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US NIOSH publishes Interim Guidance for Medical Screening

Published: Wednesday 18 February 2009

The US the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announced the availability of a new publication (NIOSH Publication No. 2009-116): Current Intelligence Bulletin 60: Interim Guidance for Medical Screening and Hazard Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles.

According to the foreword on NIOSH's launch website, the Institute has drafted the guidelines in response to stakeholders’ uncertainties ‘whether or how effects may differ for chemically or structurally different particles at the nanoscale. [Consequently,] diverse stakeholders have agreed that research to address these questions is essential for the responsible development of nanotechnology. [...]to answer those questions, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended prudent precautionary interim measures for reducing work-related exposures and assessing potential risk.’

 

The report’s executive summary notes:

‘Currently there is insufficient scientific and medical evidence to recommend the specific medical screening of workers potentially exposed to engineered nanopar­ticles. Nonetheless, this lack of evidence does not preclude specific medical screen­ing by employers interested in taking precautions beyond existing industrial hygiene measures. [...]
As research into the hazards of engineered nanoparticles continues, vigilant reas­sessment of available data is critical to determine whether specific medical screen­ing is warranted for workers. In the interim, the following recommendations are provided for workplaces where workers may be exposed to engineered nanopar­ticles in the course of their work:
  • Take prudent measures to control exposures to engineered nanoparticles.
  • Conduct hazard surveillance as the basis for implementing controls.
  • Continue use of established medical surveillance approaches.

NIOSH will continue to collect and evaluate new research findings and update its recom­mendations about medical screening programs for workers exposed to nanoparticles.’

Follow this link to find out more about the publication on the Nanotechnology Law Blog website, or to download the complete Guidance document.
 
Related Links:
The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is inviting comments and feedback on its Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance: Filling the Knowledge Gaps. (4th March 2008)
 
The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a brochure entitled Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace: An Introduction for Employers, Managers, and Safety and Health Professionals. (29th February 2008)