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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Whole-Body Nanoparticle Aerosol Inhalation Exposures
Published on: May 7, 2013
Development of a French epidemiological surveillance system of workers producing or handling engineered nanomaterials
Odile Boutou-Kempf1, Jean-Luc Marchand, Anca Radauceanu
1French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, St Maurice, France. odile.boutou@ars.sante.fr
Objective:
Concern has been raised about the potential impact of nanomaterials exposure on human health, and France has decided to implement a timely epidemiological surveillance tool of workers likely to be exposed to engineered nanomaterials that could accompany the development of nanotechnologies.
Methods:
A comprehensive review of the toxicological and epidemiological literature has been conducted together with an exploratory study among French companies producing or handling nanoobjects.
Results:
A double surveillance system is proposed consisting of a prospective cohort survey and repeated cross-sectional studies. The aim of the cohort is (1) to monitor long-term health effects and (2) to allow of further research. Setting-up an exposure registry is the first planned step.
Conclusions:
The protocol is about to be submitted to the French Government for approval and funding.
