ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on efforts to protect workers from health hazards that may result from handling and managing engineered nanomaterials in occupational settings. The term environmental health and safety is often used to more accurately describe the job responsibilities of modern industrial hygienists that include assessing the release of hazardous compounds from the workplace to the environment. Regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) have relevance to engineered nanomaterials in occupational settings. The traditional industrial hygiene paradigm of anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards is used commonly to manage risks in occupational settings. There are challenges in applying this traditional paradigm to managing the risks associated with working with engineered nanomaterials. Routine monitoring involves collection of specific data, either from real-time monitors or time-integrated samplers, which allows the workplace concentration of engineered nanomaterials to be established. This type of monitoring can be used to track worker exposure or control effectiveness over time.