NIOSH Announces Release of Updated Nanotechnology Research Strategic Plan

Contact: Christina Spring (202) 245-0633

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) today issued “Protecting the Nanotechnology Workforce: NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan, 2013–2016,” http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-106/.

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,” 2004–2011 . http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-101/.

Today, nanomaterials are found in hundreds of products, ranging from cosmetics, to clothing, to industrial and biomedical applications. The potential benefits of nanotechnology are huge, and these benefits should be realized by society. However, there is ongoing concern that the full potential of the societal 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 these nanomaterials.

This NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan is the roadmap being 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 such a promising technology.

Further information about findings and recommendations from NIOSH’s strategic program of research on the occupational safety and health implications of nanotechnology can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech.