NANOTECHNOLOGY

RAND Corporation publishes results from a pilot project to assess the impact of the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center.

This report outlines a proposed method for NIOSH to collect, organize, and assess information related to the Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) program efforts and how they are contributing to NIOSH's desired outcome of supporting the responsible development of nanotechnology by translating research into effective risk management guidance and practices that ultimately result in reducing potential injuries and illnesses associated with occupational exposure to engineered nanomaterials. The method looks beyond conventional bibliometric analysis by using supplemental evidence (such as stakeholder outreach) to determine the effectiveness of NTRC outputs. This report presents results from RAND Corporations application of the method to a portion of the NTRC operations as a pilot study.

AIHA Fact Sheet Addresses PPE for Engineered Nanoparticles

The American Industrial Hygiene Association has published a fact sheet, Personal Protective Equipment for Engineered Nanoparticles that addresses the use of PPE by workers in the nanotechnology industry. The fact sheet was sponsored by AIHA’s Nanotechnology Working Group which includes several NIOSH members.

Topics covered include a general overview; Hierarchy of Controls; PPE effectiveness; PPE type; and other considerations such as PPE removal, reuse and disposal.  AIHA notes that PPE “is the last line of defense” and should be used when other controls are not feasible or effective, or as supplemental protection to other control measures.

Dr. Vladimir Murashov to Present at Upcoming International Conference on Occupational Risk Prevention

Vladimir Murashov, PhD, NIOSH senior scientist, will discuss WHO guidelines on protecting workers from potential risks of manufactured nanomaterials at the upcoming International Conference on Occupational Risk Prevention taking place Nov. 23 – 26, 2015 in Santiago, Chile. In a video on the conference website, Dr. Murashov shares what he will present at the meeting.

NIOSH Participating in 7th International Symposium on Nanotechnology, Occupational, and Environmental Health

At the symposium taking place Oct. 18-22 in South Africa, Dr. Paul Schulte will deliver a plenary, Nanotechnologies: Occupational Health and Worker Protection. Other presentations will discuss efforts by national and international bodies in occupational and environmental health of nanotechnology, standards and worker and environmental health, and health effects in vivo. Conference website.

NIOSH's Dr. Mark Hoover Featured Speaker for Nanoinformatics Webinar

NIOSH Senior Research Scientist Dr. Mark Hoover will present at the upcoming webinar, “Introduction to Nanoinformatics” hosted by the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative. Designed for non-specialists, the webinar will introduce basic nanoinformatics concepts as well as the benefits and applications of nanoinformatics. The webinar will take place Friday, October 2 from Noon to 1 pm EDT. Register for the event

Nanotechnology Field Research Team Receives Award at Annual Industrial Hygiene Conference

The NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Research Team accepted the Edward J. Baier Award presented by the American Industrial Hygiene Association at the 2015 American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition. NIOSH Associate Director for Nanotechnology Dr. Chuck Geraci accepted the award on behalf of the Field Team. Read the press release

NIOSH and P³Nano Sign MOU to Advance Knowledge of Cellulose-based Nanotechnology

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Public-Private Partnership for Advanced Woody Biomaterials and Nanotechnology (P³Nano). The partnership between NIOSH and P³Nano will serve as a platform for occupational safety and health research as well as educational and business initiatives leading to the development of new risk management guidance, recommendations, and findings relating to the potential human health impacts of exposure to nanoscale cellulose materials.

NIOSH and SUNY Poly CNSE Launch Nano Health & Safety Consortium

NIOSH and SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE) on May 20, 2015 announced the launch of the Nano Health & Safety Consortium. This initiative brings together government, academia, and industry leaders to advance research and guidance for occupational safety and health in nanotechnology-related industries.

Paper Outlines Risks to Health Care Workers from Nano-Enabled Medical Products

In a paper published May 7, 2015 online ahead of print in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, NIOSH authors Vladimir Murashov and John Howard highlight occupational risk mitigation practices for nano-enabled medical products throughout their life cycle for major health care workplace settings.

New Paper Published on Carbon Nanotube and Nanofiber Exposure in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene

The paper, Carbon Nanotube and Nanofiber Exposure Assessments: An Analysis of 14 Site Visits published April 7 online ahead of print by Dahm et al. is the second report from NIOSH’s Industrywide Study. Findings illustrate which tasks have the highest exposures, trends in exposure, nature and character of materials involved, effectiveness of controls when used, and continued refinement of the methods used to evaluate exposure of this high-priority class of nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology Research Receives Paper of the Year Award at Annual SOT Conference

NIOSH research has been selected by the Society of Toxicology as Paper of the Year in the area of respiratory/inhalation toxicology for the publication, “Promotion of lung adenocarcinoma following inhalation exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes.” The paper by Sargent et al . published in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology, was the first to show that multi-walled carbon nanotubes encourage the growth of cells with DNA damage (initiated cells) to form tumors that spread to other parts of the body. This research subsequently supported the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s decision to designate this specific class of carbon nanotubes as carcinogenic.

NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Highlighted at the 2015 Meeting of the Society of Toxicology

Nanotechnology will be major focus for NIOSH at the meeting of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) taking place March 22–16 in San Diego. NIOSH researchers will give more than 30 presentations about the latest science addressing the potential hazards of nanomaterials. See the full NIOSH conference schedule .

NIOSH Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Nanotechnology Research

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany, New York. NIOSH and CNSE will work together to advance research and guidance for occupational safety and health in the nanoelectronics industry and other settings where workers are potentially exposed to engineered nanomaterials.

Dr. Chuck Geraci Appointed NIOSH Associate Director for Nanotechnology

Chuck Geraci, Ph.D., CIH has been appointed Associate Director for Nanotechnology. In this role he will oversee the day-to-day management of the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center and will develop initial strategies for NIOSH to participate scientifically in the growing areas of advanced nano-manufacturing technology, advanced nanomaterial science, and in the new challenges arising from the rapid trend of converging technologies.

NIOSH’s Dr. Vladimir Murashov to Lead Nanotechnology Working Group

An international committee has unanimously selected Dr. Vladimir Murashov, special assistant for nanotechnology to the NIOSH director, to lead an international working group on the health, safety, and environmental aspects of nanotechnologies. The working group is part of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Progress Report Highlights NIOSH Research Leadership

A new progress report issued by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, through the President's National Science and Technology Council, cites NIOSH's leadership in coordinated federal research that furthers the safe and responsible development of nanotechnology.

NIOSH Report Noted in Partner Announcement

NIOSH's partnership with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, State University of New York (SUNY) is noted in a SUNY announcement about the contribution of the partners' nanotechnology research to NIOSH's PtD report.

NIOSH Science Blog

Observations on a newly published case study about a worker who developed sensitization to nickel when working with nickel nanoparticle powder.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report entitled Nanomanufacturing: Emergence and Implications for U.S. Competitiveness, the Environment, and Human Health

NIOSH’s research and recommendations for the development of safe nanotechnology are reflected in a report issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office on Feb. 7, Nanomanufacturing: Emergence and Implications for U.S. Competitiveness, the Environment, and Human Health . Dr. Paul Schulte and Dr. Charles Geraci, NIOSH’s program manager and program coordinator for nanotechnology research, respectively, represented NIOSH in a national forum discussion that provided the foundation for the report.

Updated NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan

This NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan updates the November 2009 strategic plan with knowledge gained from results of ongoing research. This plan is the roadmap being used to advance basic understanding of the toxicology and workplace exposures involved so that appropriate risk management practices can be implemented during discovery, development, and commercialization of engineered nanomaterials. NIOSH will strive to remain at the forefront of developing guidance that supports and promotes the safe and responsible development of such a promising technology.

Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes

The focus of this guidance document is to identify and describe strategies for the engineering control of worker exposure during the production or use of engineered nanomaterials. Engineered nanomaterials are materials that are intentionally produced and have at least one primary dimension less than 100 nanometers (nm). Nanomaterials may have properties different from those of larger particles of the same material, making them unique and desirable for specific product applications. The consumer products market currently has more than 1,000 nanomaterial-containing products including makeup, sunscreen, food storage products, appliances, clothing, electronics, computers, sporting goods, and coatings. As more nanomaterials are introduced into the workplace and nano-enabled products enter the market, it is essential that producers and users of engineered nanomaterials ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Current Intelligence Bulletin 65: Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers

This NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin (1) reviews the animal and other toxicological data relevant to assessing the potential non-malignant adverse respiratory effects of CNT and CNF, (2) provides a quantitative risk assessment based on animal dose-response data, (3) proposes a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 1 μg/m3 elemental carbon as a respirable mass 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration, and (4) describes strategies for controlling workplace exposures and implementing a medical surveillance program. The NIOSH REL is expected to reduce the risk for pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.

New Findings on Lung Tumor Formation in Laboratory Mice Exposed to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

At the annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology, NIOSH researchers reported preliminary findings from a new laboratory study in which mice were exposed by inhalation to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). This study indicates that MWCNT can function as a significant promotor of lung tumor growth when coupled with exposure to a known carcinogen. Additional information on this study can be viewed on the NIOSH Science Blog

6th International Symposium on Nanotechnology: Occupational and Environmental Health

Dates: October 29-31, 2013
Location: Nagoya Congress Center, Nagoya, Japan
NIOSH is serving on the planning committee of the 6th International Nanotechnology: Occupational and Environmental Health symposium (NanOEH), planned for Nagoya, Japan, October 28-13, 2013. The 6th International NanOEH Symposium will provide a high quality scientific forum for scientists and practitioners to present and discuss the interaction between technical advances and societal, occupational and environmental impacts in the field of nanotechnology research. This series of symposia has been recognized as one of the premier conferences related with safety of nanotechnology. The aim of the symposium is to share the latest knowledge on risks related with nanotechnology to reduce these potential risks

New Study Links Nanoparticle Exposure to Cellular Responses Associated with Autoimmune Risks

Exposures of human cells and exposures of mice to certain types of nanoparticles in laboratory studies produced cellular changes that are associated with risks for disorders of the autoimmune system such as rheumatoid arthritis, NIOSH scientists and colleagues reported in a paper published online by the peer-reviewed journal Future Medicine. The findings add to the body of scientific evidence that helps NIOSH to better assess potential occupational health risks from nanomaterials and continue to work with partners to recommend prudent workplace health and safety practices.

Safe Nano Design: Molecule » Manufacturing » Market

Date: August 14 – 16, 2012
Location: College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering of the University at Albany, Albany, NY
Event Organizer:NIOSH Prevention through Design Program and the Nanotechnology Research Center
Participants at this workshop will provide input into the safe commercialization of nano products resulting in the development of guidelines for the safe synthesis of nanoparticles and associated products, using a Prevention-through-Design approach. The workshop will focus on: efforts to develop safer nano molecules that have the same functionality; process containment and control, based on the considerations of risk of exposure to workers; and the management system approaches for including occupational safety and health into the nanoparticle synthetic process, product development, and product manufacture.
Safe Nano Design: Molecule » Manufacturing » Market

NIOSH sponsored a Supplement of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

A Supplement of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine was recently published that contains selected papers from the Nanomaterials and Worker Health, Medical Surveillance, Exposure Registries and Epidemiologic Research Conference sponsored by NIOSH in Keystone, Colorado, July 2010.

NIOSH Invited Comments for Updating Its Strategic Plan

NIOSH invited comments by April 15, 2011, on the types of research relevant to hazard identification and risk management that it should consider in updating its strategic plan on nanotechnology research.

NIOSH Research Leadership Reflected in New Nanotechnology Book

NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D., and NIOSH Senior Scientist Vladimir Murashov, Ph.D., are the co-editors of a new technical book, Nanotechnology Standards, published by Springer Science + Business Media, LLC. The book is described as the first comprehensive collection of state-of-the-art reviews of twenty-first century nanotechnology standards development written by an international team of experts representing both the international standards development community and the nanosciences community. Dr. Howard and Dr. Murashov contributed the introduction to the book, and a chapter, “Health and Safety Standards,” that describes voluntary, consensus-type standards adopted by the private sector as well as mandatory, or government-regulatory, health-related standards for the workplace.

Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers: NIOSH invited comment on draft

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) invited public comment on a draft document, "Current Intelligence Bulletin: Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers." For public review and comment, the draft document summarizes current scientific knowledge about the occupational safety and health implications of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers, and recommends an occupational exposure limit and measures for controlling work related exposures to those types of nanomaterials, based on the current state of knowledge.

5th International Conference Scheduled for August 2011

 Mark your calendars for the 5th International Conference on Nanotechnology-Occupational and Environmental Health , scheduled to be held on Aug. 9-12, 2011, in Boston, Mass. NIOSH is a co-sponsor of the conference, which provides a biennial forum for communicating and sharing information on the health, safety, and environmental implications of nanotechnology.

INRS Occupational Research Conference 2011: Call for Abstracts

NIOSH will participate in the "INRS Occupational Research Conference 2011," a scientific conference addressing the occupational risks associated with nanomaterials and nanoparticles. The conference is being organized by the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), a leading institute conducting research and providing guidance on the occupational safety and health in France, in association with the Partnership for European Research in Occupational Safety and Health (PEROSH). The INRS Occupational Health Research Conference will be held in Nancy, France, April 5-7, 2011. The abstract submission deadline is October 15, 2010.

Impact Sheet Describes Innovative Method for Lab Tests

A new NIOSH Impact Sheet describes the process and results of an innovative method developed by NIOSH researchers to deliver carbon nanotubes to mice in laboratory studies. The new method offers a breakthrough over challenges encountered with a widely used delivery method.

NIOSH, University-Based Center in the Northeast Announce Partnership

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and a university-based nanotechnology research center in the Northeast announced a formal partnership Sept. 22 that will provide companies with practical research and guidance to promote occupational health and safety in nanotechnology. More information can be found here.

Nanotechnology Innovation Summit: Dec. 8-10

NIOSH will join other federal partners at the Nanotechnology Innovation Summit, Dec. 8-10, 2010, in National Harbor, Md. organized by the Nano Science and Technology Institute in cooperation with the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. More information can be found at here.

NIOSH at the Buckyball Anniversary Symposium

Dr. Charles Geraci, coordinator of NIOSH’s nanotechnology research program, will be an invited speaker at a special symposium on health, safety, and environment, as part of a conference observing the 25th Anniversary of the discovery of the Buckyball. The conference, sponsored by the Smalley Institute at Rice University, will be held October 10-13 in Houston, Texas. More information can be found on here.

NIOSH Scientists Explore Exposure Limit Issues in Journal Article

As part of a proactive approach supporting responsible development of nanotechnology, organizations around the world already are developing precautionary interim occupational exposure limits for nanomaterials. In a paper published online July 1, 2010 by the Journal of Nanoparticle Research, NIOSH’s Paul Schulte, Vladimir Murashov, Ralph Zumwalde, Eileen Kuempel, and Charles Geraci review the state of the art in developing such limits.

NIOSH Invites Stakeholders to Join the Dialogue on the NNI National Strategic Plan

NIOSH invites its partners and stakeholders to read and comment on responses to the National Nanotechnology Initiative's (NNI) 2010 Strategic Plan. One of the central goals of the plan - the development of responsible nanotechnology - reflects NIOSH’s position that research on the health, safety, and environmental implications of nanotechnology is integral to the success of this emerging technology and to U.S. leadership in the global market. NNI invited responses on the plan from July 13 to August 15, 2010. For more information and to comment on responses that were received during that time, and suggestions, visit the NNI portal.

Nanomaterials and Worker Health Conference

NIOSH and the Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center sponsored the conference on Nanomaterials and Worker Health: Medical Surveillance, Exposure Registries, and Epidemiologic Research. The conference was held on July 21-23, 2010, at the Keystone Resort and Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado.

NIOSH International Partnership Is Reflected in OECD Workshop Report

NIOSH's international partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to examine potential occupational health and safety risks from nanoparticles is reflected in a new OECD report, "Report of the Workshop on Risk Assessment of Manufactured Nanomaterials in a Regulatory Context." NIOSH representatives participated in the workshop and contributed to the report. The workshop provides input for an SG6 document on issues relating to risk assessment methods for engineered nanoparticles. More information can be found here.

Journal Posts Research Paper on Biodegradation of Carbon Nanotubes

Laboratory studies by Dr. Anna Shvedova of NIOSH and outside colleagues, reported in a paper posted online by the journal Nature Nanotechnology on April 4 ahead of publication, discovered that carbon nanotubes were biodegraded by an enzyme found in white blood cells, neutrophils. The results are important for scientists in evaluating the biological effects of carbon nanotubes, particularly their fate and role in inflammation.