The unique physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials, the increasing growth of nanotechnology in the workplace, and information suggesting that engineered nanoscale materials may pose a health and safety hazard to workers all underscore the need for medical and hazard surveillance for nanotechnology. Every workplace dealing with nanoparticles, engineered nanomaterials, or other aspects of nanotechnology should consider the need for an occupational health surveillance program. NIOSH is in the process of formulating guidance relevant to occupational health surveillance for nanotechnology. The intent of the guidance is to provide a framework for utilizing existing medical and hazard surveillance mechanisms to create occupational health surveillance programs for nanotechnology workers. The NIOSH guidance will not be a proscriptive set of recommendations for a specific type of surveillance program, but rather will provide information that can be used to create appropriate occupational health surveillance to fit the needs of workers and organizations involved with nanotechnology. The framework will present information to help initiate occupational health surveillance where none exists. It is likely that, as the field of nanotechnology changes over time, continual reassessment of potential hazards and exposures will be required to initiate and maintain an effective surveillance program.
Previous page - Exposure Control Procedures
Provide Comments on this Section
Submit Comments, suggestions, or case studies on