DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Strategic Plan

for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance

Filling the Knowledge Gaps
On the cover: Scanning electron microscopy image of “spheres” of agglomerated nanometer sized to 

TiO2

. Courtesy of Altairnano, Inc. Used with permission.
Strategic Plan 

for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance

Filling the Knowledge Gaps

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
ii Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

This document is in the public domain and may be freely 

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publication date.

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DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010–105

November 2009

Safer • Healthier • PeopleTM
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology iii

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is pleased to present 

the Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance: Filling the Knowledge 

Gaps. This plan updates the September 2005 strategic plan using knowledge gained from 

results of ongoing research as described in the 2007 report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center and 

the 2009 report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from the 

NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center, Project Updates for 2007 and 2008. The NIOSH 

nanotechnology research program is a cross-sector program that supports the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Nanotechnology provides many opportunities and 

challenges for all of us in occupational safety and health. The Strategic Plan for the nanotechnology program is the roadmap we are using to advance knowledge about the implications and applications of nanomaterials. 

Comments received during external review of the document suggested that NIOSH prioritize goals and projects so as to better understand the feasibility of conducting research 

based on available resources. In addition, specific suggestions on the scientific direction of 

the research program were also offered by reviewers, such as the need to understand the role 

of genetics. We have attempted to acknowledge these issues in finalizing this version of the 

strategic plan. 

This published version of the document will continue to exist on the NIOSH Web site and 

be updated periodically to reflect new research efforts. 

John Howard, M.D. /s

Director, National Institute for 

 Occupational Safety and Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Foreword

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology v

Nanotechnology—the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new 

materials—has the potential to transform 

many industries, from medicine to manufacturing, and the products they produce. Research in nanoscale technologies continues 

to expand worldwide. By 2015, the National 

Science Foundation estimates that nanotechnology will have a $1 trillion impact on 

the global economy and employ two million 

workers, one million of whom will likely reside in the United States. While this emerging 

technology holds great promise, it also presents unknown risks, especially to the health 

of workers. Many questions remain about 

how to best manage and control the potential hazards associated with the safe handling 

of nanomaterials. Thus for the period 2009–

2012, NIOSH will collaborate with stakeholders at home and abroad to fill knowledge 

gaps related to nanotechnology, to identify 

and characterize hazards associated with 

nanomaterials, and to develop guidance for 

workers exposed to nanomaterials. Protecting the health of workers involved with nanotechnology is a global issue that requires 

international cooperation, commitment, and 

collaboration. 

Nanotechnology and NIOSH 

Research

The rapid spread of nanotechnology threatens to outpace knowledge about its attendant 

safety and health risks. As nanotechnology 

moves forward into all avenues of commerce, 

stakeholders from industry, academia, labor, 

occupational safety and health professions, 

and government must make a concerted 

effort to identify and characterize the human 

health hazards associated with nanomaterials. 

NIOSH will continue to play an active role in 

this process. In June 2007, NIOSH reported 

its progress in conducting nanotechnology 

research and drafting guidance for the safe 

handling of nanomaterials [see report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center at http://www.cdc.gov/

niosh/topics/nanotech/, DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2007–123]. An update of the 

progress report listing project updates from 

2007–2008 was published in November 2009 

[DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010–104]. 

[http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-104/

pdfs/2010-104.pdf]

NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Research Center (NTRC)

Given the rapid growth and global reach of 

nanotechnology, NIOSH established the 

Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) in 

2004 to conduct research and provide guidance to protect workers involved with nanomaterials. The NTRC and its Steering Committee consist of a diverse group of NIOSH 

scientists charged with overseeing the Institute’s scientific and organizational plans in 

nanotechnology health research. 

The main goals of the NTRC are to:

1. Determine whether nanoparticles and 

nanomaterials pose risks of injuries 

and illnesses for workers.

Executive Summary
vi Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Executive Summary

2. Conduct research on applying nanotechnology to the prevention of workrelated injuries and illnesses.

3. Promote healthy workplaces through 

interventions, recommendations, and 

capacity building.

4. Enhance global workplace safety and 

health through national and international collaborations on nanotechnology research and guidance.

Strategic Plan

With the input of a broad range of stakeholders in government, academia, and the 

private sector, NIOSH developed a strategic 

plan for nanotechnology research and guidance. The strategic plan also highlights how 

NIOSH’s critical research and guidance efforts align with and support the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative’s Environmental 

Health and Safety priorities. For the period 

2009–2012, NIOSH will continue to fill information and knowledge gaps in priority 

areas. Specifically, NIOSH will: 

1. Conduct toxicological research on 

nanoparticles likely to be commercially 

available.

2. Conduct research to identify longterm health effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT).

3. Develop recommendations for controlling occupational exposure to fine and 

ultrafine titanium dioxide (TiO2

) including development of recommended 

exposure limits (RELs). Conduct research on improving sampling and analytical methods, determining the extent 

of workplace exposures, and controlling airborne exposures below the REL. 

Identify what medical surveillance is 

appropriate. Consider to what extent 

the observed relationship between TiO2

particle size and toxicity can be generalized to other metal oxides.

4. Develop recommendations for controlling occupational exposures to 

purified and unpurified single-walled 

carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and 

multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) including development of RELs. 

Conduct research to address gaps in 

information on sampling, analysis, exposure assessment, instrumentation 

and controls. Identify what medical 

surveillance or epidemiological studies 

are appropriate.

5. Conduct research on how to identify 

categories of nanoparticles that can be 

distinguished on the basis of similar 

physico-chemical properties. Conduct 

research to develop RELs and ultimately recommended exposure standards 

for these categories.

6. Conduct research on explosion potential of various nanoparticles.

This plan proposes 38 activities in 10 critical areas to help protect the nanotechnology 

workforce. It is a large challenge but one 

that NIOSH is well prepared to accept.
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology vii

Abbreviations

AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association 

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist

ANSI American National Standards Institute 

ASSE American Society of Safety Engineers 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 

ASSE American Society of Safety Engineers

CAS chemical abstract system

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

CIB Current Intelligence Bulletin 

CNF carbon nanofibers 

CNT carbon nanotubes 

COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission

DART Division of Applied Research and Technology 

DEP diesel exhaust particulate 

DHHS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

DOE U.S. Department of Energy

ECHA European Chemicals Agency

EHS environmental health and safety

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

ESLI end-of-service life indicator

EU European Union 

FAQs frequently asked questions 

FMSH Federal Mine Safety and Health

FY fiscal year 
viii Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Abbreviations

GIS geographical information systems

HELD Health Effects Laboratory Division 

HEPA high-efficiency particulate air

HPS Health Physics Society

HPV high production volume

HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

IANH International Alliance for NanoEHS Harmonization

ICON International Council on Nanotechnology 

ID identification

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

IOM Institute of Occupational Medicine

ILO International Labor Organization

INRS Institut National de la Recherchè Scientifique 

ISO International Organization for Standardization 

ISPE International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering

IRSST Institut de recherché Robert–Sauvè en santé et en sécurité du travail

MINChar Minimum Information Needed for Characterization of Nanomaterials

MSDS material safety data sheet

MSHA U.S. Mine Safety and Health Adminstration

MWCNT multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

NCER National Center for Environmental Research 

NEHI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications 

NGO non-governmental organization 

NIEHS National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 

NIL Nanoparticle Information Library 

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology ix

Abbreviations

nm nanometer(s) 

NNI National Nanotechnology Initiative 

NORA National Occupational Research Agenda 

NSET Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology 

NSF National Science Foundation

NTRC Nanotechnology Research Center

NSC National Safety Council 

OEP Office of Extramural Programs 

OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OELs occupational exposure limits

OEP Office of Extramural Programs

OSH occupational safety and health

OSHA U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

PCAST Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

POSS polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

PPE personal protective equipment 

PPNANSG Project Planning Nanotechnology Strategic Goal

PPNANIG Project Planning Nanotechnology Interim Goal

PPNANAOG Project Planning Nanotechnology Activity/Output Goal

QRA quantitative risk assessment

r2p Research to Practice

REL recommended exposure limit 

RFA request for application 

RM reference material

ROS reactive oxygen species

SWCNT single-walled carbon nanotubes 

TC technical committee

TEM transmission electron microscopy 
x Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Abbreviations

TiO2 titanium dioxide 

TNO Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

TWA time weighted average

μg/m3 microgram per cubic meter

UN United Nations

VGCF vapor grown carbon fibers

WHO World Health Organization 

WPMN Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials

WPN Working Party on Nanotechnology
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology xi

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 NIOSH Logic Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.1 Congressional Mandate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2 Stakeholders’ Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.3 NIOSH Research Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.4 NIOSH Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3 Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.1 NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.2 NTRC Steering Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.3 Current NIOSH Intramural Nanotechnology Research Activities . . . . . . . . . 11

3.4 Current NIOSH Extramural Nanotechnology Research Activities . . . . . . . . . 12

3.5 Collaborative Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4 Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.1 Goals and the Risk Management Continuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.2 Coordination with the National Nanotechnology Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.3 Strategic Goals, Intermediate Goals and Activity/Output Goals . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.4 Coalescing Priorities for the NIOSH Research and Guidance for 

2009–2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5 Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.1 NIOSH Publications on Nanotechnology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.2 NIOSH Peer-reviewed Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

5.3 Sponsored Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

5.4 Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

6 Research to Practice (r2p) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

6.1 Capacity Building through Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

7 Intermediate Customers and Intermediate Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.1 Federal Government Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.2 Standards Development Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Contents
xii Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Contents

7.3 Industry, Labor, and Academia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.4 Professional Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.5 Research Collaborations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.6 International Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

8 Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Appendix A. Timeline for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Appendix B. NNI Priority of Environmental, Health, and Safety 

Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Appendix C. Partnerships and Collaborations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology xiii

This report was developed by the scientists and staff of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) who participate in the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC). Paul Schulte is the manager and Charles Geraci is the coordinator 

of the NIOSH nanotechnology cross-sector program. Special thanks go to Laura Hodson 

and Ralph Zumwalde for writing and organizing the report.

Others who contributed substantially to the strategic plan include: Eileen Birch, Vincent 

Castranova, Brian Curwin, Douglas Evans, Pengfei Gao, Mark Hoover, Vijia Karra, BonKi Ku, Eileen Kuempel, Robert Mercer, Mark Methner, Arthur Miller, Vladimir Murashov, 

Terri Pearce, Appavoo Rengasamy, W. Allen Robison, Ronald Shaffer, Anna Shvedova, Petia 

Simeonova, Aleksandr Stefaniak, Jennifer Topmiller, Douglas Trout, and Leonid Turkevich. 

The NIOSH NTRC also acknowledges the contributions of Vanessa B. Williams, Gino Fazio, 

and Anne Stirnkorb for desktop publishing and graphic design, and Elizabeth Fryer for editing the report. Mark Methner supplied the workplace photos in the document.

Special appreciation is expressed to the following individuals and organizations for their 

external reviews and comments:

Acknowledgments

David Warheit, Ph.D.

Du Pont de Nemours

Newark, NJ

Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Ph.D.

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

John Balbus, MPH, M.D.

Environmental Defense

Washington D.C.

Michael Foster, Ph.D.

Duke University

Durham, NC

Robert Aitken, M.D.

Institute of Occupational Medicine

NanoSafe Europe

Edinburgh, UK

William Gulledge

American Chemistry Council

Arlington, VA

James Melius, M.D., Dr.P.H.

Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North 

America

Albany, NY

Michael Ellenbecker, Ph.D.

University of Massachusetts

Lowell, MA

Kristen Kulinowski, Ph.D.

Rice University

Houston, TX

Lawrence Gibbs, MPH

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 1

1.1 Background

Nanotechnology is a system of innovative 

methods to control and manipulate matter 

at near-atomic scale to produce new materials, structures, and devices. Nanoparticles are a specific class or subset of these 

new materials, having at least one dimension that is less than 100 nanometers. They 

exhibit unique properties because of their 

nanoscale dimensions. Nanotechnology offers the potential for tremendous improvement and advances in many areas that may 

benefit society, such as integrated sensors, 

semiconductors, medical imaging, drug 

delivery systems, structural materials, sunscreens, cosmetics, coatings, and many other uses. Nanotechnology is one of the most 

rapidly growing industries across the world. 

By 2015, the global market for nanotechnology-related products is predicted to reach $1 

trillion and employ 1 million workers in the 

United States alone [Lux 2007]. There are 

currently over 1,000 commercial products 

on the market (Figure 1).The properties of 

nanoparticles (e.g., size, surface area, reactivity) that yield many of the far reaching 

1 Introduction

Figure 1. Total nanomaterial containing products in the Wilson Center Consumer Product 

Inventory (used with permission from Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Woodrow 

Wilson International Center for Scholars)
2 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 1 ■ Introduction

societal benefits may also pose risks. Currently, increasing numbers of workers are 

potentially exposed to nanomaterials in 

research laboratories, start-up companies, 

production facilities, and in operations 

where nanomaterials are processed, used, 

disposed or recycled. The challenges are to 

determine whether the nature of intentionally produced (engineered) nanostructured 

materials and devices presents new occupational safety and health risks. At the same 

time, there is a need to address how the 

benefits of nanotechnology can be realized 

while proactively minimizing the risk.

Efforts across multiple federal agencies are 

fostering the development and use of nanotechnology. In 2001, the President’s Council of 

Advisors on Science and Technology collaborated with the interagency National Science 

and Technology Council to create the National Nanotechnology Initiative [NNI 2001]. This 

initiative supports basic and applied research 

and development in nanotechnology to create 

new nanomaterials and to disseminate new 

technical capabilities to industry. The purpose 

of the NNI is to facilitate scientific breakthroughs and maintain U.S. competitiveness 

in nanoscience. A stated goal of this interagency program is to ensure that nanotechnology 

research leads to the responsible development 

of beneficial applications by giving high priority to research on societal implications, human health, and environmental issues related 

to nanotechnology.

The National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the Federal 

agency responsible for conducting research 

and making recommendations to prevent 

work-related injury, illness, and death. 

NIOSH is a member of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) 

Subcommittee of the National Science and 

Technology Council. As such, NIOSH is 

active in (1) identifying critical issues related to possible hazards of nanomaterials, 

(2) protecting worker safety and health in 

this emerging technology, and (3) developing a strategic plan to address such issues 

and recommend prevention strategies for 

the safe handling and use of nanomaterials.

A nanotechnology researcher creating a slurry 

of carbon nanotubes. (Image courtesy of Mark 

Methner, NIOSH)

An electron micrograph of the personal breathing 

zone sample collected from the researcher 

spraying the carbon nanotube slurry
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 3

Chapter 1 ■ Introduction

Because of their small size and large surface 

area, engineered nanoparticles have chemical, physical, and biological properties distinctly different than fine particles of similar 

chemical composition. Such properties may 

include a high rate of pulmonary deposition, 

the ability to travel from the lung to systemic 

sites, the ability to penetrate dermal barriers, 

and a high inflammatory potency per mass. 

At a time when materials and commercial 

applications are being conceived, NIOSH is 

positioned well to proactively identify, assess, and resolve potential safety and health 

issues posed by nanotechnology. NIOSH 

has 38 years of experience in conducting 

research and formulating recommendations for occupational safety and health. 

During this period, NIOSH has developed 

considerable expertise in measuring, characterizing, and evaluating new processes 

and new materials by conducting quantitative exposure assessments and evaluating 

health effects. NIOSH also has expertise in 

developing control systems and prevention 

strategies for incidental nanoparticles (e.g., 

diesel exhaust, welding fume, smelter fume, 

and fire smoke particles). NIOSH will reapply this experience to address similar issues 

for engineered nanoparticles.

In 2004, NIOSH created the Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) to identify 

critical issues, create a strategic plan for 

investigating these issues, coordinate the 

NIOSH research effort, develop research 

partnerships, and disseminate information 

gained. The NTRC is comprised of nanotechnology-related activities and projects 

consisting of and supported by more than 

30 scientists from various NIOSH divisions and laboratories. Through the NTRC, 

NIOSH has identified 10 critical research 

areas for nanotechnology research and 

communication. These 10 critical research 

areas are: (1) toxicity and internal dose, 

(2) measurement methods, (3) exposure 

assessment, (4) epidemiology and surveillance, (5) risk assessment, (6) engineering 

controls and personal protective equipment 

(PPE), (7) fire and explosion safety, (8) recommendations and guidance, (9) communication and information, and (10) applications. By working in these critical research 

areas, NIOSH has comprehensively begun 

to address the information and knowledge 

gaps necessary to protect workers and responsibly move nanotechnology forward 

so that its far-reaching benefits may be realized. A summary of research projects may 

be found in Appendix A. 

Congruent with the efforts of the NTRC 

are the efforts of the NIOSH Office of Extramural Programs (OEP). OEP uses several 

mechanisms (R01, R21, R43/44) for funding 

research*

. OEP funding of nanotechnologyrelated research has been undertaken to help 

increase the knowledge of nanotechnology 

and engineered nanomaterials as they relate 

to occupational safety and health. Research 

areas supported by NIOSH OEP include 

emission and exposure assessment methods 

for nanoparticles in the workplace, toxicology of engineered nanomaterials, and the 

use of nanotechnology for improved workplace monitoring. 

NIOSH is working strategically to address the 

10 critical research areas through active intramural and extramural research programs and 

collaborations. NIOSH is committed to conducting and supporting studies that will improve scientists’ abilities to identify potential 

occupational health effects of nanomaterials. 

NIOSH will facilitate the translation of those 

findings into effective workplace practices. 

*NIOSH Office of Extramural Programs: http://www.cdc.

gov/oep
4 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 1 ■ Introduction

1.2 NIOSH Logic Model

Like other scientific organizations, NIOSH 

can be described by a model of the way it 

functions to solve identified problems under various conditions. The overall NIOSH 

logic model is presented in Figure 2. It has a 

conventional horseshoe shape with the operational upper branch proceeding from inputs to outcomes and with the strategic lower branch proceeding from strategic goals to 

management objectives. Both branches are 

correlated vertically and are subject to external factors. 

The NIOSH research program begins with 

an analysis of production and planning inputs and follows the NIOSH operational 

model (Figure 3). This analysis determines 

what can and should be done and thereby 

identifies research priorities. Intramural 

and extramural researchers present their 

project proposals which receive appropriate 

internal and external review and are funded based on proposal merits. Research activities produce outputs such as published 

materials, oral presentations, training and 

educational materials, tools, methods, and 

technologies. NIOSH research outputs are 

transferred directly to the final customers 

and partners (who implement improvements in workplace safety and health) or 

to intermediate customers (who transform 

further NIOSH outputs and produce intermediate outcomes). These intermediate 

outcomes such as pilot technologies, training programs, and regulations and standards are forwarded to the final customers. 

Since NIOSH is not a regulatory agency, 

it relies heavily on efforts by intermediate and final customers to achieve ultimate 

outcomes in the form of workplace safety 

and health improvements. Effectiveness in 

achieving these ultimate outcomes is influenced at all stages of program operation 

by both external factors (such as economic 

and social conditions) and the regulatory 

environment. Results of NIOSH-funded research and customer feedback (intermediate and final) contribute to the subsequent 

rounds of program planning. 

Figure 2. Schematic of the overall NIOSH logic model

Inputs Activities Outputs Customers Outcomes 

Operations

Intermediate 

Goals

Mission

Strategic 

Goals

Strategy and design

Annual 

Goals

Management 

Objectives

External factors
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 5

Chapter 1 ■ Introduction

Figure 3. Schematic of the NIOSH operational model

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 7

2.1 Congressional Mandate

In the Occupational Safety and Health Act 

of 1970 (OSH Act, Public Law 91–596) and 

the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 

1977 (FMSH Act, Public Law 95–164), Congress declared that its purpose was to assure, 

insofar as possible, safe and healthful working conditions for every working man and 

woman to preserve our human resources. 

In these Acts, NIOSH is given the responsibility for recommending occupational 

safety and health standards and describing 

exposures that are safe for various periods 

of employment. These include (but are 

not limited to) the exposures at which no 

worker will suffer diminished health, functional capacity, or life expectancy as a result 

of his or her work experience. By means of 

criteria documents and other publications, 

NIOSH communicates these recommended 

standards to regulatory agencies such as the 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health 

Administration (MSHA), and others in the 

occupational safety and health community. 

Occupational safety and health research for 

the mining industry was part of the U.S. 

Bureau of Mines (Department of the Interior) until 1996 when those functions were 

transferred to NIOSH as the Office for Mine 

Safety and Health Research.

Under the OSH Act, NIOSH is charged 

with conducting “research, experiments, 

and demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health” and with developing “innovative methods, techniques, 

and approaches for dealing with [those] 

problems.” The Act specifies target areas of 

research that include identifying criteria for 

setting worker exposure standards and exploring problems created by new technology in the workplace. In an amendment to 

the Act, NIOSH was given responsibility for 

conducting training and education “to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out the purposes of the Act” and 

for assisting employers and workers with 

applying methods to prevent occupational 

injuries and illness (Section 21 of the Act).

2.2 Stakeholders’ Input

As it follows from the OSH Act and the FMSH 

Act, the major stakeholders of NIOSH are 

the U.S. government (especially OSHA and 

MSHA), workers, employers, occupational 

safety and health practitioners and researchers, and the general public. NIOSH receives 

input through formal committees such as the 

NIOSH Board of Scientific Counselors, the 

National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, and the Mine Safety 

and Health Research Advisory Committee 

and through ad hoc mechanisms such as 

the NIOSH Web site (www.cdc.gov/niosh), 

the NIOSH toll-free telephone line (1–800–

CDC–INFO), personal contacts with occupational safety and health professionals, 

and participation in professional conferences 

and interagency committees. NIOSH also 

provides stewardship of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) (http://

www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora), which is a framework to guide occupational safety and health 

research into the new millennium—not only 

2 Inputs
8 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 2 ■ Inputs

for NIOSH but for the entire occupational 

safety and health community.

The importance of Occupational Safety and 

Health issues to nanotechnology has been 

emphasized by the interagency working 

group on Nanotechnology Environmental 

and Health Implications (NEHI), under the 

NSET Subcommittee. NIOSH was formally 

invited to join the NEHI in 2004, and this 

interagency effort has consistently encouraged NIOSH to recognize nanotechnology 

as one of its research priorities.

The importance of research on the occupational safety and health issues for nanotechnology was further stressed at the National Academies Review of the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative held on March 

24–25, 2005. Richard Denison (Environmental Defense) and Carol Henry (American Chemistry Council), in their presentations to the National Academies review 

panel, called for an increase in federal funding of 10%, or $100 million, to address the 

environmental, safety, and health issues of 

the nanotechnology industries. These calls 

were further reiterated in a statement by 

Fred Krupp (President, Environmental Defense) and Chad Holliday (Chairman and 

CEO, DuPont) which was published in the 

June 14, 2005, issue of the Wall Street Journal: “An early and open examination of the 

potential risks of a new product or technology is not just good sense—it’s good business strategy. . . . [G]overnment spending 

on nanotechnology should be reprioritized 

so that approximately 10% goes to [health 

and environmental risk].” E. Floyd Kvamme 

(Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology), who was 

charged with guiding the NNI, stated in the 

June 24, 2005, issue of the Wall Street Journal that findings “indicated that the primary 

area for immediate concern is in the workplace, where nanomaterials are being used 

or manufactured and where there is the 

greatest likelihood for exposures.” In 2008, 

the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) specifically 

recommended “continuing acceleration of 

NIOSH funding, particularly for exposure 

assessment in the context of manufacturing 

and disposal of nanomaterials and products incorporating relevant quantities of 

nanomaterials” (PCAST, Addendum to the 

National Nanotechnology Initiative: Second 

Assessment and Recommendations of the 

National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel, 

July 2008, available at http://www.ostp.

gov/galleries/PCAST/PCAST%20Addendum%20Letter.pdf).

Recognizing the importance of this research 

area and of interagency collaboration, John 

Marburger (Director of the U.S. Office of 

Science and Technology Policy) and Joshua 

Bolten (Director of the Office of Management and Budget) instructed the federal 

government “to ensure that nanotechnology research leads to the responsible development of beneficial applications, high 

priority should be given to research on 

societal implications, human health, and 

environmental issues related to nanotechnology, and to develop, where applicable, 

cross-agency approaches to the funding 

and execution of this research” (July 8, 2005 

memorandum for the Heads of Executive 

Departments and Agencies).

The NEHI working group 2006 publication 

Environmental, Health, and Safety Research 

Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials 

served as the basis for the NNI 2007 Strategy 

for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, 

Health and Safety Research and identified 

five priority environmental health and safety 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 9

Chapter 2 ■ Inputs

research needs: (1) instrumentation, metrology, and analytical methods, (2) nanomaterials and human health, (3) nanomaterials and the environment, (4) health and 

environmental exposure assessment, and 

(5) risk management methods (Appendix 

B) [NNI 2007]. The NIOSH NTRC goals are 

reflective of these five priority environmental, health and safety areas.

NIOSH has also fostered stakeholder input 

with trade associations, professional associations, labor, and nongovernmental organizations. These collaborations have provided expertise and resources critical for successfully 

reviewing research and for developing and 

disseminating health and safety information 

on engineered nanoparticles. Some of the 

ongoing NIOSH NTRC stakeholders include 

the American Industrial Hygiene Association 

(AIHA), American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), International Safety Equipment Association and National Safety Council (NSC) (Appendix C).

2.3 NIOSH Research 

Capabilities

The first-class research capability of NIOSH 

is an integral part of management’s inputs 

to the nanotechnology program. Within its 

divisions, NIOSH has world renowned researchers who are trained and experienced 

in the full spectrum of necessary disciplines 

ranging from epidemiology to intervention 

effectiveness. Sections 3 and 5 of this document describe current NIOSH research 

activities including publications on nanomaterials and NIOSH-sponsored meetings 

and conferences. In addition to their highly 

qualified research staff, NIOSH has significant laboratory capabilities in particle measurement, collection and characterization, 

particle surface analysis, measurement of 

particle surface radicals and activity, and 

in vitro and in vivo analysis of toxicity and 

pathogenesis. These laboratories are located 

in Spokane, Washington; Cincinnati, Ohio; 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Morgantown, 

West Virginia. NIOSH researchers work 

closely with a broad range of scientists from 

industry, academia, and other government 

agencies. NIOSH involvement in national 

and international initiatives and programs 

is an important component of its capacity 

to address critical occupational safety and 

health issues in nanotechnology.

2.4 NIOSH Partnerships 

NIOSH recognizes both the practical need 

and the leadership obligation to extend its 

internal capability by leveraging activities 

and expertise found in other research institutions, industries, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. These partnerships serve to deliver on multiple objectives; 

most importantly, they add to the body of 

knowledge on workplace health and safety 

issues associated with nanotechnology. Partnerships have taken several forms, ranging 

from formal letters or memoranda of understanding to informal working agreements on 

a specific topic. NIOSH will continue to pursue partnerships as a means of achieving the 

goals of this strategic research plan and as an 

effective vehicle to develop and disseminate 

research results that can be translated into 

practice that will lead to the positive impact 

of helping nanotechnology move forward responsibly.

NIOSH has successfully used partnerships 

with industry specific to nanomaterial production, to gain a better understanding of 

actual workplace exposures, practices, and 

controls that are in place. The field work that 

is conducted by NIOSH to assess exposures 
10 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 2 ■ Inputs

to engineered nanomaterials represents ongoing partnerships with numerous companies. NIOSH will continue to develop 

these partnerships in order to receive input 

on accomplishing its objectives of developing recommendations for the safe handling 

of nanomaterials; developing methods to 

measure exposures to nanoparticles; evaluating controls that are, or could be, used in 

nanomaterial processes; evaluating the need 

for and the effectiveness of PPE including 

respiratory protection; and developing communication and information materials that 

will assist industry in communicating with 

workers and the public. Several of the industrial partnerships NIOSH has developed have 

provided opportunities from the beginning 

of the nanotechnology program to identify 

areas where additional research was needed. 

Collaboration with other research institutes, 

academia, and government provides NIOSH 

the opportunity to combine its expertise in 

workplace health and safety with the capabilities of other organizations that are investigating a specific element of the research 

that is needed. Developing working relationships with other research institutes provides NIOSH with the information needed 

to guide its own research and focus its limited resources in the most effective manner. 

NIOSH has developed partnerships in the 

areas of toxicology, risk assessment modeling, exposure measurement methods, control technologies, filtration of nanoparticles, 

and communication of research results and 

safe work practices. 

NIOSH broadens its activities with a wide 

variety of collaborators and stakeholders 

by its participation in a number of national 

and international committees and working 

groups. This participation provides NIOSH 

the opportunity to provide and receive input on the key research that is needed to address priority areas. 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 11

3.1 NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Research Center (NTRC)

Vision of the NTRC

The vision of the NTRC is as follows:

Safe nanotechnology by delivering on the 

Nation’s promise—safety and health at 

work for all people through research and 

prevention.

Mission of the NTRC

The mission of the NTRC is to provide national and world leadership for research and 

guidance into the implications of nanoparticles and nanomaterials for work-related 

injury and illness, and the application of 

nanoparticles and nanomaterials in occupational safety and health.

3.2 NTRC Steering Committee

The NTRC Steering Committee is responsible for guiding NIOSH scientific and organizational plans in nanotechnology research (including coordination for science 

and budget) and for developing strategic 

goals and objectives and performance measures for the NTRC. To ensure the responsiveness, relevance, and impact of NIOSH’s 

nanotechnology program, appropriate representatives of its nanotechnology research 

program meet in person on an annual basis to update strategic planning for nanotechnology research. At these meetings, the 

critical occupational safety and health issues 

arising from nanotechnology are reviewed 

and updated as appropriate. Regular updates and progress reporting is managed 

through weekly teleconferences conducted 

by the NTRC. In addition, meetings are held 

with appropriate stakeholders at least every 

other year.

3.3 Current NIOSH Intramural 

Nanotechnology Research 

Activities

Current NIOSH research activities in nanotechnology are focused on occupational 

safety and health implications. NIOSH has 

expertise in developing control systems 

and prevention strategies for incidental 

nanoparticles (e.g., diesel exhaust, welding 

fume, smelter fume, and fire smoke particles). NIOSH is using this experience to address similar hazard, risk, and control issues 

for engineered nanoparticles. It appears that 

nanomaterials that are presently manufactured and subsequently introduced into 

products have no major physical features 

that would make them behave differently 

from fine or ultrafine particles in terms of 

the ability to control them in the workplace 

[Methner 2008]. However, the limits of this 

assumption need continued evaluation. Data 

from ongoing and proposed studies with 

engineered nanoparticles are being used to 

determine nanoparticle exposure concentrations in the workplace, hazards posed 

by nanomaterials, and the risk of adverse 

health effects from occupational exposures 

to nanomaterials. Studies are also providing data on the characteristics of nanomaterials produced and used in the workplace, 

routes of exposure, work practices, and 

3 Activities
12 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 3 ■ Activities

engineering controls. Findings from these 

intramural studies are providing scientific 

data to support the development of occupational safety and health recommendations. 

The timeline for conducting these research 

activities with individual research projects is 

given in Appendix A. 

3.4 Current NIOSH Extramural 

Nanotechnology Research 

Activities

The NIOSH Office of Extramural Programs 

(OEP) manages the competitive process for 

awarding occupational safety and health 

grants and cooperative agreements to the 

research community outside the Institute. 

This process includes peer review, program 

relevance, and priorities from the National 

Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), the 

NIOSH Research to Practice (r2p) initiative, 

congressional mandates, and sector, crosssector or coordinated emphasis areas of the 

NIOSH Program Portfolio (http://www.cdc.

gov/niosh/programs).

From 2001 to 2009, the Office of Extramural 

Programs (OEP) has funded nanotechnology research through Occupational Safety 

and Health Research Program Announcements (R01) and Small Business Innovation 

Research Grants (R43/44). Since FY05, OEP 

has also participated in two joint Requests 

for Applications (RFAs) for Nanotechnology Research Grants Investigating Environmental and Human Health Issues. The 

US Environmental Protection Agency’s National Center for Environmental Research 

(NCER) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) participated in FY05. The National Institute of Environmental Health 

Sciences (NIEHS) joined in FY06. Funding 

was available to support Research (R01) 

grants for three years and Exploratory (R21) 

grants for two years.

In FY07, NIOSH/OEP participated in RFA–

ES–06–008 Manufactured Nanomaterials: 

Physico-chemical Principles of Biocompatibility and Toxicity. This RFA was jointly 

sponsored by NIEHS, EPA and NIOSH.

In FY09, nanotechnology related research 

proposals submitted to standing program 

announcements are being considered for 

funding by NIOSH/OEP.

From 2001–2009, NIOSH/OEP has committed about $5.2 million dollars to extramural 

nanotechnology research. Summaries of the 

projects funded by NIOSH/OEP up through 

2006 are included in the 2007 NIOSH Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace [NIOSH 2007a]. Summaries of projects 

from 2007–2008 are included in the 2009 report Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in 

the Workplace: A Report from the Nanotechnology Research Center: Project Reports for 

2007–2008 [NIOSH 2009c]. NIOSH/OEP 

plans to continue collaborative efforts with 

EPA/NCER, NSF, NIH/NIEHS, and other 

international agencies to support nanotechnology research with occupational safety 

and health implications. OEP will continue 

to confer with the NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Research Center regarding issues, gaps, and 

future directions.

3.5 Collaborative Workshops

In FY05, NIOSH co-sponsored the 1st International Symposium on Nanotechnology 

and Occupational Health in Buxton, United Kingdom, and The First International 

Conference on Nanotoxicology: Biomedical Aspects in Miami, FL. In FY06, NIOSH 

co-sponsored the 2nd International Symposium on Nanotechnology and Health in 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 13

Chapter 3 ■ Activities

Minneapolis, MN. In FY07, NIOSH collaborated with the International Aerosol Research 

Assembly and the American Association for 

Aerosol Research to hold an International 

Symposium on Nanotechnology and Health 

in conjunction with the International Aerosol Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 

FY07, NIOSH and the University of Cincinnati co-sponsored the International Conference on Nanotechnology Occupational and 

Environmental Health and Safety: Research 

to Practice, in Cincinnati, OH. In FY07, 

NIOSH convened a collaborative workshop 

including representatives from government, 

academia, labor, and industry in Washington, DC, to review a draft document developed by NIOSH and a cross agency work 

group, titled Interim Guidelines on Medical 

Screening of Workers Potentially Exposed to 

Engineered Nanoparticles. In FY07, NIOSH 

co-sponsored the 3rd International Symposium on Nanotechnology Safety & Health in 

Taipei, Taiwan. In FY08, NIOSH participated 

in the planning of the 4th International Congress on Nanotechnology Safety and Health 

held in August 2009, in Helsinki, Finland. In 

FY08, NIOSH co-sponsored The Second International Conference on Nanotoxicology 

in Zurich, Switzerland and Organization for 

Economic Co-operation and Development 

workshop on Exposure Assessment and Exposure Mitigation in Frankfurt, Germany. In 

FY09, NIOSH co-sponsored a National Institute of Standards and Technology Workshop 

on Enabling Standards for Nanomaterial 

Characterization in Gaithersburg, MD.

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 15

4.1 Goals and the Risk 

Management Continuum

A complete process for managing occupational safety and health implications during 

the development of new technologies and 

materials consists of a set of progressive elements: identifying and characterizing the 

hazard, assessing the extent of exposure, 

characterizing the risk, and developing control and management procedures [Schulte 

et al. 2008]. As exposure assessment data 

become available, a determination can be 

made whether or not an occupational risk 

exists, and if so, the risk can be assessed and 

characterized. A goal of the risk characterization is to determine whether exposure to 

a given technology or type of material (in 

this case, nanomaterials) is likely to result in 

adverse health effects. Exposure assessment 

data also provide a means to determine what 

controls are effective in preventing exposure that could cause adverse health effects. 

The NIOSH NTRC is involved in answering questions posed in each element in the 

risk management process. Figure 4 provides 

a visual representation of the risk management process and the NIOSH research associated with each step. 

NIOSH has begun to address its NTRC strategic goals through the initiation of research 

to address each element of the risk management process as illustrated in Figure 4. The 

problem is that it is difficult to proceed in 

a classic step by step research approach in 

a timely manner to address the elements of 

hazard identification through risk management because new nanomaterials continue 

to be introduced into the workplace and the 

workforce exposed to these materials becomes more diversified. The challenge has 

been to conduct research to address knowledge gaps while drawing on all available information to provide interim occupational 

safety and health guidance. Toxicological 

research is an important element of the 

risk management paradigm that frequently 

forms the foundation for occupational safety and health recommendations. NIOSH 

has identified this as a high priority and will 

continue to conduct research to identify the 

critical routes of exposure (respiratory and 

skin), their targets (lungs, cardiovascular, 

skin, brain, systemic), health outcomes, and 

mechanisms of action for specific nanomaterials. Concurrent with this research, 

research is being conducted on measuring 

nanoparticles in air, determining what measures are appropriate, and using this information in field assessments to determine 

what workers are at risk for exposure. Parallel efforts have also been undertaken to address the control of airborne nanoparticles, 

nanotubes and nanofibers and the strengths 

and weaknesses of control approaches. 

Similar efforts are underway for personal 

protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators and gloves. While the primary focus 

of research will be to address the elements 

of “hazard identification” “hazard characterization” and “exposure assessment” of the 

risk management paradigm, the level of research will be limited by available resources. 

Thus, the focus of research from year-toyear may change based on available resources and the need to address specific knowledge gaps. As findings of field investigations 

4 Goals
16 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Figure 4. Steps to protect workers involved with nanotechnology
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 17

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

and laboratory research become available 

the information will be used to develop and 

update guidance for evaluating and managing potential nanotechnology risks.

The strategic goals are being addressed by 

conducting research in the 10 critical research areas identified by the NIOSH NTRC: 

(1) toxicity and internal dose, (2) measurement methods, (3) exposure assessment, 

(4) epidemiology and surveillance, (5) risk 

assessment, (6) engineering controls and 

PPE, (7) fire and explosion safety, (8)recommendations and guidance, (9) communication and information, and (10) applications. 

Research conducted in each of the critical 

areas is intended to address specific intermediate goals and performance measures (see 

Section 4.3). Additionally, since the fourth 

strategic goal “Enhance global workplace 

safety and health through national and international collaborations on nanotechnology research and guidance” cross-cuts all 10 

critical research areas, intermediate goals 

were developed for this area. Ongoing and 

projected research within each of the 10 

critical research areas through 2012 is described in Appendix A. Projected research 

for 2009–2012 has been coalesced to focus 

on specific research priorities (see section 

4.4). As knowledge gaps are filled and as resources become available these research priorities could change.

4.2 Coordination with the 

National Nanotechnology 

Initiative

NIOSH participates in the National Nanotechnology Initiative’s (NNI) “Strategy for 

Mixer/sonicator/attrition mill within ventilated enclosure (Image courtesy of Mark Methner, NIOSH)
18 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Nanotechnology Environmental Health and 

Safety Research.” Table 1 shows the alignment of the four NIOSH NTRC strategic 

goals and the 10 NTRC critical research areas with the NNI environmental health and 

safety (EHS) priority research needs (see 

Appendix B). Planned projects within each 

of the 10 NIOSH critical research areas meet 

one or more of the four NIOSH Strategic 

Goals. A check mark () means that a goal 

is addressed by projects within the critical 

research area. Alpha-numerical identifications indicate alignment of the NIOSH critical research goals with the NNI EHS priority environmental health and safety areas.

4.3 Strategic Goals, 

Intermediate Goals and 

Activity/Output Goals

The NIOSH Nanotechnology Research 

Center (NTRC) has developed the following 

strategic goals based on inputs from stakeholders and partners:

Strategic Goal 1 (PPNANSG1).

Determine if nanoparticles and nanomaterials pose risks for work-related injuries and 

illnesses.

Intermediate Goal 1.1 (PPNANIG1.1): 

Conduct research to contribute to 

the understanding of the toxicology 

and internal dose of nanomaterials.

NIOSH has studied in great detail the toxicity of incidental exposures to nanoparticles 

generated from processes involving combustion, welding, or diesel engines. However, less 

is known about nanoparticles that are intentionally produced (engineered) with diameters or structures smaller than 100 nanometers. Many uncertainties exist as to whether 

the unique properties of engineered nanomaterials pose occupational health risks. 

These uncertainties arise because of gaps in 

knowledge about the potential routes of exposure, movement of nanomaterials once 

they enter the body, and the interaction of the 

materials with the body’s biological systems. 

Results from existing studies in animals and 

humans on exposure to incidental nanoscale 

and respirable particles provide preliminary 

information upon which to develop a research strategy to assess the possible adverse 

health effects from exposures to engineered 

nanomaterials.

Activity/Output Goal 1.1.1 (PPNANAOG1.1.1) 

Key factors and mechanisms. Systematically 

investigate the physical and chemical properties of particles that influence their toxicity (e.g., size, shape, surface area, solubility, 

chemical properties, and trace components). 

Evaluate acute and chronic effects in the 

lungs and in other organ systems and tissues. 

Determine rates of clearance of nanoparticles after pulmonary exposure and translocation to systemic organs; characterize 

systemic effects. Determine dermal response 

to exposure to skin and quantitative penetration of nanoparticles into skin. Determine 

the biological mechanisms for toxic effects 

Weighing carbon nanotubes in an exhausted enclosure (Image courtesy of Mark Methner, NIOSH)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 19

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Table 1. Alignment of critical research areas with the four strategic goals of the NIOSH 

NTRC and the NNI EHS priority environmental health and safety areas

NIOSH NTRC 

strategic goals

Determine if 

nanoparticles and 

nanomaterials pose 

risks for workrelated injuries and 

illnesses

Conduct research 

on applying nanotechnology to the 

prevention of workrelated injuries and 

illnesses1

Promote healthy 

workplaces 

through interventions, recommendations, and 

capacity building

Enhance global 

workplace safety 

and health1

Toxicity and internal dose

3

, A24, B1, B2, 

B3, B4, B5



Measurement 

methods

, A1, A2, A3, A4, 

A5, B2

 , E1 

Exposure assessment2

, A1, A2, D1, D4, 

D5, E1, E2

, E2 

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

, D1, D2, D3, 

D4, E4

, E4 

Risk 

assessment

, A2, B1, B2, D4, 

E3

, E3, E5 

Engineering controls and PPE

, D5  , E1 

Fire and explosion 

safety

, A2 

Recommendations 

and guidance

, E1, E5 

Communication 

and information

, E1, E5 

Applications  

1

The NNI EHS plan does not address applications or global activities pertaining to environmental health 

and safety of nanomaterials. However the NIOSH efforts described herein are consistent with the overall NNI strategy which does identify international opportunities for collaboration.

2

NIOSH is the lead agency for the NNI EHS Strategic area on human and environmental exposure assessment.

3

A  indicates that a goal is addressed by projects within the NIOSH critical research area 4

Alpha-numeric identifications indicate alignment of the NIOSH critical research area with the specific 

NNI priority research needs (see Appendix B).
20 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

(e.g., role of oxidant stress), including from 

mixed exposures, and how the key chemical and physical factors may influence these 

mechanisms. Determine if nanoparticles are 

genotoxic/carcinogenic.

Performance measure 1.1.1 Determine the 

pulmonary response (dose dependence and 

time course) to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) within the next two years and 

multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) 

within the next three years. Determine the cardiovascular response to pulmonary exposure 

to SWCNT and ultrafine titanium dioxide 

within the next two years. Determine the pulmonary deposition and fate of SWCNT within 

the next two years and MWCNT and ultrafine 

titanium dioxide within the next three years. 

Determine the in vitro effects of SWCNT and 

metal oxide nanoparticles on skin cells within 

the next two years and the in vivo effects of 

topical exposure within the next three years. 

Determine the genotoxic and carcinogenic 

effects of SWCNT within the next four years. 

Determine the central nervous system effects 

of pulmonary exposure to nanoparticles within the next four years. Determine the pulmonary and systemic effects of other nanoparticles with the next five years. These results will 

elucidate toxicological mechanisms over the 

next five years.

Activity/Output Goal 1.1.2 (PPNANAOG1.1.2) 

Predictive models for toxicity. Integrate 

mechanistic models (including animal models and in vitro screening tests) for assessing 

the potential toxicity of new nanomaterials 

and provide a basis for developing predictive algorithms for structure/function relationships and comparative toxicity analyses 

for risk assessment. Evaluate the relationship between in vitro and in vivo responses, 

the relevance of instillation or aspiration 

exposure to inhalation, and the relevance of 

animal studies to human response.

Performance measure 1.1.2 Determine the 

role of oxidant-generating potential in bioactivity of metal oxide nanoparticles and 

carbon nanotubes over the next three years. 

Determine the role of shape (nanospheres 

vs. nanowires) in bioactivity over the next 

three years. Determine the role of carbon 

nanotube diameter and length in bioactivity over the next four years. Develop in vitro assays for oxidant generation, fibrogenic 

potential, and ability to cause endothelial 

dysfunction over the next four years. These 

results will address the development of predictive algorithms for toxicity over the next 

five years.

Activity/Output Goal 1.1.3 (PPNANAOG1.1.3) 

Metrics of dose. Determine whether (1) particle number, surface area, or other measure 

of bioavailability or bioactivity is a more appropriate dose metric for toxicity than mass 

or (2) other measures of bioavailability may 

be useful (e.g., an integrated measure of retention, solubility, oxidant-generating potential, surface area, and binding reactivity for 

proteins/lipids).

Performance measure 1.1.3 Determine the 

pulmonary response to exposure to fine vs. ultrafine particles using both mass and surface 

area as the dose metric. Determine the role of 

oxidant generation in the bioactivity of metal 

oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes. 

These results will address issues of most appropriate dose metric over the next three years.

Activity/Output Goal 1.1.4 (PPNANAOG1.1.4) 

Internal dose. Determine the fate, clearance, 

and persistence of nanomaterials in the body 

(i.e., pulmonary, lymphatics, blood/systemic, 

brain) including possible de-agglomeration 

of nanoparticle agglomerates into primary 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 21

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

particles and translocation of nanomaterials 

from the lung to systemic organs.

Performance measure 1.1.4 Develop methods to label carbon nanotubes and track their 

pulmonary deposition and fate (i.e., clearance, 

interstitialization, and translocation) with 

time post-exposure. Use chemical analysis to 

track the deposition and fate of metal oxide 

nanoparticles. These results will address issues 

of internal dose over the next five years.

Intermediate Goal 1.2 (PPNANIG1.2): 

Conduct research to evaluate measurement methods for nanomaterials.

Scientifically credible measurement methods 

are essential in order to effectively anticipate, 

recognize, evaluate, and control potential 

occupational exposures from current and 

emerging nanotechnologies. Traditional measurement approaches, such as determining 

total and respirable dust concentrations, may 

not be adequate for analyzing nanomaterials 

due to their unique physical, chemical, and 

biological properties.

Activity/Output Goal 1.2.1 (PPNANAOG1.2.1) 

Extend existing measurement methods.

Evaluate current methods for measuring 

airborne mass concentrations of respirable 

particles in the workplace and determine 

whether these mass-based methods can be 

used as an interim approach for measuring 

nanomaterials in the workplace and to maintain continuity with historical methods.

Performance measure 1.2.1 Within three 

years evaluate the correlation between particle number, surface area, mass, and particle size distribution airborne measurement 

results and provide guidance for sampler 

selection based on the nanomaterial of interest. Continue to conduct measurement 

studies of nanoparticles in the workplace 

over the next five years and establish a suite 

of instruments and protocols for nanoparticle measurement in the workplace. Continue with refining the NIOSH method 5040 

specifications for the collection and analysis 

of elemental and organic carbon for application to the collection and analysis of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers.

Activity/Output Goal 1.2.2 (PPNANAOG1.2.2) 

Develop new measurement methods. Expand the currently available instrumentation by developing and field testing methods 

that can accurately measure workplace airborne exposure concentrations of nanomaterials using metrics associated with toxicity 

(e.g., particle surface area, particle number).

Performance measure 1.2.2 Support at least 

three research projects over the next three 

years with the goal of creating a measurement method that can be correlated with 

the metrics associated with toxicity. Within 

five years develop a handheld fast-response 

nanoparticle monitor and software for spatial mapping of nanoparticles.

Activity/Output Goal 1.2.3 (PPNANAOG1.2.3) 

Validation of measurement methods. Develop testing and evaluation systems for 

comparison and validation of nanoparticle 

sampling instruments and methods.

Performance measure 1.2.3 Within three 

years publish procedures for validation of 

nanoparticle sampling instruments and 

methods.

Activity/Output Goal 1.2.4 (PPNANAOG1.2.4) 

Standard reference materials. Identify and 

qualify scientifically credible, nanoscale certified reference materials (RMs) with assigned physical and/or chemical values for 

use in evaluating measurement tools, instruments, and methods.
22 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Performance measure 1.2.4 Within three 

years strengthen interactions with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to identify commercially available RMs 

and perform coherent research to identify, 

develop, and qualify nanoscale RMs and 

benchmark materials for evaluating measurement tools, instruments, and methods.

Intermediate Goal 1.3 (PPNANIG1.3): 

Conduct nanomaterial workplace 

exposure assessments.

Exposure assessment is a critical component 

in determining whether nanomaterials pose 

occupational safety or health risks. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct exposure assessments in the workplace to identify the 

ways that workers may be exposed to nanomaterials, the amount of exposure that may 

occur, and the frequency of potential exposure. Without workplace exposure data, it is 

difficult to accurately characterize the work 

environment, identify sources that are emitting nanomaterials, or estimate the amount 

of nanoparticle exposure that workers may 

receive. In addition, exposure data can be beneficial when making decisions concerning risk 

management or evaluating the effectiveness of 

engineering controls and work practices in reducing worker exposures.

Activity/Output Goal 1.3.1 (PPNANAOG1.3.1) 

Fate of nanomaterials in the work environment. Determine the key factors influencing 

the generation, dispersion, deposition, and 

re-entrainment of nanomaterials in the workplace, including the role of mixed exposures.

Performance measure 1.3.1 Support at least 

12 research projects (industry exposure assessments) over the next three years to assess the fate of nanomaterials in the work 

environment.

Activity/Output Goal 1.3.2 (PPNANAOG1.3.2) 

Worker exposures. Quantitatively assess exposures to nanomaterials in the workplace 

including inhalation and dermal exposure. 

Determine how exposures differ by work task 

or process.

Performance measure 1.3.2 Within three 

years develop a baseline worker exposure assessment that identifies how exposures differ by work task or process.

Intermediate Goal 1.4 (PPNANIG1.4): 

Conduct epidemiologic research and 

evaluate surveillance of nanomaterial workers.

Currently, human studies of exposure and 

response to engineered nanomaterials are 

not available. Gaps in knowledge and understanding of nanomaterials must be filled 

before epidemiologic studies can be performed. For example, improvements in exposure assessment will allow researchers to 

identify groups of workers likely exposed to 

nanomaterials. In turn, health studies conducted on these worker-groups can provide useful information about the potential 

health risks associated with nanomaterials. 

Until such studies can be conducted effectively, studies of humans exposed to other 

aerosols (i.e., larger respirable particles) can 

be used to evaluate the potential health risks 

to airborne nanomaterials.

Activity/Output Goal 1.4.1 (PPNANAOG1.4.1) 

Evaluate current knowledge. Critically evaluate existing exposure and health data for 

workers employed in workplaces where nanomaterials are produced and used. Determine 

what is known about exposure response to 

existing nanomaterials, evaluate the applicability of this information to new nanomateri-
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 23

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

als, and identify data gaps and epidemiological 

research needs.

Performance measure 1.4.1 Over the next 

three years, seek input from a collaborative 

working group made up of representatives 

from industry, government, academia, and 

labor concerning the value and utility of establishing exposure registries for workers potentially exposed to engineered nanoparticles.

Activity/Output Goal 1.4.2 (PPNANAOG1.4.2) 

New epidemiological studies. Evaluate the 

need for and feasibility of initiating epidemiological or other health studies in workers exposed to existing nanomaterials (e.g., 

carbon black) or producing and using new 

(engineered) nanomaterials.

Performance measure 1.4.2 Over the next 

three years assess the feasibility of industrywide exposure and epidemiological studies of 

workers exposed to engineered nanomaterials.

Activity/Output Goal 1.4.3 (PPNANAOG1.4.3) 

Surveillance. Integrate nanotechnology safety and health issues into existing hazard surveillance mechanisms. Determine whether 

these mechanisms are adequate or whether 

additional screening or surveillance methods 

are needed.

Performance measure 1.4.3 Update within 

three years the recommendations given in 

the NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 60 

“Interim Guidance for the Medical Screening 

and Hazard Surveillance of Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles” 

[NIOSH 2009]. Investigate the feasibility of 

establishing a registry of workers exposed to 

engineered nanoparticles.

Activity/Output Goal 1.4.4 (PPNANAOG1.4.4) 

Nanotechnology health information systems. Build on existing public health geographical information systems (GIS) and 

infrastructure to enable effective and economical development and sharing of nanotechnology safety and health data.

Performance measure 1.4.4 By 2012 create 

a GIS infrastructure populated with nanotechnology exposure data.

Intermediate Goal 1.5 (PPNANIG1.5): 

Conduct a risk assessment for high 

volume nanomaterials.

In the context of occupational safety and 

health, risk assessment can be described as 

a scientific evaluation of the potential for 

adverse health and safety effects to workers 

exposed to hazardous substances. When assessing risk, it must be determined whether 

a hazard is present and the extent to which a 

worker is likely to be exposed to the hazard. 

Risk involves both the presence of a hazardous agent and the potential for exposure to 

that agent. Quantitative and qualitative risk 

assessment methods are used to evaluate risk.

Activity/Output Goal 1.5.1 (PPNANAOG1.5.1). 

Evaluate current studies. Determine to 

what extent current exposure-response data 

(human or animal) for fine and ultrafine 

particles may be used to identify and assess 

potential occupational hazards and risks to 

nanomaterials.

Performance measure 1.5.1 Within three 

years complete a quantitative risk assessment 

(QRA) on ultrafine and fine materials from 

existing studies. Evaluate QRA methods for 

nanomaterials. Start QRA for nanoparticles 

using new NIOSH data. Use NIOSH nanoparticle data to calibrate and validate dosimetry 

models for nanoparticles. 

Activity/Output Goal 1.5.2 (PPNANAOG1.5.2) 

Risk assessment framework. Develop a risk 

assessment framework for evaluating the 
24 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

hazard and predicting the risk of exposure 

to nanoparticles.

Performance measure 1.5.2 Within five 

years develop a risk assessment framework to 

rank hazard and estimate risk from exposure 

to selected nanoparticles in the workplace.

Strategic Goal 2 (PPNANSG2). 

Conduct research to prevent workrelated injuries and illnesses by 

applying nanotechnology products.

Intermediate Goal 2.1 (PPNANIG2.1): 

Conduct research to evaluate potential 

applications of nanomaterials for 

occupational safety and health.

The unique properties and characteristics of 

nanomaterials may provide the basis for innovative new devices, products, or processes 

to reduce risks of work-related injuries and 

illnesses. Such innovations may have properties or capabilities that cannot be created or 

manufactured using conventional materials.

Activity/Output Goal 2.1.1 (PPNANAOG2.1.1) 

New devices and uses. Identify uses of nanotechnology in occupational safety and health.

Performance measure 2.1.1 Support at least 

three projects over the next three years to 

evaluate the application of nanotechnology 

in the manufacture of filters, respirators, and 

respirator cartridge end-of-service indicator.

Activity/Output Goal 2.1.2 (PPNANAOG2.1.2) 

Dissemination. Evaluate and disseminate 

effective nanotechnology research findings 

that may have applications to new sensors, 

PPE or other nanotechnology health and 

safety applications. 

Performance measure 2.1.2 Within five years 

publish application findings and disseminate 

findings to workers, employers, and occupational safety and health professionals.

Strategic Goal 3 (PPNANSG3). 

Promote healthy workplaces through 

interventions, recommendations, 

and capacity building.

Intermediate Goal 3.1 (PPNANIG3.1): 

Conduct research to better understand 

engineering controls and personal 

protective equipment (PPE) for use 

with nanomaterials.

Currently there are no exposure standards 

specific to engineered nanomaterials. Therefore, to evaluate the need for and effectiveness of engineering controls an alternative 

rationale is required. In addition, the success 

of emerging nanotechnology industries will 

depend on production and development 

costs, including the installation of new exposure controls. Minimizing occupational exposure to the lowest possible level is the most 

prudent approach for controlling materials 

of unknown toxicity, such as nanomaterials. 

Typically, these approaches include substituting a less toxic material if possible, enclosing 

the hazardous process, removing workers 

from the exposure by automating the process, isolating workers from the hazard, and/

or utilizing local exhaust ventilation where 

nanomaterials are handled. Improved control approaches will become more evident 

as the risks of exposure to nanomaterials are 

better understood.

Activity/Output Goal 3.1.1 (PPNANAOG3.1.1) 

Engineering controls. Evaluate the effectiveness of engineering control techniques for 

nanoaerosols and develop new approaches as 

needed.
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 25

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Performance measure 3.1.1 Conduct field 

investigations of workplaces where nanoparticles are manufactured and used and evaluate existing engineering controls. Within 

three years publish updated engineering control guidance.

Activity/Output Goal 3.1.2 (PPNANAOG3.1.2) 

Personal protective equipment (PPE). Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of PPE for 

reducing worker exposures to nanomaterials.

Performance measure 3.1.2 Within five 

years publish updated guidance on the effectiveness of PPE for reducing worker exposures to nanoparticles.

Activity/Output Goal 3.1.3 (PPNANAOG3.1.3) 

Respirators. Evaluate the effectiveness of 

NIOSH-approved air purifying respirators 

to determine whether existing respirator 

guidelines would still apply for workers exposed to nanoaerosols.

Performance measure 3.1.3 Within five 

years publish updated respiratory protection guidance.

Activity/Output Goal 3.1.4 (PPNANAOG3.1.4) 

Work practices. Evaluate the role of work 

practices and administrative controls in reducing potential exposures to nanomaterials. Make recommendations for appropriate 

and effective use of these approaches.

Performance measure 3.1.4 Within five 

years publish updated work practice and 

administrative control guidance.

Activity/Output Goal 3.1.5 (PPNANAOG3.1.5) 

Control banding. Evaluate the suitability 

of a qualitative risk management approach 

similar to control banding to develop guidance for working with engineered nanomaterials when there is insufficient information 

available to apply traditional exposurelimit—based control strategies.

Performance measure 3.1.5 Within three 

years publish a document on the suitability 

of control banding approaches for nanomaterials.

Activity/Output Goal 3.1.6 (PPNANAOG3.1.6) 

Substitute materials. Evaluate the feasibility 

and effectiveness of substitute materials or 

modification of the engineered nanoparticle 

in reducing the toxicity of nanomaterials.

Performance measure 3.1.6 Support at 

least three projects over the next five years to 

evaluate substitute and modified nanoparticles with toxicological studies.

Intermediate Goal 3.2 (PPNANIG3.2): 

Conduct research to better define 

the potential fire and explosion 

safety hazards of nanomaterials.

The field of nanotechnology is relatively new, 

and therefore little is known about the potential occupational safety hazards that may 

be associated with engineered nanomaterials. 

However, the information that is available 

about the properties of nanoscale particles 

indicates that under given conditions, engineered nanomaterials may pose a dust explosion hazard and be spontaneously flammable 

when exposed to air due to their large surface 

area and overall small size. Until more specific data become available, NIOSH NTRC 

is utilizing findings from research studies involving particles smaller than 100 nanometers to evaluate the potential risk for fire and 

explosion of airborne nanoparticles.

Activity/Output Goal 3.2.1 (PPNANAOG3.2.1) 

Explosion and fire hazards. Identify physical and chemical properties that contribute 

to dustiness, combustibility, flammability, 

and conductivity of nanomaterials. Investigate and recommend appropriate work 
26 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

practices to eliminate or reduce the risk to 

explosions and fires.

Performance measure 3.2.1 Support at least 

two projects to evaluate explosion and fire 

hazards. Within three years publish guidance to eliminate or reduce explosion and 

fire hazards.

Intermediate Goal 3.3 (PPNANIG3.3): 

Develop and disseminate recommendations and guidance for the safe use 

of nanomaterials in the workplace.

NIOSH is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to 

OSHA and other regulatory agencies, employers, workers and the general public to 

protect the health and safety of workers, and 

for providing guidance to workers and employers on how to control potential occupational health hazards. In addition, NIOSH is 

dedicated to translating its research findings 

into recommendations and guidance that 

are scientifically sound and practical for the 

workplace.

Activity/Output Goal 3.3.1 (PPNANAOG3.3.1) 

Guidance documents. Translate research 

findings into useable guidance documents 

for nanotechnology owners and workers.

Performance measure 3.3.1 Continue to 

update the NIOSH document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: Managing the 

Health and Safety Concerns Associated with 

Engineered Nanomaterials [NIOSH 2009a], 

as results from research studies become 

available. Within two years, produce brochures and guidance documents to provide 

guidance to workers, and laboratory staff. 

Continue to look for opportunities to translate research from the critical research areas 

into practice.

Activity/Output Goal 3.3.2 (PPNANAOG3.3.2) 

Occupational exposure limits (OELs).

Evaluate the current mass-based exposure 

limits for airborne particulates for their effectiveness in protecting workers exposed to 

nanomaterials. Update the OELs (as needed) 

to incorporate current scientific information (e.g., particle surface area versus mass 

as predictor of toxicity, shape, influence of 

surface properties). Consider development 

of an OEL for selected carbon nanotubes.

Performance measure 3.3.2 In 2009, complete the Current Intelligence Bulletin 

(CIB), Evaluation of Health Hazard and 

Recommendations for Occupational Exposure to Titanium Dioxide, with the OEL for 

ultrafine titanium dioxide. Support a project over the next three years to evaluate other ultrafine or nanoparticle OELs. Develop a 

NIOSH Alert by 2010 and a CIB by 2011 on 

carbon nanotubes.

Activity/Output Goal 3.3.3 (PPNANAOG3.3.3) 

Classification. Develop a nanoparticle classification system to support a comprehensive 

nanotechnology safety and health program. 

Implement criteria based on classification 

(e.g., chemical abstract system [CAS] number) to determine the need for toxicity testing 

and hazard and risk assessment of new engineered and existing nanomaterials.

Performance measure 3.3.3 Initiate a project that will develop a classification scheme 

based on chemical and physical properties. 

Release this classification scheme within the 

next three years.

Activity/Output Goal 3.3.4 (PPNANAOG3.3.4) 

High-production volume (HPV) nanomaterials. Evaluate adequacy of mass-based 

safety and health criteria developed for 

bulk chemicals for nanomaterials. Current 

scientific data indicates greater toxicity of 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 27

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

nanomaterials by mass compared to an equal 

mass of larger particles of similar composition.

Performance measure 3.3.4 Support a project to evaluate existing toxicity information 

of HPV nanoscale materials.

Activity/Output Goal 3.3.5 (PPNANAOG3.3.5) 

Material safety data sheets (MSDS). Work 

with partners to update the MSDS system to 

incorporate relevant classification, toxicity 

data, and health and safety recommendations for working with nanomaterials.

Performance measure 3.3.5 Within three 

years, increase awareness of the need for specific nanomaterial information on MSDS among 

the target audience by 33% over baseline.

Strategic Goal 4 (PPNANSG4). Enhance global workplace safety and 

health through national and international collaborations on nanotechnology research and guidance.

Intermediate Goal 4.1 (PPNANIG4.1): 

Foster the collection, management 

and dissemination of relevant 

information to protect nanomaterial 

workers.

Communication and information are integral components infused throughout the 

research activities of the NIOSH NTRC and 

are closely related to the NIOSH Research 

to Practice (r2p) initiative. Research to Practice is geared towards translating research 

results into useful health and safety information tailored to various audiences including workers and employers. As a result, 

communication and information is one of 

the 10 critical research areas identified to 

address knowledge gaps, develop strategies, 

and provide recommendations concerning 

workplace exposure to engineered nanomaterials/nanoparticles.

Activity/Output Goal 4.1.1 (PPNANAOG4.1.1) 

Nanoinformatics. Develop a roadmap to 

create a nanoinformatics database management tool relevant to nanomaterial environmental health and safety information.

Performance measure 4.1.1 Within the next 

three years create a roadmap that aligns new 

nanoinformatics with the NIOSH Nanoparticle Information Library (NIL).

Activity/Output Goal 4.1.2 (PPNANAOG4.1.2) 

Communication. Establish and maintain 

national and international partnerships with 

whom knowledge gaps, research needs and 

priorities, approaches, and results can be 

shared openly and collaboratively.

Performance measure 4.1.2 Within one 

year, identify and initiate/establish contact 

with at least one potential partner from 

each of the following areas: government, industry, academia, and labor. 

Activity/Output Goal 4.1.3 (PPNANAOG4.1.3) 

Information. Develop and disseminate effective information, education, and training 

materials to various target audiences such 

as nanotechnology workers and employers, 

occupational safety and health professionals, policy-makers, decision-makers, and/or 

the scientific community.

Performance measures 4.1.3 Within one 

year, develop at least one informational document tailored to a target audience identified 

above. Evaluate/assess the reach and effectiveness of the above tailored informational 

piece within two years. Update progress report on the NIOSH nanotechnology research 

and communication efforts within two years. 

Continue to update the NIOSH document, 
28 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: Managing the Safety and Health Concerns Associated 

with Engineered Nanomaterials.

Intermediate Goal 4.2 (PPNANIG4.2): 

Enhance global workplace safety and 

health through international activities.

The international component of NIOSH 

nanotechnology research aims at achieving 

the fourth program goal—Enhance global 

workplace safety and health through national and international collaborations on 

nanotechnology research and guidance—

with two objectives:

1. Develop partnerships for identifying 

research and for the sharing of research 

needs, approaches, and results.

2. Develop and disseminate effective educational and training materials for workers 

and occupational health professionals. 

NIOSH international activities crosscut all 

10 critical research areas by developing partnerships (first objective) to address critical 

research gaps and by developing and disseminating occupational safety and health (OSH) 

documents (second objective). In order to 

achieve these objectives, NIOSH will continue 

to engage with a number of international entities at all levels—principle investigator, as well 

as national, regional, and global organizations.

Activity/Output Goal 4.2.1 (PPNANAOG4.2.1) 

Improve resource leveraging for research 

globally.

Performance measure 4.2.1–1 Strengthen 

coordination of research through government-level organizations (OECD and UN).

Performance measure 4.2.1–2 Expand collaborations to developing nations and emerging powers (Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe).

Activity/Output Goal 4.2.2 (PPNANAOG4.2.2) 

Improve sharing critical data globally.

Performance measure 4.2.2–1 Develop global portal for information on nanomaterials 

relevant to occupational safety and health.

Performance measure 4.2.2–2 If feasible, 

initiate the development of a global exposure registry database: European countries, 

ECHA, Asian countries, OECD.

Performance measure 4.2.2–3 Participate 

in OECD Nanomaterial Safety Testing Program by sponsoring nanomaterial testing 

and by data exchange.

Activity/Output Goal 4.2.3 (PPNANAOG4.2.3) 

Produce highest quality products.

Performance measure 4.2.3–1 Facilitate 

development of government-level exposure 

mitigation guidance (OECD and UN).

Performance measure 4.2.3–2 Increase utilization of web-based tools for document 

development (such as wiki-based platforms).

Activity/Output Goal 4.2.4 (PPNANAOG4.2.4) 

Enhance global dissemination.

Performance measure 4.2.4–1 Increase utilization of emerging information technology mechanisms (e.g., NIOSH science blog, 

web-based social networks).

Performance measure 4.2.4–2 Establish 

partnerships for translation of NIOSH publications to other languages.

Activity/Output Goal 4.2.5 (PPNANAOG4.2.5) 

Increase global acceptance.

Performance measure 4.2.5–1 Strengthen 

participation in globally recognized organizations. 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 29

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Performance measure 4.2.5–2 Expand partnerships to international bodies with economic instruments to implement OSH measures 

such as financial institutions (Inter-American 

Development Bank, World Bank) and insurance companies (Swiss Re, Munich Re, Lloyds)

4.4 Coalescing Priorities 

for NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Research and Guidance 

for 2009–2012

This strategic plan identifies priorities for 

NIOSH research and guidance efforts in 10 

critical areas. However it is necessary to coalesce the priorities in these areas to align 

with resources.

NIOSH has limited funds and resources 

available to re-direct and invest in nanomaterial research. Both the NIOSH Board of 

Scientific Counselors’ review of the NTRC 

Strategic Plan and the National Academies, 

in its review of the Nanotechnology section of the Respiratory Disease Research 

Program, concluded that NIOSH must prioritize its research in nanotechnology. Both 

reviews stressed the need to focus the Institute resources on applied research that addresses critical needs in the areas of hazard 

identification, exposure assessment, and exposure control. Both reviews also reinforced 

the need for timely issuance of recommendations and guidance; a need that has been 

reinforced by stakeholders.

Figure 5 provides a schema for how NIOSH 

will focus future nanomaterial research. The 

ultimate goal of NIOSH research is to prevent adverse effects in workers through the 

issuance of recommended standards and 

other guidance for nanomaterials including but not limited to industrial hygiene 

sampling methods, laboratory analytical 

methods, and various methods to control 

exposure in the workplace.

Three factors will contribute to setting the 

direction of future NIOSH research: production trends of various types of nanomaterials, stakeholder input, and gaps in scientific knowledge as identified by NIOSH 

investigators. Consideration of these factors will help focus the toxicological and 

epidemiological research needed to provide 

data for the conduct of quantitative risk 

assessments that will serve as the basis for 

recommended standards and risk management guidance. Research to help develop 

the other key components of recommended 

standards will also be needed including research on exposure sampling, analysis, and 

instrumentation; exposure assessment; control technology; and PPE. Additionally, an 

on-going effort will be supported to develop 

medical surveillance guidance for workers 

exposed to engineered nanoparticles.

Implicit in addressing the ultimate goal of developing recommended standards and guidance for engineered nanomaterials is that 

NIOSH research will be published in the peerreviewed scientific literature to inform the 

scientific and occupational safety and health 

community. Between 2007 and 2009, NIOSH 

has initiated nanoparticle research (listed below) that can be depicted in a matrix shown 

in Table 2. The extent and specificity of that 

research is identified in the document Progress 

Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: 

Project Update 2007–2008. [http://www.cdc.

gov/niosh/docs/2010-104/pdfs/2010-104.pdf]

NIOSH Nanotechnology Specific 

Projects 2007–2009

Project 1: Nanotechnology Research Center 

Coordination
30 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Project 2: Nanotechnology Safety and 

Health Research Coordination

Project 3: Systemic Microvascular Dysfunction: Effects of Ultrafine vs Fine Particles

Project 4: Particle Surface Area as a Dose 

Metric 

Project 5: Role of Carbon Nanotubes in 

Cardiovascular and COPD-Related Disease

Project 6: Investigations of Multi-Walled 

Carbon Nanotube Toxicity

Project 7: Pulmonary Toxicity of Metal Oxide Nanospheres and Nanowires 

Project 8: WC-Co Nanoparticles in Initiating Angiogenesis by Reactive Oxygen Species

Project 9: Evaluation of the Pulmonary Deposition and Translocation of Nanomaterials 

Project 10: Occupational Exposures and 

Potential Neurological Risks

Project 11: Lung Effects of Resistance Spot 

Welding Using Adhesives 

Project 12: Neurotoxicity after Pulmonary 

Exposure to Welding Fumes 

Project 13: Potential Aneuploidy following 

Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes 

Project 14: Pulmonary Toxicity of Carbon 

Nanotube Particles 

Project 15: Dermal Toxicity of Nanotube Particles 

Figure 5. Focus of NIOSH nanomaterial research 2009–2012
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 31

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Table 2. NIOSH nanoparticle research projects 2007–2009: 

Nature of research project number*

Type of particle

Toxicology 

studies*

Sampling, analysis and 

instrumentation*

Exposure 

characterization*

Control and 

PPE*

Risk 

assessment*

TiO2 3*, 4, 7 4, 26, 27, 28, 

29, 30, 33 

33 — †

Other metal 

oxides

7, 18, 20 22, 24, 27, 30, 34 24, 33, 34 34 —

Metals

WC-Co

B4

C

welding 

fumes

8, 10, 11, 

12, 20,

29, 30 34 34 †

SWCNT and 

MWCNT

5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 

14, 15, 16, 21 

22, 23, 24, 25, 

26, 27, 30, 31

25, 34, 35 34 36

CNF — 34, 35 34 —

C60 — 32, 35 32 —

Other silica 

compounds, 

carbon black, 

nylon 6, 

POSS, dioctyl 

phthalate, NaCl 

19 27, 30 34, 35 37, 38, 39

Diesel exhaust 17, 18 24, 32 32 — †

*

Numbers refer to projects; see list of NIOSH nanotechnology projects 2007–2008 on page 29–32. Note that 

projects 1, 2, 34, 36–43 are not specific to any one type of engineered nanomaterial.

†

The risk assessment for TiO2, welding fumes and diesel exhaust predates the nanotechnology projects of 

2007–2009.
32 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

Project 16: Specific Biomarkers for Unusual 

Toxicity of Nanomaterials 

Project 17: Pulmonary Toxicity of Diesel 

Exhaust Particles

Project 18: Induction of Lung Fibrosis by 

Cerium Oxide in Diesel Exhaust 

Project 19: Potential Effects of SiliconBased Nanowires on Lung Toxicity

Project 20: Cell-based Assessment for Iron 

Nanoparticle-Induced Health Risks

Project 21: Assessment of Carbonaceous 

Materials on Mutagenicity

Project 22: Generation and Characterization of Nanoparticles

Project 23: Dustiness of Nanomaterials 

Project 24: Nanoaerosol Monitoring Methods 

Project 25: Measurement of Nanoscale Carbonaceous Aerosols

Project 26: Nanoparticle Reference Materials for Health Protection

Project 27: Calm Air Chamber and Wind 

Tunnel Evaluation of Personal Aerosol Samplers for Nanoparticle Exposure Assessment

Project 28: Ultrafine TiO2

 Surface and Mass 

Concentration Sampling Method

Project 29: Standard Determination of 

Nanoparticle Size

Project 30: Development and Evaluation 

of Nanoaerosol Surface Area Measurement 

Methods

Project 31: Workplace Monitoring of Carbon Nanofibers/Nanotubes

Project 32: Ultrafine Aerosols from DieselPowered Equipment 

Project 33: Titanium Dioxide and Other 

Metal Oxides Exposure Assessment Study 

Project 34: Field Research Team

Project 35: Assessing the Feasibility of Industrywide Exposure and Epidemiology 

Studies of Workers Exposed to Engineered 

Nanomaterials 

Project 36: Nanoparticles—Dosimetry and 

Risk Assessment

Project 37: Penetration of Nanoparticles 

through Respirators

Project 38: Nanoparticle Penetration through 

Protective Clothing

Project 39: Development of PPE Ensemble 

Test Methods

Project 40: Web-Based Nanoparticle Information Library Implementation

Project 41: Nanoparticles in the Workplace

Project 42: New Sensor Technology Development for end of service-life indicator (ESLI)

Project 43: Global Harmonization of Exposure Measurement and Exposure Mitigation 

Approaches for Nanomaterials

4.4.1 Gap analysis: basis for 

additional research beginning 

in 2009

Titanium dioxide

NIOSH is about to complete a Current Intelligence Bulletin on titanium dioxide (TiO2

)

which will provide recommended exposure 

limits (RELs) for two size ranges of TiO2 ; 

one for particles in the micrometer-diameter range and one for particles in the diameter range below 100 nanometers [NIOSH 

2007b]. However, there still remain questions 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 33

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

about the specificity of the sampling and analytical method that will be used to evaluate 

worker exposure to nanoscale TiO2

, as well as 

about the extent of workplace exposures, and 

the ability to control exposures at or below 

the REL (proposed 8-hour TWA in the range 

of 0.1 μg/m3). Research to address these questions is a high priority. The assessment of risk 

for TiO2 may serve as a model for evaluating 

the risks to other metal oxide or poorly soluble low toxicity nanoparticles.

Metals and metal oxides

Based on the toxicological literature, it is 

likely that occupational exposure to a range 

of nanometer-sized metals and metal oxides 

may present hazards at a minimum similar to titanium dioxide; namely, increased 

biologic activity with decreasing particle 

size. Production trends would lead to the 

assumption that occupational exposure to 

nanometals and metal oxides is increasing. 

Therefore, there is a need for hazard identification, exposure assessment, and control 

technology research for this class of engineered nanomaterial. This includes development of sampling and analytical methods 

and other work leading to recommended 

exposure limits. 

Carbon nanotubes (CNT)

NIOSH has conducted extensive toxicological research on carbon nanotubes. Development of recommended occupational standards for CNT will be the objective towards 

which much of future research will be focused. As part of the first priority of identifying hazards of nanomaterials, NIOSH scientists in the Health Effects Laboratory Division 

(HELD) have assessed effects of various types 

of nanoparticles including carbon nanotubes 

[Shvedoda et al. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 

Wang et al. 2008]. The results of HELD research on CNT will provide data sets that 

NIOSH can use to conduct quantitative risk 

assessments. This effort will form the basis 

for developing guidance and occupational 

standards for CNT. However, developing an 

effective recommended standard for CNT 

and other engineered nanoparticles also requires: the ability to quantitatively measure 

the presence (or concentration) of the material with an acceptable degree of specificity, 

accuracy, and precision; a characterization of 

risk by measuring worker exposure; and an 

understanding of the effectiveness of controls used to control or eliminate exposures 

[Kuempel et al. 2007, Schulte et al. 2008]. Ideally, information on animal toxicity would be 

supplemented by epidemiological studies of 

potential human health effects of exposure to 

various CNT; however, it is not clear whether 

the exposed population is large enough and 

exposure sufficiently well characterized to 

support such studies [Schulte et al. 2009]. 

NIOSH is currently collecting data to evaluate the feasibility of industry-wide exposure 

and epidemiology studies of workers involved in the U.S. manufacture of engineered 

carbonaceous nanomaterials. This evaluation will impact the utility of future NIOSH 

epidemiologic studies of this workforce.

A growing number of industrial applications are being developed for CNT, and 

this class of nanomaterials has shown good 

potential for developing into a viable economic commodity [Lux 2007]. Moreover, 

the fibrous-like dimensions of CNT are a 

source of concern about possible adverse effects. NIOSH investigators have conducted 

some of the earliest health effects studies in 

animal models both by pharyngeal aspiration and inhalation of an aerosol of single 

and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. For 

the most part, these studies have involved 
34 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

short-term exposure and less than lifetime 

follow-up; however, these studies have demonstrated the potential for exposures to 

single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) 

and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to cause lung fibrosis and affect other 

organs [Shvedova et al. 2007].

It is possible that the data from these NIOSH 

toxicology studies can be used to conduct 

a quantitative risk assessment and develop 

benchmark RELs for the type of CNT used 

in the studies. It is known that there can be 

more than tens of thousands of CNT based 

on various combinations of physicochemical 

parameters; thus, it may not be possible to assess the risk and develop a REL for each type 

of CNT. Ultimately, different types of CNT 

may need to be grouped based on similar 

physicochemical properties for the purpose 

of developing recommended exposure limits. Nonetheless, the available toxicity data 

on specific types of CNT studied by NIOSH, 

while limited, are compelling and may serve 

as a starting point and possibly as a benchmark to develop RELs for SWCNT and MWCNT. Table 3 shows four variations of CNT 

which NIOSH is considering for the development of recommended standards, including 

RELs. To do this, NIOSH investigators will 

conduct research to answer specific questions 

and provide information that can be used by 

occupational safety and health practitioners 

in making risk management recommendations. Two types of SWCNT (purified (p) 

and unpurified (up))†

 and two types of MWCNT (purified (p) and unpurified (up)) will 

be the focus of NIOSH research and guidance beginning in 2009. NIOSH research will 

fill knowledge gaps in four areas: sampling; 

†“Purified” describes CNT that have been treated or 

processed to remove residual catalyst or reaction residue. “Unpurified” describes CNT that have residual 

catalyst, reaction residue, or mixtures of tube types.

analysis; exposure assessment; and control 

(control technology and PPE). Underlying 

all four of these areas will be issues pertaining to metrology of CNT and workplace factors that affect or influence exposure. Table 3 

lists the areas of research that will be needed 

to develop risk management recommendations for occupational exposure to CNT. The 

questions listed with Table 3 will be used to 

identify gaps in information to help formulate research that NIOSH will invest in over 

the next 3–5 years. 

Sampling/analysis‡

Cells 1–8

1. Are there sampling and analytical 

methods available that can be used to 

identify and quantitatively measure 

airborne releases or exposures to SWCNT and MWCNT in the workplace?

2. What experience does NIOSH or others 

have in attempting to measure CNT?

3. NIOSH Method 5040 was identified 

in earlier studies as a candidate sampling and analytical method for CNT. 

What progress has been made in that 

effort and what is needed to reach an 

end point?

4. What limitations are placed on the 

method due to background interference (ambient or process derived contamination) and what impact does 

purity have?

5. Several groups have reported using 

TEM-based asbestos fiber counting 

methods (NIOSH analytical method 

‡

Investigations focusing on laboratory-based methods development should be differentiated from field evaluations 

conducted for the purpose of method evaluations and exposure assessments.
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 35

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

7402) to evaluate CNT. What is needed to explore that approach?

6. What is the most likely candidate analytical method and when will NIOSH 

be ready to recommend it?

7. What is the current state of instrument 

evaluations from prior efforts and what 

is still needed to demonstrate their utility in evaluating CNT exposures?

8. A critical area is to explore any possible correlation between direct-reading 

techniques and integrated sampling 

methods. What progress has been 

made and what is still needed?

9. What laboratory-based studies are still 

needed to validate a sampling and analytical method?

10. What is the prognosis for field evaluation trials of methods or instruments 

and how many of the sites already 

visited by NIOSH are good candidates?

11. Will the focus of the proposed work 

be on CNT production only, or will it 

include CNT-containing product formulations?

12. How can data and observations from 

current NIOSH field studies be used 

to guide the proposed work?

Exposure characterization

Cells 9–12

13. Specific to CNT, what are the current 

trends in production and market applications?

14. What is the extent of production and 

use of CNT that could result in exposure for the 4 categories of CNT?

Table 3: Assessment of information that will support a NIOSH REL*

 of 10 μg/m3†

(8hr TWA) for SWCNT and MWCNT used in published NIOSH studies‡.

SWCNT 

Purified (p)

SWCNT

Unpurified (up)

MWCNT

Purified (p)

MWCNT

Unpurified (up)

Sampling methods 1§ 2 3 4

Analysis methods 

and detection 

instrumentation

5 6 7 8

Field exposure 

characterization 9 10 11 12

Exposure control 13 14 15 16

*

For SWCNT (p), SWCNT (up), MWCNT (p), and MWCNT (up)

†

This number does not represent a NIOSH recommendation; it is only a target for purposes of discussion

‡

Studies from NIOSH Health Effects Laboratory Division (e.g. Shvedova et al 2005, Shvedova et al. 2008).

§

Numbers are used to identify cells that are associated with gap analysis questions that follow.
36 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

15. What do we know from the current 

NIOSH field investigations: what methods and measurement techniques have 

been used, and with what degree of success?

16. What job tasks and processes will likely produce the highest exposures?

Control

Cells 13–16

17. Can airborne emissions and potential 

exposures to CNT be controlled in 

known processes to at least 10 μg/m3

(8hr TWA)?

18. What data might be available to support the answer to Question No. 16?

19. Can pharmaceutical equipment performance guidelines developed for fine 

powder active ingredient containments 

be used; for example, International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering 

(ISPE) standards for potent compound 

containment?

20. What is the range and effectiveness of 

controls already seen by NIOSH field 

researchers in CNT production and 

product incorporation processes?

21. What is needed to catalog existing 

controls and develop initial guidance?

22. Laboratory scale containment devices 

are already being evaluated by others 

(U Mass-Lowell). Should NIOSH conduct additional study of laboratory 

controls?

23. What scale-up, pilot plant, and production processes control strategies 

are likely candidates given current 

knowledge of the CNT market?

24. What measurement methods/metrics 

can be used to validate effectiveness of 

controls?

25. What surrogate material might be used 

for qualitative or quantitative control 

evaluations?

26. Is PPE protective to this level and what 

data support this?

Exposure metrics for CNT RELs 

Ideally, in quantitative risk assessments of 

nanoscale particulate exposures, response 

data would be evaluated in relation to mass 

as well as to other nanoscale metrics such as 

surface area, particle number concentration, 

and possibly others. These additional metrics 

may prove to be a more sensitive measure of 

the presence, quantity, and nature of CNT. To 

the extent that these data exist from NIOSH 

pharyngeal aspiration and inhalation studies, research will be conducted to determine 

whether there is a correlation between mass, 

particle number, particle number by size, 

mass by size, fiber number, and is there any 

correlation between these metrics and those 

collected by direct reading instruments for 

particle number, mass, and size distribution. 

If these data are available (or can be calculated) and the risk assessment reveals a stronger relationship with some metrics (e.g., surface area, number concentration) other than 

mass, NIOSH will ascertain the feasibility of 

recommending an exposure limit based on a 

nonmass metric. 

Additional adverse effect research on 

CNT

The effort to develop RELs for the CNT used 

in HELD research will be an interim effort 

since the research generally involved shortterm exposure and follow-up. Ultimately, 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 37

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

there will be a need for RELs that protect 

against long-term (long latency) effects such 

as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Hence, 

there will be a need for further toxicological 

research on such long-term effects. 

Generalizing beyond the NIOSH RELs 

for CNT

Based on the risk assessments of HELD CNT 

data, NIOSH may recommend 1 to 4 RELs: 

SWCNT (p), SWCNT (up), MWCNT (p), 

and MWCNT (up). However, there are tens 

of thousands of potential single-walled and 

multi-walled carbon nanotubes, some may 

be more toxic than the ones HELD studied, 

some may be less. NIOSH will attempt to 

ascertain if differences in physicochemical 

parameters of CNT makes them more or 

less toxic and whether based on similarities 

of physicochemical parameters if CNT can 

be categorized into groups in which specific 

risk management recommendations can be 

made. NIOSH will also investigate if different sampling, exposure assessment, and 

control issues might apply if CNT are categorized into groups. 

Investigating other engineered 

nanoparticles 

In conjunction with NIOSH toxicologists, 

other types of nanoparticles in addition to 

TiO2

 and CNT will be identified for study. 

This will be an ongoing effort to ensure early 

hazard identification through toxicological 

research and occupational exposure assessment. The NTRC participants and coordinating office will serve to provide information on production trends and stakeholder 

inputs to identify what nanomaterials are 

likely to be commercially viable.

Explosion and fire hazards

The history of dust laden atmospheres in 

confined spaces has shown that various 

dusts can be explosive. Further research will 

be conducted on whether moving to nanoscale dimensions with dry powder materials will contribute to the explosion and fire 

hazard potential of dusts. 

Communications

Critical for the effectiveness of NIOSH research and guidance is the ability to provide 

information and knowledge to various audiences (researchers, workers, employers, 

government agencies, professional associations, NGOs, the media, and the public). 

During the period 2009–2012, NIOSH will 

continue to assess the needs of various audiences and develop an array of communication products.

Summary

The following are NIOSH specific research 

and guidance priorities for 2009–2012:

1. Develop recommendations for controlling occupational exposure to fine 

and ultrafine TiO2 including development of RELs. Conduct research on 

improving sampling and analytical 

methods, determining the extent of 

workplace exposures, and controlling 

airborne exposures below the REL. 

Identify what medical surveillance is 

appropriate. Consider to what extent 

the observed relationship between 

TiO2 particle size and toxicity can be 

generalized to other metal oxides.

2. Develop recommendations for controlling occupational exposures to 
38 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 4 ■ Goals

purified and unpurified SWCNT and 

MWCNT including development of 

RELs. Conduct research to address 

gaps in information on sampling, 

analysis, exposure assessment, instrumentation, and controls. Identify what 

medical surveillance or epidemiological studies are appropriate. 

3. Conduct research on how to identify 

categories of nanoparticles that can be 

distinguished on the basis of similar 

physicochemical properties. Conduct 

research to develop RELs and ultimately 

recommended exposure standards for 

these categories.

4. Conduct research to identify long-term 

health effects of CNT.

5. Conduct toxicological research on other nanoparticles likely to be commercially viable.

6. Conduct research on explosion potential of various nanoparticles.
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 39

5.1 NIOSH Publications on 

Nanotechnology

•	 NIOSH has posted a safety and health 

topic page, “Nanotechnology,” containing accessible information on the 

safety and health implications of nanotechnology and the related research 

activities that NIOSH is conducting. 

Updates of NIOSH activities in nanotechnology research also appear on 

the topic page. [http://www.cdc.gov/

niosh/topics/nanotech/]

•	 NIOSH has prepared and posted answers to frequently asked questions 

(FAQs) concerning nanotechnology 

and NIOSH’s involvement with the occupational safety and health research 

in the field of nanotechnology. [http://

www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/

faq.html]

•	 NIOSH published Safe Nanotechnology 

in the Workplace [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008–112]. This brochure 

provides an introduction to nanotechnology in the workplace for employers, 

managers, and safety and health professionals. It addresses the following questions: Are nanoparticles hazardous to 

workers? How can workers be exposed? 

Can nanoparticles be measured? Can 

worker exposures be controlled?

•	 NIOSH published The Nanotechnology Field Research Team Update [DHHS 

(NIOSH) Publication No. 2008–120].

This document is an update of the 

NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Research 

team’s efforts to evaluate work practices and engineering controls used to 

ensure worker safety and health in the 

nanotechnology industry. The update 

includes comments from participating 

companies interviewed by Nanowerk, 

LLC who described the collaboration as 

beneficial and encouraged other companies to take advantage of NIOSH’s 

expertise, service, instrumentation, and 

unbiased assessments. 

•	 NIOSH published NIOSH Fact Sheet: 

The Nanotechnology Field Research Effort [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 

2008–121]. A description and call for 

participants for the NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Research team’s efforts to evaluate work practices and 

5 Outputs

Location of personal breathing zone air sampling 

cassettes (Image courtesy of Mark Methner, NIOSH)
40 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 5 ■ Outputs

engineering controls used to ensure 

worker health and safety in the nanotechnology industry. 

•	 A NIOSH current intelligence bulletin 

(CIB), Occupational Exposure to Titanium Dioxide, on fine and ultrafine titanium dioxide (TiO2

) has undergone 

stakeholder and peer review and is being finalized for publication in 2009. 

[http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/

public/TiO2/default.html]

•	 NIOSH has prepared the document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: Managing the Health and Safety Concerns 

Associated with Engineered Nanomaterials [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 

2009–125]. [http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

topics/nanotech/safenano/]

•	 NIOSH has developed a web-based 

Nanoparticle Information Library 

(NIL) which is a resource on particle information including physical 

and chemical characteristics. [http://

nanoparticlelibrary.net/index.asp]

•	 NIOSH has published Progress Toward 

Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: 

A Report from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center [DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2007–123], a progress 

report on the status of nanotechnology research conducted by the NIOSH 

NTRC through 2006. [http://www.cdc.

gov/niosh/docs/2007-123/pdfs/2007-

123.pdf]. An updated progress report 

listing project updates from 2007–

2008 was published in November 2009 

[NIOSH 2009c] [DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2010–104]. [http://

www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-104/

pdfs/2010-104.pdf]

•	 NIOSH has prepared the document 

Guidance for Medical Screening and Hazard Surveillance for Workers Potentially 

Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles

[NIOSH 2009b] [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009–116]. [http://www.cdc.

gov/niosh/docs/2009-116/]

5.2 NIOSH Peer-Reviewed 

Publications

•	 NIOSH scientists will publish results of 

research as the data become available. 

More than 170 peer-reviewed articles 

were published through 2008 addressing scientific and technical issues in the 

field of nanotechnology. For a listing of 

publications through 2006, see Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the 

Workplace: A Report from NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center [DHHS 

(NIOSH) Publication No. 2007–123]. 

[http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-

123/pdfs/2007-123.pdf]. For a listing 

of publications from 2007–2008, see 

the 2009 update of the progress report. 

[http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-

104/pdfs/2010-104.pdf]

5.3 Sponsored Conferences

NIOSH will continue to partner with others 

in sponsoring and conducting conferences 

on nanotechnology. To date, NIOSH has 

co-sponsored three international meetings 

on occupational safety and health involving 

nanomaterials and has co-sponsored a major occupational safety and health Research 

to Practice (r2p) conference in Cincinnati, 

OH, in 2006 which drew over 450 participants from 11 countries. NIOSH staff also 

participated on several scientific and technical panels convened by government agencies, 

nongovernmental agencies, and professional 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 41

Chapter 5 ■ Outputs

associations. For a listing of meetings, panels, and conferences through 2006, see Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: A Report from NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Research Center [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007–123]. [http://www.cdc.gov/

niosh/docs/2007-123/pdfs/2007-123.pdf]. 

Meetings, conferences, etc. from 2007–2008 

may be found on the 2009 update of the 

progress report [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010–104]. [http://www.cdc.gov/

niosh/docs/2010-104/pdfs/2010-104.pdf]

5.4 Presentations

NIOSH staff will continue to deliver presentations nationally and internationally 

concerning occupational safety and health 

issues associated with nanotechnology, 

including presentations at scientific conferences, and trade and professional associations. For a listing of presentations, see 

Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the 

Workplace: A Report from NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center [DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2007–123]. [http://www.

cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-123/pdfs/2007-

123.pdf]. Presentations from 2007–2008 

may be found on the 2009 update of the 

progress report [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010–104]. [http://www.cdc.gov/

niosh/docs/2010-104/pdfs/2010-104.pdf]

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 43

Research to Practice (r2p) involves the 

translation of research into products, practices, and usable information. The NIOSH 

nanotechnology research strategic plan reflects the r2p vision to work with partners 

and stakeholders (see Appendix C) to translate research findings into NIOSH products 

(e.g., guidance documents, instrumentation, filtration) that will be used to reduce 

or prevent worker injury and illness from 

nanotechnology.

6.1 Capacity Building through 

Technical Assistance

NIOSH is currently collaborating with a 

number of industries to develop appropriate engineering controls and effective administrative practices for the safe handling 

of nanomaterials. NIOSH will work with 

industry in evaluating workplace exposures 

to nanoparticles and provide recommendations that will minimize worker exposures. 

For information on the workplace assessments conducted by NIOSH, see Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: 

A Report from NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 

No. 2007–123]. [http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

docs/2007-123/pdfs/2007-123.pdf]. An updated progress report listing collaborations 

on workplace assessments from 2007–2008 

may be found on the 2009 update of the 

progress report [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010–104]. [http://www.cdc.gov/

niosh/docs/2010-104/pdfs/2010-104.pdf]

NIOSH will continue to make recommendations and provide information based on 

its research and the published scientific literature. The recommendations will pertain 

to all areas of the risk management continuum shown in Section 4.1.

6 Research to Practice (r2p)

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 45

7.1 Federal Government 

Agencies

NIOSH will conduct and coordinate research with other agencies to foster the responsible development and safe use of nanotechnology as identified by the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). 

7.2 Standards Development 

Organizations

NIOSH actively participates in the development of national and international standards for promoting the health and safety of 

workers in the nanotechnology industries. 

NIOSH participates in the American National Standards Institute Nanotechnology 

Standards Steering Panel, which coordinates 

the identification and development of critical standards in all areas of nanotechnology. 

NIOSH scientists participate in the American 

Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 

E56 Committee on Nanotechnology, which is 

developing an integrated family of standards. 

Committee E56.03 is addressing environmental and occupational safety and health. 

NIOSH scientists will continue as members 

of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to the 

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 229 on 

Nanotechnologies (ISO TC 229). 

7.3 Industry, Labor, and 

Academia

NIOSH is coordinating input from industry, labor, academics, and a wide range of 

government agencies in creating guidance for 

occupational health surveillance. Additionally, NIOSH plans to coordinate input from 

those same groups of partners and stakeholders with the goal of providing options for the 

development of standardized data systems for 

epidemiological research based in workplaces 

producing and using nanomaterials. Through 

collaborations with industry, government, 

and academia, NIOSH developed a “best 

practices” document, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: Managing the Health and Safety 

Concerns Associated with Engineered Nanomaterials [http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/

nanotech/], and other communication materials on the safe handling of nanomaterials 

are in progress. NIOSH is working with industry to characterize occupational exposure to 

nanoparticles and how to implement effective 

risk management practices to minimize worker exposure to nanoparticles. In June 2006, 

NIOSH and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co 

signed an agreement to collaborate on work 

to evaluate current product performance, test 

methods, and research gaps related to personal protective equipment used to reduce occupational exposures to nanoparticles. 

7.4 Professional Organizations

NIOSH is collaborating with various professional organizations to identify mutual 

efforts for continuing and developing new 

worker training programs.

7.5 Research Collaborations

NIOSH has established several national 

and international collaborations to advance 

Intermediate Customers and 7 Intermediate Outcomes
46 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 7 ■ Intermediate Customers and Intermediate Outcomes

research into the safe use of nanotechnology. NIOSH participates in the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and has 

contributed to the nanotechnology strategic plan for the Nation through the working 

group of Nanotechnology Environmental 

and Health Implications (NEHI). Occupational Safety and Health is a major priority 

of the NEHI effort, and NIOSH’s strategic 

research plan and activities have been developed to address most of the major issues 

in the NEHI plan. NIOSH is also collaborating with the Organization for Economic 

Cooperation and Development (OECD) to 

build cooperation, coordination, and communication between the United States and 

30 OECD member countries, including the 

European Union (EU), and more than 180 

nonmember economies as well. NIOSH is 

also working with the World Health Organization Collaborating Centers on global 

projects of information dissemination and 

communication.

7.6 International Activities

NIOSH will continue to engage with a number of international entities at all levels—

principle investigator, as well as national, 

regional, and global organizations. 

At the national organization levels, NIOSH 

has been communicating and collaborating 

with the United Kingdom Institute of Occupational Medicine and the Health and Safety 

Laboratory, the Netherlands Organization 

for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), the 

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 

and the Australian Safety and Compensation Council.

An example of regional level interactions is 

NIOSH participation in interagency discussions with European communities about 

establishing a joint U.S./European Union 

solicitation to fund research looking at 

nanotechnology health and safety implications. This international solicitation would 

provide an important venue for leveraging 

research resources and, as such, is aimed at 

addressing NIOSH Intermediate Goals 4.1 

and 4.2.

At the global organization level, NIOSH will 

continue to be actively engaged with the 

Organization for Economic Co-operation 

and Development (OECD), the UN World 

Health Organization (WHO), the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), the 

International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Council 

on Nanotechnology (ICON).

OECD

NIOSH participation in OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials 

(WPMN) and Working Party on Nanotechnology (WPN) aims at addressing both 

global objectives by developing international government-level instruments, decisions 

and recommendations to improve occupational safety and health of nanotechnology globally, and by building cooperation, 

coordination, and communication between 

the United States and 30 OECD-member 

countries including the European Union, 

and more than 70 nonmember economies. 

OECD is government-level organization 

which is especially effective at conducting 

economic evaluations, harmonizing test 

guidelines, exchanging information and 

data, and facilitating adoption of globallyharmonized voluntary and regulatory programs by governments around the world. It 

can also provide a mechanism for leveraging 

research resources by facilitating international government program coordination. 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 47

Chapter 7 ■ Intermediate Customers and Intermediate Outcomes

Presently, NIOSH engagement with OECD 

includes (a) leading an OECD project on 

Co-Operation on Exposure Measurement 

and Exposure Mitigation established under 

the Environmental Directorate, (b) providing expertise in other OECD projects, and 

(c) exchanging occupational safety and 

health information through the OECD 

Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials and the Working Party on Nanotechnology. NIOSH Nanoparticle Information 

Library (NIL) is cross-linked with an OECD 

database of nanotechnology research projects which are currently under development.

A project on “The analyses and recommendations for exposure measurement and exposure mitigation in nanotechnology occupational settings” was initiated in 2007. The 

project will deliver a report in 2009 followed 

by additional reports for specific areas of interest to WPMN.

WHO

NIOSH was instrumental in establishing a 

2006–2010 work plan for the World Health 

Organization Global Network of Collaborating Centers in Occupational Health, and 

NIOSH’s participation in this activity addresses both global objectives. WHO is the 

directing and coordinating authority for 

health within the United Nations system, and 

the “Network” is comprised of key institutions with expertise in occupational safety 

and health distributed throughout the world.

Since 2006 NIOSH has been leading a nanotechnology project on “Best practices globally for working with nanomaterials” in 

collaboration with occupational safety and 

health institutions in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany. 

ILO

NIOSH provides critical assistance in drafting the 5th Edition of the ILO Encyclopaedia of Occupational Safety and Health. The 

Encyclopaedia will include a chapter on 

nanotechnology. 

ISO

NIOSH scientists are actively involved with 

the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 229 on 

Nanotechnologies (ISO TC 229) by providing expertise to and leading the development of individual standards and through 

membership in the U.S. Technical Advisory 

Group to TC 229. The International Organization for Standardization provides a mechanism for international expertise within the 

global community to develop the highest 

quality standards of which are globally accepted. ISO can also serve as a vehicle for 

global dissemination of NIOSH products.

Since 2006, NIOSH has been leading the 

development of an ISO TC 229 technical 

report on safety and health practices in occupational settings relevant to nanotechnologies which is based on the 2006 draft 

for public comment, Approaches to Safe 

Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange 

with NIOSH. The technical report ISO/TR 

12885:2008 Nanotechnologies —Health and 

safety practices in occupational settings relevant to nanotechnologies was issued in 2008 

[ISO 2008].

ICON

The International Council on Nanotechnology is an international multistakeholder organization whose mission is to assess, communicate, and reduce the environmental 
48 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Chapter 7 ■ Intermediate Customers and Intermediate Outcomes

and health risks of nanotechnology while 

maximizing its societal benefit. NIOSH experts have been involved in ICON projects 

related to occupational safety and health 

since 2006.

Since 2006 ICON has been hosting the 

development of an internet site on occupational practices for the safe handling 

of nanomaterials utilizing a wiki software 

platform “Good Wiki: Good Occupational 

Practices for the Nanotechnology Industry.” 

NIOSH is a member of a multistakeholder 

international steering group designing a 

plan for launching such a novel mechanism 

for creating and maintaining global occupational safety and health guidance. 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 49

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing area 

of science and technology that promises 

great benefits. To realize these benefits, it is 

important to protect workers in nanomaterial research, production, and use from experiencing health problems resulting from the 

handling of nanomaterials. The NIOSH strategic plan for research is designed to identify and develop information for use in risk 

management programs that will prevent and 

control negative impacts to worker health. In 

addition, research will be conducted to advance the use of nanomaterials in the development of sensors (e.g., detection of harmful 

chemicals) that can be used in the workplace 

to ensure an effective control of exposure.

Outcomes of the NIOSH strategic plan 

include translating research results into 

products that can be used by the nanotechnology community to advance the 

technology responsibly and with minimal 

risk. Specific areas of improvement include 

sampling/analytical instrumentation and 

guidance documents. NIOSH will conduct 

ongoing assessments of the extent to which 

NIOSH research is used and cited by scientists; scientific, professional, and government agencies; trade associations; unions; 

nongovernmental organizations; and international communities. NIOSH also will 

evaluate how research and guidance developed by NIOSH influences others to take 

action to prevent exposure to hazards related to nanomaterials and ultimately prevent 

adverse health effects.

8 Outcomes

Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 51

ISO [2008]. ISO/TR 12885:2008 Nanotechnologies—health and safety practices in occupational settings relevant to nanotechnologies. Geneva, Switzerland: International 

Organization for Standardization.

Kuempel ED, Geraci CL, Schulte PA [2007]. 

Risk assessment approaches and research 

needs for nanomaterials: an examination 

of data and information from current studies. In: Simeonova PP, Opopol N, Luster 

MI, eds. Nanotechnology: toxicological is anotechnology: toxicological issues and environmental safety, NATO security through science series book. New York: 

Springer-Verlag, pp.119–145.

Lux Research [2007]. The nanotech report,

5th Edition. New York: Lux Research.

Methner MM [2008]. Engineering case reports: Old L, ed. Effectiveness of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) in controlling engineered nanomaterial emissions during 

reactor cleanout operations. J Occup Environ Hyg 5(6):D63–D69.

NEHI [2006] Environmental and Health 

Implications Environmental, Health, and 

Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials. National Nanotechnology 

Initiative.United States Executive Office of 

the President, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Nanotechnology Environmental 

and Health Implications working group.

NNI [2001]. National Nanotechnology 

Initiative. Interagency Agreement. United 

States Executive Office of the President, 

Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

[http://www.nano.gov/html/about/home_

about.html]

NNI [2007]. National nanotechnology initiative. Strategy for nanotechnology-related environmental, health and safety research. United 

States Executive Office of the President, Office 

of Science and Technology Policy. 

NIOSH [2007a] Progress toward safe nanotechnology in the workplace. Cincinnati, 

Ohio: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS 

(NIOSH) Pub No. 2007–123.

NIOSH [2007b] Draft current intelligence 

bulletin evaluation of health hazard and recommendations for occupational exposure to 

titanium dioxide. [http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

review/public/TIo2/default.html]

NIOSH [2009a]. Approaches to safe nanotechnology: managing the health and safety 

concerns associated with engineered nanomaterials. Cincinnati, Ohio: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers 

for Disease Control and Prevention, National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Pub No. 2009–125. 

NIOSH [2009b]. Interim guidance for medical screening and hazard surveillance for 

workers potentially exposed to engineered 

nanoparticles. Cincinnati, Ohio: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers 

for Disease Control and Prevention, National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Pub No. 2009–116.

NIOSH [2009c]. Progress toward safe nanotechnology in the workplace: a report from 

the Nanotechnology Research Center: project 

References
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References

reports for 2007–2008, DHHS (NIOSH) Pub 

No. 2010–104.

Schulte P, Geraci C, Zumwalde R, Hoover 

M, Kuempel E [2008]. Occupational risk 

management of engineered nanoparticles. J 

Occup Environ Hyg 5: 239–249. 

Schulte P, Geraci C, Schubauer-Berigan M, 

Zumwalde R, Mayweather C, McKernan J 

[2009]. Issues in the development of epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to 

engineered nanoparticles. J Occup Environ 

Med 51(3):323–335.

Shvedova AA, Kisin ER, AR Murray, Gandelsman VZ, Maynard AD, Baron PA, Castranova V [2003]. Exposure to carbon nanotube material: assessment of the biological 

effects of nanotube materials using human 

keratinocyte cells. J Toxicol Environ Health 

66(20):1909–1926. 

Shvedova AA, Kisin ER, Murray AR, Schwegler-Berry D, Gandelsman VZ, Baron P, 

Maynard A, Gunther MR, Castranova V 

[2004]. Exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells to carbon nanotubes cause oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. In: Proceedings of the Society for Free Radical Research 

Meeting, Paris, France: Society for Free 

Radical Research International, European 

Section, June 26–29, 2003.

Shvedova AA, Kisin ER, Mercer R, Murray 

AR, Johnson VJ, Potapovich AI, Tyurina YY, 

Gorelik O, Arepalli S, Schwegler-Berry D 

[2005]. Unusual inflammatory and fibrogenic pulmonary responses to single walled carbon nanotubes in mice. Am J Physiol Lung 

Cell Mol Physiol 289(5):L698–708. Epub 

2005 Jun 10.

Shvedova AA, Sager T, Murray A, Kisin E, 

Porter DW, Leonard SS, Schwegler-Berry D, 

Robinson VA, Castranova V [2007]. Critical 

issues in the evaluation of possible effects 

resulting from airborne nanoparticles. In: 

Monteiro-Riviere N and Tran L (eds). Nanotechnology: characterization, dosing and 

health effects. Philadelphia, PA: Informa 

Healthcare, pp. 221–232.

Shvedova AA, Kisin E, Murray AR, Johnson 

V, Gorelik O, Arepalli S, Hubbs AF, Mercer RR, Stone S, Frazer D, Chen T, Deye G, 

Maynard A, Baron P, Mason R, Kadiiska M, 

Stadler K, Mouithys-Mickalad A, Castranova V, Kaagan VE [2008]. Inhalation of carbon nanotubes induces oxidative stress and 

cytokine response causing respiratory impairment and pulmonary fibrosis in mice. 

Toxicologist 102:A1497. 

Wang L, Castranova V, Rojanasakul Y, Lu Y, 

Scabilloni J, Mercer RR [2008]. Direct fibrogenic effects of dispersed single-walled carbon nanotubes on human lung fibroblasts. 

Toxicologist 102:A1499. 
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 53

Timeline for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY05

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and internal dose ■ Begin toxicity testing in laboratory animal and in vitro systems. 

Measurement methods ■ Develop techniques for particle surface area measurement.

■ Generation and characterization of nanomaterials.

■ Nanoaerosol monitoring methods.

■ Ultrafine/respirable particle mapping in automotive manufacturing 

facilities.

Exposure assessment ■ Conduct exposure assessment pilot studies of nanoparticles in the 

workplace. 

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

■ Surveillance Phase I: Identify and gather information relevant for 

determining need for worker surveillance. 

■ Conduct studies on wildfire ultrafine aerosol and firefighter exposure 

studies.

Risk assessment ■ Quantitative risk assessment on ultrafine and fine TiO2

. 

■ Initiate collaborative research on lung model development and 

nanoparticle dose estimation.

Engineering controls 

and PPE

■ Identify key exposure control issues. 

■ Initiate research on the filtration efficiency of typical respirator filter media 

for nanoscale particles.

■ Initiate research on automobile ultrafines. 

Fire and explosion safety ■ Identify key safety issues. 

Recommendations and 

guidance

■ Develop a draft document on working safely with nanomaterials.

■ Draft a titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) current intelligence bulletin.

Communication and 

information

■ Develop a pilot Nanotechnology Information Library (NIL).

■ Generate a basic set of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

(Continued)

Appendix A
54 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY05 (Continued) 

Critical research area Projects

Applications ■ Initiate pilot project on nanofiber-based filter media.

■ Continue a study to investigate nanomaterials for improving sensor 

technology needed in respirator cartridge end-of-service indicators.

Global activities ■ Co-sponsor the 1st International Symposium on Occupational Health 

Implications of Nanomaterials in Buxton, UK

■ Contribute to development of ISO technical report on nanoparticle 

exposure, assessment and characterization in workplace atmospheres. 

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY06

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and internal dose ■ Pulmonary toxicity of carbon nanotubes. 

j determine the oxidant generating potency and cytotoxicity of SWCNT 

in vitro.

j determine the pulmonary response to aspiration of SWCNT in the 

mouse model; time course and dose-response.

■ Pulmonary toxicity of diesel exhaust particles (DEP).

j determine the effects of exposure to DEP on the generation of oxidants 

in the lung.

j determine the role of oxidant generation by DEP on genotoxicity.

■ Nanotechnology safety and health research coordination. 

j disseminate results of the NIOSH nanotoxicology program through 

invited presentations.

■ Dermal effects of nanoparticles.

j determine the effects of SWCNT on skin cells in vitro.

Measurement methods ■ Develop techniques for particle surface area measurement.

■ Analyze filter efficiency for collecting nanoparticles.

■ Conduct exposure assessment pilot studies of nanoparticles in the 

workplace with various measurement methods. 

(Continued)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 55

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY06 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Exposure assessment ■ Conduct survey of nanomaterial uses and workers exposed. 

■ Conduct exposure assessment pilot studies of nanoparticles in the 

workplace.

■ Develop study protocol for conducting TiO2

 workplace exposure 

assessments. 

■ Conduct studies to gather hazard ID information about carbon nanotubes. 

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

■ Surveillance Phase I: Continue to ascertain the need for worker 

surveillance information (e.g., exposure, medical). 

■ Conduct studies on wildfire ultrafine aerosol and firefighter exposure 

studies.

Risk assessment ■ Perform QRA on ultrafine particles from scientific literature.

■ Develop lung deposition model software enhancements.

Engineering controls 

and PPE

■ Identify key exposure control issues. 

■ Evaluate control banding options to reduce worker exposures. 

■ Release contract final report on the “Penetration of Nanoparticles through 

Respirator Filter Media.”

■ Initiate intramural research project on “Respiratory Protection against 

Nanoparticles” to measure the effectiveness of air purifying respirators 

against nanoparticles.

■ Initiate intramural research on the “Development of PPE Ensemble Test 

Methods” to better understand the barrier effectiveness of protective 

clothing and ensembles.

■ Evaluate existing exposure controls and provide recommendations.

■ Continue research of ultrafines in an automotive engine machining and 

assembly facility .

Fire and explosion safety ■ Identify key safety issues. 

Recommendations and 

guidance

■ Update recommendations on the safe handling of nanomaterials 

(ongoing). 

■ Initiate investigation of qualitative risk assessment and management 

methods for nanomaterials.

■ Host occupational safety and health Research to Practice (r2p) conference 

on nanotechnology.

■ Hold public meeting and address external review comments on draft TiO2

current intelligence bulletin. 

(Continued)
56 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY06 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Communication and 

information

■ Update the NIL (ongoing).

■ Develop an expanded set of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

■ Develop a topic page specific to nanotechnology.

Applications ■ Complete pilot project on nanofiber-based filter media.

■ Continue to investigate nanomaterials for improving sensor technology 

needed in respirator cartridge end of service life indicators.

Global activities ■ Join OECD and begin development of international government-level 

instruments, decisions, and recommendations to improve occupational 

safety and health of nanotechnology.

■ Join ISO and develop international consensus-based standards. ISO tech 

report TC229 initiated.

■ Join WHO work group to develop and disseminate best practices globally.

■ Join ICON to develop and disseminate best practices globally.

■ Co-sponsor the 2nd International Symposium on Occupational Health 

Implications of Nanomaterials in Minneapolis, MN

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY07

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and 

Internal dose

■ Define preliminary cardiovascular endpoints.

■ Gather data and develop preliminary dosimetry for diesel exhaust 

particulate (DEP); determine the role of DEP-induced nitric oxide 

production on genotoxicity.

■ Determine pulmonary toxicity of carbon nanotubes. 

j determine the role of lung antioxidants on the pulmonary response to 

SWCNT.

j determine the effect of exposure to SWCNT on susceptibility of the lung 

to infection.

■ Develop particle surface area as a dose metric. 

j develop a method to disperse nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo 

toxicity testing.

j determine if degree to dispersion of a nanoparticle suspension affects 

bioactivity.

(Continued)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 57

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY07 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and 

internal dose

(Continued)

■ Evaluate systemic microvascular dysfunction effects of ultrafine vs. fine 

particles. 

j construct an inhalation exposure system for fine and ultrafine TiO2

.

j determine the effects of pulmonary exposure to ultrafine TiO2 on 

systemic arteriole function.

■ Evaluate the pulmonary deposition and translocation of nanomaterials. 

j determine the effect of dispersion on the pulmonary fibrogenic potency 

of SWCNT.

■ Determine role of carbon nanotubes in cardiovascular inflammation.

j determine if pulmonary exposure to SWCNT causes oxidant stress in 

cardiovascular tissue.

j determine if pulmonary exposure to SWCNT causes arterial plaque 

formation.

■ Disseminate results of the NIOSH nanotoxicology program through 

invited presentations.

Measurement methods ■ Evaluate surface area–mass metric airborne measurement results.

■ Establish a suite of instruments and protocols for nanomaterial 

measurements.

■ Continue to conduct exposure assessment/measurement studies of 

nanoparticles in the workplace.

■ Continue to develop offline and online nanoparticle measurement 

methods.

■ Evaluate a high flow personal sampler.

■ Evaluate candidate nanomaterials for use in studies of nanoparticle surface 

area measurement.

■ Evaluate dustiness testing methods for powdered nanomaterials.

Exposure assessment ■ Conduct market surveys of nanomaterial uses and workers exposed. 

■ Conduct exposure assessment studies of nanoparticles in the workplace. 

■ Initiate ultrafine and fine TiO2

 and metal oxides workplace exposure 

assessments.

■ Conduct studies to gather hazard ID information about carbon nanotubes. 

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

■ Draft guidelines on occupational health surveillance for nanotechnology 

workers with assistance from a cross-governmental work group as well as 

representatives from industry, government, academia, and labor.

■ Conduct studies on wildfire ultrafine aerosol and firefighter exposure studies.

(Continued)
58 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY07 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Risk assessment ■ Extend and calibrate rat lung exposure-dose model for nanoparticles.

■ Develop nanoparticle deposition model in rat nasopharyngeal region.

■ Begin developing model for CNT lung deposition in humans.

Engineering controls 

and PPE

■ Identify key exposure control issues. 

■ Evaluate control banding options to reduce worker exposures. 

■ Continue developing intramural research project on “Respiratory 

Protection against Nanoparticles” with an initial focus on filtration 

efficiency of commercially available respirators.

■ Continue intramural research on the “Development of PPE Ensemble Test 

Methods.”

Fire and explosion safety ■ Identify key safety issues.

Recommendations and 

guidance

■ Continue updating recommendations on the safe handling of 

nanomaterials (ongoing).

■ Prepare final draft of TiO2

 document. 

■ Develop worker and employer guidelines for safe work practices and 

proper nanomaterial handling.

■ Draft guidelines on occupational health surveillance for nanotechnology 

workers with assistance from a cross-governmental work group as well as 

representatives from industry, government, academia, and labor.

■ Draft interim guidance on the medical screening of workers potentially 

exposed to engineered nanoparticles.

Communication and 

information

■ Continue updating the Nanotechnology Information Library (NIL) 

(ongoing).

■ Develop a progress report on NIOSH nanotechnology research and 

communication efforts.

■ Cosponsor training courses in safe handling of nanoparticles.

■ Conduct Research to Practice (r2p) activities (ongoing) such as the 

development of brochures, fact sheets, updating the topic page, etc.

■ Disseminate results of the NIOSH nanotoxicology program through 

invited presentations.

(Continued)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 59

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY07 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Applications ■ Develop a method to identify significant emerging nanotechnology 

products.

■ Research monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles conducted to study 

whether these nanoparticles can be used in sensors for respirator cartridge 

end of service life indication.

■ Initiate proposal for FY09 NORA on antibacterial HVAC air filters.

Global activities ■ Continue OECD development of international government level 

instruments, decisions, and recommendations to improve occupational 

safety and health of nanotechnology.

■ Continue ISO development of international consensus-based standards; 

ISO tech report TC229 initiated.

■ Continue with WHO work group to develop and disseminate best 

practices globally.

■ Continue with ICON to develop and disseminate best practices globally.

■ Establish NIOSH-UK HSL collaboration concerning dustiness testing for 

nanomaterials and detailed workplace measurements.

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY08

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and 

internal dose

■ Determine potential aneuploidy following exposure to carbon nanotubes. 

j determine the effect of in vitro exposure to SWCNT on the mitotic 

process.

■ Evaluate pulmonary toxicity of carbon nanotubes. 

j construct an inhalation exposure system for SWCNT.

j compare the fibrotic response to inhalation vs. aspiration of SWCNT.

■ Establish particle surface area as a dose metric.

j determine the pulmonary response to fine vs. ultrafine TiO2 and carbon 

black using mass and surface area dose metrics.

j evaluate oxidant generation potential as a predictive in vitro screening 

test for metal oxide nanoparticles.

■ Evaluate systemic microvascular dysfunction effects of ultrafine vs. fine 

particles

j determine the role of oxidant stress in the microvascular response to 

pulmonary exposure to ultrafine TiO2

.

(Continued)
60 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY08 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and 

internal dose

(Continued)

■ Evaluate the pulmonary deposition and translocation of nanomaterials. 

j determine the rate of translocation of SWCNT from the lung to systemic 

organs.

■ Evaluate dermal effects of nanoparticles. 

j determine oxidant generation and cytotoxicity of metal oxide 

nanoparticles with skin cells in vitro.

■ Determine role of carbon nanotubes in cardiovascular inflammation. 

j measure blood cytokine levels in response to pulmonary exposure to 

SWCNT.

■ Evaluate occupational exposures and potential neurological risks. 

j evaluate markers of brain inflammation and blood/brain barrier damage 

following pulmonary exposure to MWCNT.

■ Determine neurotoxicity after pulmonary exposure to welding fumes. 

j determine the pulmonary inflammatory response to inhalation of 

welding fumes.

j determine the effect of welding fumes on the susceptibility of the lung to 

infection.

■ Conduct nanotechnology safety and health research coordination. 

j disseminate results of the NIOSH nanotoxicology program through 

invited presentations.

Measurement methods ■ Evaluate surface area–mass metric airborne measurement results.

■ Establish a suite of instruments and protocols for nanomaterial measurements.

■ Continue to conduct exposure assessment/measurement studies of 

nanoparticles in the workplace.

■ Continue to develop offline and online nanoparticle measurement methods.

■ Develop a hand held fast response nanoparticle monitor.

■ Develop software for spatial mapping of nanoparticles.

■ Evaluate collection efficiency of personal mass based aerosol samplers.

■ Identify, qualify, and develop nanoscale reference materials for 

measurement quality control.

Exposure assessment ■ Continue with exposure assessments of nanoparticles in the workplace.

■ Continue ultrafine and fine metal oxides workplace exposure assessments. 

■ Conduct studies to characterize size, concentration, and morphology of 

nanoparticles emitted by various processes.

■ Evaluate the dustiness potential for powdered nanomaterials.

(Continued)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 61

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY08 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

■ Finalize interim guidelines on medical screening for nanotechnology 

workers. 

■ Gather information to assess the feasibility and potential timing of 

industry-wide exposure and epidemiological studies of workers exposed to 

engineered carbonaceous nanomaterials. 

■ Seek input from a collaborative working group made up of representatives 

from industry, government, academia, and labor concerning the value and 

utility of establishing an exposure registry for workers potentially exposed 

to engineered nanoparticles.

Risk assessment ■ Begin hazard and risk estimates of carbon and metal nanoparticles using 

new NIOSH toxicity data. 

■ Calibrate rat dose-response model for nanoparticles using NIOSH toxicity 

data.

■ Complete nasopharyngeal deposition model in rats.

Engineering controls 

and PPE

■ Continue to evaluate the effectiveness of controls to reduce workplace 

exposures to nanoparticles and metal oxides.

■ Continued research on “Respiratory Protection against Nanoparticles” 

with a focus on face seal leakage.

■ Continued research on the “Development of PPE Ensemble Test Methods.” 

■ Evaluate existing exposure control and provide recommendations as part 

of the exposure assessment/measurement studies in the workplace.

Fire and explosion safety ■ Evaluate the dustiness potential for powdered nanomaterials. 

Recommendations and 

guidance

■ Continue updating recommendations on the safe handling of 

nanomaterials (ongoing); specifically, information on the field protocol. 

■ Continue preparing final TiO2

 document that incorporates peer review 

comments (ongoing). 

■ Develop worker and employer guidelines (brochures) for proper 

nanomaterial handling and safe work practices. 

■ Evaluate control banding options to reduce worker exposures. 

■ Conduct a public meeting to discuss interim guidance on the medical 

screening of workers potentially exposed to engineered nanoparticles.

Communication and 

information

■ Continue updating the NIL (ongoing). 

■ Continue conducting r2p activities (ongoing), such as the development of 

brochures, fact sheets, updating the topic page, etc. 

(Continued)
62 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix A

Summary of ongoing or initiated research projects in FY08 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Communication and 

information

(Continued)

■ Develop a web site highlighting the nanotechnology cross-sector as part of 

the NIOSH National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). 

■ Draft supplemental strategic plan specific to nanoinformatics and the 

programs projected communication efforts. 

Applications ■ Research monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles used in prototype 

respirator cartridge end of service indicator (ESLI).

■ Prepare full proposal for NORA on antibacterial HVAC air filters.

Global activities ■ Continue participation with ISO, ICON, OECD, and UN (WHO, ILO).

■ Initiate Good Wiki for good occupational practices for the nanotechnology 

industry.

■ Participate in nanotech symposium at World Congress on Safety and 

Health at Work, Seoul, Korea.

■ Participate in 2nd international conf. on nanotoxicology, Zurich, 

Switzerland.

Summary research planned for FY09–FY10

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and 

internal dose

■ Identify specific biomarkers for unusual toxicity of nanomaterials. Develop 

an in vitro screening test for fibrogenic potential of nanomaterials.

■ Conduct in vivo investigations of MWCNT; determine time and dose 

dependence of pulmonary response; compare response to aspirated vs. 

inhaled MWCNT.

■ Evaluate the potential effect of silicon-based nanowires on lung toxicity; 

determine the oxidant generating potency and cytotoxicity in vitro.

■ Evaluate systemic microvascular dysfunction effects of ultrafine vs. fine 

particle pulmonary exposure.

■ Complete studies of nanoparticle translocation in laboratory animals after 

pulmonary exposure to nanoparticles.

■ Determine the dermal toxicity and penetration potential to the most used 

nanomaterials.

■ Determine the potential for neurological effects following transport of 

metal oxide nanoparticles to the brain (e.g., transport by olfactory nerve).

■ Construct and test an inhalation exposure system for spot welding fume; 

determine lung effects of resistance spot welding using adhesives.

(Continued)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 63

Appendix A

Summary research planned for FY09–FY10 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and 

internal dose

(Continued)

■ Determine effects of inhalation of welding fume on markers of brain 

inflammation and blood/brain barrier damage in a rat model.

■ Conduct cell-based assessment for iron nanoparticle in vitro effects on 

endothelial cells and the role of ROS.

■ Determine the role of carbonaceous materials on mutagenic and or 

carcinogenic response in vitro and in vivo.

■ Elucidate mechanisms by which pulmonary exposures to nanoparticles 

causes brain inflammation; determine dose-response and time course.

Measurement methods ■ Evaluate surface area–mass metric airborne measurement results.

■ Establish a suite of instruments and protocols for nanomaterial 

measurements. 

■ Continue to conduct exposure assessment/measurement studies of 

nanoparticles in the workplace.

■ Continue to develop offline and online nanoparticle measurement methods.

■ Develop performance results for current nanoparticle measurement 

instruments and methods. 

■ Complete evaluation of viable and practical workplace sampling devices 

and methods for nanoparticles (affordable, portable, effective). 

■ Continue to develop a handheld, fast response nanoparticle monitor. 

■ Continue development software for spatial mapping of nanoparticles.

■ Develop a standardized aerosol test method using magnetic passive aerosol 

samplers. 

■ Identify, qualify, and develop nanoscale reference materials for 

measurement quality control.

Exposure assessment ■ Continue evaluation of workplace exposures to nanomaterials and their 

potential routes of exposure.

■ Continue evaluation of size, concentration and morphology of nanoparticles 

emitted by various processes.

■ Focus on collecting personal exposure data for engineered nanoparticles.

■ Develop task-based exposure profiles for engineered nanoparticle processes.

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

■ Update interim guidelines on medical screening for nanotechnology 

workers based on input from published literature and collaborative input 

from representatives of industry, government, academia, and labor.

■ Initiate an industry wide exposure study of workers exposed to specific 

classes of engineered nanomaterials; for example, a study of workers 

exposed to carbonaceous engineered nanomaterials.

(Continued)
64 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix A

Summary research planned for FY09–FY10 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

(Continued)

■ Assess the feasibility of establishing exposure registries for nanotechnology 

workers for the purposes of occupational health surveillance and future 

epidemiologic study.

Risk assessment ■ Continue hazard and risk assessment of engineering nanoparticles. 

■ Complete the development of model of CNT lung deposition in humans.

■ Initiate human nanopharyngeal deposition model.

■ Initiate integrated revision to human dosimetry models. 

Engineering controls and 

PPE

■ Continue evaluation of respirator filtration performance and continue to 

evaluate the effectiveness of controls to reduce workplace exposures to 

nanoparticles.

■ Produce a summary of control strategies.

■ Initiate and conduct research on “Nanoparticle penetration through 

protective clothing” to investigate penetration through non-woven 

materials used in protective clothing and develop predictive models that 

can be used to improve and/or develop guidance documents, performance 

requirements, and test methods.

Fire and explosion safety ■ Produce a summary of key safety issues and recommendations. 

■ Evaluate the dustiness potential for powdered nanomaterials.

Recommendations and 

guidance

■ Develop new or updated recommendations for the safe handling of 

nanomaterials.

■ Develop RELs for ultrafine TiO2

 and CNT

■ Publish respirator selection guide for workers handling nanoparticles.

Communication and 

information

■ Publish an updated progress report on NIOSH nanotechnology research 

and communication efforts.

■ Continue conducting r2p activities (ongoing), such as the development of 

brochures, fact sheets, updating the topic page, etc.

■ Update the web site highlighting the nanotechnology cross-sector as part 

of the NIOSH NORA program portfolio (ongoing).

■ Continue updating the NIL (ongoing).

Applications ■ Evaluate application of nanotechnology for improving antibacterial effect 

of HVAC filters.

■ Further develop and refine end-of-service indicators using nanomaterials. 

(Continued)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 65

Appendix A

Summary research planned for FY09–FY10 (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Global activities ■ Continue participation with ICON, ISO, OECD and UN (WHO, ILO).

■ Continue with development of GoodWiki for good occupational practices 

for the nanotechnology industry.

■ Participate in ICOH International congress on occupational health in Cape 

Town, South Africa (2009).

■ Participate in 4th international congress on nanotechnology, Helsinki, 

Finland (2009).

■ Expand collaborations to developing nations and emerging powers (AsiaPacific, Eastern Europe).

■ Develop partnerships for translation of NIOSH publications to other 

languages.

Summary research planned for FY11–FY12 (pending)

Critical research area Projects

Toxicity and internal dose ■ Evaluate induction of lung fibrosis by cerium oxide and diesel exhaust.

■ Evaluate the potential pulmonary reaction to inhalation of commercial 

spray containing ultrafine TiO2.

■ Develop predictive algorithms for nanoparticle bioactivity.

■ Evaluate the predictive value of in vitro screening tests for the fibrogenic 

potential of carbon nanotubes.

■ Elucidate mechanisms by which carbon nanotubes induce lung fibrosis.

Measurement methods ■ Develop instruments capable of distinguishing process from background 

nanoparticles. 

■ Develop techniques to characterize agglomeration state of nanoparticles.

Exposure assessment ■ Complete evaluation of workplace exposures to nanomaterials and their 

potential routes of exposure.

■ Complete evaluation of size, concentration, and morphology of 

nanoparticles emitted by various processes.

Epidemiology and 

surveillance

■ Assess the feasibility of industry wide health effects studies of workers 

exposed to engineered nanomaterials.

■ Evaluate occupational exposures and potential neurological risks.

(Continued)
66 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix A

Summary research planned for FY11–FY12 (pending) (Continued)

Critical research area Projects

Risk assessment ■ Evaluate/validate nanoparticle exposure-dose-response models. 

■ Investigate models with additional routes of exposure.

■ Develop risk estimates using models of kinetic and biological activity of 

nanoparticles. 

■ Characterize risk of nanoparticle exposure in the workplace.

■ Contribute to OSH recommendation development.

Engineering controls and 

PPE

■ Finalize development of a standardized aerosol test method using 

magnetic passive aerosol samplers for PPE ensemble testing.

■ Expand particulate penetration project to include different types of fabrics, 

investigate the use of electrostatic charges, use of a wind tunnel in testing 

and evaluate bellows effects.

■ PPE workplace protection factor studies of nanotechnology workers.

■ Laboratory performance of filter media against carbon nanotubes and/or 

other key nanoparticle classes.

Fire and explosion safety ■ Update pertinent safety issues and recommendations. 

Recommendations and 

guidance

■ Develop RELs for most used nanomaterials

■ Publish protective clothing selection guide for workers handling 

nanoparticles.

Communication and 

information

■ Publish an updated progress report on NIOSH nanotechnology research 

and communication efforts. 

■ Continue conducting r2p activities (ongoing), such as the development of 

brochures, fact sheets, updating the topic page, etc. 

■ Update the Web site highlighting the nanotechnology cross-sector as part 

of the NIOSH NORA program portfolio (ongoing). 

■ Continue updating the NIL (ongoing). 

Applications ■ Evaluate application of nanotechnology for improving antibacterial effect 

of HVAC filters and PPE.

■ Further development and refinement of end-of-service indicators using 

nanomaterials.

Global activities ■ Strengthen participation with globally recognized organizations ICON, 

ISO, OECD and UN (WHO, ILO).

■ Continue refinement of GoodWiki for good occupational practices for the 

nanotechnology industry.
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 67

NNI Priority Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs 

for Engineered Nanoscale Materials

Research categories (A–E) Research needs

A. Instrumentation, 

metrology, and 

analytical methods

1. Develop methods to detect nanomaterials in biological matrices, the 

environment, and the workplace

2. Understand how chemical and physical modifications affect the properties of nanomaterials

3. Develop methods for standardizing assessment of particle size, size 

distribution, shape, structure, and surface area

4. Develop certified reference materials for chemical and physical characterization of nanomaterials

5. Develop methods to characterize a nanomaterial’s spatio-chemical 

composition, purity, and heterogeneity

B. Nanomaterials and 

human health

Overarching Research Priority: Understand characteristics of nanomaterials 

in relation to toxicity in biological systems.

1. Understand the absorption and transport of nanomaterials throughout the human body

2. Develop methods to quantify and characterize exposure to nanomaterials and characterize nanomaterials in biological matrices

3. Identify or develop appropriate in vitro and in vivo assays/models to 

predict in vivo human responses to nanomaterials exposure

4. Establish the relationship between the properties of nanomaterials and 

uptake via the respiratory or digestive tracts or through the eyes or 

skin, and assess body burden

5. Determine the mechanisms of interaction between nanomaterials and 

the body at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels

C. Nanomaterials and the 

environment

1. Understand the effects of engineered nanomaterials in individuals of 

a species and the applicability of testing schemes to measure effects

2. Understand environmental exposures through identification of principle sources of exposure and exposure routes

(Continued)

Appendix B
68 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix B

Research category (A-E) Research needs

C. Nanomaterials and the 

environment

(Continued)

3. Evaluate abiotic and ecosystem-wide effects

4. Determine factors affecting the environmental transport of nanomaterials

5. Understand the transformation of nanomaterials under different environmental conditions

D. Humans and 

environmental exposure 

assessment

1. Characterize exposures among workers

2. Identify population groups and environments exposed to engineered 

nanoscale materials

3. Characterize exposure to the general population from industrial processes and industrial and consumer products containing nanomaterials

4. Characterize health of exposed populations and environments

5. Understand workplace processes and factors that determine exposure 

to nanomaterials

E. Risk management 

methods

Overarching Research Priority: Evaluate risk management approaches for 

identifying and addressing risks from nanomaterials,

1. Understand and develop best workplace practices, processes, and environmental exposure controls

2. Examine product or material life cycle to inform risk reduction decisions

3. Develop risk characterization information to determine and classify 

nanomaterials based on physical or chemical properties

4. Develop nanomaterial-use and safety-incident trend information to 

help focus risk management efforts

5. Develop specific two-way risk communication approaches and materials

From The National Nanotechnology Initiative, Strategy for NanotechnologyRelated Environmental, Health, and Safety Research, 2008.

NNI Priority Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs 

for Engineered Nanoscale Materials (Continued)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 69

Partnerships and Collaborations

Integral to completing this research are the 

partnerships and collaborations NIOSH 

has forged with countries, academia, industry, labor, other government agencies, and 

nongovernmental organizations. These collaborations have provided expertise and resources critical for successfully completing 

research and for developing and disseminating health and safety information on engineered nanoparticles. Following are some of 

the ongoing NIOSH NTRC partnerships and 

collaborations in nanotechnology research:

Universities

•	 The Ohio State University, evaluating 

workplaces, controls, and practices in 

the nanocomposites industry

•	 University of Cincinnati, translating 

nanotechnology research into occupational and environmental health and 

safety activities

•	 University of Dayton Research Institute, understanding and improving the 

control of carbon nanotubes

•	 University of Iowa, measuring airborne 

levels of ultrafine particles

•	 University of Nevada at Reno (with 

Altair Nano), understanding and improving the control of ultrafine metal 

oxides and engineered nanomaterials

•	 University of Massachusetts at Lowell, collaborating on the development 

of good practices for handling nanomaterials in research laboratories 

and developing exposure assessment 

methods

•	 University of Minnesota, measuring 

airborne concentrations of ultrafine 

particles

•	 University of Montana, evaluating the 

toxicity of nanowires

•	 University of Pittsburgh, evaluating 

the toxicity of nanomaterials

•	 University of Rochester, measuring 

the ability of nanoparticles to generate 

radical species

•	 University of Wisconsin, Madison, developing exposure assessment strategies and characterizing nanoparticles 

in friction stir welding and micromachining

•	 Virginia Tech University (with Luna 

Nano Works), understanding and improving the control of fullerines and 

other engineered nanoparticles

•	 West Virginia University Nanotechnology Center, evaluating the toxicity of 

metal oxide nanowires

•	 West Virginia University Medical 

School, evaluating the effects of pulmonary exposure to nanoparticles, 

including the influence of exposure to 

titanium dioxide (TiO2

) on systemic 

microvascular function

Health and Safety Organizations 

and Expert Groups

•	 American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) 

Appendix C
70 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix C

•	 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) 

•	 American Society of Safety Engineers 

(ASSE)

•	 Health Physics Society (HPS)

•	 National Safety Council (NSC)

•	 Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences 

on software modifications for use in 

lung dosimetry modeling

•	 International Alliance for Nanotoxicology Harmonization (IAHN)

•	 International Safety Equipment Association on the respirator filter media 

work being conducted at the University of Minnesota to assess the filtration 

efficiency against nanoparticles

•	 The initiative on Minimum Information Needed for Charaterization of 

Nanomaterials (MINChar)

•	 Institute of Occupational Medicine 

(IOM), Edinburgh, Scotland, on revising rat lung dosimetry models to 

account for particle size-specific clearance and retention

Federal and Other Government 

Agencies

•	 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

•	 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to evaluate the 

effectiveness of workplace control 

measures

•	 Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

•	 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to evaluate the 

toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)

•	 U.S. Air Force

•	 U.S. Army

•	 Department of Energy (DOE) 

•	 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

•	 National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences/ National Institute of 

Health and the Department of Defense 

on nanotoxicology

•	 National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) on evaluating the 

toxicity of nanoparticles and developing nanoscale reference materials

•	 National Nanotechnology Initiative 

(NNI) through active participation 

in NNI’s strategic and budget planning processes, and coordination of 

research into occupational safety and 

health of nanotechnology with other 

government agencies

•	 National Toxicology Program on field 

assessments and toxicological research

•	 Oak Ridge National Laboratory to 

evaluate the pulmonary toxicity of 

nanoparticles

•	 Commonwealth of Massachusetts to 

promote the safe development of nanotechnology in Massachusetts

•	 Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en 

santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST)

•	 Karolinska Institute on evaluating the 

effect of nanomaterials on immune cells

•	 World Health Organization (WHO)

•	 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology 71

Appendix C

•	 International Labour Organization 

(ILO) to develop information on nanotechnology for a revised edition of the 

Encylopaedia of Occupational Health 

and Safety

•	 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 

to develop international standards for 

terminology, characterization, and 

safety practices for nanotechnology

Nanotechnology Industries

•	 DuPont and the Nanoparticle Occupational Safety and Health industry 

consortium on issues related to the 

measurement of nanoparticles and the 

efficiency of filtration materials for engineered nanoparticles

•	 Mitsui Co. Inc. on evaluating the bioactivity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). 

•	 IBM on evaluating the bioactivity of 

silicon nanowires

•	 Luna Nano Works on understanding 

and improving the control of fullerines 

and other engineered nanoparticles

•	 Altair Nano on understanding the improving the control of ultrafine metal 

oxides and engineered nanomaterials

•	 Quantum Sphere on understanding and improving the control of nanoscale metals and metal oxides

•	 QD Vision on understanding and improving the control of quantum dots

•	 NanoMech LLC (Fayetteville, Arkansas) to collaborate on a proposed 

EPA phase I SBIR project related to 

containment of airborne nanoparticles

Collaborative Workshops

•	 In FY2005, NIOSH co-sponsored 

the first Symposium on Occupational 

Health Implications of Nanomaterials

in Buxton, United Kingdom 

•	 In FY2006, NIOSH co-sponsored the 

second Symposium on Occupational 

Health Implications of Nanomaterials

in Minneapolis, Minnesota

•	 In FY2007— 

— NIOSH collaborated with the 

International Aerosol Research 

Assembly and the American Association for Aerosol Research 

to hold the Second International 

Symposium on Nanotechnology 

and Occupational Health in conjunction with the international 

aerosol conference in St. Paul, 

Minnesota. 

— NIOSH and the University of 

Cincinnati co-sponsored the International Conference on Nanotechnology Occupational and 

Environmental Health and Safety: 

Research to Practice, in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

— NIOSH convened a collaborative workshop that included representatives from government, 

academia, labor, and industry 

in Washington, DC to review a 

draft document developed by 

NIOSH and a cross-agency work 

group, titled Interim Guidelines 

on Medical Screening of Workers 
72 Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology

Appendix C

Potentially Exposed to Engineered 

Nanoparticles. 

— NIOSH co-sponsored the Third 

Symposium on Occupational Health 

Implications of Nanomaterials in 

Taipei, Taiwan. 

•	 In FY2008, NIOSH served as the agency 

lead to organize the program for the National Nanotechnology Initiative workshop on Human and Environmental 

Exposure Assessment which was held 

February 2009, in Bethesda, MD.

•	 In FY2008, NIOSH began to participate in the planning of the Fourth 

International Conference on Nanotechnology—Occupational and Environmental Health planned for August 

2009, in Helsinki, Finland. 

•	 In FY2009, NIOSH co-sponsored a 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology Workshop on Enabling 

Standards for Nanomaterial Characterization which was held in October 

2008, in Gaithersburg, MD.

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