About the NIL

NIOSH is working with its national and international partners to develop a web-based Nanoparticle Information Library (NIL).  The goal of the NIL is to help occupational health professionals, industrial users, worker groups, and researchers organize and share information on nanomaterials, including their health and safety-associated properties.

The information that NIOSH has incorporated into the searchable online database includes:

• Nanomaterial composition
• Method of production
• Particle size, surface area, and morphology (included scanning, transmission, or other electron micrographic images)
• Demonstrated or intended applications of the nanomaterial
• Availability for research or commercial applications
• Associated or relevant publications
• Points of contact for additional details or partnering

NIOSH has released this resource in prototype form for public review and comment.

Go to the Nanoparticle Information Library

Feedback on the format and content of NIL are being sought from a range of national and international partners. We invite you to review the site and give us your input.

NIL Background

Information concerning nanoparticles to which workers may be exposed, including the associated physical and chemical characteristics of those particles, is of major interest to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is being asked for guidance on the safe handling of nanomaterial, so we are initiating new research to develop the scientific basis for such guidance.

The Nanoparticle Information Library (NIL) was developed as part of the new NIOSH research focus on nanotechnology and occupational health. The goal of this tool is to help organize and share information on nanomaterials and their associated properties. It is intended to meet the global needs of researchers, industrial users, and occupational health professionals and will include data such as material properties, origin/synthesis methods and information for contacting people who are developing nanomaterials. Users have the option to submit data for inclusion in the database, and it is expected to become part of a global hub for sharing information. As the world inventory of nanomaterials increases, it will provide a mechanism for cataloging new materials and eventually integrating that information with other data sources such as surveillance and toxicology studies of nanomaterials. It will provide a snapshot of global activities and will optimally keep pace with the rapid developments in this expanding field. It is expected to positively impact the course of future research, especially in regard to the health and safety of workers.