Nanotechnology

Informational & Educational Materials

Brochures

Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-112
This brochure provides an introduction to nanotechnology in the workplace for employers, managers, and safety and health professionals. It addresses the following questions: Are nanoparticles hazardous to workers? How can workers be exposed? Can nanoparticles be measured? Can worker exposures be controlled?

Documents

Updated Strategic Plan for Public Comment
NIOSH announces an updated version of its "Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research: Filling the Knowledge Gaps."  The update reflects scientific developments in research since 2005, when the initial version was released, and captures the ongoing prioritization needed to keep pace with rapid advances being made in nanotechnology. The document provides an accounting of current projects and carries NIOSH's research planning forward to 2012. The strategic plan will be available for public comment until June 1, 2008, and will be peer-reviewed by the NIOSH Board of Scientific Counselors.

Draft Interim Guidance: Medical Screening for Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles
NIOSH is seeking public comment on a draft document: Interim Guidance on Medical Screening of Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles, through February 15, 2008. A public meeting will be held on January 30, 2008, at the Robert A. Taft Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a forum for scientists and representatives of government agencies, industry, labor, and other stakeholders to discuss the document. The meeting will be open to the public, limited only by space available.

Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-123
This document is a report of the progress of the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) since its inception in 2004 through 2006. Using only internally redirected resources, the NTRC has begun to make contributions to all the steps in the continuum from hazard identification to risk management.

Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with NIOSH
This document reviews what is currently known about nanoparticle toxicity and control, but it is only a starting point. The document serves as a request from NIOSH to occupational safety and health practitioners, researchers, product innovators and manufacturers, employers, workers, interest group members, and the general public to exchange information that will ensure that no worker suffers material impairment of safety or health as nanotechnology develops. Opportunities to provide feedback and information are available throughout this document.

Fact Sheets, Project Briefs, & Frequently Asked Questions

NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Research Effort Fact Sheet
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-121
Information about NIOSH field research to assess workplace processes, materials, and control technologies associated with nanotechnology.

NIOSH Nanotechnology Metal Oxide Particle Exposure Assessment Study
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-122
Provides information about a NIOSH study to investigate exposure to fine (0.1µm to 2.5µm diameter) and ultrafine (<0.1µm diameter) metal oxides. 

The Nanotechnology Field Research Team Update
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-120
Description the NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Research team's efforts to evaluate work practices and engineering controls used to ensure worker health and safety in the nanotechnology industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nanotechnology
Answers to general questions about nanotechnology and NIOSH nanotechnology research.

Nanoparticle Information Library

Nanoparticle Information Library (NIL)
NIOSH is working with its national and international partners to develop a web-based Nanoparticle Information Library (NIL).  The goal of the NIL is to help occupational health professionals, industrial users, worker groups, and researchers organize and share information on nanomaterials, including their health and safety-associated properties.

NIOSHTIC-2 Search

NIOSHTIC-2 search results on Nanotechnology and Ultrafine particles
NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable bibliographic database of occupational safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.