The Protection of Workers Exposed to Nanoparticles: Reflections on European and Italian Soft and Binding Regulations

Abstract

The rapid development of nanotechnologies has brought a large nanotechnology entrepreneurial sector that imposes risks, uncertainties assessment, and management procedures. This study focuses on the needs for nanotechnology specific regulation in the workplace particularly in the European Union (EU) with special reference to the Italian perspective. This paper analyses the legal protection duties for employers and investigates whether existing regulations in workers’ health safety cover nanotechnologies efficiently.