NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Notes: Recent Developments in Partnerships, Recognition

Contact: Fred Blosser (202) 245-0645
August 12, 2009

Four recent accomplishments underscore the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) internationally recognized leadership in working with diverse partners to further research on the occupational safety and health implications and applications of nanotechnology:

• Six essential features for proactive management of occupational safety and health risks in emerging industries such as nanotechnology are suggested in an article in the August 2009 issue of Nature Nanotechnology. The authors are Vladimir Murashov, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the NIOSH Director, and John Howard, M.D., former NIOSH Director. www.nature.com/nnano/journal/v4/n8/full/nnano.2009.205.html.
• NIOSH joins the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in inviting submissions of scientific papers for a special issue of the journal, provisionally titled, “Human and Environmental Exposure Assessment for Nanomaterials.” Vladimir Murashov, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the NIOSH Director, will be guest editor of the issue. Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010. More information is available from the journal at www.ijoeh.com/index.php/ijoeh/information/callforpapers and from Dr. Murashov at vladimir.murashov@cdc.hhs.gov.
• NIOSH’s global leadership and international teamwork in research on nanotechnology, safety, and health are reflected in three new reports from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The reports are part of a series of OECD papers and studies on the safety of engineered nanomaterials. Links to the reports can be found in “NIOSH Nanotechnology Spotlights” at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/. NIOSH and other co-sponsors will convene a conference in July 2010 in Colorado to identify gaps in information and to address questions focusing on occupational health surveillance, exposure registries, and epidemiologic research involving nanotechnology workers. Preliminary details can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/NanoConfJuly2010.html.

NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. To learn more about NIOSH’s strategic program for conducting advanced research on the occupational health and safety implications of nanotechnology, providing interim guidance on occupational health practices, and stimulating new partnerships, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech.