Occupational exposure to nanomedical applications

Applications of nanotechnology in medicine such as cancer treatment drugs, imaging agents, and sensors promise to save people's lives and improve quality of life. Although only a limited number of nano-enabled medical applications are commercially available at this time, many are in the final stages of approval by regulatory agencies overseeing medical applications. Workers' exposure to nano-enabled medical applications in research and development laboratories and manufacturing facilities can already occur. This article reviews the information available on exposure to nano-enabled medical applications in occupational settings such as manufacturing and health care facilities. First, this report reviews monitoring exposure to conventional medical applications. Next, it describes monitoring exposure to nanomaterials. And, finally, it summarizes monitoring exposure to nano-enabled medical applications highlighting their unique aspects.