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 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 50 facilities covering a wide range of nanomaterial producers and users.

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 The goals of the Nanotechnology Field Studies team?

• Evaluate the entire material flow of a process and identify points of potential material emission that can result in worker exposure based on observation of the process
• Use and evaluate an array of field-portable instruments and conventional air sampling methods characterize exposures
• Evaluate engineering controls and their effectiveness in reducing emissions and exposures to engineered nanomaterials
• Evaluate specific worker practices used during the production or use of nanomaterials
• Evaluate the use of personal protective equipment in use, if any, including respiratory protection

For more information regarding the Nanotechnology Field Studies team contact:

Kevin L. Dunn, MS, CIH at (513) 841-4571, Nanotechnology Field Studies Team Lead

Adrienne Eastlake, MS, REHS/RS at (513) 533-8524, Industrial Hygienist