Nanotechnology

Upcoming Conference; First Announcement

Colorado, July 2010

A growing number of workers around the world deal with the production, use, distribution, and disposal of nanomaterials. While nanomaterials present seemingly limitless possibilities, they bring with them new challenges to understanding, predicting and managing potential safety and health risks to workers. New and emerging evidence suggests that certain nanomaterials may have an adverse biological impact on human health. Studies on air pollution and ultrafine particles also raise questions about their possible harmful effects on workers.  Precautionary control measures have been widely recommended for workplaces that manufacture, use, distribute, and dispose of nanomaterials.

In the face of uncertainty about the potential occupational health effects posed by nanomaterials, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and its co-sponsors will convene a conference to identify gaps in information and address questions focusing on occupational health surveillance, exposure registries, and epidemiologic research involving nanotechnology workers. In each of these areas, this conference will:

• Share existing knowledge;
• Identify major issues;
• Examine successful approaches;
• Explore new approaches, techniques, and models.

This conference will enable members of the occupational safety and health community concerned with nanomaterials and the health of workers to address fundamental questions and seek practical solutions for carrying out occupational health surveillance, compiling exposure registries, and conducting epidemiological research. This 2 ½ day conference will take place in Colorado in July 2010.

Tentative Conference Structure

For more information contact:

Paul Schulte, Ph.D. (pschulte@cdc.gov) or Douglas Trout, M.D. (dtrout@cdc.gov)