Explaining Particles

Common materials in the form of particles can be both natural and synthetically manufactured, including minerals, pigments and fillers. They may also be generated unintentionally during industrial processes. The main concerns relate to  particles with low or no solubility which is why they stay in solid form and are not easily dissolved in biological processes.

Where are the used?

Materials in the form of particles are mainly used in various products such as plastics, paints, construction materials, Small quantities may also be used in food, medicines and cosmetics.
In most stages of the life cycle, materials in the form of particle aggregates/agglomerates are incorporated into solid forms such as in plastics or exist within liquids such as paint where the particles are bounds into a solid matrix or a liquid which limits its release. 

Where are the main concerns?

The main concerns  is that small particles can potentially cause harm to humans by inhalation.  These concerns most apply to all  particles irrespective of the chemistry of the substance. Exposure to particles typically only occurs when they are dispersed in air or form into dust due to handling of the materials, which in most cases only applies to workers at manufacturing sites.

How are particles regulated?

Health and safety regulations in most countries have regulations to limit the exposure of workers to materials in the form of particles /dust as well as other substances that could potentially cause harm. Many industries have also monitored the health of workers over many decades to ensure their safety.

Recently, some materials in the form of particles have been classified under the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the Classification Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) This can have wide ranging implications restricting the use of materials in the form of particles where there is no risk to human health or the environment.