Trout, Douglas B.

21606848

PMC4576833

Objective

As potential occupational exposure to nanomaterials becomes more prevalent, it is important that the principles of medical surveillance be considered for workers in the nanotechnology industry.

Methods

The principles of medical surveillance are reviewed to further the discussion of occupational health surveillance for workers exposed to nanomaterials.

Results

Because of the rapid evolution of nanotechnology, information may not be available to make a well-informed determination of all factors needed to evaluate risk of health effects from occupational exposure to nanomaterials.

Conclusion

Every workplace dealing with engineered nanomaterials should conduct hazard and exposure assessments as part of an overall surveillance needs assessment for nanotechnology workers. In workplaces where risk is felt to be present, or at least cannot be ruled out, initiation of medical surveillance is prudent to protect workers’ health.

CDC Public Access

DYT1/Intramural CDC HHS/United States