NIOSH Seeks Public Comments on Nanotechnology Research Priorities

Submitted by dee.woodhull on March 7, 2011 - 3:28pm

NIOSH published a notice in the March 7, 2011 Federal Register requesting information to update its “Nanotechnology Strategic Plan for Research and Guidance".  The Agency intends to build on the progress achieved in ongoing research so far, to develop strategic research goals and objectives through 2015.  Ten critical research areas for nanotechnology research and communication have been identified: (1) toxicity and internal dose, (2) measurement methods, (3) exposure assessment, (4) epidemiology and surveillance, (5) risk assessment, (6) engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE), (7) fire and explosion safety, (8) recommendations and guidance, (9) communication and information, and (10) applications.

 

NIOSH is considering focusing the overarching strategic research goals for these critical areas on the following key goals: (1) Provide guidance to protect workers, (2) alert workers, employers, governments, and the public about possible new hazards, (3) assess the hazards of nano-materials and the risks to workers, (4) assess and implement exposure registries, and (5) assess the level of protection practiced in US workplaces.
 
 
NIOSH requests comment, including the rationale for any recommendations, by April 15, 2011, on how research in these ten critical areas and the five overarching goals can be enhanced. Examples of requested information include:
 
  1. The need for toxicity evaluation and/or workplace exposure characterization of engineered nano-particles not currently being studied
  2. Development of technical and educational guidance materials
  3. Development of additional partnerships and collaborations
  4. Research in the development of risk management strategies (e.g., exposure assessment, engineering controls)*.

 

The March 7, 2011 NIOSH Federal Register Notice is available at:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/2011-5110.htm
 
 
The Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research may be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/strat_plan.html
 
 
Questions about the request for comments may be directed to Charles L. Geraci who is with the NIOSH Robert A. Taft Laboratories in Cincinnati, Ohio at 513 533 8339; e-mail: Charles.Geraci@CDC.HHS.gov