Emerging IssuesEmerging Issues Nanoscale Materials Evaluating an air monitoring technique

NANOTECHNOLOGY is an expanding field that involves the manipulation of materials practically on an atomic scale. The properties of materials at the nano (10-9 meter) scale are different than what has been traditionally documented; the laws of quantum physics take over. This technological revolution has created exciting new opportunities in fields such as medicine, dentistry, materials science, electronics, optics, energy, hazardous waste processing and many consumer products. Springston (2008) provides an overview of the occupational safety and health challenges of nanotechnology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an air monitoring protocol (DOE, 2007) adopted by DOE’s Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRC) for use during research and development processes that use nanoscale materials. Since no OSHA or NIOSH analytical reference method for nanoparticles is available and given the lack of standards or regulations for safe levels of nanoparticles, basic industrial hygiene concepts and instrumentation were used to determine whether nanoscale materials were being released and to ensure that controls were adequate.