Approaches to safe nanotechnology: managing the health and safety concerns associated with engineered nanomaterials (withdrawn).

Abstract

To receive documents or other information about occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH at Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) TTY: 1-888-232-6348 E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh.For a monthly update on news at NIOSH, subscribe to NIOSH eNews by visiting www.cdc.gov/niosh/eNews. No. 2009-125 March 2009 DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Safer • Healthier • People™Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology iii Nanotechnology-the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new structures, materials, and devices-offers the promise of unprecedented scientific advancement for many sectors, such as medicine, consumer products, energy, materials, and manufacturing. Nanotechnology has the power not only to improve existing technologies, but to dramatically enhance the effectiveness of new applications.Research on the potential applications of nanotechnology continues to expand rapidly worldwide. New nanotechnology consumer products emerge at a rate of three to four per week. Over the course of the next decade, nanotechnology could have a $1 trillion impact on the global economy and employ two million workers-half of them residing in the U.S.While nanomaterials present seemingly limitless possibilities, they bring with them new challenges to understanding, predicting, and managing potential safety and health risks to workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) remains committed to protecting workers now and in the future, as nanotechnology applications and uses expand.As part of these efforts, in October 2005, NIOSH released for public comment the draft document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with NIOSH. Based on feedback received, NIOSH revised and updated the document in July 2006 and sought further public comment. This draft report has been widely cited, and the final version of the report should serve as a vital resource for stakeholders (including occupational safety and health professionals, researchers, policy makers, risk assessors, and workers in the industry) who wish to understand more about the safety and health implications of nanotechnology in the workplace.With the publication of the Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology document, NIOSH hopes to: raise awareness of the occupational safety and health issues involved with nanotechnology; make recommendations on occupational safety and health best practices in the production and use of nanomaterials; facilitate dialogue between NIOSH and its external partners in industry, labor and academia; respond to requests for authoritative safety and health guidelines; and, identify information gaps and areas for future study and research.As our knowledge of nanoscience increases, so too will our efforts to provide valuable guidance on the safe handling of nanoparticles and for protecting the lives and livelihoods of nanotechnology workers.