace.” (Position paper of the statutory accident insurance (DGUV) “Responsible use of nanomaterials”)

The measures for safety and health protection at work are decisive, e.g. EU Directive 89/24/EEC or Safety and Health for Chemical Agents Individual Directive 98/24/EC as well as the national implementation through e.g. Chemicals Act, Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV). The Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 527 on ‘Activities with nanomaterials’ are essential for Germany as a location.

Substitution and prevention play a major role. The employer must take technical, organizational and personal protective measures in accordance with the risk assessment.

If, despite all the precautionary measures, unintentional skin contamination occurs, DermaPurge nano-ex offers the first suitable aftercare option and should therefore be kept at workplaces where contact with nanoparticles is possible.

Only 5% of the particles can be reliably washed off the skin with water.

After cleaning with soap, 15-25% of the particles remain on the skin – while the barrier properties of the skin are also impaired. Soap removes fats and oils from the skin that would ensure a natural barrier function for healthy skin.

In contrast to conventional decontamination agents, DermaPurge nano-ex is especially developed for  rinsing off nanoparticles from the skin and shows a significantly better performance.

After skin contamination, there is a risk of absorption into the body via two routes: either via the skin (dermal) or through contamination carry-over, e.g. hand-mouth contact (oral). Nanoparticles can, for example, penetrate the skin via the pores and hair follicles and subsequently enter the blood circulation. Without thorough cleaning of the skin after dermal contamination, there is a risk of contamination carry-over, and of the particles being absorbed, for example via hand-mouth contact.

With nano-ex all types of nanoparticles can be effectively removed from the skin:

• Metallic nanoparticles
• Inorganic nanoparticles
• Semiconductor nanoparticles
• Metal oxide nanoparticles
• Nanoplastics and microplastics