Safe introduction and use of graphene in Swedish Industry

Important results from the project

Graphene is classified as a nanomaterial and needs to be handled in a way that does not risk creating health or work environment problems. In addition, graphene is a relatively new material, in terms of production and applications, and not all safety aspects have been determined yet. This results in many companies feeling a general uncertainty about safety routine requirements. The purpose of the project is to provide guidance for safe industrial graphene handling. The goal is to facilitate the introduction of graphene in Swedish industry by creating safe working routines.

Expected long term effects

Through collaboration between SIO Grafen and external experts in nanosafety and work environment, the project has reviewed risks specifically related to graphene. Current toxicology and work environment literature with a focus on graphene handling have been compiled. To help companies, the project has prepared both general and specific recommendations for safe handling of graphene or graphene-containing materials where advice is given regarding the type of graphene, work steps, exposure measurements, waste management, protective measures and risk assessment.

Approach and implementation

The project began with a workshop to map the needs of the graphene industry. Subsequently, companies were involved in three case studies, with the aim of understanding their needs in detail. By compiling information on toxicology and the working environment with regard to graphene handling and preparing a number of recommendations, easy-to-read documentation has been produced. Interested companies were also invited to discuss with the expert group. The project´s results including the recommendations have been compiled in a report and presented at a workshop (30/9/2021).