In the context of workplace exposures to low concentrations of nanomaterials,
health surveillance in the form of measuring changes in biological indicators
from baseline levels can be used as an indicator of whether exposure is
occurring. A number of organizations recommend basic worker health monitoring
consisting of identifying workers handling engineered nanomaterials; conducting
workplace characterization and worker exposure assessments; providing
nanomaterials workers with "baseline" medical evaluations and including them in
a nonspecific routine health monitoring program.

The purpose of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Series on the Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials is to provide up-to-date
information on the diverse activities at OECD related to human health and
environmental safety. The latest report has been released. Preliminary
recommendations mentioned in the report are:

• Provide guidance on appropriate metrics (e.g. nanoparticle number, surface
  area, mass) of exposure;


• Provide recommendations on measurement techniques and sampling protocols for
  inhalational and dermal exposures in the workplace;


• Identify reference nanomaterials for quality control of exposure measurements;


• Compare available Workplace Industrial Hygiene Survey and Sampling protocols;


• Identify biomarkers of exposure to nanomaterials; and


• Compare available Health Surveillance guidance and protocols.

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AplusA-online.de - Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)