NIOSH is the leading federal agency conducting research and providing guidance on the occupational safety and health implications and applications of nanotechnology.
This research focuses NIOSH’s scientific expertise, and its efforts, on answering the questions that are essential to understanding these implications and applications:
As observers generally agree, research to answer these questions is critical for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the growing and dynamic nanotechnology market.
NIOSH Joins NNI in Inviting Participants for November Workshop
NIOSH joins the National Nanotechnology Initative (NNI) in inviting stakeholders to participate in a national workshop November 17-18, 2009, in Arlington, Va., sponsored by the NNI, "Nanomaterials and Human Health & Instrumentation, Metrology, and Analytical Methods Workshop: Living with Nanomaterials: Maximizing the Benefits, Minimizing the Risks." Invited experts for the workshop include Dr. Paul Schulte, manager of the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center. More information on the workshop, including details on registration, can be found at http://nano.gov/html/meetings/humanhealth/index.html.
Essential Elements for Risk Management Suggested
Six essential features for proactive management of occupational safety and health risks in emerging industries such as nanotechnology are suggested in an article in the August 2009 issue of Nature Nanotechnology. The authors are Vladimir Murashov, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the NIOSH Director, and John Howard, M.D., former NIOSH Director http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/v4/n8/full/nnano.2009.205.html.
NIOSH Invites Papers for Journal Issue on Nano Exposure Assessment
NIOSH joins the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in inviting submissions of scientific papers for a special issue of the journal, provisionally titled, "Human and Environmental Exposure Assessment for Nanomaterials." Vladimir Murashov, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the NIOSH Director, will be guest editor of the issue. Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010. More information is available from the journal at http://www.ijoeh.com/index.php/ijoeh/information/callforpapers and from Dr. Murashov at vladimir.murashov@cdc.hhs.gov.
NIOSH research has shown that some nanoparticles, including certain types of carbon nanotubes and metal oxides, can be toxic to the heart and lung in mice and rats in laboratory experiments. A big question left unanswered is, can nanoparticles cause the same types of disease in humans. See the NIOSH Science Blog for a recent discussion.
More Nanotechnology Spotlights
NIOSH Leadership Is Reflected in New Reports from OECD
The international Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released three new reports in a series of papers and studies on the safety of engineered nanomaterials. The new reports reflect NIOSH leadership in the OECD committees and working groups that developed and sponsored the reports. The reports are:
Mark Your Calendars: July 2010
First Announcement: Conference on Nanomaterials and Worker Health: Occupational Health Surveillance, Exposure Registries, and Epidemiological Research, Colorado, July 2010. More Information...
Article Proposes a National Nanotechnology Partnership Led by NIOSH
A National Nanotechnology Partnership, led by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is proposed in an article posted online July 7 by the peer-reviewed Journal of Nanoparticle Research. See http://www.springerlink.com/content/44013222kk845k7h/?p=71e4d149efa749eba19fbc2cba32742a&pi=6 at DOI 10.1007/s11051-009-9682-2.)
Scientists Note Importance of Understanding 'Nano/Bio Interfaces'
It is important to study and understand "Nano/Bio Interfaces," or the complex biological and biochemical interactions that occur when nanoparticles first come into contact with the body, an article in the June issue of the peer-reviewed journal Nature Materials states. With this knowledge, scientists can better predict potential health effects of nanomaterials and help guide their safe use. Dr. Vincent Castranova of NIOSH served as a co-author of the article, available at http://www.nature.com/nmat/journal/v8/n7/full/nmat2442.html
New Funding Proposed for NIOSH Research in FY10 President's Budget Request
The President's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2010 proposes $12 million in funding for NIOSH's strategic nanotechnology research program http://www.hhs.gov/asrt/ob/docbudget/2010budgetinbrief.pdf. More information on the FY10 budget request generally for federal nanotechnology research can be found at http://www.nano.gov/NNI_2010_budget_supplement.pdf.
Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: Managing the Health and Safety Concerns Associated with Engineered Nanomaterials
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 2009-125
This document reviews what is currently known about nanoparticle toxicity, process emissions and exposure assessment, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment. This updated version of the document incorporates some of the latest results of NIOSH research, but it is only a starting point.
NIOSH Offers Interim Guidance for Worker Medical Screening, Hazard Surveillance Pertaining to Engineered Nanoparticles
The NIOSH recommendations in “Current Intelligence Bulletin 60: Interim Guidance for the Medical Screening and Hazard Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles,” respond to ongoing interest by employers and other stakeholders in having authoritative occupational safety and health guidance in the manufacturing and industrial use of engineered nanomaterials.
