Nanotechnology

Critical Topic Areas

NIOSH has identified 10 critical topic areas to guide in addressing knowledge gaps, developing strategies, and providing recommendations.

Each topic provides a brief description of the research that NIOSH is conducting in the area of nanotechnology and the applications and implications of nanomaterials in the workplace.

Toxicity and Internal Dose

• Investigating and determining the physical and chemical properties (ex: size, shape, solubility) that influence the potential toxicity of nanoparticles
• Evaluating short and long-term effects that nanomaterials may have in organ systems and tissues (ex: lungs)
• Determining biological mechanisms for potential toxic effects
• Creating and integrating models to assist in assessing possible hazards
• Determining if a measure other than mass is more appropriate for determining toxicity

Risk Assessment

• Determining the likelihood that current exposure-response data (human or animal) could be used in identifying and assessing potential occupational hazards
• Developing a framework for evaluating potential hazards and predicting potential occupational risk of exposure to nanomaterials.

Epidemiology & Surveillance

• Evaluating existing epidemiological workplace studies where nanomaterials are used
• Identifying knowledge gaps where epidemiological studies could advance understanding of nanomaterials and evaluating the likelihood of conducting new studies
• Integrating nanotechnology health and safety issues into existing hazard surveillance methods and determining whether additional screening methods are needed
• Using existing systems to share data and information about nanotechnology

Engineering Controls and PPE

• Evaluating the effectiveness of engineering controls in reducing occupational exposures to nanoaerosols and developing new controls where needed
• Evaluating and improving current personal protective equipment
• Developing recommendations to prevent or limit occupational exposures (ex: respirator fit testing)
• Evaluating suitability of control banding techniques where additional information is needed; and evaluating the effectiveness of alternative materials

Measurement Methods

• Evaluating methods of measuring mass of respirable particles in the air and determining if this measurement can be used to measure nanomaterials
• Developing and field-testing practical methods to accurately measure airborne nanomaterials in the workplace
• Developing testing and evaluation systems to compare and validate sampling instruments

Exposure Assessment

• Determining key factors that influence the production, dispersion, accumulation, and re-entry of nanomaterials into the workplace
• Assessing possible exposure when nanomaterials are inhaled or settle on the skin
• Determining how possible exposures differ by work process
• Determining what happens to nanomaterials once they enter the body

Fire and Explosion Safety

• Identifying physical and chemical properties that contribute to dustiness, combustibility, flammability, and conductivity of nanomaterials.
• Recommending alternative work practices to eliminate or reduce workplace exposures to nanoparticles.
  

Recommendations & Guidance

• Using the best available science to make interim recommendations for workplace safety and health practices during the production and use of nanomaterials
• Evaluating and updating occupational exposure limits for mass-based airborne particles to ensure good continuing precautionary practices

Communication & Information

• Establishing partnerships to allow for identification and sharing of research needs, approaches, and results
• Developing and disseminating training and educational materials to workers and health and safety professionals

Applications

• Identifying uses of nanotechnology for application in occupational safety and health
• Evaluating and disseminating effective applications to workers and occupational safety and health professionals