Objective: Integral to the commercialization process for nanotechnology enabled products is the methodology for protecting workers potentially exposed to nanomaterials during product development. Occupational health surveillance is a key aspect of protecting employees and involves both hazard identification and surveillance of known medical data. However, when the health effects and exposure pathways of both new and existing "nano-scale" chemical substances are not yet well understood, conservative hazard controls and baseline data collection can facilitate both immediate and long-term worker protection.
Methods: Luna Innovations uses a conservative approach based on risk assessment and the OSHA General Duty Clause.
Results: To date, Luna's approach has been effective for our business model.
Conclusions: Understanding and managing potential hazards to our nanotechnology workers is key to the success and acceptance of nanotechnology enabled products.