Approaches to safe nanotechnology; managing the health and safety concerns associated with engineered nanomaterials

By L. Hodson, M. Methner, R. Zumwalde. 2009

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ii Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. Disclaimer Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In addition, citations to Web sites external to NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of the sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. Furthermore, NIOSH is not responsible for the content of these Web sites. All Web addresses referenced in this document were accessible as of the publication date. To receive documents or other information about occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH at Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology iii Nanotechnology—the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new structures, materials, and devices—offers the promise of unprecedented scientific advancement for many sectors , such as medicine, consumer products, energy, materials, and manufacturing. Nanotechnology has the power not only to improve existing technologies, but to dramatically enhance the effectiveness of new applications. Research on the potential applications of nanotechnology continues to expand rapidly worldwide. New nanotechnology consumer products emerge at a rate of three to four per week. Over the course of the next decade, nanotechnology could have a $1 trillion impact on the global economy and employ two million workers—half of them residing in the U.S. While nanomaterials present seemingly limitless possibilities, they bring with them new challenges to understanding, predicting, and managing potential safety and health risks to workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) remains committed to protecting workers now and in the future, as nanotechnology applications and uses expand. and sought further public comment. This draft report has been widely cited, and the final version of the report should serve as a vital resource for stakeholders (including occupational safety and health professionals, researchers, policy makers, risk assessors, and workers in the industry) who wish to understand more about the safety and health implications of nanotechnology in the workplace. With the publication of the Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology document, NIOSH hopes to: raise awareness of the occupational safety and health issues involved with nanotechnology; make recommendations on occupational safety and health best practices in the production and use of nanoma-terials; facilitate dialogue between NIOSH and its external partners in industry, labor and academia; respond to requests for authoritative safety and health guidelines; and, identify information gaps and areas for future study and research. As …

Subfields: Biomedical Engineering

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