(Funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) is celebrating its 20-year anniversary! Over the years, researchers at the NTRC have studied the #toxicity of many engineered nanomaterials throughout their life cycles. The research has covered primary manufactured forms (such as carbon nanotubes, nanoscale titanium dioxide, and silver nanoparticles) and modified versions for specific applications (such as silica-coated iron oxide, heat-treated carbon nanotubes, and reduced graphene oxide). Early studies focused on the tiniest components of air pollution, known as ultrafine particles, which laid the foundation for ongoing research efforts to assess two types of nanoparticles found in workplaces: engineered nanomaterials (purposely created for various applications) and process-derived nanoparticles (unintentionally produced during industrial processes). Also, using samples from worker health effects studies, researchers developed toxicology studies to determine biomarkers of exposure and disease. Together, these studies offer valuable data for understanding workplace hazards and risks.

(Funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
As the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) marks its 20th anniversary, NIOSH celebrates the creative work of the Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) critical topic area, one of the ten critical nanotechnology topic areas of the NTRC. NIOSH researchers have conducted laboratory and field research to develop and implement science-based national guidance for respiratory and other PPE to protect against nanomaterial exposures. This blog post highlights major milestones and success indicators of PPE knowledge and advancements.