Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace
February 2008
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2008-112
Nanotechnology is the engineering and manipulation of materials at the molecular level. This new technology creates materials with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers (1 nanometer is 1 billionth of a meter). Particles created at the nanoscale have different chemical and physical properties than larger particles of the same material. These manufactured nanoparticles are known as engineered nanoparticles.* Scientists and manufacturers can use nanoparticles to create new products that would be impossible with larger particles.
This brochure addresses the following questions:
- Are nanoparticles hazardous to workers?
- How can workers be exposed?
- Can nanoparticles be measured?
- Can worker exposures be controlled?
Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace [PDF – 182 KB]