Risk Management of Engineered Nanomaterials

Historically, occupational exposure to any material that has not been completely characterized has been an area of concern, and engineered nanomaterials are no exception. Currently, there is a growing body of literature indicating a potential hazard from occupational exposure to various types of engineered nanomaterials.   NIOSH has created guidance documents that can provide needed information for Hazardous Materials Managers to create effective occupational safety and health programs (risk management programs) for handling nanomaterials. These documents include Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Process; General Safe Practices for Working with Engineered Nanomaterials in Research Laboratories;  and Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: Managing the Health and Safety Concerns Associated with Engineered Nanomaterials .  A summary of best practices following the hierarchy of controls will be presented along with an overview of how to determine and measure potential worker exposures.   A summary of what is known about the fire and explosion potential of some classes of nanomaterials will also be discussed.