Nanotechnology Field Studies Effort

field studies study banner

The Nanotechnology Field Studies Effort helps workplaces learn about potential occupational exposures and ways to effectively control exposures. On-site assessments by a team of NIOSH researchers are done at no-cost and in partnership with companies that produce or use engineered nanomaterials, advanced materials, and new manufacturing methods. Collaboration with NIOSH for an on-site assessment is voluntary.

To date, NIOSH has completed assessments at over 140 facilities that research, manufacture, or use various types of nano and advanced materials and manufacturing processes.

What does an on-site assessment entail?

The NIOSH Field Studies Team will work with you to:

  • Define your workplace processes,
  • Identify potential emissions that could result in worker exposures,
  • Assess workplace exposures using a variety of measurement techniques,
  • Evaluate exposure control measures,
  • Assess and recommend safe worker practices, and
  • Review the use of personal protective equipment in use, if any, including respiratory protection
  • Provide guidance on how to effectively control exposures.

NIOSH has used information from these assessments to develop workplace guidance documents to protect nanotechnology workers from occupational injury and illness. It is important to note that current federal laws provide protection for the proprietary and trade secret information of the participating companies.

How to Partner with NIOSH

If you are interested in learning more about the health and safety challenges of managing this exciting new area of materials, NIOSH is interested in partnering with you.

Partnering with NIOSH not only benefits your company by providing a comprehensive occupational exposure characterization and control technology assessment (at no cost to you), but also expands the knowledge base that benefits the nanotechnology industry.

To request a visit by the Field Studies Team, contact NIOSH at nano@cdc.gov.