NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Research Effort

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the leading federal agency conducting research and providing guidance on the occupational safety and health implications of exposure to engineered nanomaterials. As part of its nanotechnology research agenda, NIOSH created a field research team to assess workplace processes, materials, and control technologies associated with nanotechnology and conduct on-site assessments of potential occupational exposure to a variety of nanomaterials.

Purpose

The purpose and goals of the field research team are to:

1. Characterize processes and identify potential nanomaterial emissions that could result in worker exposures,
2. Evaluate potential workplace exposures using a variety of measurement techniques,
3. Recommend safe work practices, and
4. Evaluate exposure control measures.

Through this effort, NIOSH will gather baseline data to assist in determining potential occupational safety and health implications of exposure to engineered nanomaterials and developing guidance to ensure safe working conditions.