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 is hosting a Nanotechnology Health and Safety Summit on October 9-10, 2024.
- The NTRC has developed short videos highlighting the on-site assessment process and CNT Registry.
Overview
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the NTRC
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary we have developed a series of blogs, videos, and a summit highlighting the accomplishments of the NTRC critical areas and future direction of the NTRC. The blogs are available at NTRC | Search Results | Blogs | CDC and are published each month from January until October 9th when we will celebrate in person and virtually at the 2024 NIOSH Nanotechnology Health and Safety Summit.
2024 NIOSH Nanotechnology Health and Safety Summit
Register for the Summit at 2024 Nanotechnology Health Safety Summit
The Nanotechnology Health and Safety summit, where industry, academic, and government experts will converge to share the latest advancements in occupational exposure to nanotechnology and advanced materials. This event will also address critical safety and health challenges, and offer valuable insights and foresights on a range of cutting-edge topics including:
*Additive Manufacturing & Advanced Materials
*Electric Vehicles & Battery Technology
*Semiconductors
*Nanomaterials
Don't miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of industry trends and research. Register to secure your spot!
Close of registration: October 1st
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 (NTRC)
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.
The NTRC has developed short videos highlighting the on-site assessment process by the NIOSH field studies team and the Center's Carbon Nanotube Registry.
Graphene and Worker Safety - A NIOSH and Garmor Partnership - In this video, employees from Garmor, a graphene manufacturing company, share their experiences working with the NIOSH on-site assessment field team. Find out what changes were made at their facility to minimize graphene exposures and enhance worker safety. Learn how NIOSH partners with industry to help protect employees from potential health hazards.
NIOSH On-Site Assessment to a 3D Printing and Manufacturing Company -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.
The NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center's Carbon Nanotube Registry - This video highlights the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center’s (NTRC) Carbon Nanotube Registry. This registry can be used to study long-term health effects of exposures to carbon nanotubes and nanofibers. Researchers will track workers in the registry to see whether higher rates of disease are observed compared to other workers or the general population. The more companies and workers included in the registry, the more powerful and informative the study will be.
To learn more about the on-site assessments, keep reading: Nanotechnology On-Site Assessment/Field Studies: An Overview.
What is NIOSH doing?
10 critical nanotechnology areas
NIOSH has identified 10 critical topic areas for nanotechnology research and communication. This serves as a guide for NIOSH to address knowledge gaps, develop strategies, and provide recommendations.
Partnerships and collaborations
On-Site Assessment/Field Studies Effort
