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Policymakers and Media
About Nanotechnology
The past decade has seen intense interest in developing technologies based on the unique behavior of nanometer-scale (nanoscale) structures, devices, and systems which has lead to the rapidly expanding and highly diverse field of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology is somewhat loosely defined, although in general terms it covers engineered structures, devices, and systems that have a length scale between 1 and 100 nanometers1. At these length scales, materials begin to exhibit unique properties that affect physical, chemical, and biological behavior. Researching, developing, and utilizing these properties is at the heart of new technology.
Although many nanotechnologies are still in the pre-competitive stage, nanoscale materials are increasingly being used in optoelectronic, electronic, magnetic, medical imaging, drug delivery, cosmetic, catalytic, and materials applications. New nanotechnology consumer products are coming on the market at the rate of three to four per week, a finding based on the latest update to the nanotechnology Consumer Product Inventory  maintained by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN)2. The number of consumer products using nanotechnology has grown from 212 to 1,015 since PEN launched the world’s first online inventory of manufacturer-identified nanotechnology goods in March 2006.
Also in 2006, according to Lux Research, governments, corporations, and venture capitalists worldwide spent $12.4 billion on nanotechnology research and development; this is up almost 30% from 20053. By 2014, Lux estimates that $2.6 trillion in manufactured goods will incorporate nanotechnology—or about 15% of the total global output.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nanotechnology
This link provides answers to frequently asked questions about nanotechnology and occupational safety and health. This information is useful for policymakers and media professionals who want to learn more about nanotechnology.
Need for Further Nanotechnology Research
As with any new technology, the earliest and most extensive exposure to hazards is most likely to occur in the workplace. So, how are we to determine whether these adverse effects seen in laboratory studies will occur in workers? The answer is a concerted, well-funded research effort. Additional research and adequate funding are absolutely essential to gain greater understanding about the effects of exposure to nanomaterials. Results from such research can lead to better workplace exposure monitoring and control strategies that will benefit workers by minimizing their risk for work-related injury, illness, and death.
With current limited resources, NIOSH is pursuing strategic, collaborative research and is engaging in comprehensive efforts to fill knowledge gaps about the hazards and risks related to occupational exposure to carbon nanotubes and other engineered nanoparticles. By maintaining this strategic approach, NIOSH will be better equipped to anticipate challenges and provide sound scientific recommendations for safe handling of nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes. NIOSH will also remain a global leader in investigating the implications of nanoparticles on work-related injury and illness, and in exploring the potential application of these particles to occupational safety and health. These efforts will help the U.S. workforce remain strong and competitive in the rapidly advancing nanotechnology marketplace.
Strategic Plan
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is pleased to present the Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance: Filling the Knowledge Gaps. This plan updates the September 2005 strategic plan using knowledge gained from results of ongoing research as described in the 2007 report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center and the 2009 report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center, Project Updates for 2007 and 2008. The NIOSH nanotechnology research program is a cross-sector program that supports the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Nanotechnology provides many opportunities and challenges for all of us in occupational safety and health. The Strategic Plan for the nanotechnology program is the roadmap we are using to advance knowledge about the implications and applications of nanomaterials.
NIOSH’s key role in conducting and partnering in research on occupational exposures to nanomaterials is noted in the strategic plan under the National Nanotechnology Initiative. The National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan: December 2007 charts the vision, goals, and plans by which NIOSH and partner agencies will work to expedite the responsible advancement of nanotechnology over the next 5 to 10 years, and to ensure that the U.S. will remain a world leader in nanotechnology research and development.
NIOSH Publications
Strategic Plan
for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 2010-105
This plan updates the September 2005 strategic plan using knowledge gained from results of ongoing research as described in the 2007 report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center and the 2009 report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center, Project Updates for 2007 and 2008.
Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace
A Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 2010-104
This document is a report of the progress of the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) for 2007 through 2008. Using only internally redirected resources, the NTRC has continued to make contributions to all the steps in the continuum from hazard identification to risk management.
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. The document serves a dual purpose: it is a summary of NIOSH's current thinking and interim recommendations; and it is a request from NIOSH to occupational safety and health practitioners, researchers, product innovators and manufacturers, employers, workers, interest group members, and the general public to exchange information that will ensure that no worker suffers material impairment of safety or health as nanotechnology develops.
The Nanotechnology Field Research Team Update
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-120
Description the NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Research team's efforts to evaluate work practices and engineering controls used to ensure worker health and safety in the nanotechnology industry.
Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-112
This brochure provides an introduction to nanotechnology in the workplace for employers, managers, and safety and health professionals. It addresses the following questions: Are nanoparticles hazardous to workers? How can workers be exposed? Can nanoparticles be measured? Can worker exposures be controlled?
Nanotechnology Spotlights
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.
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