NIOSH Posts Nanotechnology Approaches Document, Strategic Plan, Library

Contact: Fred Blosser (202) 401-3749

Three new documents pertaining to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research on the applications and implications of nanotechnology for occupational health and safety are posted on the NIOSH web page for comments and feedback:

• "Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with NIOSH" reviews what is currently known about nanoparticle toxicity and control. The document serves as a request from NIOSH to occupational safety and health practitioners, researchers, product innovators and manufacturers, employers, workers, interest group members, and the general public to exchange information that will ensure that no worker suffers material impairment of safety or health as nanotechnology develops. Opportunities to provide feedback and information are available throughout the document.

• "Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research: Filling the Knowledge Gaps" addresses what NIOSH is doing internally and externally to lead the occupational safety and health community collaboratively in nanotechnology research. It provides a guide for building a research effort capable of responding to the challenges of this emerging technology. It represents a timely research agenda and will evolve as new information becomes available and a more thorough scientific understanding about nanotechnology develops.

• "Web-Based Nano-Information Library: Concept and Invitation for Input" is intended to help occupational health professionals, industrial users, worker groups, and researchers organize and share information on nanomaterials, including their health and safety-associated properties. A prototype version of this searchable data base is under development and review, and comments are being sought from a range of national and international partners who are collaborating on the format and content of the proposed library.

"We are pleased to use these new web resources for engaging our stakeholders, and we look forward to comments and suggestions," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. The new documents are part of the NIOSH topic page on nanotechnology and occupational health.