Progress 08/05/05 to 08/04/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities, events, services, products: Following a preliminary presentation of findings at the Second International Symposium on Nanotechnology and Occupational Health in 2005, a Master Thesis by Tabitha Maher (University of Nevada, Reno)was completed in 2006. The thesis contains details regarding our findings for nanoparticle exposures within and around a manufacturing plant and our subsequent recommendations (SOPs) for occupational and health safety programs. The recommendations are currently being applied at the plant and eventual follow up studies to assess outcome will be initiated. This past summer, we participated in an on site occupational health fair to provide employees with safety updates. PARTICIPANTS: Stanley T. Omaye TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The nanoparticle manufacturing company has improved working conditions for their employees and the workers' health surveillance program has been activated. Potential future collaborations for research are being discussed by us (UNR)and the Nanoparticle company and NIOSH.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Approximately 6 months of baseline air quality data was documented using wet and dry methods in all facets of the nanoparticiple manufacturing facility. The project involved teams from the manufacturing facility, NIOSH and UNR. Data was analyzed and results were used to further refine standard operating procedures used in processing of nanoparticles. In addition, results were used to improve techniques for monitoring human exposure and prevent exposure to nanoparticles.
PARTICIPANTS: Stanley Omaye, PI Tabitha Maher, Graduate student
TARGET AUDIENCES: Nanoparticle industry, regulation, and research.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None
Impacts
Improved standard operating procedures for the manufacturing of nanoparticles, better means to monitor potential human exposure to nanoparticles and recommendations for improving safety in the workplace.
Publications
- Maher, T., Omaye, S. T., Nagle, D., Wren, A. F., Geraci, C. L., Zumwalde, R. D., Miller, A. L., and Hoover, M. D. A case study in partnering to develop a nanotechnology occupational safety program in a nanotechnology manufacturing environment. Second International Symposium on Nanotechnology and Occupational Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oct, 2005.
- Tabitha Maher, M.S. Thesis title, Assessment of ambient Nanoparticle Exposure in a Research and Manufacturing Facility, 2006.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
This was the first project in the United States to perform a study at a site where nanoparticle-based products were being produced. Outcomes included; GMP compliant and industry-specific SOPS addressing occupational/consumer safety, assessment of nanoparticle exposures within and around the manufacturing plant, and the development of a model which may serve to assist other manufacturing plants in setting up occupational and health safety programs.
Impacts
Subsequent to our findings, the nanoparticle company improved working conditions in their factory for workers and initiate a workers' health surveillance program. Working with NIOSH, we hope to further develop resources for other new technology industries who have need for establishing health and safety programs.
Publications
- Maher, T. Assessment of Ambient Nanoparticle Exposure in a Research and Manufacturing Facility. Master Thesis, 2006
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Objective of this study is to work with local industry and NIOSH in the development of occupational guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the safe manufacture of nanoparticles for use in biomedical research. The nanoparticle industry is new and we are working proactively to determine potential problems in the industry and how the industry can promote safe practices
Impacts
This is a cooperative venture between UNR, a local nanoparticle industry and NIOSH. The major outcome is to establish measures that will ensure occupational safety within this new industry.
Publications
- Maher, T. V., Omaye, S. T., Nagle, D., Wren, A. F., Geraci, C. L., Zumwalde, R. D., Miller, A. L., and Hoover, M. D. A case study in partnering to develop a nanotechnology occupational safety program in nanotechnology manufacturing environment. Second International Symposium on Nanotechnology and Occupational Health. Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oct, 2005.
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