NANOTECHNOLOGY

Field Studies Effort

As part of its nanotechnology research agenda, NIOSH created a team to conduct on-site assessments of potential occupational exposure to a variety of nanomaterials, and to evaluate methods to mitigate exposures. The team is working to establish partnerships with companies that produce or use engineered nanomaterials, advanced materials, and new manufacturing methods to expand and share knowledge specific to the health and safety aspects of the research. A key element of these partnerships is the voluntary nature of the collaboration that provides opportunities for on-site investigations. We will work with you to evaluate your workplace processes, identify potential emissions and occupational exposures, and provide guidance on how to effectively control exposures. To date, we have completed assessments at over 65 facilities that are involved in the research, manufacture, or use of various types of nano and advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Information gathered from these assessments has been used to assist in the development of workplace guidance documents to protect workers from occupational injury and illness.

If you are interested in gaining a better understanding of the health and safety challenges of managing this exciting new area of materials, NIOSH is interested in forming a partnership with you. Partnering with NIOSH not only benefits your company by providing a comprehensive occupational exposure characterization and control technology assessment (at no cost to you) but also expands the knowledge base that benefits the industry as a whole. In addition, it is important to note that current federal laws provide protection for the proprietary and trade secret information of the participating companies.

Companies interested in receiving a visit by the Field Studies Team are encouraged to contact NIOSH.

What are the goals of the Field Studies team?

• Characterize processes and identify potential emissions that could result in worker exposures,
• Evaluate workplace exposures using a variety of measurement techniques,
• Evaluate exposure control measures,
• Evaluate and recommend safe worker practices, and
• Evaluate the use of personal protective equipment in use, if any, including respiratory protection

For more information regarding the Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Field Studies team contact:

Eric Glassford, MS, CIH at(513) 841-4473 , or by email at  EGlassford@cdc.gov