NIOSH has issued “Protecting the Nanotechnology Workforce: NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan, 2013-16.”
This plan updates the November 2009 NIOSH strategic plan with knowledge gained from results of ongoing research, as described in the 2012 report, “Filling the Knowledge Gaps for Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Progress Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center, 2004-11.”
Nanomaterials are found in hundreds of products, ranging from cosmetics to clothing to industrial and biomedical applications. Nanotechnology has many potential benefits; however, there is ongoing concern that these benefits may not be realized if research efforts are not undertaken to determine how to best manage and control the potential occupational safety and health hazards associated with the handling of nanomaterials.
NIOSH's Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan is used to advance basic understanding of the toxicology and workplace exposures involved so that appropriate risk management practices can be implemented during discovery, development and commercialization of engineered nanomaterials. NIOSH will strive to remain at the forefront of developing guidance that supports and promotes the safe and responsible development of this technology.
Click here for more NIOSH nanotechnology resources.
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers