FactSheet

What are Nanotechnology and 

Nanomaterials?

Nanotechnology is “the understanding and control 

of matter at the nanoscale, at dimensions between 

approximately 1 and 100 nanometers (nm)” 

(www.nano.gov). A nanometer is one billionth of 

a meter, which is near-atomic scale. Engineered 

nanomaterials are assembled from nanoscale 

structures such as carbon nanotubes and filaments 

or from nanoparticles of materials such as titanium 

dioxide or cadmium selenide. Nanomaterials can 

have unique physical, chemical and biological 

properties that can enable their use in novel 

applications, such as making stain-free textiles 

using nanoscale additives or surface treatments 

or targeting drugs selectively to cancerous cells. 

The continued development of unique nanoscale 

structures has the potential to impact many 

industries, including electronics, healthcare, 

construction and consumer products.

As nanotechnology applications move from 

research laboratories to industrial and commercial 

settings, workers and employers should be aware 

of potential hazards posed by nanomaterials in their 

workplaces and employers should take appropriate 

measures to control worker exposure. This fact 

sheet reflects the current understanding of the 

health and safety issues relating to nanomaterials. 

Up-to-date information regarding this rapidly 

developing field of knowledge is available 

at www.nano.gov or at the Nanotechnology 

page on OSHA’s website (www.osha.gov/dsg/

nanotechnology/nanotechnology.html). 

Nanomaterials in the Workplace

Some examples of workplaces that may use 

nanomaterials include chemical or pharmaceutical 

laboratories or plants, manufacturing facilities, 

medical offices or hospitals, and construction sites. 

One way for workers to determine if their workplace 

is using nanomaterials is to ask their employer. 

Working Safely with Nanomaterials 

Workers who use nanotechnology in research or production processes may be 

exposed to nanomaterials through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. This 

fact sheet provides basic information to workers and employers on the most 

current understanding of potential hazards associated with this rapidly-developing 

technology and highlights measures to control exposure to nanomaterials in the 

workplace.

Employers should check with manufacturers of 

chemicals and materials used in their workplace to 

determine if unbound engineered nanomaterials 

are present. The potential for nanomaterials to 

pose health or safety hazards is greater if the 

nanomaterials are easily dispersed (such as in 

powders, sprays, or droplets) or are not isolated or 

contained.

In workplaces where workers will be exposed 

to nanomaterials, the employer should provide 

information and training to their workers. This 

information and training should include at least the 

following:

•	 Identification of nanomaterials the employer uses

and the processes in which they are used;

•	 Results from any exposure assessments

conducted at the work site;

•	 Identification of engineering and administrative

controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) 

to reduce exposure to nanomaterials;

•	 The use and limitations of PPE; and

•	 Emergency measures to take in the event of a

nanomaterial spill or release.

Semiconductor nanochip test package in a university 

nanotechnology laboratory.
What We Know About Exposure to 

Nanomaterials

Information from research and animal studies 

on nanomaterials has identified some potential 

safety hazards and health effects.1 Because 

nanotechnology is a rapidly emerging field, more 

information will likely become available about 

potential health and safety hazards associated with 

some nanomaterials. The health hazard potential 

depends on the particular nanomaterial and a 

person’s exposure level. For example:

•	 Certain inhaled nanoparticles may be

deposited in the respiratory tract and may 

cause inflammation and damage to lung 

cells and tissues; e.g., carbon nanotubes and 

nanofibers may be capable of causing pulmonary 

inflammation and fibrosis.2

•	 Titanium dioxide (TiO2), which has many 

commercial applications (e.g., paint, paper, 

cosmetics, food), can be produced and used in 

varying particle sizes, including the nanoscale 

particle sizes (< 100 nm). NIOSH has determined 

that nanoscale TiO2 particles have higher 

mass-based potency than larger particles, and 

that occupational exposure (by inhalation) to 

nanoscale TiO2 particles should be considered a 

potential occupational carcinogen.3

1

 Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: Managing the Health 

and Safety Concerns Associated with Engineered Nanomaterials, published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health (NIOSH) in March 2009, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 

No. 2009-125.

2 See CIB 65 Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and

Nanofibers published by NIOSH in April 2013 and accessible 

online at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-145/. 3 See CIB 63 – Occupational Exposure to Titanium Dioxide,

published by NIOSH in April 2011 and accessible online at www.

cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-160/pdfs/2011-160.pdf.

•	 Certain nanoparticles may penetrate cell

membranes and may cause damage to 

intracellular structures and cellular functions.4

•	 Some nanomaterials may act as chemical

catalysts and produce unanticipated reactions, 

creating a risk of explosions and fires.5

•	 Some types of nanoparticle dusts may be

combustible and require less energy to ignite 

than larger dust particles (for instance, sugar or 

wood), creating a risk of explosions and fires.6

Current Occupational Exposure Limits 

for Nanomaterials

Few occupational exposure limits exist specifically 

for nanomaterials. Certain nanoparticles may

be more hazardous than larger particles of the 

same substance. Therefore, existing occupational 

exposure limits for a substance may not provide 

adequate protection from nanoparticles of that 

substance. However, some specific exposure limits 

already exist. For example:

•	 OSHA recommends that worker exposure

to respirable carbon nanotubes and carbon 

nanofibers not exceed 1.0 micrograms per 

cubic meter (μg/m3) as an 8-hour time-weighted 

average, based on the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

proposed Recommended Exposure Limit (REL).

•	 OSHA recommends that worker exposure to

nanoscale particles of TiO2 not exceed NIOSH’s 

0.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) REL. By

contrast, NIOSH’s REL for fine-sized TiO2 (particle 

size greater than 100 nm) is 2.4 mg/m3.

Because exposure limits for other nanomaterials 

do not exist yet, employers should minimize worker 

exposure by using the hazard control measures and 

best practices identified below and in the references 

noted under “Resources.”

Assessing Worker Exposures to 

Nanomaterials

Employers should assess worker exposure to 

nanomaterials to identify the control measures 

needed and determine if the controls used are 

effective in reducing exposures by:

•	 Identifying and describing processes and

job tasks where workers may be exposed to 

nanomaterials;

•	 Determining the physical state of the

nanomaterials such as dust, powder, spray, or 

droplets; 

•	 Determining routes of exposure (e.g., inhalation,

skin contact or ingestion) of particulates, slurries, 

suspensions or solutions of nanomaterials; 

4

 See Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology from footnote 1.

5

 See Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology from footnote 1.

6

 See Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology from footnote 1.

An example of a nanoparticle is a buckyball or fullerene.
•	 Identifying the most appropriate sampling

method to determine the quantities, airborne 

concentrations, durations, and frequencies of 

worker exposures to nanomaterials7; and

•	 Determining what additional controls may be

needed based on the exposure assessment 

results and evaluating the effectiveness of 

controls already in place. Employers should 

adopt the most effective controls available to limit 

worker exposure.

Methods Employers Can Use to Reduce 

Worker Exposure to Nanomaterials

Because the research and use of nanomaterials 

continues to expand and information about 

potential health effects and exposure limits for 

these nanomaterials is still being developed, 

employers should use a combination of the 

following measures and best practices to control 

potential exposures:

Engineering Controls

•	 Work with nanomaterials in ventilated

enclosures8 (e.g., glove box, laboratory hood, 

process chamber) equipped with high-efficiency 

particulate air (HEPA9) filters.

•	 Where operations cannot be enclosed, provide

local exhaust ventilation (e.g., capture hood, 

7

 One sampling protocol available is the Nanoparticle Emission Assessment Technique (NEAT) that NIOSH developed to 

qualitatively determine the release of engineered nano-materials in the workplace (see the appendix of Approaches to Safe 

Nanotechnology from footnote 1). See also Working Safely with

Engineered Nanomaterials and Nanoproducts (www.nanowerk.

com/news2/newsid=26583.php). 8

 See the Ventilation page (www.osha.gov/SLTC/ventilation/index.html) under Safety and Health Topics on OSHA’s website for 

more information about ventilation standards and principles.

9

 High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter means a filter 

capable of trapping and retaining at least 99.97 percent of 0.3 

micrometer diameter mono-dispersed particles. NIOSH 

research suggests that such a filter media may effectively 

remove nanoparticles, see Safe Approaches to Nanotechnology 

from footnote 1.

enclosing hood) equipped with HEPA filters and 

designed to capture the contaminant at the point 

of generation or release.

Administrative Controls 

•	 Provide handwashing facilities and information

that encourages the use of good hygiene 

practices. 

•	 Establish procedures to address cleanup of

nanomaterial spills and decontamination of 

surfaces to minimize worker exposure. For 

example, prohibit dry sweeping or use of 

compressed air for cleanup of dusts containing 

nanomaterials, use wet wiping and vacuum 

cleaners equipped with HEPA filters.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

•	 Provide workers with appropriate personal

protective equipment such as respirators,10 gloves 

and protective clothing.

Medical Screening and Surveillance

•	 Make available medical screening and

surveillance for workers exposed to 

nanomaterials if appropriate.11 

•	 Review medical surveillance requirements under

OSHA standards (e.g., Cadmium, Respiratory

Protection). 

OSHA Standards that May Apply to 

Nanomaterial Hazards

Nanomaterial use may fall under either OSHA 

General Industry or Construction standards.

OSHA’s Nanotechnology Safety and Health Topics 

Page highlights some of the OSHA standards that 

may apply to situations where workers handle or 

are exposed to nanomaterials. The General Duty 

Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety 

and Health Act, also may apply in situations where 

workers handle or are exposed to nanomaterials.

States with OSHA-approved state plans may have 

additional standards that apply to nanotechnology.

How OSHA Can Help Employers/Workers

OSHA offers free compliance assistance to 

employers and workers. 

OSHA has compliance assistance specialists 

throughout the nation located in most OSHA 

offices. Compliance assistance specialists can

10 At a minimum, use HEPA filter equipped air-purifying

respirators as specified by 29 CFR 1910.134; the equivalent

NIOSH 42 CFR 84 particulate filters are the N100, R100, and P100

filters; see also Respiratory Protection for Workers Handling

Engineered Nanoparticles, published on the NIOSH Science 

Blog on Dec. 7, 2011, and accessible online at http://blogs.cdc.

gov/niosh-science-blog/2011/12/resp-nano. 11 CIB 60 – Interim Guidance for Medical Screening and Hazard

Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered

Nanoparticles, published by NIOSH in February 2009 and 

accessible online at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-116pdfs/

2009-116.pdf.

Model of carbon nanotubes, widely used in nanotechnology, 

electronics and optics.
DTSEM FS-3634 04/2013

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. 

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

provide information to employers and workers 

about OSHA standards and short educational 

programs on specific hazards. For more 

information, visit OSHA’s website or call 1-800 321-

OSHA (6742) to contact your local OSHA office.

OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers free 

and confidential advice to small and mediumsized businesses in all states across the country, 

with priority given to high-hazard worksites. 

On-site consultation services are separate from 

enforcement and do not result in penalties or 

citations. Consultants from state agencies or

universities work with employers to identify 

workplace hazards, provide advice on controlling 

hazards and complying with OSHA standards, 

and assist in establishing safety and health 

management programs. To find the On-site 

Consultation office nearest you, visit www.osha.

gov/consultation or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Resources for Additional 

Nanotechnology Information

OSHA‘s Nanotechnology Safety and Health Topics 

Page provides information from a variety of other 

agencies and organizations.

What Rights Do Workers Have?

Workers have the right to:

•	 Working conditions that do not pose a risk of

serious harm.

•	 File a confidential complaint with OSHA to

have their workplace inspected.

•	 Receive information and training about

hazards, methods to prevent harm, and the 

OSHA standards that apply to their workplace. 

The training must be done in a language and 

vocabulary workers can understand.

•	 Call OSHA for free information or to ask

questions.

•	 Receive copies of records of work-related

injuries and illnesses that occur in their 

workplace.

•	 Receive copies of the results from tests and

monitoring done to find and measure hazards 

in their workplace.

•	 Exercise their rights to a safe and healthful

workplace without retaliation or discrimination.