February 17, 2009: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued what it calls “interim guidance” for medical screening and hazard surveillance for workers who could be exposed to engineered nanoparticles.

The document advises taking “prudent measures” to control occupational exposures. Those measures were also explained in an earlier NIOSH document.

Also recommended is standard industrial hygiene: identifying processes that involve production and use of engineered nanoparticles and continued use of established medical surveillance to detect any increase in the frequency of adverse health effects.

“Leaders in business, the health community, and public policy have widely agreed on the need for prudent occupational safety and health strategies in the growing nanotechnology industry,” Christine Branche, NIOSH acting director, said in a prepared statement. “NIOSH is pleased to help provide scientific guidance for such strategies, which are integral for maintaining U.S. leadership in the global nanotechnology market.”

NIOSH, which is a subsidiary of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a statement that there is insufficient evidence to recommend specific medical screening of workers who may be exposed to engineered nanoparticles.