Workshop summary: epidemiologic design strategies for studies of nanomaterial workers

The potential health consequences of exposure to nanomaterials have yet to be elucidated though increasing evidence points to the potential for nanomaterials to cause adverse human health effects. This workshop addressed the feasibility of developing studies to measure health risks among nanomaterial workers.

Breakout groups discussed different epidemiologic designs and methods to encourage companies to collect and retain exposure and health data.

Major challenges include defining and recruitment of appropriate study populations and obtaining adequate exposure data. Both prospective cohort studies and small cross-sectional panel studies utilizing biomarkers of exposure and effect offer approaches to study occupational groups.

Potential exists to assemble cohorts to study the human health effects associated with nanomaterial exposure. Stakeholder partnerships are critical to the success of these studies and international partnerships hold great potential.