Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health

Continuing to Protect the

NANOTECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE:

NIOSH NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PLAN FOR

2018 – 2025
Cover image credits:

Front

1. Titanium dioxide TiO2 nanoparticles (Photo by ©Dr. Microbe/Getty Images)

2. Scientific researcher showing a piece of graphene with hexagonal molecule (Photo by ©Bonninstudio/Getty Images)

3. Stairs with jet engine on a modern private jet airplane (Photo by ©Tr3gi/Getty Images)

4. Seamless hexagonal pattern background (Photo by ©ExpresslPhoto/Getty Images)

Back

1. Destruction of fungus Trichophyton by silver nanoparticles (Photo by ©Dr. Microbe/Getty Images)

2. Hands touching circle global network connection and icon customer (Photo by ©ipopba/Getty Images)
Continuing to Protect the

NANOTECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE:

NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Plan for 2018–2025

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
ii Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted.

Disclaimer

Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition, citations of websites external to NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of the 

sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. Furthermore, NIOSH is not responsible 

for the content of these websites.

Get More Information

Find NIOSH products and get answers to workplace safety and health questions:

1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) | TTY: 1-888-232-6348

CDC/NIOSH INFO: cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh

Monthly NIOSH eNews: cdc.gov/niosh/eNews

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2019]. Continuing to protect the nanotechnology workforce: NIOSH nanotechnology 

research plan for 2018–2025. By Hodson L, Geraci C, Schulte P. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 2019-116, https://doi.

org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2019116.

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2019-116

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2019116

January 2019
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce iii

FOREWORD

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is pleased to present Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce: NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Plan for 2018–2025. 

This plan updates the previous, December 2013 strategic plan with knowledge gained from results of ongoing research on the safety and health implications of engineered nanomaterials. The 

NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) coordinates the NIOSH nanotechnology 

research program via a comprehensive, institute-wide plan that supports multiple sectors in the 

National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). 

NIOSH is using this Nanotechnology Research Plan for 2018–2025 as a roadmap to advance (1) 

understanding of nanotechnology-related toxicology and workplace exposures and (2) implementation of appropriate risk management practices during the discovery, development, and commercialization of engineered nanomaterials along their product lifecycle. As researchers explore 

and characterize potential hazards and risks associated with nanomaterials, the knowledge from 

that research will serve as a foundation for an anticipatory and proactive approach to the introduction and use of nanomaterials in advanced manufacturing. Although many industries have adopted 

NIOSH recommendations and guidance on approaches to safe nanotechnology, NIOSH strives to 

remain at the forefront of developing contemporary guidance that supports and promotes the safe, 

responsible development of nanomaterials.

John Howard, M.D.

Director

National Institute for Occupational 

 Safety and Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
iv Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Nanotechnology—the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale (1 to 100 nanometers) to 

produce new materials and devices—has the ability to transform many industries and their products, from medicine to manufacturing. Even though nanoscale substances such as carbon black or 

titanium dioxide have been in use for a long time, modern nanotechnology is still an emerging field.

The commercial application of newer engineered nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes began 

about 20 years ago. Consequently, as is the case with any emerging technology, there are many 

unanswered questions about the risk management continuum—hazard, exposure, risk, control—with 

regard to nanotechnology. Hazard is the driver of that continuum, and the wide use of nanomaterials in commerce possibly means wide worker exposure. Employers, workers, and other decision 

makers are asking for information on every element of the risk management continuum simultaneously, from hazard identification to control. 

Many knowledge gaps remain on how to work safely with these materials. Through strategic planning, research, partnering with stakeholders, and making information widely available, NIOSH is 

providing national and world leadership to prevent work-related illness and injury.

NANOTECHNOLOGY AND NIOSH RESEARCH

Nanotechnology and the commercialization of products and devices containing engineered nanomaterials could help address critical global problems concerning energy, transportation, pollution, 

health, and food. The potential benefits of nanotechnology are immense. However, scientists must 

also address concerns about the potential adverse human health effects of this technology. Timely, 

targeted research must further define the hazards, exposures, and risks and provide guidance for 

the safe handling of nanomaterials. A concerted effort by industry, academia, labor, environmental 

health and safety professionals, and government can fill the knowledge gaps in an accessible process 

that coincides with development of this new technology. 

NIOSH is playing an active part in this process by supporting the development of a broad spectrum 

of research and prevention strategies for health and safety hazards related to nanotechnology. In a 

series of reports [NIOSH 2007, 2010, 2012a], NIOSH has summarized its progress in conducting 

nanotechnology research and recommending risk management strategies (see http://www.cdc.gov/

niosh/topics/nanotech/). NIOSH investigators have identified adverse health effects in animals 

exposed to various engineered nanomaterials; assessed worker exposures; initiated epidemiologic 

research; and provided guidance on occupational exposure limits (OELs), control technologies, 

and medical surveillance. Yet, there are still many questions. Advanced synthesis techniques yield 

nanomaterials with a practically limitless combination of physicochemical traits, each of which 

could have unique toxicology and exposure risks. There is need for an expeditious approach for controlling exposure to the continuously growing number of nanomaterials used both in science and in 

commerce. Moreover, the advanced nanomaterials under development may have additional potentially hazardous characteristics that will need addressing in the near future [Murashov et al. 2012].

NIOSH NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER 

NIOSH established the Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) in 2004 to coordinate nanotechnology research across the institute. Ten critical areas of research (toxicity and internal dose; 

measurement methods; exposure assessment; epidemiology and surveillance; risk assessment; 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce v

engineering controls and personal protective equipment [PPE]; fire and explosion safety; recommendations and guidance; global collaborations; and applications and informatics) have at least one 

key scientist each, serving as a coordinator. The NTRC and its steering committee of critical area 

coordinators are responsible for developing and guiding NIOSH scientific and organizational plans 

in nanotechnology health and safety research. 

STRATEGIC PLAN

The development of nanotechnology has reached a point of wide application, and numerous nanomaterials and nano-enabled products are in commerce. Nanotechnology may provide great benefits to 

society if developed responsibly. This responsibility involves addressing any potential adverse human 

and environmental impacts of the technology associated with engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). 

Workers are among the first to have contact with (exposure to) potential health hazards from new 

technology and products, and their exposure to any new material is often greater than for the general 

population. Therefore, worker safety and health are at the core of responsible development (Figure 1).

Significant

benefits to 

society

Responsible 

development of

the technology

Nanomaterial 

worker safety 

and health

Figure 1. The core of responsible development of nanotechnology.

This document presents the NTRC strategic plan for fiscal year (FY)2018–FY2025. The strategic plan also highlights how the critical research and guidance efforts of NIOSH align with and 

support the comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy needs of the 

National Nanotechnology Initiative (Section 6). These research needs are consistent with nanotechnology-related research goals included in the NIOSH Strategic Plan for FYs 2019–2023, but offer 

greater detail (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/about/strategicplan/).

For the period FY2018–FY2025, NIOSH will continue to fill information and knowledge gaps 

that address the five NIOSH NTRC strategic goals first defined in the 2013 strategic plan (http://

www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-106/pdfs/2014-106.pdf) (NIOSH 2013a):

1. Increase understanding of new nanomaterials and related health risks to nanomaterial 

workers. 

2. Expand understanding of the initial hazard findings on engineered nanomaterials.
vi Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

3. Support the creation of guidance materials to inform nanomaterial workers, employers, 

health professionals, regulatory agencies, and decision-makers about hazards, risks, and risk 

management approaches.

4. Support epidemiologic studies for nanomaterial workers, including medical, cross-sectional, 

prospective cohort, and exposure studies. 

5. Assess and promote national and international adherence with risk management guidance. 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce vii

Contents

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

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Nanotechnology and NIOSH Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.2 Mission of NIOSH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.3 NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.4 NIOSH Logic Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2 WHERE ARE WE NOW? 7

2.1 Vision, Mission, and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Vision of the NTRC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mission of the NTRC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NTRC Steering Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2 Accomplishments from 2003 through 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2.3 Customer and Stakeholder Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.4 NIOSH Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.5 Standards Development Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.6 International Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.7 NIOSH Extramural Nanotechnology Research Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3 WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE? 19

3.1 Addressing Each Element in the Risk Management Continuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

4 HOW DO WE GET THERE? 21

4.1 Coalescing Priorities for NIOSH NTRC Research and Guidance

for FY2018–FY2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.2 Proposed NIOSH NTRC Research Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

4.3 Prioritizing Goals by Burden, Need, and Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Burden...

Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
viii Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

5 HOW DO WE TRACK PROGRESS AND MEASURE SUCCESS? 29

6 ALIGNMENT WITH THE NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE 31

6.1 Environmental, Health, and Safety Goals of the NNI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

REFERENCES 35

APPENDIX A 39

Comprehensive Chart of the NNI 2011 EHS Research Needs ......

APPENDIX B 49

Summary of proposed NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Projects, 2018-2021 ..
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce ix

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The researchers and staff of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

who participate in the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) developed this report

Charles Geraci (Associate Director for Emerging Technologies) and Paul Schulte (Director, Education and Information Division) are co-managers of the NTRC. NIOSH thanks Laura Hodson

(NTRC Coordinator), Charles Geraci, and Paul Schulte for writing and organizing this report. It

also thanks the following contributors: Teh-hsun (Bean) Chen, Matt Dahm, Kevin H. Dunn, Kevin

L. Dunn, Adrienne Eastlake, Douglas Evans, Mark D. Hoover, Eileen Kuempel, Vladimir Murashov, Mary Schubauer-Berigan, Aleksandr Stefaniak, Samy Rengasamy, Jenny Roberts, Dougla

Trout, and Leonid Turkevich

The NIOSH NTRC acknowledges Vanessa Williams, Nikki Romero, and Elizabeth Clements for 

graphic design and production and Seleen Collins, Cheryl Hamilton, and Jeanette Novakovich for 

editing the report. In addition, it expresses special appreciation to these individuals and organizations for their reviews and comments

Lynn Bergeson

Bergeson & Campbell 

Washington, DC 

Chris Cannizzaro, Ph.

U.S. Department of Sta

Washington, DC

Janet Carter, Ph.

Occupational Safety and Health 

 Administration 

U.S. Department of Lab

Washington, DC

Alison Elder, Ph.

University of Rochester Medical Center

Rochester, NY

Lawrence Gibbs, M.Ed., M.P.H.

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Elaine Cohen Hubal, Ph.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agen

Research Triangle Park, NC

Timothy Nurkiewicz, Ph.

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

Nora Savage, Ph.

National Science Foundation

Washington, DC

Jay West

American Chemistry Council

Washington, DC
x Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

Abbreviations

AFL-CIO American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association

AIHce American Industrial Hygiene conference and exposition

ANSES The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational 

 Health and Safety

ANSI American National Standards Institute

ASSP American Society of Safety Professionals

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials (currently ASTM International)

CNF carbon nanofiber

CNT carbon nanotube

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPWR Center for Construction Research and Training

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services

EHS environmental, health, and safety

ENM engineered nanomaterial

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ERC Education and Research Center

FIOH Finnish Institute of Occupational Health

FMSH Federal Mine Safety and Health

FY fiscal year

HSL Health and Safety Laboratory

IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer

ICOH International Commission on Occupational Health

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

ILO International Labour Organization

IOM Institute of Occupational Medicine 

ISEA International Safety Equipment Association

ISO International Organization for Standardization

MOU memorandum of understanding

MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration

MWCNT multi-walled carbon nanotube

NanoBCA Nanobusiness Commercialization Association

NCER National Center for Environmental Research

NCRP National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce xi

NEHI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications

NIEHS National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

NIH National Institutes of Health 

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NNI National Nanotechnology Initiative

NORA National Occupational Research Agenda

NSC National Safety Council

NSF National Science Foundation

NSET Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee of 

 the U.S. National Science and Technology Counc

NTRC Nanotechnology Research Center

OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OEP Office of Extramural Programs

OSH occupational safety and health

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

P3Nano Public-Private Partnership for Cellulosic Nanotechnology

PAMS portable aerosol mobility spectrometer

PNS personal nano-aerosol sizer

PPE personal protective equipment

PtD Prevention through Design

QEEN Quantitative Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials

QRA quantitative risk assessment

r2p Research to Practice

SUNY Poly CNSE State University of New York Polytechnic Colleges of 

 Nanoscale Science and Engineering

TNO The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research

TiO2 titanium dioxide

UN United Nations

UNITAR United Nations Institute for Training and Research

WHO World Health Organization

WPMN Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials
This page intentionally left blank.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 1

1 INTRODUCTION

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. Whereas nanomaterials 

have at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers [ISO 2015], nanoparticles are a specific 

class or subset having three dimensions less than 

100 nanometers. Nanoparticles may exhibit 

unique properties because of their nanoscale dimensions. 

Nanotechnology offers the potential for tremendous improvement and advances in the 

development of commercial products that 

may benefit society, such as integrated sensors, 

semiconductors, medical imaging equipment, 

drug delivery systems, structural materials, sunscreens, cosmetics, and coatings. It is one of the 

most powerful enabling technologies across 

the world. A review of the 2018 version of the 

Nanowerk nanomaterials database (http://

www.nanowerk.com/phpscripts/n_dbsearch.

php) revealed about 4,000 commercially available nanomaterials. The inventory at the Project 

for Emerging Technologies [PEN 2016] shows 

more than 1,800 nanomaterial-containing commercial products. 

The properties of engineered nanomaterials 

(ENMs) (such as size, surface area, and reactivity) that yield many improvements in commercial products may also pose potential health 

risks. Increasing numbers of workers are potentially exposed to ENMs in research laboratories, 

start-up companies, production facilities, and 

operations where ENMs are processed, used, 

disposed, or recycled. The challenge is to determine whether intentionally produced ENMs 

and nano-enabled products present occupational safety and health risks. At the same time, 

there is a need to address how to realize the benefits of nanotechnology while proactively minimizing the risks. 

Efforts across multiple federal agencies and the 

private and academic sectors 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 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 human health, environmental issues, 

and societal implications related to nanotechnology. 

1.2 Mission of NIOSH

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 the intent of these acts was to 

ensure, insofar as possible, safe and healthful 

working conditions for every worker, to preserve 

our human resources. In these acts, NIOSH 

has responsibility for recommending occupational safety and health standards and defining 

exposure levels 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 a work experience. 
By means of criteria documents and other publications, NIOSH communicates these recommended standards to the Occupational Safety 

and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine 

Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), 

and others in the occupational safety and health 

community.

Under the OSH Act, NIOSH must conduct 

“research, experiments, and demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health” and 

develop “innovative methods, techniques, and 

approaches for dealing with [those related] 

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. An amendment to the act statesthat 

NIOSH is responsible 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 ofthe 

OSH Act).

1.3 NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Research Center

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

critical issues relating to nanotechnology, create 

a strategic plan for investigating these issues, 

coordinate the NIOSH research effort, develop 

research partnerships, and disseminate relevant 

information. The NTRC comprises nanotechnology-related activities and projects supported by approximately 70 scientists in various 

NIOSH divisions and laboratories (Figure 2).

Through the NTRC, NIOSH has identified

10 critical research areas for nanotechnology 

research and communication: toxicity and internal dose; measurement methods; exposure 

assessment; epidemiology and surveillance; risk 

assessment; engineering controls and personal 

protective equipment (PPE); fire and explosion 

safety; recommendations and guidance; global 

collaborations; and applications and informatics 

(Figure 3). By researching in these areas concurrently, NIOSH is comprehensively addressing

Figure 2. NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center Scientists, spring 2016.

2 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce
the information and knowledge gaps necessary 

to protect workers and responsibly move nanotechnology forward so that its far-reaching benefits may be realized.

1.4 NIOSH Logic Model

NIOSH receives input on identifying and addressing occupational safety and health problems 

through a logic model, or process, by which it

1. evaluates the seriousness of the problem 

or hazard,

2. determines the type and level of research 

needed, and

3. formulates a plan and process for communicating the research outcomes.

The NIOSH operational logic model (Figure

4) for conducting research depicts the acquisition and analysis of inputs from customers/

stakeholders (production inputs) and internal/ 

external research capabilities (planning inputs) 

to determine and prioritize research. Intramural and extramural researchers present their 

project proposals, which receive appropriate internal and external review; funding is according to merit. The conduct of research (activities) 

produces “outputs,” such as guidance documents 

and reports. These address effective risk-management practices, worker and employer education, and new technologies for assessing and 

controlling workplace hazards. NIOSH outputs 

are transferred directly to the final customers and 

stakeholders (who implement improvements in 

workplace safety and health) or to intermediate 

customers (who use NIOSH outputs to produce 

intermediate outcomes). These intermediate outcomes, such as training programs, regulations, 

and occupational standards, advance workplace 

safety and health.

Figure 3. The critical research areas of the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC).

Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 3

Toxicology and 

Internal Dose

Applications 

and Informatics Measurement

Global 

Collaborations

Recommendations 

and Guidance

NTRC

Exposure 

Assessment

Epidemiology 

and Surveillance

Fire and 

Explosion Safety

Risk 

Assessment

Engineering 

Controls and PPE
4 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

Because 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. The effectiveness in achieving these 

outcomes is influenced at all stages of the 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 

outcomes and end outcomes) contribute to the 

subsequent rounds of program planning. 

The NIOSH logic model (Figure 5) has a conventional horseshoe shape: the operational upper 

branch proceeds from inputs to mission-relevant 

outcomes, and the strategic lower branch supports those operations through measurable goals 

and management objectives. These two correlated 

branches are subject to external factors. 

Research*:

Surveillance, 

epidemiological 

and behavioral 

studies, intervention 

studies, laboratory 

and field studies, 

exposure and 

measurements and 

risk assessment, 

control studies 

and development, 

PPE studies and 

development

*intramural and 

extramural, including 

domestic and 

international efforts, 

such as work 

conducted at ERCs, 

AFCs, and WHO 

Global Network of 

Collaborating Centers

Mission: To Provide National and World Leadership to Prevent Work-Related Illness and Injuries

End 

 Outcomes

Production 

Inputs:

budget, staff, 

facilities, 

managerial, 

infrastructure

Planning 

Inputs:

customer/

stakeholder 

inputs, 

surveillance 

and 

intervention 

effectiveness 

data, HHEs, 

earmarks, risk 

assessments

OSHA, MSHA, 

other federal 

agencies; NIOSH 

programs; 

Congress; 

state and 

local agencies; 

standards 

bodies; labor, 

trade and 

professional 

associations; 

technology 

developers and 

manufacturers; 

other 

researchers; S&H 

practitioners

Employees, 

employers, 

industry, 

educators, 

regulators 

who reduce 

or prevent 

hazardous 

exposures or 

conditions

Improvements 

in safety and 

health in 

workplaces

Pilot and/or 

market ready 

technologies, 

training and 

education 

programs, 

guidance, 

regulations, 

standards, 

trade and major 

media releases; 

websites

Transfer:

• Translation of 

research into 

practice, products 

and technologies

• Information 

dissemination

• Capacity building 

through technical 

assistance 

(HHEs), training 

and education

• Recommendations, 

reports, 

publications, 

workshops, 

databases, 

conferences

• Training and 

education materials 

and demonstration 

programs, trained 

professionals

• Tools and methods, 

best practices, 

developmental 

technologies, 

licenses, patents

External Factors: Economic and social 

conditions and regulator 

envoronment

Conduct surveillance and evaluate intervention effectiveness

Research Partners Feedback

Transfer

Inputs Activities Outputs Intermediate Outcomes

Figure 4. Schematic of the NIOSH operational model.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 5

Inputs Activities Outputs Customers

Management

Objectives

Activity/Output

Goals

External factors

Intermediate

Goals

Strategic

Goals

Outcomes

Operations

Strategy and design

Mission

Figure 5. Logic model showing how goals align with the operational model
This page intentionally left blank.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 7

2 WHERE ARE WE NOW?

2.1 Vision, Mission, and 

Management

Vision of the NTRC

This is the NTRC vision: 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 

on the implications of nanoparticles and nanomaterials for work-related injury and illness, and 

the application of nanoparticles and nanomaterials in occupational safety and health.

NTRC Steering Committee

The NTRC Steering Committee is co-chaired by 

the NTRC managers and coordinator. The committee comprises the program managers, program 

coordinator, program assistant coordinator, and 

critical area coordinators for each of the 10 research areas (some areas have multiple research 

coordinators, and some researchers have dual 

roles). The 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 for the 

NTRC. Regular updates and progress reports 

on internal research activities occur through biweekly teleconferences and an annual meeting 

among members of the NTRC Steering Committee. In addition, to ensure the responsiveness, 

relevance, and impact of the NIOSH nanotechnology program, all members of the NTRC and 

appropriate stakeholders meet in person every 

2 years at a scientific exchange meeting. 

2.2 Accomplishments from 

2003 through 2018

The following timeline presents significant outputs and events in the history of the NTRC. 

2003: NIOSH published the seminal toxicological study report Exposure to Carbon Nanotube 

Material: Assessment of Nanotube Cytotoxicity 

Using Human Keratinocyte Cells. This report 

has been cited over 1,000 times in the peerreviewed literature, making it one of the NTRC’s 

most cited publications in nanotoxicology. Additionally, during this time, early fieldwork on 

carbon nanotubes took place. Results from both 

the early fieldwork and toxicologic studies indicated a need for a dedicated group within 

NIOSH to focus specifically on nano-sized materials. NIOSH became a member of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology 

(NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science 

and Technology Council.

May 2003: NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard delivered the first information session on 

NIOSH nanotechnology research, at the American Industrial Hygiene conference and exposition (AIHce). Every year since then at the 

AIHce, NIOSH has arranged and delivered a 

dedicated session on progress in nanotechnology research. In 2006, the presentation and discussion expanded to a panel for multiple speakers and nanotechnology-specific topics. In 2015, 

the nanotechnology update became part of the 

AIHce Science Symposium track.

March 2004: NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard announced to the Institute Leadership 

Team the establishment of the Nanotechnology 

Research Center, now known as the NTRC, to 

accelerate progress in nanotechnology research 

across the Institute. Shortly thereafter, NIOSH 

held the first official meeting of the NTRC. 
8 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

July 2004 and 2005: NIOSH conducted two 

of the first NIOSH organized field efforts at 

carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon nanofiber 

(CNF) facilities: the first, a university research 

center making CNTs; the second, a CNF composite pilot lab. These first-ever attempts to evaluate potential sources of emissions from CNT- and 

CNF-handling processes prompted a more dedicated field effort. 

September 2005: NIOSH became the first government agency to publish a strategic plan for 

nanotechnology research, as the roadmap to 

advance knowledge about the applications and 

implications of nanomaterials. Shortly thereafter, the Woodrow Wilson Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies released a webinar providing information on the occupational safety 

and health applications and implications of 

nanotechnology. During this time, to ensure its 

information would reach all interested parties, 

the NTRC launched the first nanotechnology 

topic page website on the potential hazards of 

engineered nanomaterials in the workplace.

October 2005: NTRC researchers developed 

the first comprehensive guidance compendium 

to inform employers about potential hazards of 

nanomaterials and the steps they could take to 

help minimize the health risks from exposure. 

Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with NIOSH has become one 

of the most widely used nanomaterial occupational safety and health guidance documents 

throughout the world. NIOSH released an updated version of this guidance in 2009 (Figure 6) 

[NIOSH 2009a].

January 2006: NIOSH formally established 

the NTRC Field Studies Team to partner with 

companies that produce or use engineered 

nanomaterials to assess potential occupational 

exposure to nanomaterials. To date, NIOSH has 

performed more than 100 site evaluations (Figure 7). In June 2015, the NIOSH Nanotechnology Field Studies effort won recognition for its 

technical expertise, technological innovations, 

and contributions to the science with the Edward J. Baier Award at the AIHce.

February 2006: NIOSH, working with national and international partners, launched the 

Nanoparticle Information Library to help occupational health professionals, industrial users, 

worker groups, and researchers organize and 

share information on nanomaterials, including 

their health and safety–associated properties. 

Oregon State University is the current administrator of this voluntary database. The database 

information is also available in the Nanomaterial Registry, sponsored by the NIH. These registries indicate a wide variety of nanomaterial 

research and use. 

June 2006: NIOSH and DuPont signed an 

agreement under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a formal partnership to conduct research and increase knowledge and understanding of nanomaterials. This 

initial agreement focused on measurement of 

nanomaterials in an occupational environment 

and determining whether respiratory protection 

would adequately protect workers with exposure 

to aerosolized materials. 

Figure 6. The cover of the updated guidance document, NIOSH Publication No. 2009-125.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 9

Summer 2006: NTRC researchers designed an 

innovative aerosol exposure system to conduct 

experimental animal studies with nanoparticles 

(Figure 8). This system has allowed NTRC researchers to generate airborne exposures to various nanoscale materials such as carbon nanotubes for toxicological studies. The results from 

these studies have provided the scientific evidence necessary to make recommendations on 

workplace risk management.

Figure 8. The NIOSH acoustical generator system for aerosolizing nanomaterials [McKinney et al. 2009].

October 2006: NIOSH participated in the inaugural meeting of the international Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN), 

Organization for Economic Cooperation and 

Development (OECD). Since that meeting, 

NIOSH has served as lead for the Steering 

Group on exposure, which has developed and 

published 11 reports on exposure to nanomaterials.

December 2006: NIOSH and the University of 

Cincinnati co-sponsored the International Conference on Nanotechnology. This conference set 

the standard by focusing on the impact of nanotechnology on occupational and environmental health and safety from two perspectives: (1) 

protection of worker safety and health along the 

entire life cycle of nano-based products and (2) 

use of emerging technology in prevention and 

detection/treatment of occupational and environmental diseases. 

2007: NTRC researchers were the first to use 

elemental carbon as a selective marker for quantifying a worker’s exposure to carbon nanofibers 

and carbon nanotubes. This approach, in combination with additional exposure metrics, is 

Figure 7. A sign welcoming the nanotechnology 

field-studies team to a facility.
10 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

still in use to identify and determine the extent 

of exposure to carbon-based nanomaterials.

2007: NTRC researchers developed a prototype hand-held sampler to collect airborne 

nanoparticles that can be directly used for electron microscopy analysis. The prototype was 

subsequently licensed to a commercial supplier. 

NTRC researchers have continued to develop 

innovative sampling methods for engineered 

nanomaterials, including the Portable Aerosol 

Mobility Spectrometer (PAMS) and a Personal 

Nano-aerosol Sizer (PNS).

2008:The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the first document 

on the safety of nanomaterials, TR 12885, 

Health and Safety Practices in Occupational Settings Relevant to Nanotechnologies. This report, 

developed under the leadership of NIOSH, 

was based on the NIOSH Approaches to Safe 

Nanotechnology.

June 2008: NIOSH developed and presented 

the first professional development and training course on nanomaterial worker exposure 

assessment at AIHce. As methods and recommendations have changed, NIOSH has provided variations of this initial presentation at over 

20 different domestic and international conferences, universities, and organizations.

February 2009: NIOSH published the first (interim) guidance on medical surveillance and 

medical screening for workers potentially exposed to engineered nanoparticles (Figure 9)

[NIOSH 2009b]. In addition, as part of a national effort to stimulate new research and 

knowledge, NIOSH collaborated with the 

NSET Subcommittee to co-sponsor the workshop on Human and Environmental Exposure 

Assessment of Nanomaterials. This workshop 

focused on research needed for occupational 

exposures by measuring and modeling exposure levels and by monitoring biological responses through the product life cycle of a 

nanomaterial.

Figure 9. The cover of the first medical screening 

guidance document, NIOSH Publication No. 2009-116.

March 2010: NIOSH published the Nanomaterial Emission Assessment Technique (NEAT), 

which established the initial framework for 

NTRC researchers and others in conducting 

workplace emission testing and paved the way 

for more comprehensive exposure assessment 

techniques [Methner et al. 2009]. This publication was the basis for an international guidance 

document on nanomaterial exposure assessment 

techniques issued by the OECD.

April 2010: NIOSH signed an agreement with 

the United Nations Institute for Training and 

Research on the critical importance of the world 

of work in defining sound occupational safety 

and health prevention policies and interventions 

in the workplace and implementing strategies 

for expanding protection to workers and their 

communities. 

July 2010: NIOSH sponsored the first Nanomaterial Workers’ Health Conference. This 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 11

conference addressed three critical, related topics: medical surveillance, formation of exposure 

registries, and conduct of epidemiologic research. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine dedicated an entire supplement 

in June 2011 to the publication of 24 peerreviewed articles from the conference.

October 2010: The World Health Organization 

approved the development of guidelines on 

worker safety in nanotechnology workplaces, 

under the leadership of NIOSH.

April 2011: NIOSH released guidelines for occupational exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO2

) 

(Figure 10). This marked the first time NIOSH 

had released two separate Recommended Occupational Exposure Limits for the same 

chemical, based on size. The TiO2 Current Intelligence Bulletin makes recommendations 

for occupational exposure limits and suggests 

techniques for monitoring and controlling 

worker exposure [NIOSH 2011].

2011: To date, over 400 NIOSH-authored articles had been published, and these had been cited more than 5,000 times in the peer-reviewed 

literature.

May 2012: NIOSH published the General Safe 

Practices for Working with Engineered Nanomaterials in Research Laboratories (Figure 11). This guidance was the first to address the basic knowledge 

and guidance needed for handling nanomaterials 

safely in a research laboratory setting [NIOSH 

2012b].

August 2012: NIOSH partnered with the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, 

State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly CNSE at Albany) to hold 

a Prevention through Design workshop. This 

workshop encouraged efforts to develop safer 

nanoscale molecules that have the same functionality; ways to contain and control processes 

for minimizing exposure and health risks; and 

management system approaches for including 

occupational safety and health in the full product lifecycle. 

Figure 10. The cover of the TiO2 guidelines, NIOSH Publication No. 2011-160.

Figure 11. The cover of the document on safe laboratory practices, NIOSH Publication No. 2012-147.

2012: NIOSH launched an industry-wide study 

specifically addressing carbon nanotube and 

nanofiber worker exposures. It based this study 

on earlier feasibility and health hazard field studies that indicated an increased population of 

workers could have exposure to carbon-based 

nanomaterials. 
12 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

March 2013: At the annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology, NIOSH researchers reported on 

the first experimental results showing that multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a tumor 

promotor in laboratory animal studies. This study 

showed that inhalation exposure to MWCNTs 

increased the risk of cancer in mice concurrently 

exposed to a known carcinogen. Most significantly, 

the doses used in the animal study approximated 

feasible human occupational exposures. 

April 2013: NIOSH published a recommended 

exposure limit (REL) for carbon nanotubes and 

carbon nanofibers (Figure 12), the first occupational exposure limit for this category of nanomaterials issued by a U.S. government agency. 

This publication, CIB 65: Occupational Exposure 

to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers, also includes 

recommendations for medical surveillance and 

screening of workers potentially exposed to these 

materials [NIOSH 2013b].

November 2013: NIOSH issued new engineering 

control recommendations, for controlling worker exposures to engineered nanomaterials during 

the manufacture and industrial use of those materials (Figure 13). The recommendations filled a 

gap for science-based guidance that employers and 

workers could apply immediately, while research 

continued for better understanding of nanomaterial characteristics [NIOSH 2013c].

September 2014: ISO selected NIOSH to lead an 

international working group on the health, safety, 

and environmental aspects of nanotechnologies. 

The working group is part of a larger initiative by 

ISO to develop standardization in the nanotechnologies field.

October 2014: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) working group met 

to evaluate carcinogenicity of carbon nanotubes, 

fluoro-edinite, and silicon carbide. NIOSH research [Sargent et al. 2014] was integral in the 

IARC decision to classify MWCNT-7 as a group 

2b carcinogen.

January 2015: NIOSH partnered with national and international experts at the convergence 

of nanotechnology and the nuclear sciences to 

Figure 12. The cover of CNT and CNF guidelines, NIOSH Publication No. 2013-145.

Figure 13. The cover of the document on engineering control recommendations, NIOSH 

Publication No. 2014-102.

develop and publish principles and practices for 

the Application of an Informatics-Based DecisionMaking Framework and Process to the Assessment 

of Radiation Safety in Nanotechnology [Hoover et 

al. 2015].
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 13

May 2015: NIOSH and SUNY Poly CNSE 

launched the Nano Health and Safety Consortium at a special White House forum sponsored 

by the National Economic Council and White 

House Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(Figure 14).

July 2015: NIOSH provided strategic support 

to a NNI and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) co-sponsored workshop on 

Quantitative Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials (QEEN). A report from this workshop 

was subsequently published in March 2016.

2015: To date, the nanotechnology-related literature included more than 1,000 peer-reviewed 

articles by NIOSH authors.

January 2016: NIOSH released a draft Current 

Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) entitled Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Silver Nanomaterials. A public meeting followed in March 2016.

March 2016: NIOSH published Building a 

Safety Program to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce: A Guide for Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises

[NIOSH 2016] (Figure 15).

May 2016: The updated Nanomaterial Exposure 

Assessment Technique (NEAT 2.0) was published 

in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene [Eastlake et al. 2016]. Unlike the 

previous method, which focused on emissions, 

this method encouraged practitioners to focus 

sampling efforts (as in Figure 16) on integrated 

full-shift sampling and comprehensive exposure 

assessment.

Figure 14. The launching of the Nano Health and Safety Consortium.

Figure 15. The cover of the small business 

guide, NIOSH Publication No. 2016-102.

Figure 16. A NIOSH field research team member.

June 2016: NIOSH researchers [Yi et al. 2016] 

published Emission of Particulate Matter from 

a Desktop Three-Dimensional (3D) Printer, a 

preliminary investigation into advanced (additive) manufacturing. 
14 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

November 2016: NIOSH partnered with the 

ISO project group in developing the ISO technical report ISO/TR 18637:2016, Nanotechnologies—Overview of Available Frameworks for 

the Development of Occupational Exposure Limits 

and Bands for Nano-Objects and their Aggregates 

and Agglomerates (NOAAs). NIOSH researchers 

Eileen Kuempel, PhD, and Vladimir Murashov, 

PhD, were primary authors and co-chairs of the 

ISO working group on this document.

March 2017: NIOSH provided major contributions to the development and publication of 

the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report No. 

176 on Radiation Safety Aspects of Nanotechnology [NCRP 2017]. NIOSH researcher Mark Hoover, PhD, was the chair of the 

NCRP committee for this document.

July 2017: NIOSH included a new chapter in 

its Manual of Analytical Methods, 5th edition: 

Analysis of Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers 

on Mixed Cellulose Ester Filters by Transmission 

Electron Microscopy [Birch et al. 2017].

July 2017: NIOSH [Stefaniak et al. 2017a] 

published the Health Hazard Evaluation report 

Emission of Particulate Matter from a Desktop 

Three-Dimensional (3D) Printer, one of the first 

field evaluations pertaining to advanced (additive) manufacturing. 

August 2017: NIOSH [Bishop et al. 2017] published a seminal document addressing the toxicology of a nanomaterial along its life cycle: An 

In-Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Occupational Components of the Carbon Nanotube Life Cycle to Provide Context to Potential Health Effects. 

August 2017: NIOSH researchers and collaborators [Drew et al. 2017] authored a scientific 

journal article describing a quantitative framework for categorizing nanomaterials by hazard 

potency. This article contributed to the strategic 

goals of developing algorithms to derive OELs 

for nanomaterial groups and predicting potency 

groups of new nanomaterials from their physicochemical properties.

September 2017: NIOSH [Stefaniak et al. 2017b] 

published the first NIOSH toxicology paper 

pertaining to an advanced manufacturing technology, Inhalation Exposure to Three-Dimensional 

Printer Emissions Stimulates Acute Hypertension 

and Microvascular Dysfunction.

2018: To date (2004-2018), NIOSH authors 

have published more than 1,400 peer-reviewed 

articles related to nanotechnology. 

Additional information on NIOSH NTRC research outputs and accomplishments from 2004 

to 2011 is in the report Filling the Knowledge Gaps 

for Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace [NIOSH 

2012a] (Figure 17).

Figure 17. The cover of an early research progress 

report, NIOSH Publication No. 2013-101.

2.3 Customer and 

Stakeholder Input

To direct its research and fulfill its responsibilities under the OSH Act and the FMSH 

Act, NIOSH has relied on input from OSHA 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 15

labor, nongovernmental organizations, and private nanomaterial companies. These collaborations have provided expertise and resources 

critical for reviewing research activities and for 

developing and disseminating health and safety 

information on engineered nanoparticles. Some 

of the ongoing NTRC stakeholders are the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), 

American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), 

International Safety Equipment Association 

(ISEA), National Safety Council (NSC), American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO), NanoBusiness 

Commercialization Association (NanoBCA), and 

Center for Construction Research and Training 

(CPWR).

2.4 NIOSH Partnerships 

NIOSH recognizes both the practical need and 

its leadership obligation to extend its internal 

capabilities 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 important, 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 MOUs to informal working agreements on a specific topic. The NTRC 

has developed partnerships in the areas of toxicology, risk assessment modeling, exposure 

measurement methods, epidemiology, industrial 

hygiene, control technologies, and communication of research results and safe work practices. In addition, the NTRC has successfully 

used partnerships with industry to gain a better 

understanding of industrial nanomaterial processes, workplace exposures, work practices, and 

exposure control techniques. The field research 

conducted by the NTRC to assess exposures to 

engineered nanoparticles represents ongoing 

partnerships with numerous companies. The 

NTRC will continue to develop these partnerships to: 

• better understand how ENMs are being 

produced and used

and MSHA, workers, employers, trade associations, unions, occupational safety and health 

practitioners and researchers, and the general 

public. NIOSH also seeks 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. In addition, NIOSH receives input through ad hoc mechanisms such 

as the NIOSH website (www.cdc.gov/niosh), a 

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/nora), which is a framework to guide occupational safety and health 

research—not only for NIOSH but also for the 

entire occupational safety and health community.

NIOSH continues to be a participating and 

partnering agency in the NNI and provides occupational health and safety expertise in support of the U.S. Government’s Strategic Plan 

for Nanotechnology Environmental, Health, 

and Safety Research [NNI 2011]. NIOSH is 

co-leader of the NNI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) 

Working Group and contributed to the development of the 2011 NEHI Environmental, 

Health, and Safety (EHS) Research Strategy. 

The NNI EHS research strategy focuses on 

the use of science-based risk analysis and risk 

management to protect public health and the 

environment while fostering technological advancements that benefit society. The NNI EHS 

strategy dovetails into the 2014 NNI Strategic 

Plan Goal 4: Support the Responsible Development of Nanotechnology. NIOSH has strived to 

keep the overarching research activities of the 

NTRC nanotechnology strategic plan consistent with the NNI EHS research strategy (see 

Section 6 and Appendix A). 

The NIOSH NTRC also fosters stakeholder input 

from trade associations, professional associations, 
16 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

• develop recommendations for the safe handling of ENMs

• develop sampling and analytical methods

• evaluate exposure controls that are or could 

be used in ENM processes

• evaluate the need for and determine the 

effectiveness of PPE, including respiratory 

protection

• develop communication and information 

materials that will assist industry in communicating with workers and the public. 

The NTRC participates in a number of national and international committees and working 

groups. This participation gives NTRC scientists the opportunity to provide and receive 

input on the key research necessary to address 

priority areas. NIOSH has entered into MOUs 

or partnerships with DuPont; the National Science Foundation (NSF); the Center for Highrate Nanomanufacturing (CHN, a collaboration of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, 

Northeastern University, and the University of 

New Hampshire); the State University of New 

York Polytechnic Colleges of Nanoscale Science 

and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE); and the 

Public-Private Partnership for Cellulosic Nanotechnology (P3Nano). 

2.5 Standards Development 

Organizations 

NIOSH actively participates in the development of national and international consensus 

standards for promoting the health and safety of 

workers in the nanotechnology industries. The 

NIOSH NTRC participates in the American 

National Standards Institute (ANSI) Nanotechnology Standards Steering Panel, which coordinates the identification and development of 

critical standards in all areas of nanotechnology. 

NIOSH NTRC scientists also participate in 

the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International E56 Committee on 

Nanotechnology, which is developing an integrated family of standards. Committee E56.03 

is addressing environmental and occupational 

safety and health. 

The NIOSH NTRC will continue leading, as 

convener, the ISO Technical Committee 229 on 

Nanotechnologies (ISO TC 229). Work on instrumentation-related standards will continue 

with committees of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

NIOSH NTRC scientists will also continue collaborating on the development of nanotechnology-related guidance with authoritative bodies 

such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.

2.6 International Activities 

NIOSH will continue to engage with a number 

of international entities at all levels—as principle 

investigator as well as a participant in national, 

regional, and global organizations. At the national organization level, the NIOSH NTRC 

has been communicating and collaborating with 

the United Kingdom Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) and the Health and Safety 

Laboratory (HSL); the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO); 

the French Agency for Food, Environmental 

and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES); 

the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health 

(FIOH); and the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (Safe Work Australia).

NIOSH participates in the OECD’s WPMN 

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

other 34 OECD member countries, the European Union, and participating non-member 

countries. NIOSH is also working with the UN 

World Health Organization (WHO); the UN 

International Labour Organization (ILO); 

the UN Institute for Training and Research 

(UNITAR); the International Organization 

for Standardization (ISO); the International 

Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); and the 

International Commission on Occupational 

Health (ICOH) on global projects of information dissemination and communication.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 17

2.7 NIOSH Extramural 

Nanotechnology Research 

Activities

The NIOSH NTRC continues to work strategically to fill knowledge gaps in nanotechnology 

occupational safety and health through active intramural and extramural research programs and 

collaborations. 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 involves peer review, program relevance, 

and priorities of NORA, the NIOSH Research 

to Practice (r2p) initiative, congressional mandates, and sector, cross-sector, or coordinated 

emphasis areas of the NIOSH Program Portfolio (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs). 

Since 2001, the NIOSH OEP has funded 

nanotechnology research through Occupational Safety and Health Research Program 

Announcements (R01), Mentored Scientist 

Grants (K01), Small Research Grants (R03), 

Developmental Grants (R21), and Small Business Innovation Research Grants (R43/44). 

During the period 2001 to 2016, the NIOSH 

OEP committed approximately $20 million 

to extramural nanotechnology research. Summaries of the projects funded by the NIOSH 

OEP are included in the document Filling 

the Knowledge Gaps for Safe Nanotechnology in 

the Workplace [NIOSH 2012a]. Through continued collaboration with the Environmental 

Protection Agency/National Center for Environmental Research (EPA/NCER), National 

Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes 

of Health/National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences (NIH/ NIEHS), and international agencies, the NIOSH OEP maintains its 

support of nanotechnology research that focuses on occupational safety and health issues. In 

addition, the NIOSH OEP routinely confers 

with the NIOSH NTRC regarding research 

needs. Research areas supported by the NIOSH 

OEP include emission and exposure assessment 

methods for nanoparticles in the workplace, 

toxicology of ENMs, and use of nanotechnology for the development of sensors.
This page intentionally left blank.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 19

3 WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?

3.1 Addressing Each Element in the 

Risk Management Continuum 

Ultimately, the goal of the NTRC is to develop information, knowledge, and guidance to 

protect the nanotechnology workforce. There 

are still many gaps in nanomaterial health and 

safety knowledge, even though nano-enabled 

products continue to increase in commerce and 

worker exposure to ENMs is likely occurring. A 

challenge for the NIOSH NTRC program is to 

determine how to conduct timely research that 

addresses the elements of hazard identification 

through risk management, as the introduction 

of ENMs to the workplace continues and the 

workforce exposed to them becomes larger and 

more diverse. The NTRC approach has been to 

conduct concurrent, focused research to address 

knowledge gaps in each step of the risk management process. This enables the NTRC to provide 

occupational safety and health guidance across 

the life cycle of ENMs in a predictive manner 

to avoid health and safety impacts (Figure 18). 

Hazard Identification

“Is there reason to believe 

this could be harmful?”

Risk Management

“Develop procedures to 

minimize exposures”.

Hazard Characterization

“How and under what 

conditions could it be harmful?”

Exposure Assessment

“Will there be exposure in 

real-world conditions?”

Risk Characterization

“Is substance hazardous 

and will there be exposure?”

• Toxicologic research

• Health effects assessment

• Safety research

• Toxicologic research

• Field assessment

• Epidemiologic and hazard

surveillance research

• Metrology research

• Field assessment

• Control technology research

• Personal protective equipment

(PPE) research

• Risk assessment

• Dose-response modeling

• Exposure characterization

• Epidemiologic research

• Risk communication

• Guidance development for

controls, exposure limits, PPE,

and medical surveillance

• Information dissemination

• Adherence investigation

Gaps in the

Protection of Workers NIOSH Focus

Adapted from Gibbs [2006] and NRC [2009].

Figure 18. Addressing knowledge gaps in protecting nanomaterial workers. 
20 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

The process for managing potential workplace 

exposures to ENMs and ascertaining the appropriate risk management strategy during their 

synthesis, manufacture, and incorporation into 

new materials and devices consists of the following steps: 

1. identifying and characterizing the health 

and safety hazard; 

1. conducting dose-response risk assessment; 

2. assessing the extent of exposure; 

3. characterizing the risk on the basis of 

exposure; and 

4. developing control and management procedures [Schulte et al. 2008]. 

As additional exposure assessment data for 

ENMs become available, it is possible to determine with greater certainty both the level 

of occupational risk and the conditions under 

which exposure to the hazard would be harmful 

to workers. A goal of NTRC toxicology and risk 

assessment research is to determine whether exposure to a type of material (in this case, ENMs) 

used in a given technology is likely to cause adverse health effects. Exposure assessment data 

provide a means to identify worker exposure and 

a strategy for preventing it. Epidemiologic research would provide etiologic evidence of new 

hazards and quantitative exposure–response 

information for recommended exposure limits. 

Decisions about which ENMs to study epidemiologically will require information on workforce size, exposure levels, and expected hazard 

(from toxicological or other data). 

In parallel with the ongoing development of 

ENMs is a new approach to the creation of various objects and products. Many ENM applications are under development for high-volume 

commercial manufacturing within the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (now known 

as Manufacturing USA) [PCAST 2012]. Advanced manufacturing is the use of technology 

(including additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and robotics) to improve products and 

processes. Continued refinement of nano-manufacturing processes will enable higher production of ENMs and further process and product 

development. Just as in nanotechnology, good 

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) research and support are necessary for the flow of 

ENMs into advanced manufacturing processes. 

As scientists continue to explore and characterize the hazards and risks associated with ENMs, 

knowledge from that research will serve as a 

foundation for an anticipatory and proactive approach to the introduction and use of ENMs in 

advanced manufacturing.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 21

4 HOW DO WE GET THERE?

4.1 Coalescing Priorities for NIOSH 

NTRC Research and Guidance for 

FY2018–FY2025 

The NIOSH NTRC has proposed specific research activities (see Section 4.2) for FY2018–

FY2025. The overall focus of the strategic plan is 

to generate data, information, and knowledge to 

protect the nanotechnology workforce by means 

of effective risk management techniques and, in 

particular, by minimizing elemental exposures 

and keeping exposure below available occupational limits. NIOSH researchers will develop 

and update good risk-management practices, 

including categorical and specific recommended exposure limits. Researchers will catalog and 

share data and information via informatics (resources, devices, and methods required to optimize the acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use 

of information). Figure 19 shows a schema for 

how NIOSH will continue to focus its research 

activities, in accordance with the goals of the 

NTRC Strategic Plan.

4.2 Proposed NIOSH NTRC 

Research Goals 

The following proposed research for FY2018–

FY2025 focuses on specific research needs to fill 

knowledge gaps and the EHS priority research 

needs of the NNI (see Section 6). These goals 

also align with the NIOSH Strategic Plan for 

FYs 2019-2023, expanding upon NIOSH intermediate goals 1.5, 5.3 and 5.5 (https://www.

cdc.gov/niosh/about/strategicplan/) 

Strategic Goal 1: Increase understanding of new 

nanomaterials and related health risks to nanomaterial workers.

Intermediate Goal 1.1: Authoritative groups will 

use NIOSH research to create standards and 

develop interventions to protect workers from 

exposures to new, novel ENMs.

Activity Goal 1.1.1: Prioritize high-volume 

emerging ENMs to identify candidates for toxicological testing and field evaluation of workplace exposures.

Activity Goal 1.1.2: Evaluate acute and chronic effects of emerging ENMs in the lungs and 

in other organ systems and tissues, using wellcharacterized ENMs. Determine dose-response 

and time-course relationships. Determine clearance rates of ENMs after pulmonary exposure 

and translocation to systemic organs; characterize systemic effects.

Activity Goal 1.1.3: Characterize surface-modified

ENMs and evaluate acute and chronic effects in 

the lungs, organ systems, and tissues. Determine 

dose-response and time-course relationships, 

rates of clearance, and translocation to systemic 

organs relative to the unmodified form of the 

ENMs. 

Activity Goal 1.1.4: Systematically investigate the 

physical and chemical properties of well-characterized ENMs that influence their toxicity 

(for example, size, shape, surface area, solubility, 

chemical properties, and trace components). 

Activity Goal 1.1.5: Determine the biological 

mechanisms of toxic effects (such as oxidant 

stress, dissolution, fibrogenicity, and hydrophobicity) and how the key chemical and physical 

factors of ENMs may influence these mechanisms. 

Activity Goal 1.1.6: Integrate mechanistic models 

(including animal models and in vitro screening 

tests) for assessing the potential toxicity of new 

ENMs, and provide a basis for developing predictive 

algorithms for structure/function relationships and 
22 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

septxt sl neicaCrit

lationa

es

nert in

idelin

d

o gu

l ana

ce t

tion Assess na

adheren ce

dnvelop a

te guidan

De

daup

l

gs

itia

din

ify in

ind f

Clar

rzaha

wtify ne

dsrza

Iden

ha

ticsormanfI

dies

ductCon

epidemiologic stu

ologyhnecol t

nd PPEa

trCon

t

Risk

assessmen

l

ce

ica

n

Med

veillasur

t

Exposure

assessmen

xposure velop e

registries

De ddress

tstspo

A

ho

orcekf hnology Wor ec rotecting the Nanot

P

re limits xposuic e

gement

 specif

naRisk Ma

ndl aicategor velop caDe

Figure 19. Focus of NIOSH nanomaterial research, 2018–2025. 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 23

comparative toxicity analyses for risk assessment. Determine how toxicologic data from 

new studies might link to existing toxicologic 

data, to expand the database for assessment.

Strategic Goal 2: Build upon initial data and information to further increase understanding of 

the initial hazard findings of engineered nanomaterials.

Intermediate Goal 2.1: Authoritative groups will 

issue guidance based on NIOSH research to 

prevent pulmonary toxicity from carbon nanotubes and nanofibers, metal, and metal oxides.

Activity Goal 2.1.1: Conduct and publish results 

from toxicologic testing to determine the potential of various forms of carbon nanotubes 

and nanofibers, cerium, and other metals to 

have long-term pulmonary effects (fibrosis, 

lung cancer, mesothelioma). 

Intermediate Goal 2.2: Medical professionals 

and researchers will use NIOSH information on 

biomarkers to conduct screening tests to evaluate worker response to inhalation of ENMs. 

Activity Goal 2.2.1: Conduct research to determine whether blood, urine, or nasal lavage 

markers can accurately predict initiation and 

progression of adverse responses to ENMs. 

Activity Goal 2.2.2: Conduct research to determine 

whether pulmonary responses and systemic responses (such as cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, or immunological responses) are sensitive indicators of pulmonary exposure to ENMs. 

Activity Goal 2.2.3: Evaluate the relationship of 

deposition patterns and biological responses to 

pulmonary bolus exposure to ENMs (intratracheal instillation or pharyngeal aspiration) vs. 

ENM exposure extended over time (inhalation) 

in rodent models.

Activity Goal 2.2.4: Evaluate predictive in vitro 

screening tests for fibrogenicity, genotoxicity, 

and/or cell transformation.

Intermediate Goal 2.3: Manufacturers will issue recommendations to protect the health and 

safety of workers along the product lifecycle of 

ENMs. 

Activity Goal 2.3.1: Characterize particles generated from nano-enabled products during workplace scenarios.

Activity Goal 2.3.2: Characterize emissions and 

workplace exposures for additive manufacturing 

processes, including manufacturing of feed materials with ENM additives.

Activity Goal 2.3.3: Evaluate acute and chronic 

toxicity of particles generated from nano-enabled products containing ENMs during use or 

application in workplace environments, such as 

cutting, sanding, grinding, or spraying.

Intermediate Goal 2.4: Health and safety professionals will use standardized measurement 

methods for evaluating workplace exposure to 

ENMs. 

Activity Goal 2.4.1: Continue interactions with 

national metrology institutes to identify and 

qualify needed nanoscale reference materials 

(RMs) and/or benchmark materials for evaluating measurement tools, instruments, and methods for exposure assessment and toxicology. 

Activity Goal 2.4.2: Evaluate relationships between laboratory instrumentation used to characterize aerosols for toxicology studies and 

field-measurement instrumentation used to 

characterize workplace atmospheres.

Activity Goal 2.4.3: Conduct further research on 

determining the advantages and limitations of 

direct-reading instruments in assessing ENM 

work-place emissions and exposures.

Activity Goal 2.4.4: Develop and improve methods and approaches (including direct-reading and 

time-integrated sampling) for assessing workplace 

exposures to ENMs. 

Activity Goal 2.4.5: Evaluate scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and 

dark-field hyperspectral imaging microscopy as 

analytical tools for measurement of carbon nanotubes, using National Institute of Standards and 
24 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material 

248: Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (Raw Soot).

Activity Goal 2.4.6: Conduct research to advance 

the use of ENMs in the development of sensors 

(such as for detection of harmful chemicals) and 

other health and safety–related applications that 

can be used in the workplace to ensure effective 

control of exposure.

Activity Goal 2.4.7: Conduct research to quantify (correlate) the influence of dustiness on the 

potential for worker inhalation exposure for a 

range of nanoscale powders and handling tasks. 

Intermediate Goal 2.5: Manufacturers will provide information on the potential fire and explosion safety hazards of ENMs on Safety Data 

Sheets and product labels.

Activity Goal 2.5.1: Identify and publish physical and chemical properties that contribute to 

dustiness, combustibility, flammability, and explosibility hazards of ENMs. 

Intermediate Goal 2.6: Nanomaterial researchers 

will use informatics to process and communicate information.

Activity Goal 2.6.1: Create a harmonized database to share exposure measurement, control, 

and epidemiologic data. 

Activity Goal 2.6.2: Lead the nanoinformatics 

community to apply state-of-the-art informatics principles and practices to ENM data analysis and analytics.

Strategic Goal 3: Build upon initial guidance materials to further inform nanomaterial workers, 

employers, health professionals, regulatory agencies, and decision-makers about hazards, risks, 

and risk management approaches.

Intermediate Goal 3.1: Authoritative groups will 

use NIOSH-recommended categorical and specific exposure limits.

Activity Goal 3.1.1: Conduct quantitative risk assessments (QRAs) on specific nanomaterials and 

groups of nanomaterials by using dose-response 

data from peer-reviewed published studies and 

performing comparative potency analyses. Develop and use dosimetry models to describe the 

deposition and fate of inhaled nanoparticles in 

rodents and humans.

Activity Goal 3.1.2: Develop a risk-assessment 

framework for hazard evaluation and predicting 

the health risk of exposure to ENMs. 

Activity Goal 3.1.3: Use a nanomaterial hazardbanding classification scheme to group ENMs. 

Intermediate Goal 3.2: Additional employers will 

adopt NIOSH recommendations for engineering 

controls and PPE for use with ENMs and additive 

manufacturing processes. 

Activity Goal 3.2.1: Evaluate the effectiveness of 

engineering-control techniques for ENMs and 

additive manufacturing processes. Develop and 

publish new approaches as needed. 

Activity Goal 3.2.2: Evaluate the potential for 

exposure during common dry-powder handling 

tasks. Develop and publish new approaches as 

needed.

Activity Goal 3.2.3: Conduct laboratory evaluations of commercially available engineering 

controls for a variety of common ENM production, handling, and downstream processes.

Activity Goal 3.2.4: Evaluate the effectiveness 

of PPE (respirators and protective clothing, including gloves) for reducing worker exposures to 

ENMs.

Activity Goal 3.2.5: Identify and collaborate with 

businesses that create or use nanomaterials to 

identify processes that may release nanomaterials during manufacturing or use of ENMs. 

Evaluate potential exposures and document risk 

mitigation processes. 

Activity Goal 3.2.6: Provide guidance to the 

Manufacturing USA Initiative and support the 

responsible commercialization of advanced materials, including ENMs. 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 25

Intermediate Goal 3.3: Additional employers 

will incorporate Prevention through Design 

(PtD) into ENM health and safety programs. 

Activity Goal 3.3.1 (PPNANAOG 3.3.1): Promote 

PtD principles for ENMs, including development of safer ENMs that have similar industrial 

uses; containment and control of processes; and 

system management approaches that include 

OSH in the synthetic process, development, and 

manufacture of ENM products.

Intermediate Goal 3.4: International groups such 

as ISO, OECD, and WHO will include NIOSH 

research in the collection, management, and dissemination of relevant information to protect 

ENM workers.

Activity Goal 3.4.1: Develop and disseminate 

effective information, education, and training 

materials to target audiences such as nanotechnology workers and employers, occupational 

safety and health professionals, policy-makers, 

decision-makers, and the scientific community.

Activity Goal 3.4.2: Establish and maintain national and international partnerships to enable 

sharing of knowledge gaps, research needs and 

priorities, approaches, and databases. 

Activity Goal 3.4.3: Participate in and lead the 

development of ISO and WPMN activities 

and global standards on occupational safety and 

health for nanotechnology.

Strategic Goal 4: Support epidemiologic studies 

for nanomaterial workers, including medical, 

cross-sectional, prospective cohort, and exposure studies.

Intermediate Goal 4.1: Employers, unions, and 

workers handling ENMs will participate in epidemiologic research and medical surveillance.

Activity Goal 4.1.1: Conduct epidemiological 

health studies of U.S. workers exposed to CNTs 

and carbon nanofibers.

Activity Goal 4.1.2: Evaluate the need for and feasibility of initiating registries for workers exposed 

to existing ENMs (such as titanium dioxide and 

CNTs) or exposed while producing and using 

new ENMs.

Activity Goal 4.1.3: Integrate nanotechnology 

safety and health guidance into existing hazard 

surveillance systems. Determine whether these 

systems are adequate by conducting evaluations.

Strategic Goal 5: Assess and promote national 

and international adherence with risk management guidance.

Intermediate Goal 5.1: Industry will incorporate 

good risk management guidance for ENMs 

with their existing management practices. 

Activity Goal 5.1.1: Determine whether NIOSH 

or other precautionary guidance recommendations are adopted by academia and industry. 

Activity Goal 5.1.2: Develop a plan for industrial 

sectors where adherence to good risk-management practices is low.

Activity Goal 5.1.3: Assess the impact of the 

NTRC outputs.

Activity Goal 5.1.4: Support the International 

Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) 

and other organizations in assessing whether 

precautionary guidance recommendations are 

under adoption worldwide. 

4.3 Prioritizing Goals by Burden, 

Need, and Impact

To realize the benefits of nanotechnology, it is 

important to protect workers potentially exposed to ENMs in research, production, and 

use [Schulte and Salamanca-Buentello 2007; 

Nasterlack et al. 2008; Howard and Murashov 2009]. The NIOSH NTRC strategic plan 

identifies and creates the information needed 

for risk management programs that will control 

and prevent adverse health effects in workers. 

NIOSH will translate NTRC research findings 

into products that the nanotechnology community will use to develop and implement appropriate 
26 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

risk management practices to minimize worker 

exposure to ENMs. NIOSH will also evaluate 

how research results and risk management guidance developed by NIOSH influences others to 

take action to prevent exposure to hazards related to ENMs. The concepts of burden, need, 

and impact have always been important considerations in NIOSH project selection and priority-goal-setting processes. 

Burden includes estimates at the societal level of 

analysis of the broad consequences of everything 

from which all workers suffer, that is, estimates 

of the total effect of worker injury and illness. 

Key components of Need involves identification 

of an information gap that requires filling and 

a determination of whether (and why) NIOSH 

is the most appropriate organization to conduct 

the research to fill the gap. Factors such as intellectual capital, statutory authority, mission 

relevance, unique infrastructure, and financial 

capital are a few considerations. NIOSH has a 

comparative advantage if it can produce something at a lower opportunity cost or more efficiently than its competitors or if no one other 

than NIOSH would undertake the activity. 

Impact is a measure of the significance of contributions and the potential to improve worker health and safety on the basis of evident or 

anticipated end outcomes or well-accepted intermediate outcomes. A significant factor in 

demonstrating impact is that the activity will 

produce or have a clear pathway to produce a 

substantial effect in one or more of the strategic 

goals.

Burden

ENMs, at certain concentrations and over certain durations, can affect the lung, cardiovascular, and most organ systems [Donaldson et al. 

2000 and 2004; Kreyling et al. 2010; Li et al. 

2007; Mercer et al. 2013; Nurkiewicz et al. 2008; 

Sargent et al. 2014]. Epidemiological analysis of human health effects from air pollution 

has shown that particles in the nanoscale size 

range are responsible for excess respiratory and 

cardiovascular mortality [Dockery et al. 1993]. 

Recently, air pollution and animal studies have 

shown that various nanoscale particles are related to adverse neurological changes. Nanoparticles in welding fumes cause toxicological 

and carcinogenic effects [Sriram et al. 2014; 

Zeidler-Erdely et al. 2017]. Additionally, nano 

titanium dioxide has been shown to impact microvascular dysfunction in fetal development 

of rats [Stapleton et al. 2013]. It is too early to 

identify the exact burden of ENMs on workers, 

but we anticipate that health effects from exposure to ENMs can be similar to those from 

ultrafine air pollution or other dusts and fumes 

that cause pulmonary and cardiovascular effects. 

Therefore, it is possible that pneumoconiosis as 

well as other dust-related conditions could arise. 

Some engineered nanoparticles (such as titanium dioxide) appear to be 10 times more potent 

than their bulk counterparts. This higher massbased potency is associated with the greater 

surface area [NIOSH 2011]. No one knows the 

number of potentially ENM-exposed workers. 

One early estimate, not yet validated, is that 1 

to 2 million workers may work with nanomaterials. Still, ENMs are in many product lines 

and industrial sectors. The Nanowerk nanomaterials database revealed about 4,000 commercially available nanomaterials, and the Woodrow 

Wilson Project on Emerging Nanomaterials 

identified more than 1,800 consumer products 

with ENMs; each product had to involve workers. ENMs are in commercial products, possibly 

exposing the workers who make, use, or destroy 

them. Therefore, the burden in terms of morbidity and mortality may be large, significant, and 

costly. Moreover, failure to develop the technology responsibly, including worker protection, 

may also place a burden on capital and entrepreneurial investment. 

Need

Nanotechnology is continuing to emerge, as 

commercial application of the technology is only 

about 20 years old. Consequently, there are many 

unanswered questions about the risk management 

continuum of hazard, exposure, risk, and control. 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 27

Although hazard is the driver of these actions, the 

wide use of ENMs in commerce means workers 

potentially have exposure to them. Employers, 

workers, and other decision makers are asking 

for information on all steps of risk management, 

from hazard identification to control approaches. 

Consequently, we must address all the steps in the 

hazard continuum.

Based on Burden, Need, and Impact, the following 

goals are the top three priorities for the NTRC:

Priority 1—Strategic Goal 1: Increase understanding of new nanomaterials and related health risks 

to nanomaterial workers.

Impact. This research will contribute to the body 

of knowledge about the adverse health effects in 

animals exposed to various ENMs. The findings

will have a direct impact on risk assessment of 

potential outcomes for exposed workers; contribute to epidemiologic research; and provide background that can be used to create guidance on 

control technologies and medical surveillance.

Priority 2—Strategic Goal 3: Build upon initial 

guidance materials to inform nanomaterial workers, employers, health professionals, regulatory 

agencies, and decision-makers about hazards, 

risks, and risk management approaches.

Impact. Various target audiences such as nanotechnology workers and employers, occupational safety and health professionals, policy-makers, 

decision-makers, and/or the scientific community in research, manufacturing, construction, 

mining, oil and gas, and healthcare will begin or 

continue to apply NIOSH guidance to responsibly develop, handle, and commercialize ENMs. 

Through strategic planning, research, partnering with stakeholders, and making information 

widely available, the NTRC will continue supporting the responsible development of nanotechnology by translating research into effective 

risk management guidance and practices across 

the lifecycle of ENM-enabled products.

Priority 3—Activity/Output Goal 3.1.3: Use a nanomaterial hazard banding classification scheme

to group ENMs.

Impact. This research will investigate the evidence for developing predictive algorithms of 

structure-activity relationships and comparative toxicity for use in quantitative risk assessment. Findings from this research will provide 

the scientific basis for developing occupational 

exposure limits for individual nanomaterials or 

groups of nanomaterials.
This page intentionally left blank.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 29

5 HOW DO WE TRACK PROGRESS

 AND MEASURE SUCCESS?

The annual project planning effort and the 

NIOSH Project Planning & Management system (NPPM) are tools used to collect and store 

project information systematically and consistently. This system allows NIOSH to see the 

achievements of each individual project but also 

how projects’ achievements work together to 

create collective impact. Information on outputs 

and outcomes in particular is used to respond to 

requests from Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Health and Human 

Services (HHS), the press, and others about 

NIOSH spending and accomplishments.

Fields updated and tracked in the NPPM system include Activities (such as presentations, 

webinars, exhibits, field studies, and participation 

on international committees or as university adjuncts); Outputs (such as peer-reviewed journal 

articles and NIOSH numbered publications); 

and Intermediate Outcomes (for instance, adoption by a non-governmental organization [NGO] 

or government agency of a NIOSH recommendation, such as use of engineering controls, PPE 

in industrial processes, or NIOSH-developed 

measurement methods). These steps ultimately 

lead to the desired End Outcome (protecting 

the ENM workforce from adverse health effects 

and promoting the responsible development of 

ENMs and advanced manufacturing) (see Figure 4). 

Output tracking can be via standard citation 

metrics (such as the number of citations of an 

article or a journal impact factor) and alternative metrics. Alternative metrics use data from 

the social web and can track values such as the 

number of times a web page is visited, a NIOSH 

document is downloaded, or a topic is mentioned on a social feed (such as a blog, tweet, 

or Facebook). Outputs can also include the 

number of collaborations through initiatives, 

agreements, MOUs, or field team outreach.

Impact is evident too when NTRC staff interact 

informally with stakeholders, such as at nanotechnology or occupational, safety, and health 

conferences. These interactions have led to 

positive feedback, such as this from a company 

representative [Mark Banash, PhD, formerly of 

Nancomp Technologies; verbal communication, 

2014]: “NIOSH has been invaluable to us. They 

bring expertise, they bring workable knowledge, 

and they have insights as to how to solve technical problems involving the materials, which has 

been invaluable to us in creating a safe working 

environment. We continue to look forward to 

working with NIOSH as we continue our expansion into a full-scale industrial facility.” 

As the number of industries and occupational 

settings that use nanotechnology and ENMs 

expands, the possibility for workers to encounter 

and be exposed to these materials in the workplace will also likely increase. The expansion of 

these materials into increasingly diverse products, manufacturing processes, and workplace 

environments also presents a challenge for assessing the contributions of NTRC to worker 

safety and health. Trends in advanced manufacturing are redefining manufacturing and 

enabling access to sophisticated materials and 

capabilities for an increasing number of smaller 

companies. This diffusion of materials and capabilities to a growing number of companies 

and workers may complicate tracking the use of 

nanotechnologies and ENMs in the workplace, 

and it may affect the implementation of good 

practices to reduce worker injuries, illnesses, or 

exposures. These trends make it more difficult 

to understand which occupational settings are 

using ENMs, a difficulty which increases the 

challenges in understanding the potential risks. 
30 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

These trends also add to the difficulty of assessing the adoption and efficacy of practices 

intended to reduce occupational injuries, illnesses, and exposure to nanotechnologies and 

ENMs. Additionally, although it is relatively 

straightforward to track and measure an organization’s activities and outputs, it is more difficult to track and measure its contributions to 

desired societal benefits. NIOSH has worked 

with others, such as the RAND Corporation, 

for assistance with determining the impact of 

the NTRC [Landree et al. 2015]. NIOSH also 

has experience with using a modified version of 

a contribution analysis approach to determine 

influence (and impact) by focusing on intermediate outcomes (such as an employer adopting 

a policy based on NIOSH research) [Downes 

et al. 2018]. 
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 31

6 ALIGNMENT WITH THE NATIONAL

 NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

6.1 Environmental, Health, and Safety 

Goals of the NNI

NIOSH research priorities address many of the 

strategic goals proposed by the NNI Strategy 

for Nanotechnology Environmental, Health, 

and Safety Research. The alignment of the five 

NIOSH NTRC strategic goals and 10 NTRC 

critical research areas with the NNI EHS priority research needs (Appendix A) is shown in 

Table 1. 
32 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce Table 1. Alignment of Critical Research Areas with the Five Strategic Goals of the NIOSH NTRC and the NNI EHS Priority Research Needs (RNs). NIOSH NTRC Strategic Goal/ Critical Research Area Increase understand- ing of new hazards and related health risks to nanomaterial workers Expand understand- ing of the initial hazard findings of engineered nanoma- terials Support the creation of guidance materials to inform nanomaterial workers and employers about hazards, risks, and risk management approaches Support epidemiologic studies for nanomate- rial workers, including medical, cross–sectional, prospective cohort, and exposure studies Assess and promote national and inter- national adherence with risk manage- ment guidance Toxicity and internal dose √1 3-RN12 3-RN2 3-RN3 3-RN4 3-RN5 4-RN1 √3-RN12 3-RN2 3-RN3 3-RN4 3-RN5 √ Measurement methods √1-RN1 1-RN2 1-RN3 2-RN1 3-RN2 √1-RN1 1-RN2 1-RN3 2-RN1 3-RN2 √ Exposure assessment √2-RN1 2-RN3 3-RN2 4-RN1 5-RN2 √2-RN1 2-RN3 3-RN2 4-RN1 5-RN2 √ (Continued)
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 33 NIOSH NTRC Strategic Goal/ Critical Research Area Increase understand- ing of new hazards and related health risks to nanomaterial workers Expand understand- ing of the initial hazard findings of engineered nanoma- terials Support the creation of guidance materials to inform nanomaterial workers and employers about hazards, risks, and risk management approaches Support epidemiologic studies for nanomate- rial workers, including medical, cross–sectional, prospective cohort, and exposure studies Assess and promote national and inter- national adherence with risk manage- ment guidance Epidemiology and surveillance √ √ √ √2-RN1 2-RN3 2-RN4 3-RN6 5-RN2 √5-RN2 Risk assessment √5-RN1 5-RN2 5-RN5 √5-RN1 5-RN2 5-RN5 √5-RN3 5-RN4 Engineering controls and PPE √2-RN1 5-RN1 5-RN2 √2-RN1 5-RN1 5-RN2 √ √5-RN2 Fire and explosion safety √1-RN5 √1-RN5 √ Table 1 (Continued). Alignment of Critical Research Areas with the Five Strategic Goals of the NIOSH NTRC and the NNI EHS Priority Research Needs (RNs). (Continued)
34 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce NIOSH NTRC Strategic Goal/ Critical Research Area Increase understand- ing of new hazards and related health risks to nanomaterial workers Expand understand- ing of the initial hazard findings of engineered nanoma- terials Support the creation of guidance materials to inform nanomaterial workers and employers about hazards, risks, and risk management approaches Support epidemiologic studies for nanomate- rial workers, including medical, cross–sectional, prospective cohort, and exposure studies Assess and promote national and inter- national adherence with risk manage- ment guidance Recommendations and guidance √5-RN3 5-RN4 5-RN5 √5-RN2 Global collaborations3 √ √ √ √ 4 Applications and Informatics5 √ 1A check mark () indicates that a goal is currently being addressed by projects within the NIOSH critical research area. 2Alphanumeric identifications indicate specific NNI priority research needs (see Appendix A) being met by the NIOSH projects in each critical research area. 3International engagement is a priority of the NNI and a critical component of the 2011 NNI EHS Research Strategy. However, it is not identified as a research need in the NNI Strategy. 4NIOSH will work with other governments to determine global adherence. 5The NNI EHS plan does not address applications of nanomaterials for EHS use. However, the NNI strategic plan includes applications as a driving force behind several federal nanotechnology programs, and it has the potential to improve safety and health, such as through the development of advanced sensors or PPE. Table 1 (Continued). Alignment of Critical Research Areas with the Five Strategic Goals of the NIOSH NTRC and the NNI EHS Priority Research Needs (RNs).
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 35

REFERENCES 

Birch ME, Wang C, Fernback JE, Feng HA, Birch 

QT, Dozier AK [2107]. Analysis of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers on mixed cellulose ester 

filters by transmission electron microscopy. In: 

Ashley K, O’Connor PF, eds. NIOSH manual of 

analytical methods. 5th ed. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam.

Bishop L, Cena L, Orandle M, Yanamala N, Dahm 

MM, Birch ME, Evans DE, Kodali VK, Eye T, 

Battelli L, Zeidler-Erdely PC, Casuccio G, Bunker K, Lupoi JS, Lersch TL, Stefaniak AB, Sager T, 

Afshari A, Schwegler-Berry D, Friend S, Kang J, 

Siegrist KJ, Mitchell CA, Lowry DT, Kashon ML, 

Mercer RR, Geraci CL, Schubauer-Berigan MK, 

Sargent LM, Erdely A [2017]. An in-vivo toxicity 

assessment of occupational components of the carbon nanotube life cycle to provide context to potential health effects. ACS Nano 11(9):8849–8863, 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.7b03038. 

Dockery D, Arden PC, Xu X, Spengler J, Ware J, Fay 

M, Ferris B Jr., Speizer F [1993]. An association 

between air pollution and mortality in six U.S. cities. N Engl J Med 329:1753–1759, http://dx.doi.

org/10.1056/NEJM199312093292401.

Donaldson K, Stone V, Gilmore P, Brown D, 

MacNee W [2000]. Ultrafine particles: mechanisms of lung injury. Philos Trans R Soc Lond A 

358(1775):2741–2749.

Donaldson K, Stone V, Tran CL, Kreyling W, 

Borm PJ [2004]. Nanotoxicology. Occup Environ Med 61:727–728, http://oem.bmj.com/content/61/9/727.1.

Downes A, Novicki E, Howard J [2018]. Using the 

contribution analysis approach to evaluate science 

impact: A case study of the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health. Am J Eval 2018 

Apr, 1–13. 

Drew NM, Kuempel ED, Pei Y, Yang F [2017]. A 

quantitative framework to group nanoscale and 

microscale particles by hazard potency to derive 

occupational exposure limits: proof of concept 

evaluation. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 89:253–267. 

Eastlake A, Beaucham C, Martinez K, Dahm M, 

Hodson L, Geraci C [2016]. Refinement of the 

nanoparticle emission assessment technique into 

the nanomaterial exposure assessment technique 

(NEAT 2.0). J Occup Environ Hyg 13(9):708–

717.

Hoover MD, Myers DS, Cash LJ, Guilmette RA, 

Kreyling WG, Oberdörster G, Smith R, Cassata JR, Boecker BB, Grissom MP [2015]. Application of an informatics-based decision-making 

framework and process to the assessment of radiation safety in nanotechnology. Health Phys J 

108(2):179–194.

Howard J, Murashov V [2009]. National nanotechnology partnership to protect workers. J Nanopart 

Res 11:1673–1683.

ISO [2015]. ISO/TS 80004-1:201 Nanotechnologies 

– vocabulary – part 1: core terms. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization, https://www.iso.org/standard/68058.html.

Kreyling WG, Hirn S, Schleh C [2010]. Nanoparticles in the lung. Nat Biotechnol 28:1275–1276, 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nbt.1735.

Landree E, Miyake H, Greenfield V [2015]. Nanomaterial safety in the workplace: pilot project for assessing the impact of the NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Research Center. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1108.html.

Li Z, Hulderman T, Salmen R, Chapman R, Leonard 

S, Young S-H, Shvedova A, Luster M, Simeonova 

P [2007]. Cardiovascular effects of pulmonary exposure to single-wall carbon nanotubes. Environ 

Health Perspect 115:377–382, http://dx.doi.org/

10doi:10.1289/ehp.9688.

McKinney W, Chen B, Frazer D [2009]. Computer 

controlled multi-walled carbon nanotube inhalation exposure system. Inhal Toxicol 21(12):1053–

1061.

Mercer R, Scabilloni J, Hubbs A, Wang L, Battelli 

L, McKinney W, Castranova V, Porter D [2013]. 

Extrapulmonary transport of MWCNT following inhalation exposure. Part Fibre Toxicol 10:38, 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1743-8977-10-38.
36 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

Methner M, Hodson L, Geraci C [2009]. Nanoparticle emission assessment technique (NEAT) for the 

identification and measurement of potential inhalation exposure to engineered nanomaterials—part 

A. J Occup Environ Hyg 7:127–132.

Murashov V, Schulte PA, Howard J [2012]. Progression of occupational risk management with advances in nanomaterials. J Occup Environ Health 

9:D12–D22.

Nasterlack M, Zober A, Oberlinner C [2008]. Considerations in occupational medical surveillance of 

employees handling nanoparticles. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 81(6):721–726.

NCRP [2017]. Radiation safety aspects of nanotechnology. Bethesda, MD: National Council on 

Radiation Protection and Measurements, NCRP 

Report No. 176.

NIOSH [2007]. Progress toward safe nanotechnology in the workplace. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS 

(NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-123.

NIOSH [2009a]. Approaches to safe nanotechnology: 

managing the health and safety concerns associated 

with engineered nanomaterials. Cincinnati, OH: 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-125. 

NIOSH [2009b]. Interim guidance for medical 

screening and hazard surveillance for workers 

potentially exposed to engineered nanoparticles. 

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention, National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 

No. 2009-116.

NIOSH [2010]. Progress toward safe nanotechnology in the workplace: a report from the NIOSH 

Nanotechnology Research Center. Cincinnati, OH: 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-104.

NIOSH [2011]. Current intelligence bulletin 63: occupational exposure to titanium dioxide. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 

2011-160.

NIOSH [2012a]. Filling the knowledge gaps for safe 

nanotechnology in the workplace: a progress report 

from the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center, from inception in 2004–2011. Cincinnati, OH: 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2013-101.

NIOSH [2012b]. General safe practices for working with engineered nanomaterials in research 

laboratories. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2012-147.

NIOSH [2013a]. Protecting the nanotechnology 

workforce: NIOSH nanotechnology research and 

guidance strategic plan, 2013–2016. Cincinnati, OH: 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2014-106. 

NIOSH [2013b]. Current intelligence bulletin 65: 

occupational exposure to carbon nanotubes and 

nanofibers. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) 

Publication No. 2013-145.

NIOSH [2013c]. Current strategies for engineering 

controls in nanomaterial production and downstream handling processes. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2014-102. 

NIOSH [2016]. Building a safety program to protect 

the nanotechnology workforce: a guide for small 

to medium-sized enterprises. Cincinnati, OH: 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2016-102.

NNI [2001]. National Nanotechnology Initiative: 

interagency agreement. Washington, DC: United 

States Executive Office of the President, Office of 

Science and Technology Policy, http://www.nano.

gov/html/about/home_about.html.
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 37

NNI [2011]. National Nanotechnology Initiative: 

environmental, health, and safety research strategy. 

Washington, DC: United States Executive Office 

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

Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group.

Nurkiewicz TR, Porter DW, Hubbs AF, Cumpston JL, 

Chen BT, Frazer DG, Castranova V [2008]. Nanoparticle inhalation augments particle-dependent systemic microvascular dysfunction. Part Fibre Toxicol 

5:1, https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-8977-5-1.

PCAST [2012]. Report to the President on ensuring 

American leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

Washington, DC: United States Executive Office 

of the President, President’s Council of Advisors 

on Science and Technology.

PEN [2016]. Project for Emerging Technologies: 

consumer products inventory, http://www.nanotechproject.org/cpi. 

Sargent LM, Porter DW, Staska LM, Hubbs AF, 

Lowry DT, Battelli L, Siegrist KJ, Kashon ML, 

Mercer RR, Bauer AK, Chen BT, Salisbury JL, 

Frazer D, McKinney W, Andrew M, Tsuruoka S, 

Endo M, Fluharty KL, Castranova V, Reynolds 

SH [2014]. Promotion of lung adenocarcinoma 

following inhalation exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Part Fibre Toxicol 11:3.

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 PA, Salamanca-Buentello F [2007]. Ethical and scientific issues of nanotechnology in the 

workplace. Environ Health Perspect 115:5–12. 

Sriram K, Jefferson A, Lin G, Afshari A, ZeidlerErdely P, Meighan T, McKinney W, Jackson M, 

Cumpston A, Cumpston J, Leonard H, Frazer D, 

Antonini J [2014]. Neurotoxicity following acute 

inhalation of aerosols generated during resistance 

spot weld-bonding of carbon steel. Inhal Toxicol 

26(12):720–732.

Stapleton PA, Minarchick VC, Yi J, Engels K, McBride CR, Nurkiewicz TR [2013]. Maternal engineered nanomaterial exposure and fetal microvascular function: does the Barker hypothesis apply? 

Am J Obstet Gynecol 209;227:e1–11.

Stefaniak A, Hammond D, Johnson A, Knepp A, 

LeBouf R [2017a]. Emission of particulate matter 

from a desktop three-dimensional (3D) printer. 

Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2017-0059-3291.

Stefaniak A, LeBouf R, Duling M, Yi J, Abukabda 

A, McBride C, Nurkiewicz T [2017b]. Inhalation 

exposure to three-dimensional printer emissions 

stimulates acute hypertension and microvascular 

dysfunction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 335:1–72, 

https://doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.taap.2017.09.016. 

Yi J, LeBouf RF, Duling MG, Nurkiewicz T, ChenBT, Schwegler-Berry D, Virji MA, Stefaniak AB 

[2016]. Emission of particulate matter from a 

desktop three-dimensional (3D) printer. J Toxicol 

Environ Health 79(11):453–465, http://dx.doi.org/

10.1080/15287394.2016.1166467.

Zeidler-Erdely P, Salmen R, Erdely A, Keane M, 

Kodali V, Antonini J, Falcone L [2017]. Pulmonary toxicity of gas metal arc-stainless steel welding fume and component metals. Toxicologist 

156(1):265–266.
This page intentionally left blank.
APPENDIX A

Comprehensive Chart of the NNI 2011

EHS Research Needs

[National Nanotechnology Initiative: Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy. 

Washington, DC: United States Executive Office of the President, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working 

Group, Table D–1.] 

Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 39
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

1. Nanomaterial Measurement Infrastructure Research Needs

Develop measurement tools to detect and identify engineered nanoscale materials in products and relevant matrices and determine their physico-chemical properties throughout all stages of their life cycles.

Develop measurement tools for determination of biological response and to enable assessment of hazards 

and exposure for humans and the environment from engineered nanomaterials and nanotechnology-based 

products throughout all stages of their life cycles.

RN#1. Develop measurement 

tools for determination of 

physico-chemical properties of 

ENMs in relevant media and 

during the life cycles of ENMs 

and NEPs

• Physical dimensions and morphology: size, size distribution, characteristic dimensions, shape

• Internal structure: atomic-molecular, core-shell

• Surface and interfacial properties: surface charge, zeta potential, 

surface structure, elemental composition, surface-bound molecular 

coatings and conjugates, reactivity

• Bulk composition: elemental or molecular composition, crystalline 

phase(s)

• Dispersion properties: degree and state of dispersion

• Mobility and other transport properties: diffusivity, transport in 

biological and environmental matrices

RN#2. Develop measurement 

tools for detection and monitoring of ENMs in realistic exposure media and conditions 

during the life cycles of ENMs 

and NEPs

• Sampling and collection of ENMs

• Detecting the presence of ENMs

• Quantity of ENMs-concentration based on surface area, mass, and 

number concentrations

• Size and size distribution of ENMs

• Spatial distribution of ENMs

• Discriminating ENMs from ambient NMs such as combustion 

products and welding fumes

• Discriminating multiple types of ENMs such as metals and metal 

oxides

RN#3. Develop measurement 

tools for evaluation of transformations of ENMs in relevant 

media and during the life cycles of ENMs and NEPs

• Agglomeration and de-agglomeration

• Dissolution and solubility

• Absorption of natural organic matter and bioconstituents

• Oxidation and reduction

• Deposition of ENMs on surfaces

(continued)

Table D–1. The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

40 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

RN#4. Develop measurement 

tools for evaluation of biological responses to ENMs and 

NEPs in relevant media and 

during the life cycles of ENMs 

and NEPs

• Adequacy of existing assays

• New assays or high-throughput, high content assays

• Correlation of biological responses with physico-chemical

properties

• Surface reactivity at the interfaces between ENMs and biological 

receptors

• Biomarkers of toxicological response

RN#5. Develop measurement 

tools for evaluation of release 

mechanisms of ENMs from 

NEPs in relevant media and 

during the life cycles of NEPs

• Release by fire, combustion, and incineration

• Release by mechanical degradation, such as abrasion, deformation, 

and impact

• Release by dissolution of matrix material

• Release by chemical reactions of the matrix material

• Release by photo-induced degradation of the matrix material

• Release by consumer interactions, such as spraying, mouthing, and 

swallowing

• Release by interactions with biological organisms in the environment

2. Human Exposure Assessment Research Needs

Identify potential sources, characterize the exposure scenarios, and quantify actual exposures of workers, 

the general public and consumers to nanomaterials.

Characterize and identify the health outcomes among exposed populations in conjunction with information about the control strategies used and exposures to determine practices that result in safe levels of exposure.

RN#1. Understand processes 

and factors that determine exposures to nanomaterials

• Conduct studies to understand processes and factors that determine exposure to engineered nanomaterials

• Develop exposure classifications of nanomaterials and processes

• Develop internationally harmonized and validated protocols for 

exposure surveys, sample collection and analysis, and reporting 

through existing and newly created international frameworks

• Develop comprehension predictive models for exposures to a 

broad range of engineered nanomaterials and processes

• Characterize process- and task-specific exposure scenarios in the 

workplace

(continued)

Table D–1 (Continued). The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 41
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

RN#2. Identify population 

groups exposed to engineered 

nanomaterials

• Systematically collect and analyze information about nanomaterial manufacture, processing, and direct use in commercial and 

consumer products over time to discern geographic areas where 

engineered nanomaterials may be emitted into the environment, 

consumed in the form of ingredients of products, and/or disposed 

of in solid waste, wastewater, etc.

• Conduct population-based surveys to obtain information on use 

patterns for consumer products

• Identify potential subpopulations that are more susceptible to 

exposure to engineered nanomaterials than others

• Develop quantitative assessment methods appropriate for target 

population groups and conduct assessments of those population 

groups most likely to be exposed to engineered nanomaterials

RN#3. Characterize individual 

exposures to nanomaterials

• Expand currently available exposure assessment techniques to 

facilitate more accurate exposure assessment for engineered 

nanomaterials at benchmark concentration levels using feasible 

methods

• Develop new tools through national and international surveys to 

support effective exposure characterization of individuals

• Characterize and detect nanomaterials in biological matrices and 

conduct studies to understand transformations of nanomaterials 

during transport in the environment and in human bodies

• Conduct studies to examine emissions and human contact during 

normal use and after wear and tear have degraded a product, as 

well as during repeated exposures

• Develop engineered nanomaterials exposure assessment models 

based on identified critical exposure descriptions

• Develop databases to contain the collected data and information

RN#4. Conduct health surveillance of exposed populations

• Establish a program for the epidemiological investigations of 

physician case reports and reports of suspicious pattern of adverse 

events

• Establish exposure registry and medical surveillance programs for 

workers

• Analyze injury and illness reporting in existing programs

(continued)

Table D–1 (Continued). The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

42 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

3. Human Health Research Needs

Understand the relationship of physico-chemical properties of engineered nanoscale materials to in vivo

physico-chemical properties and biological response.

Develop high-confidence predictive models of in vivo biological responses and casual physico-chemical 

properties of ENMs.

RN#1. Identify or develop appropriate, reliable, and reproducible in vitro and in vivo

assays and models to predict 

in vivo human responses to 

ENMs

• Establish a system to develop and apply reliable and reproducible 

in vitro and in vivo test methods

• Evaluate the degree to which an in vitro response correlates with 

an in vivo response

• Evaluate the degree to which in vitro and in vivo models predict 

human response

• Translate structure-activity relationship and other research data 

into computational models to predict toxicity in silico

RN#2. Quantify and characterize ENMs in exposure matrices and biological matrices

• Determine critical ENM measurands in biological and environmental matrices and ensure the development of tools to measure 

ENMs in appropriate matrices as needed

• Determine matrix and/or weathering effects that may alter the 

physico-chemical characteristics of the ENM measurands

• Identify key factors that may influence the detection of each measurand in a particular matrix (e.g., sample preparation, detection 

method, storage, temperature, solvents/solutions)

• Characterize and quantify exposure for all exposure routes using in 

vivo models to identify the most likely routes of human exposure

• Identify biomarkers of exposure and analytical methods for their 

determination

RN#3. Understand the relationship between the physicochemical properties of ENMs 

and their transport, distribution, metabolism, excretion, 

and body burden in the human body

• Characterize ENM physico-chemical properties and link to 

mechanisms of transport and distribution in the human body

• Understand the relationship of the physico-chemical properties of 

ENMs to the mechanisms of sequestration in and translocation of 

ENMs out of the exposure organ and secondary organs, and to routes 

of excretion from the human body

• Determine the metabolism or biological transformation of ENMs 

in the human body

(continued)

Table D–1 (Continued). The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 43
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

RN#4. Understand the relationship between the physicochemical properties of ENMs 

and uptake through the human 

port-of-entry tissues

• Characterize ENMs at and in port-of-entry tissues, including 

nontraditional routes of entry such as the ear and eye, and identify 

mechanisms of ENM uptake into tissues

• Determine the relationship of ENM physico-chemical properties 

to deposition and uptake under acute exposure conditions and 

under chronic exposure conditions

• Translate data on ENM properties and uptake to knowledge that 

may be used to intentionally redesign ENMs for optimum human 

and environmental safety and product efficacy

RN#5. Determine the modes 

of action underlying the human 

biological response to ENMs 

at the molecular, cellular, tissue, 

organ, and whole body levels

• Determine the dose response and time course of biological 

responses at the primary site of exposure and at distal organs following ENM exposure

• Understand the mechanisms and molecular pathway(s) associated 

with ENM biology within cellular, organ, and whole organism 

systems

• Link mechanisms of response with ENM physico-chemical properties and employ this information in the design and development 

of future ENMs

• Develop translational alternative in vitro testing methods for 

the rapid screening of future ENMs based on mechanism(s) of 

response that are predictive of in vivo biological responses

RN#6. Determine the extent 

to which life stage and/or susceptibility factors modulate 

health effects associated with 

exposure to ENMs and nanotechnology-enabled products 

and applications

• Determine the effect of life stage and/or gender on biological 

response to ENMs

• Establish the role of genetic and epigenetic susceptibility on the 

biological response to ENMs in the context of life stage and/or 

susceptibility factors

• Understand mechanistically the influence of preexisting disease on 

the biological response to ENMs in the context of life stage and 

other susceptibility factors

• Identify exposure conditions that make susceptible individuals 

more vulnerable to the health effects associated with ENMs and 

nanotechnology-enabled applications

• Establish a database that contains published, peer-reviewed literature, occupational and consumer reports, and toxicological profiles 

that describe altered responses to ENMs and nanotechnologyenabled applications in susceptible animal models or individuals 

following exposure

(continued)

Table D–1 (Continued). The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

44 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

4. Environment Research Needs

Understand the environmental fate, exposure, and ecological effects of engineered nanomaterials, with 

priority placed on materials with highest potential for release, exposure, and/or hazard to the environment.

RN#1. Understand environmental exposures through 

the identification of principal 

sources of exposure and exposure routes

• Manufacturing processes and product incorporation

• Life cycle of technology and exposures subsequent to product 

manufacturing

• Analytical approaches to measure temporal changes in nanoparticle properties throughout the life cycle

• Models to estimate releases

• Environmental receptors for exposure assessment

RN#2. Determine factors affecting the environmental 

transport of nanomaterials

• Determine key physico-chemical properties affecting transport

• Determine key transport and fate processes relevant to environmental media

• Develop new tools and adaptation of current predictive tools to 

accommodate unique properties of nanomaterials

RN#3. Understand the transformation of nanomaterials 

under different environmental 

conditions

• Identify and evaluate nanomaterial properties and transformation 

processes that will reduce environmental persistence, toxicity, and 

production of toxic products

• Determine the rate of aggregation and long-term stability of 

agglomeration/aggregation and the long-term stability of these 

aggregates and agglomerates

• Develop tools to predict the transformations or degradability of 

nanomaterials

RN#4. Understand the effects 

of engineered nanomaterials on 

individuals of a species and the 

applicability of testing schemes 

to measure effects

• Test protocols

• Dose-response characterization

• Uptake/elimination kinetics, tissue/organ distribution

• Mode/mechanism of action, predictive tools

• Tiered testing schemes/environmental realism

RN#5. Evaluate the effects of 

engineered nanomaterials at 

the population, community, 

and ecosystem levels

• Population

• Community

• Other ecosystem-level effects

• Predictive tools for population-, community-, and ecosystem-level 

effects

(continued)

Table D–1 (Continued). The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 45
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

5. Risk Assessment and Risk Management Methods Research Needs

Increase available information for better decision making in assessing and managing risks from nanomaterials, including using comparative risk assessment and decision analysis; life cycle considerations; and 

additional perspectives such as ELSI considerations, stakeholders’ values, and additional decision makers’ 

considerations.

RN#1. Incorporate relevant 

risk characterization information, hazard identification, exposure science, and risk modeling and methods into the 

safety evaluation of nanomaterials

• Characterization, fate, and release of nanoparticles throughout the 

life cycles of nanotechnology-enabled products

• Development of predictive models on accumulation, migration, 

and release of nanoparticles throughout the life cycles of nanotechnology-enabled products

• Safety of nanoparticles throughout the life cycles of the nanotechnology-enabled products

• Comprehensive and predictive models to assess the potential risks 

of nanoparticles during the manufacturing and life cycle of nanoproducts, with inputs from human and environment exposures 

and on nanomaterial properties

RN#2. Understand, characterize, and control workplace exposures to nanomaterials

• Dissemination and implementation of effective techniques and 

protocols to measure exposures in the workplace

• Identification and demonstration of effective containment and 

control technologies including for accidents and spills

• Development of an effective industry surveillance system

• Design and deployment of a prospective epidemiological framework relevant to exposure science

• Systematic approaches for occupational risk modeling

RN#3. Integrate life cycle considerations into risk assessment

• Establishment of nanotechnology-specific taxonomy for life cycle 

stages

• Integration of risk assessment, life cycle analyses, and decisionmaking approaches into regulatory decision making processes

• Application of adaptive management tools based on monitoring/

implementation to evaluate life cycle analysis implementation

• Development of case studies, e.g., green chemistry, nanomaterials 

selection, nanomaterials acquisition process, illustrating application of these risk management methods

(continued)

Table D–1 (Continued). The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

46 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce
Key Research Needs Subordinate Research Needs

RN#4. Integrate risk assessment into decision-making 

frameworks for risk management

• Development of comparative risk assessment and formal decisionanalytical methods as opposed to “absolute” risk assessment strategies

• Application of formal decision-analytical methods to prioritize 

risk management alternatives

• Use of gap analyses and value of information analysis to identify 

research needs

• Integration of stakeholder values and risk perceptions into risk 

management processes

• Application of integrated decision framework through case studies 

in risk management decision making

RN#5. Integrate and standardize risk communication within the risk management framework

• Development and use of standardized terminology in risk

communications

• Early information-sharing on hazards and risk among Federal 

agencies

• Development of appropriate risk communication approaches for 

agency-specific needs

Informatics and Modeling Research Need

RN#1. Develop computational models of ENM structureproperty-activity relationships 

to support the design and development of ENM with maximum benefit and minimum 

risk to humans and the environment

• Validate the predictive capability of in vitro and in vivo assays 

and employ that subset of assays in data generation to establish 

computational models to predict ENM behavior in humans and 

the environment

• Establish a standard set of physical and chemical characterization 

parameters, dose metrics, and biological response metrics

• Design and establish structures and ontologies for methods development, data capture, sharing, and analysis

• Evaluate and adapt as necessary existing computational models by 

beginning with existing models for exposure and dosimetry and 

using data generated from validated assays

• Use ENM exposure and dosimetry models to develop ENM 

structure-activity models to predict ENM behavior in humans 

and the environment

• Establish training sets and beta test sites to refine and validate 

ENM structure-activity models

• Disseminate ENM structure-activity models through publicly accessible nanotechnology websites

Table D–1 (Continued). The Core EHS Research Categories and their Highest-Priority Research Needs (RNs)

Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 47

Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 49

APPENDIX B 

Summary of Proposed NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Projects, 2018–2021 

(some projects began prior to 2017) 

Critical Research Area Projects 

Toxicity and

Internal Dose

• Continue evaluation of long-term fibrogenic and carcinogenic potential of 

carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.

• Continue evaluation of immune and cardiovascular responses to pulmonary 

exposure to CNT, TiO2, and/or nanosilver.

• Continue with identification of biomarkers of response to ENMs.

• Develop predictive algorithms for relationships between nanoparticle 

properties and bioactivity.

• Determine the relevance of in vitro and in vivo screening tests.

• Evaluate the pulmonary and systemic effects of graphene and nanocellulose.

• Evaluate the pulmonary effects of boron nitride nanotubes and metal 

oxides, including cerium oxide and copper oxide.

• Evaluate the toxicity of nanoclay composites and copper-treated lumber 

dust. 

Measurement Methods • Utilize reference materials and technically sound protocols to improve 

measurement quality.

• Develop techniques to characterize nanoparticles, using advanced 

microscopy methods.

• Assist with round-robin evaluations of ENM reference materials.

Exposure Assessment • Continue evaluation of workplace exposures to emerging, secondgeneration, and third-generation ENMs and their potential routes of 

exposure.

• Continue evaluation of size, concentration, and morphology of ENMs 

emitted by various processes.

• Evaluate exposure potential from silver nanoparticles in sprays.

• Expand field team efforts into advanced manufacturing, including 

3D printing.

(Continued)
50 Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce

Critical Research Area Projects 

Epidemiology 

and Surveillance

• Analyze biomarker samples from cross-sectional epidemiologic study of 

carbon nanotube and nanofiber workers.

• Analyze data (medical and biomarker with exposure) from cross-sectional 

epidemiologic study of carbon nanotube and nanofiber workers.

• Determine strategy for identifying the next nanomaterial for an 

epidemiologic study.

• Assess feasibility of epidemiologic study of health outcomes among workers 

exposed to nanomaterials other than carbonaceous nanomaterials.

Risk Assessment • Develop a comprehensive database of nanotoxicology studies, including 

dose-response data, physicochemical properties, and experimental factors. 

• Continue investigating nanomaterial hazard and risk, with consideration of 

physicochemical properties and biological mode of action. 

• Perform further comparative analyses of nanomaterials and benchmark 

materials, and develop hazard potency categories for a broad range of 

nanoscale and microscale particles. 

• Contribute to the development and evaluation of dosimetry models and 

methods to assess internal dose of nanomaterials in workers.

• Conduct risk evaluations and contribute to the development of 

recommended exposure limits for specific nanomaterials or nanomaterial 

groups.

Engineering Controls 

and PPE

• Continue to assess engineering controls in the field and develop simplified 

unit process-based engineering control information sheets.

• Continue to evaluate commercially available engineering controls in the lab, 

and publish test results.

• Determine respirator performance against workplace ENMs under 

laboratory conditions. 

• Evaluate filtration performance of respirators against various nanoparticle 

types in the workplace. 

• Work with PPE manufacturers to provide a protective glove-gown interface 

that will protect workers when hands are submerged in dry and liquid 

nanomaterials.

Fire and 

Explosion Safety

• Continue evaluation of various ENMs for fire and explosion potential.

• Evaluate a variety of ENMs for electromagnetic hazard potential.

• Correlate dustiness of ENMs with various physical and chemical 

safety hazards. 

(Continued)
Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce 51

Critical Research Area Projects 

Recommendations 

and Guidance

• Continue r2p activities, such as developing brochures and fact sheets and 

updating the topic page. Focus on products to educate the worker.

• Evaluate market research to maintain and expand knowledge of existing 

and new materials.

• Evaluate how the Globally Harmonized System has affected nanomaterial 

worker communication.

• Continue to encourage and communicate regarding the importance of 

incorporating PtD into risk management practices.

• Maintain and update existing guidance as necessary.

• Expand guidance to include advanced manufacturing.

Applications 

and Informatics

• Further develop and refine end-of-service indicators using 

nanomaterials.

• Evaluate ENM-enabled PPE.

• Evaluate the use of nano sensors.

• Continue to develop and publish nanoinformatics principles 

and practices.

Global Activities • Participate in the US/EU nanomaterial working groups hosted by the NNI.

• Lead or co-lead committees with globally recognized organizations: ISO, 

OECD, and UN (WHO, ILO).
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2019–116

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2019116

Promoting productive workplaces

through safety and health research