Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace

Nanotechnology is the engineering and manipulation of materials at the molecular level. This new technology creates materials with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers (1 nanometer is 1 billionth of a meter). Particles created at the nanoscale have different chemical and physical properties than larger particles of the same material. These manufactured nanoparticles are known as engineered nanoparticles.^* Scientists and manufacturers can use nanoparticles to create new products that would be impossible with larger particles.

This brochure addresses the following questions:

1. Are nanoparticles hazardous to workers?
2. How can workers be exposed?
3. Can nanoparticles be measured?
4. Can worker exposures be controlled?

Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace [PDF - 182 KB]