I was alarmed to read the results of a recent study undertaken by the University of Edinburgh. They found that tiny particles used in a range of every day products, including shampoo and computers, effects the lungs in harmful ways. The researchers found that the manufacturers of such products use nanoparticles in the making of these products which workers come into contact with and pose a risk to their health.
The nanoparticles which cannot be seen by the human eye, are potentially hazardous to workers handling these chemicals, which are used to make products as they are at risk of inhaling the nanoparticles.
Having lost my hair some time ago, I was relieved to learn that the wife won’t be at the same risk from using such products as once the nanoparticles are incorporated in consumer goods they are not thought to cause any risk to the members of the public, only those working with them during their production. Equally, I was concerned that little Thom spends an awful lot of time on his laptop computer, however, this research does not provide me with another reason to get him off it.
The researchers found that some of the nanoparticles were more likely to trigger an asthmatic-style reaction while others lead to a worsening severe lung injury. It is hoped that the manufacturers of such products will be aware of their duties to their employees under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) to protect workers contracting lung disease or any other industrial disease related to the manufacturer of these products.
I am off to think of another excuse to reduce little Thom’s time on the laptop.
