Nanotechnology Conference on Health, Safety Issues Will Highlight Latest Findings, Guidance on Practices

Contact: Fred Blosser (202) 401-3749
November 21, 2006

Prominent researchers, practitioners, nanotechnology industry leaders, and others will convene on December 4-7, 2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the "International Conference on Nanotechnology, Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety: Research to Practice." Participants will share latest findings, interim recommendations, and practices for managing the occupational and environmental health and safety implications of nanomaterials along the life-cycle of those products. The conference also will explore nanotechnology's potential as a new tool for detecting, preventing, and treating work-related illnesses.

Registration is open on-line at www.conferencing.uc.edu/Details.asp?ConferenceID=247

The conference is sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the University of Cincinnati, and other partners. It is the latest in a series of international scientific summits by NIOSH and its partners to stimulate research that is essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in the competitive global nanotechnology market.

A unique feature of this conference is the focus on translating research into interim guidance for exposure assessment, exposure minimization, and other fundamental practices, while research progresses. A series of informal "Tech Talks" with experts in the field will provide an opportunity for practitioners to learn the latest information and share their own experiences.

"We are pleased to join with the University of Cincinnati and other eminent partners to further the robust dialogue on the occupational and environmental health and safety aspects of nanotechnology," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D.

"For scientists, this is a rare opportunity to meet in a dedicated forum where new information is put on the table, research strategies are defined, and pathways for moving research to practice are charted," Dr. Howard said. "For practitioners, the conference will offer latest insights into interim best practices for managing nanomaterials in the workplace and controlling exposures - what methods are already in use, how well do they work, and what advancements in guidance we can expect as our body of knowledge grows. Our stakeholders regularly seek information and recommendations on these issues."

Topics to be explored during the four days include these:

• Current practices by industry leaders in assessing and controlling exposures to nanomaterials in the workplace.
• Latest findings from advanced laboratory research on ways in which nanoparticles may enter the body, how they may interact with the body's systems, and what effects may result - information that is critical for determining if nanomaterials may pose occupational health risks.
• Technologies and procedures for field measurements of nanoparticles in the workplace.
• Perspectives from the legal, regulatory, worker, and insurance communities.
• Medical and environmental applications of emerging nanotechnologies.

In addition to NIOSH and the University of Cincinnati, other conference sponsors include the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, Ohio State University's Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanomaterials and Devices, Ohio University, Polymer Ohio Inc., and TSI.

Further information on the conference is available at http://www.uc.edu/noehs/. For more information on NIOSH's research and interim recommendations on the occupational health and safety implications and applications of nanotechnology, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/.