A number of active research programs within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are investigating ultrafine and nanoparticle behavior and the health risks associated with nanomaterials. A NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center is being developed to coordinate institute-wide nanotechnology-related activities. The Institute is also working with other agencies to address health issues associated with nanotechnology, including participation in the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee (NSET) of the National Science and Technology Council committee on technology. Building on these initiatives, NIOSH is developing a strategic plan to address immediate and long-term issues associated with nanotechnology and occupational health in partnership with other federal agencies, research centers, and industry. The NIOSH Nanotechnology Health and Safety Research Program is a five-year multidisciplinary study into the toxicity and health risks associated with occupational nanoparticle exposure. The program currently includes projects on Nanotechnology Safety and Health Research Coordination, Generation and Characterization of Occupationally Relevant Airborne Nanoparticles, Pulmonary Toxicity of Carbon Nanotube Particles, the Role of Carbon Nanotubes in Cardio-Pulmonary Inflammation and COPD-Related Diseases, Particle Surface Area as a Dose Metric, and Ultrafine Aerosols from Diesel-Powered Equipment. Other projects are monitoring nanoparticle exposures with respect to aerosol surface area concentration, assessing risk for nanoparticle exposure, assessing filter bypass leakage and nanoparticle recirculation in the workplace, evaluating the surface activity of inhaled particles, evaluating occupational nanoparticle exposures, and characterizing metallic nanoparticles from diesel combustion. Additional information about the NIOSH nanotechnology safety and health research program can be found at
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/.