Key points
- Workers may be exposed to engineered nanomaterials. More research is needed to understand the impact on health.
- NIOSH seeks to develop partnerships for development of advanced materials and nanotechnology.
- To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the NTRC, NIOSH hosted a Nanotechnology Health and Safety Summit.
- The NTRC has developed short videos highlighting the on-site assessment process and CNT Registry.
Overview
Nanotechnology Research Center Anniversary
To celebrate our 20th anniversary, NIOSH has developed a series of blogs and videos highlighting the accomplishments and future directions of the NTRC.
We also hosted a Health and Safety Summit at the University of Cincinnati on October 9-10, 2024 (Nanotechnology day). The event drew over 100 online and 65 in-person participants from industry, academia, and government. This summit highlighted the NTRC's achievements and evolution over the past two decades; partnerships with industry, academia, and other federal agencies; and fostered discussions on future directions, ongoing challenges, and control options related to worker safety and health. Key topics included panels on semiconductors, electric vehicle and battery technology, advanced manufacturing, and nanotechnology, as well as thought-provoking presentations on cancer risks associated with nanomaterials, protecting outdoor workers from PM2.5 exposure from wildland fire smoke, and new methods to measure nanoparticles in evaluating respirator performance.
The summit provided insight into various considerations to identify and prevent potential occupational hazards related to emerging technological developments. This reinforces the importance of continued innovation and strong partnerships to protect workers and invite you to participate.
Blogs
10 NIOSH Science Blogs were published monthly from January - October 2024. These blogs highlight the achievements and future direction of each of the NTRC critical areas of research. Read the blogs at NTRC | Search Results | Blogs | CDC.
Videos
Watch the videos below About Nanotechnology | Nanotechnology | CDC.
About
What is nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology refers to engineered structures, devices, and systems. It is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new structures, materials and devices. Nanomaterials have a length scale between 1 and 100 nanometers. At this size, 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.
Nanotechnology promises scientific advancement in many sectors such as
- Medicine
- Consumer products
- Energy
- Materials
- Manufacturing
What are the risks to workers?
Workers within nanotechnology-related industries may be exposed to uniquely engineered materials. This includes materials with new sizes, shapes, and physical and chemical properties. Occupational health risks associated with manufacturing and using nanomaterials are not yet clearly understood. More research is needed to understand the impact of nanotechnology on health, and to determine appropriate exposure monitoring and control strategies.
At this time, the limited evidence available suggests caution when potential exposures to free–unbound nanoparticles may occur.
What is known?
Studies have indicated that low solubility nanoparticles are more toxic than larger particles on a mass for mass basis. Particle surface area and surface chemistry are strong indicators for observed responses in cell cultures and animals. Studies suggests that some nanoparticles can move from the respiratory system to other organs. Research is continuing to understand how these unique properties may lead to specific health effects.
Nanotechnology Research Center
NIOSH conducts research and provides guidance on the occupational safety and health implications and applications of advanced materials and nanotechnology through its Nanotechnology Research Center.
This video highlights the on-site assessment process by the NIOSH field studies team and the Center's Carbon Nanotube Registry.
In this video, explore how NIOSH helped a 3D manufacturing company grow from a startup in rental space into a global company while prioritizing employee safety. Learn how NIOSH partners with industry to help protect employees from potential health hazards.
This video highlights the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center’s (NTRC) Carbon Nanotube Registry.
To learn more about the on-site assessments, keep reading: Nanotechnology On-Site Assessment/Field Studies: An Overview.