Focus On Nanotechnology’: Web Newsletter Reports New NIOSH Research Developments

Contact: Fred Blosser (202) 401-3749

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) today introduced “Focus on Nanotechnology: Occupational Safety and Health Applications and Implications Research at NIOSH.” This web newsletter at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/focus.html will provide regular, timely information about developments in NIOSH’s strategic research program on nanotechnology.

NIOSH conducts its multidisciplinary research program with a diverse community of partners under the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). Consistent with the NNI’s goals, the program is intended to advance new studies that will help support the responsible development of nanotechnology, and help maintain U.S. competitiveness in this new industrial revolution. The products of this research will help practitioners, with greater certainty, to apply the well-established principles of occupational safety and health to workplace exposures involving nanomaterials.

“As our research in this emerging field continues to grow, ‘Focus on Nanotechnology’ will report new developments as soon as they happen,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “We are pleased to add this web-based newsletter to our other array of resources for informing our stakeholders.”

“Focus on Nanotechnology” will be regularly updated with timely news summaries about studies in NIOSH’s own state-of-the-art laboratories, new findings and recommendations, NIOSH support for extramural research, partnerships with other leaders in this emerging area of technology, upcoming scientific conferences, and other developments. In addition, further resources can be found on NIOSH’s web topic page on research related to the implications and applications of nanotechnology for occupational safety and health, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/.

Under NNI, as a member of the Nanotechnology Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee (NSET) of the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Technology, NIOSH works closely with other federal agencies and private sector organizations to plan, conduct, and facilitate research that will support the responsible development and use of nanotechnology.

For additional information about NIOSH research, call the toll-free information number 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) or visit www.cdc.gov/niosh.