Nanotechnology

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research: Filling the Knowledge Gaps

IV. Goals

Strategic Goal 1. Determine if nanoparticles and nanomaterials pose risks for work-related injuries and illnesses.

1. Conduct research on exposure and dose as it relates to nanomaterials including determining the fate of nanomaterials in the work environment, quantitatively assessing worker exposures to nanomaterials, and determining the internal dose of workers to nanomaterials.
   
   
2. Conduct research on the toxicity of nanomaterials including investigating key factors for bioactivity; identify pulmonary, systemic, and dermal response; and elucidate mechanisms. Develop screening tests and predictive models for toxicity, and determine the metrics of dose.
   
   
3. Conduct research in epidemiology and surveillance in workplaces where nanomaterials are produced and used and where workers are exposed to nanomaterials.
   
   
4. Conduct research on measuring nanomaterials in the workplace, including developing new measurement methods and validating measurement methods.
   
   
5. Conduct risk assessments relevant to nanomaterials. Evaluate the role of nanoparticle properties in exposure-dose-response relationships, develop and validate models for nanoparticle risk assessment, and determine risk estimates of occupational exposures.

Strategic Goal 2. Conduct research to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses by applying nanotechnology products.

1. Conduct research on work-related injury and illness prevention using engineered nanomaterials, sensing and communication nanodevices, and nanomachinery.
   
   
2. Conduct research on work-related injury and illness prevention by developing more efficient nanotechnology-based alternative process solutions.

Strategic Goal 3. Promote healthy workplaces through interventions, recommendations, and capacity building.

1. Develop and evaluate engineering controls for reducing exposures to nanoparticles.
   
   
2. Evaluate and develop guidance on the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators, clothing, gloves) for reducing exposure to nanoparticles.
   
   
3. Evaluate the suitability and role of work practices, administrative controls, control banding and substitute materials in reducing toxicity of and exposure to nanomaterials.
   
   
4. Identify and mitigate safety issues in the nanotechnology workplace.
   
   
5. Develop recommendations for controlling nanoaerosols in the nanotechnology workplace.
   
   
6. Update occupational exposure limits (OELs) as appropriate for nanomaterials.
   
   
7. Develop a classification system to support a comprehensive nanotechnology safety and health program.
   
   
8. Act as a resource in evaluating adequacy of the existing mass-based safety and health criteria of nanomaterials to a broad range of government and non-governmental stakeholders.
   
   
9. Act as a resource to manufacturers to update the Material Safety Data Sheet system to incorporate relevant classifications, toxicity data, and safety and health recommendations for working with nanomaterials.
   
   
10. Develop guidance based on the review of the science and evaluation of current best practices, available knowledge, and professional judgment.

Strategic Goal 4. Enhance global workplace safety and health through national and international collaborations on nanotechnology research and guidance.

1. Develop partnerships for identifying research and for the sharing of research needs, approaches, and results.
   
   
2. Develop and disseminate effective educational and training materials for workers and occupational health professionals
   

4.1 Risk Management Process

A complete process for managing occupational safety and health implications during the development of new technologies and materials consists of a set of progressive elements: identifying and characterizing the hazard, assessing the extent of exposure, characterizing the risk, and developing control and management procedures. As exposure assessment data become available, a determination can be made whether or not an occupational risk exists, and if so, the risk can be assessed and characterized. A goal of the risk characterization is to determine whether exposure to a given technology or type of material (in this case, nanoparticles) is likely to result in adverse health effects. Exposure assessment data also provide a means to determine what controls are effective in preventing exposure that could cause adverse health effects. The NIOSH NTRC is involved in answering questions posed in each element in the risk management process. Figure 3 provides a visual representation of the risk management process and the NIOSH research associated with each step.

Figure 3. Steps to protect workers involved with nanotechnology

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research:
III. Activities	VI. Goals (continued)