Nanotechnology

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research: Filling the Knowledge Gaps

IV. Goals (Continued II)

4.3.3 Epidemiology and Surveillance

Currently, human studies of exposure and response to engineered nanomaterials are not available. Gaps in knowledge and understanding of nanomaterials must be filled before epidemiologic studies can be performed. For example, improvements in exposure assessment will allow researchers to identify groups of workers likely exposed to nanomaterials. In turn, health studies conducted on these worker-groups can provide useful information about the potential health risks associated with nanomaterials. Until such studies can be conducted effectively, studies of humans exposed to other aerosols (i.e., larger respirable particles) can be used to evaluate the potential health risks to airborne nanomaterials.

Intermediate Goal 3.1. Evaluate current knowledge. Critically evaluate existing exposure and health data for workers employed in workplaces where nanomaterials are produced and used. Determine what is known about exposure response to existing nanomaterials, evaluate the applicability of this information to new nanomaterials, and identify data gaps and epidemiological research needs.

Performance Measure 3.1. Over the next three years, seek input from a collaborative working group made up of representatives from industry, government, academia, and labor concerning the value and utility of establishing exposure registries for workers potentially exposed to engineered nanoparticles.

Intermediate Goal 3.2. New epidemiological studies. Evaluate the need for and feasibility of initiating epidemiological or other health studies in workers exposed to existing nanomaterials (e.g., carbon black) or producing and using new (engineered) nanomaterials.

Performance Measure 3.2. Over the next three years assess the feasibility of industry-wide exposure and epidemiological studies of workers exposed to engineered nanomaterials.

Intermediate Goal 3.3. Surveillance. Integrate nanotechnology safety and health issues into existing hazard surveillance mechanisms. Determine whether these mechanisms are adequate or whether additional screening or surveillance methods are needed.

Performance Measure 3.3. Finalize the “Interim Guidance for the Medical Screening of Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles” within the next year, followed by an update within the following three years. Investigate the feasibility of establishing a registry of workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles.

Intermediate Goal 3.4. Nanotechnology health information systems. Build on existing public health geographical information systems (GIS) and infrastructure to enable effective and economical development and sharing of nanotechnology safety and health data.

Performance Measure 3.4. By 2012 create a GIS infrastructure populated with nanotechnology exposure data.

4.3.4 Risk Assessment

In the context of occupational safety and health, risk assessment can be described as a scientific evaluation of the potential for adverse health and safety effects to workers exposed to hazardous substances. When assessing risk, it must be determined whether a hazard is present and the extent to which a worker is likely to be exposed to the hazard. Risk involves both the presence of a hazardous agent and the potential for exposure to that agent. Quantitative and qualitative risk assessment methods are used to evaluate risk.

Intermediate Goal 4.1. Evaluate current studies. Determine to what extent current exposure-response data (human or animal) for fine and ultrafine particles may be used to identify and assess potential occupational hazards and risks to nanomaterials.

Performance Measure 4.1. Within three years complete a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) on ultrafine and fine materials from existing studies. Evaluate QRA methods for nanomaterials. Start QRA for nanoparticles using new NIOSH data. Use NIOSH nanoparticle data to calibrate and validate dosimetry models for nanoparticles.

Intermediate Goal 4.2. Risk assessment framework. Develop a risk assessment framework for evaluating the hazard and predicting the risk of exposure to nanoparticles.

Performance Measure 4.2 Within five years develop a risk assessment framework to rank hazard and estimate risk from exposure to selected nanoparticles in the workplace.

4.3.5 Measurement Methods

Scientifically credible measurement methods are essential in order to effectively anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control potential occupational health risks from current and emerging nanotechnologies. Traditional measurement approaches, such as determining total and respirable dust concentrations, may not be adequate for analyzing nanomaterials due to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. A summary of capabilities and gaps for nanotechnology measurement methods at NIOSH may be found in Appendix G.

Intermediate Goal 5.1. Extend existing measurement methods. Evaluate current methods for measuring airborne mass concentrations of respirable particles in the workplace and determine whether these mass-based methods can be used as an interim approach for measuring nanomaterials in the workplace and to maintain continuity with historical methods.

Performance Measure 5.1. Within three years evaluate the correlation between particle number, surface area, mass, and particle size distribution airborne measurement results and provide guidance for sampler selection based on the nanomaterial of interest. Continue to conduct measurement studies of nanoparticles in the workplace over the next five years and establish a suite of instruments and protocols for nanoparticle measurement in the workplace. Continue with refining the NIOSH method 5040 specifications for the collection of elemental and organic carbon for application to the collection of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers.

Intermediate Goal 5.2. Develop new measurement methods. Expand the currently available instrumentation by developing and field testing methods that can accurately measure workplace airborne exposure concentrations of nanomaterials using metrics associated with toxicity (e.g., particle surface area, particle number).

Performance Measure 5.2. Support at least three research projects over the next three years with the goal of creating a measurement method that can be correlated with the metrics associated with toxicity. Within five years develop a handheld fast-response nanoparticle monitor and software for spatial mapping of nanoparticles.

Intermediate Goal 5.3. Validation of measurement methods. Develop testing and evaluation systems for comparison and validation of nanoparticle sampling instruments and methods.

Performance Measure 5.3. Within three years publish procedures for validation of nanoparticle sampling instruments and methods.

Intermediate Goal 5.4. Standard reference materials. Identify and qualify scientifically credible, nanoscale certified reference materials (RMs) with assigned physical and/or chemical values for use in evaluating measurement tools, instruments, and methods.

Performance Measure 5.4. Within three years strengthen interactions with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to identify commercially available RMs and perform coherent research to identify, develop, and qualify nanoscale RMs and benchmark materials for evaluating measurement tools, instruments, and methods.

4.3.6 Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Currently there are no exposure standards specific to engineered nanomaterials. Therefore, to evaluate the need for and effectiveness of engineering controls an alternative rationale is required. In addition, the success of emerging nanotechnology industries will depend on production and development costs, including the installation of new exposure controls. Minimizing occupational exposure to the lowest possible level is the most prudent approach for controlling materials of unknown toxicity, such as nanomaterials. Typically, these approaches include substituting a less toxic material if possible, enclosing the hazardous process, removing workers from the exposure by automating the process, isolating workers from the hazard, and/or utilizing local exhaust ventilation where nanomaterials are handled. Improved control approaches will become more evident as the risks of exposure to nanomaterials are better understood.

Intermediate Goal 6.1. Engineering controls. Evaluate the effectiveness of engineering control techniques for nanoaerosols and develop new approaches as needed.

Performance Measure 6.1. Conduct field investigations of workplaces where nanoparticles are manufactured and used and evaluate existing engineering controls. Within three years publish updated engineering control guidance.

Intermediate Goal 6.2. Personal protective equipment (PPE). Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of PPE for reducing worker exposures to nanomaterials.

Performance Measure 6.2. Within five years publish updated guidance on the effectiveness of PPE for reducing worker exposures to nanoparticles.

Intermediate Goal 6.3. Respirators. Evaluate the effectiveness of NIOSH-approved air purifying respirators to determine whether existing respirator guidelines would still apply for workers exposed to nanoaerosols.

Performance Measure 6.3. Within five years publish updated respiratory protection guidance.

Intermediate Goal 6.4. Work practices. Evaluate the role of work practices and administrative controls in reducing potential exposures to nanomaterials. Make recommendations for appropriate and effective use of these approaches.

Performance Measure 6.4. Within five years publish updated work practice and administrative control guidance.

Intermediate Goal 6.5. Control banding. Evaluate the suitability of a qualitative risk management approach similar to control banding to develop guidance for working with engineered nanomaterials due to insufficient information available to apply traditional exposure-limit–based control strategies.

Performance Measure 6.5. Within three years publish a document on the suitability of control banding approaches for nanomaterials.

Intermediate Goal 6.6. Substitute materials. Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of substitute materials or modification of the engineered nanoparticle in reducing the toxicity of nanomaterials.

Performance Measure 6.6. Support at least three projects over the next five years to evaluate substitute and modified nanoparticles with toxicological studies.

4.3.7 Fire and Explosion Safety

The field of nanotechnology is relatively new, and therefore little is known about the potential occupational safety hazards that may be associated with engineered nanomaterials. However, the information that is available about the properties of nanoscale particles indicates that under given conditions, engineered nanomaterials may pose a dust explosion hazard and be spontaneously flammable when exposed to air due to their large surface area and overall small size. Until more specific data become available, NIOSH NTRC is utilizing findings from research studies involving particles smaller than 100 nanometers to evaluate the potential risk for fire and explosion of airborne nanoparticles.

Intermediate Goal 7.1. Explosion and fire hazards. Identify physical and chemical properties that contribute to dustiness, combustibility, flammability, and conductivity of nanomaterials. Investigate and recommend appropriate work practices to eliminate or reduce the risk to explosions and fires.

Performance Measure 7.1. Support at least two projects to evaluate explosion and fire hazards. Within three years publish guidance to eliminate or reduce explosion and fire hazards.

4.3.8 Recommendations and Guidance

NIOSH is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to OSHA and other regulatory agencies, employers, workers and the general public to protect the health and safety of workers, and for providing guidance to workers and employers on how to control potential occupational health hazards. In addition, NIOSH is dedicated to translating its research findings into recommendations and guidance that are scientifically sound and practical for the workplace.

Intermediate Goal 8.1. Guidance documents. Translate research findings into useable guidance documents for nanotechnology owners and workers.

Performance Measure 8.1. Within two years, update the document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with NIOSH. Within two years, produce brochures and fact sheets to provide guidance to owners, workers, and laboratory staff. Continue to look for opportunities to translate research from the critical research areas into practice.

Intermediate Goal 8.2. Occupational exposure limits (OELs). Evaluate the current mass-based exposure limits for airborne particulates for their effectiveness in protecting workers exposed to nanomaterials. Update the OELs (as needed) to incorporate current scientific information (e.g., particle surface area versus mass as predictor of toxicity, shape, influence of surface properties). Consider development of an OEL for selected carbon nanotubes.

Performance Measure 8.2. By 2008, complete the current intelligence bulletin (CIB), Evaluation of Health Hazard and Recommendations for Occupational Exposure to Titanium Dioxide, with the OEL for ultrafine titanium dioxide. Support a project over the next three years to evaluate other ultrafine or nanoparticle OELs. Develop a CIB on carbon nanotubes by 2011.

Intermediate Goal 8.3. Classification. Develop a nanoparticle classification system to support a comprehensive nanotechnology safety and health program. Implement criteria based on classification (e.g., chemical abstract system [CAS] number) to determine the need for toxicity testing and hazard and risk assessment of new engineered and existing nanomaterials.

Performance Measure 8.3. Initiate a project that will develop a classification scheme based on chemical and physical properties. Release this classification scheme within the next three years.

Intermediate Goal 8.4 High-production volume (HPV) nanomaterials. Evaluate adequacy of mass-based safety and health criteria developed for bulk chemicals for nanomaterials. Current scientific data indicates greater toxicity of nanomaterials by mass compared to an equal mass of larger particles of similar composition.

Performance Measure 8.4. Support a project to evaluate the toxicity of HPV nanoscale materials.

Intermediate Goal 8.5. Material safety data sheets (MSDS). Work with partners to update the MSDS system to incorporate relevant classification, toxicity data, and health and safety recommendations for working with nanomaterials.

Performance Measure 8.5. Within three years, increase awareness of the need for specific nanomaterial information on MSDS among the target audience by 33% over baseline.

4.3.9 Communication and Information

Communication and information are integral components infused throughout the research activities of the NIOSH NTRC and are closely related to the NIOSH Research-to-Practice (r2p) initiative. Research-to-Practice is geared towards translating research results into useful health and safety information tailored to various audiences including workers and employers. As a result, communication and information is one of the 10 critical research areas identified to address knowledge gaps, develop strategies, and provide recommendations concerning workplace exposure to engineered nanomaterials/nanoparticles.

Intermediate Goal 9.1. Nanoinformatics. Develop a roadmap to create a nanoinformatics database management tool relevant to nanomaterial environmental health and safety information.

Performance Measure 9.1. Creation of a roadmap that aligns new nanoinformatics with the NIOSH Nanoparticle Information Library (NIL) within the next three years.

Intermediate Goal 9.2. Communication. Establish and maintain national and international partnerships with whom knowledge gaps, research needs and priorities, approaches, and results can be shared openly and collaboratively.

Performance Measure 9.2. Within one year, identify and initiate/establish contact with at least one potential partner from each of the following areas: government, industry, academia, and labor.

Intermediate Goal 9.3. Information. Develop and disseminate effective information, education, and training materials to various target audiences such as nanotechnology workers and employers, occupational safety and health professionals, policy-makers, decision-makers, and/or the scientific community.

Performance Measures 9.3. Within one year, develop at least one informational document tailored to a target audience identified above. Evaluate/assess the reach and effectiveness of the above tailored informational piece within two years. Update progress report on the NIOSH nanotechnology research and communication efforts within two years. Within two years, update the document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with NIOSH.

4.3.10 Applications for Occupational Safety and Health

The unique properties and characteristics of nanomaterials may provide the basis for innovative new devices, products, or processes to reduce risks of work-related injuries and illnesses. Such innovations may have properties or capabilities that cannot be created or manufactured using conventional materials.

Intermediate Goal 10.1. New devices and uses. Identify uses of nanotechnology in occupational safety and health.

Performance Measure 10.1. Support at least three projects over the next three years to evaluate the application of nanotechnology in the manufacture of filters, respirators, and respirator cartridge end-of-service indicator.

Intermediate Goal 10.2. Dissemination. Evaluate and disseminate effective nanotechnology research findings that may have applications to new sensors, PPE or other nanotechnology health and safety applications.

Performance Measure 10.2. Within five years publish application findings and disseminate findings to workers, employers, and occupational safety and health professionals.

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research:
IV. Goals (continued)	VI. Goals (continued III)
Page last modified: March 4, 2008 Page last reviewed: March 4, 2008 Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
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