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November 11, 2013

NIOSH Issues New Recommendations to Control Worker Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials

Lynn L. Bergeson

On November 8, 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a report entitled Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes, which identifies and describes strategies for the engineering control of worker exposure during the production or use of engineered nanomaterials. NIOSH notes that there are currently more than 1,000 nanomaterial-containing consumer products available, including “makeup, sunscreen, food storage products, appliances, clothing, electronics, computers, sporting goods, and coatings.” According to the report, hazards involved in manufacturing and processing nanomaterials “should be managed as part of a comprehensive occupational safety, health, and environmental management plan.” NIOSH states: “Engineering controls are favored over administrative controls and personal protective equipment for lowering worker exposures, because they are designed to remove the hazard at the source, before it comes into contact with the worker.” The report includes specific conclusions and recommendations on the following topics: general; control banding; hierarchy of controls; engineering controls; administrative controls; and personal protective equipment.